Blood Discases. 139 
insufficiently elaborated, may induce severe general 
disorder ; still worse results may follow the not infrequent 
decay or degeneration of such food elements, which are 
retained in consequence of the attendant inability of the 
system at the time to expel them. Suspension of function 
more or less, is a constant sequel to over-repletion. The 
system suffers frequently, but regains the power to throw 
off the offender; at length it fails to recoup itself, vital 
stamina is impaired, and the next attack has removed 
the conditions from the area of simple disorder. Vital 
action is impaired by reason of structural decay or 
permanent change, and the conditions are those of 
disease, with the possibility that the changes are not only 
of permanent duration, but functions essential to life are 
seriously interfered with or destroyed, and the end, 
sooner or later, is death. Such conditions are recognised 
in one or other of the following forms. 
Plethora or fulness of blood, consists of an excess of 
nutritious elements derived from the food, which, circu- 
lating through the body, gives rise to rapid growth and 
development known as “blooming condition.” The 
absence of needful exercise largely favours these states 
and renders the consequences dangerous. Overfed, obese, 
and inactive dogs are the usual subjects. 
Symptoms.—In addition to the conditions already 
named, the animal exhibits a generally bloated appear- 
ance; the skin is hot, dry, and red. The mucous 
membranes are also injected, or highly coloured. The 
mouth is dry, or slimy, breath faint, or disagreeable, 
bowels constipated, urine highly coloured, and probably 
offensive. The creature is indolent, drowsy, tires on the 
least exertion; the artery is full, and the circulation 
unusually accelerated, imparts a strong resistance to the 
finger, and the general temperature is increased. 
Treatment.—Reduce the blood pabulum by purgatives 
occasionally. Change the food, substituting a less 
quantity, of less nutritious quality, and especially 
institute regular exercise to stimulate the natural func- 
tions of waste, decay, and expulsion of the effete 
products, 
