INFECTIOUS DYSENTERY 171 



factor; and on the early exhaustion in the absence of 

 signs of pain. The feces have no abnormal odor ; no blood 

 or mucus accompanies the evacuated matter. The intes- 

 tinal sounds heard by auscultation are not riotous, but 

 have the sound of being compressed and wrung; very 

 much such a sound as is emitted on crushing a bunch 

 of grapes quickly in the hand. The sound approaches 

 nearer to being a high-pitched, squashy crunching than 

 any other description of it that I can give. 



Treatment. Experience with this disease under a 

 variety of Circumstances has demonstrated the fact that 

 acids will check the course of an attack with almost mar- 

 velous rapidity. Acetic acid gives the best results, be- 

 sides being very cheap and easy to handle. The dilute 

 acetic acid is given in from one- to three-ounce doses 

 every twenty minutes until the evacuations occur with 

 less force and regularity. As soon as this is apparent 

 from a half to one ounce of tincture of opium is given in 

 capsule. This completes the handling of the case. If 

 the opium is given before the acetic acid has controlled 

 the condition it has a tendency to cause flatulence and 

 pain. 



If a case should come into the veterinarian's hands 

 quite exhausted and apparently moribund, friction and 

 warmth should be applied to the body, and half an ounce 

 of spirits of camphor should be administered immedi- 

 ately. Then begin at once with the acetic acid doses. 

 The acetic acid can be given in capsules in mild cases. 

 In the severe cases, give it with a dose syringe with an 

 equal amount of warm water. 



I would warn the practitioner against giving an unfa- 

 vorable prognosis in these cases even when the patient 

 seems near collapse before the treatment is begun. With- 

 hold prognosis until you have given a few doses of the 

 acid. 



