276 The Diseases of Animals 
CONSTIPATION 
This condition is the opposite of diarrhea; the 
bowels do not move as frequently as they should; the 
feces (dung) are hard and dry, and are often passed 
with much effort. An animal suffering from constipa- 
tion is said to be costive, or “bound up.” 
Constipation is usually due to bad food, improper 
feeding, lack of exercise or of sufficient water, and in 
some cases to deficient secretion of digestive fluids. 
Constipation is frequently associated with other dis- 
orders, especially with diseases of the lungs; under 
these circumstances no special treatment is needed, as 
the bowels will return to their normal condition when 
the other disease is cured. 
Unless the case is severe and persistent, violent 
purgatives should not be used. Better results follow 
the use of laxative foods, such as thin bran mashes, 
fresh grass and linseed gruels, combined with moderate 
exercise. Enemas of warm, soapy water or warm water 
and glycerine should be injected to empty the bowels. 
Small doses of castor-oil and raw linseed-oil are good. 
In cattle and sheep, Epsom salts is usually sufficient. 
In cases of chronic constipation, the following tonie for 
the bowels is to be recommended: 
Pulverized ginger root... ....... 2 ounces 
Pulverized nux vomica seed. . . » . . .2 ounces 
Pulverized gentian root bth . 2 ounces 
Sulfur ty ts F i oe ‘ 2 ounces 
Common salt ........ ag See se 8 ounces 
Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful in the food 
three times daily. 
