74 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



Vomiting, paralysis, rectal irritation — denoted by the ani- 

 mal frequently licking the part, and dragging himself along 

 in a sitting posture — purging, inordinate appetite, enlarged 

 abdomen, harsh, staring coat, emaciation, and more or less 

 febrile disturbance, are among the symptoms usually presented 

 in such cases, while ocular demonstration of the fact is not 

 frequently wanting. 



For a fuller description of this subject and the treatment, 

 see chapter on " Internal Parasites." 



COLIC. 



. This disease in the dog is not of that frequency which 

 might be expected from the strange circumstances under 

 which at times he exists, the exertions required of him, the 

 exposure he is subject to, and the bill of fare. 



Causes.- — Intestinal obstruction, calcpli, intus-susception, 

 hernia, impaction of fasces, flatulency, worms, cold, or indi- 

 gestible food. A special form of colic is caused by lead-poi- 

 soning. 



Symptoms. — Colic comes on suddenly ; the animal is to all 

 appearance in perfect health, when he immediately utters a 

 sharp cry of pain, and, with his back arched and abdomen 

 drawn up, he walks restlessly about, whimpering or moaning, 

 and endeavoring vainly to find ease in various postures. Con- 

 siderable tympany is often present, giving the animal a tense 

 inflated appearance. 



By careful inquiry the cause of the attack may be often 

 ascertained : frequently it may be traced to the food ; an un- 

 usual supply of bones may have been given, a great portion 

 of which may probably have been devoured in such a form as 

 to cause irritation, if not mechanical obstruction ; or from 

 long submergence in water, which is frequently the case with 

 swimming dogs, who no sooner approach the bank than 



