90 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



slumber, fitful starts with subdued whimpers will frequently 

 be noted. 



Convulsions, succeeded by a profound state of coma, usu- 

 ally precede death ; a peculiar general offensive odor is also 

 emitted. 



In-whelp bitches occasionally become jaundiced from 

 uterine pressure, which generally disappears after parturition. 



Treatment. — If taken in hand early, and there is no struc- 

 tural disease of the liver, jaundice is not difficult to deal with. 

 The cause, therefore, if possible, must be first ascertained. 

 If it is the accumulation of fseces, an aloetic purge, assisted 

 by enemas, will, in removing the cause, likewise dispel the 

 effect. 



If the disease proceeds from inspissated bile or gall-stone 

 — in which case the urine is generally turbid and the pain 

 more acute, with increased vomiting and difficulty in faecal 

 evacuation — a smart dose of aloes and calomel should be 

 prescribed, followed by small doses of spirits of nitrous ether, 

 and laudanum, 2 parts of the former to 1 of the latter, in 

 drachm doses, twice or three times a day. A hot bath will 

 also afford considerable relief, and this may be followed by 

 the application of a mustard or linseed poultice over the 

 region of the liver. 



When jaundice is due to the immoderate use of purgatives 

 and emetics, an opposite line of treatment will be required : 

 mucilaginous drinks, and alkalies with opium are indicated. 



When diarrhoea is present, a mild dose of castor-oil may be 

 first given, followed, if necessary, by small doses of opium. 

 If the evacuations are excessive and attended with great 

 straining, starch and opium enemas should be administered. 



Bleeding in jaundice is of no earthly use : if the pain is 

 acute, leeches may be applied to the side, but I must confess 

 I am no advocate for the abstraction of blood in this disease 

 in any form, and place far more confidence in counter-irrita- 

 tion or poultices. 



The diet should be plain, unstimulating, and laxative. 



