Diseases of the Digestive System. 193 
addition to the above, with more or less ulceration of 
the bowels, as seen near the anus, the opening of which 
is relaxed and dilated. 
-Lveatment.—The patient demands the most careful 
nursing and sérict cleaniiness, with freedom from ex- 
posure to cold, otherwise acute cases have the tendency 
to assume the chronic form. A suitable dose of the 
castor-oil mixture (see Aperients) should be given in the 
first instance, which by removal of the original cause 
determines the recovery of the patient. If, however, the 
case assumes the chronic stage, one of the anodyne 
formule must be adopted, with astringent diet, as the 
symptoms indicate. Simple glycerine, vaseline, or 
“Sanitas” jelly, especially the latter, are eminently use- 
ful in soothing the anus and bowel, when smeared over 
it. When liver disorder is evident, calomel or podo- 
phyllin will be of service. Young puppies often suffer 
‘from a form of diarrhoea while deriving their sustenance 
from the mother. In that case the latter should receive 
a mild purgative; afterwards lime-water to drink, or a 
solution of carbonate of soda (5 to 10 grains to each ounce | 
of water) mixed with the food. The disease is also a 
common associate with the early stages of distemper, the 
probable cause being the ingestion of unsuitable food 
and filth, or inhalation of the odours arising from drains, 
accumulations of manure, &c. Worms are a common 
cause. The usual remedy is half a dose of castor oil, 
with one to three drops of laudanum. Chronic forms 
‘degenerate into dysentery. 
Dysentery consists of inflammation of the mucous 
membrane of the large bowels as a rule, followed by 
ulceration and discharge of blood. The evacuations 
contain no feeces, except at intervals, when solitary, dark, 
small, and offensive lumps are voided. The causes are 
those common to diarrhoea largely aggravated. 
Symptoms ——In addition to the above, the animal 
suffers from abdominal pain, with rapidly forming de- 
bility and emaciation, also emanations of sickly odours 
from the skin and mouth. Shreds of the intestinal 
mucous membrane pass with blood among the offensive 
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