DISEASES AND ACCIDENTS. 



A. 



ABORTION. — Strictly speaking, abortion means the expulsioE 

 of the foetus before it is sufficiently matured for independent life; 

 but in the lower animals the term is generally applied to pre- 

 mature parturition as well. Abortion is comparatively rare in dogs, 

 but premature whelping, especially just a week or so before the pups 

 are due, is by no means uncommon. The causes of abortion and 

 premature parturition are various. A low diet, when the system 

 requires extra support for the growth of the unborn pups and the 

 secretion of milk for them afterwards ; a plethoric state of the body 

 from over-feeding and want of exercise ; very severe exercise ; jump- 

 ing from a height or over fences ; and, what is too common, blows 

 or kicks on the abdomen, are ail likely to cause it. It may also be 

 brought on by drinking foul water, eating putrid food or anything 

 likely to cause inflammation of the bowels, violent diarrhoea, and 

 consequent straining. Young bitches bred from before the system 

 is matured, and old, worn-out ones, are most likely to abort. Pre- 

 ventive measures consist in general attention to health, alike in 

 regard to the food and water given, the sanitary condition of the 

 kennel, the permitting of regular, but not violent, exercise, and ir 

 selecting only for breeding purposes bitches that are matured and in 

 vigorous health. The in-whelp bitch should not be benched upon a 

 raised stage, and racing about with other dogs should be avoided. 

 When a bitch has had her pups before the full time, she should not be 

 again bred from until at least one period of oestrum has passed. 



ABSCZSSS. — An abscess is an accumulation of pus or matter in 

 a newly-formed capsule, or wall ; it may be the result of a blow or 

 other accident, or be caused by inflammation, local or general. After 



3 



