CHAPTER XIV 

 THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES 



Aids to Diagnosis. 



In x'eterinar}- patients there is often an especial difficulty 

 in making an exact diagnosis as to the cause, etc., of stomach 

 and bowel trouble ; unfortunately, our patients cannot so 

 definitely reply to our queries as can the human patient to 

 the surgeon. At the same time, there are many symptoms 

 and signs which are unmistakable, and in animals, such as the 

 dog and cat, \\'hich have comparativelj' small, thin bodies, we 

 are frequently able to definitel}' locate and diagnose the 

 nature of the offending obstruction. 



A thorough and searching manual or digital examination 

 should always be made, and the patient's symptoms and 

 general condition taken carefully into consideration, before 

 an operation is decided upon, together with the history prior 

 to and during the attack, as related by the owner. 



The history cannot always be accurately relied upon, and 

 one should always be prepared to discount points upon 

 which the owner is not absolutel}- certain, or which are related 

 only upon conjecture. The habits of the dog, especiall}' in 

 relation to a propensity for picking up stones, etc., and any 

 previous attacks in consequence, should be especially inquired 

 into ; and in the case of a kitten the tendency to play with 

 cords, and to swallow bits of cotton, hair, etc., must not be 

 forgotten. An}- previous attacks of a like character, the 



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