DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 



19 



tard-plasters, hot linseed-meal poultices, bags of hot salt con- 

 tinually renewed, or hot fomentations may be used. 



Bleeding is beneficial in the early stage only, and is best 

 adopted locally, by means of leeches to the abdomen. 



When the acute symptoms have subsided the counter- 

 irrilation may be discontinued, but the abdomen must he kept 

 thoroughly warm and the patient quiet. 



With regard to support during the illness, bland mucilagi- 

 nous drinks should form the only diet, and should be contin- 

 ued for some considerable time after recovery takes place, 

 owing to the sensitive condition of the intestinal mucous 

 membrane. 



Gastro-Enteritis is usually the result of irritant poisons. 

 The symptoms are those of gastritis and enteritis combined. 

 The treatment must consist, at the onset, in removing the 

 cause, followed by that laid down for the two diseases re- 

 spectively. 



PERITONITIS. 



Inflammation of the peritoneum is more f requent^in bitches 

 than dogs. The inflammation may be local or diffused, i.e., 

 it may be confined to one portion of the membrane, or extend 

 to the whole. A general or diffused peritonitis is the form 

 usually met with in canine practice. 



Causes. — External violence, as kicks, blows, wounds (par- 

 ticularly punctured), parturition, hernia, constipation, expos- 

 ure to damp and cold. 



Symptoms. — Acute peritonitis is characterized by abdom- 

 inal pain, which is considerably augmented by pressure. 

 The animal exhibits great restlessness, continually moving 

 about and endeavoring to obtain, if possible, a comfortable 

 position, and this his broadside appears to afford him best. 

 The pulse is small, hard, and wiry, conjunctival membrane 



