116 THE DISEASES OF THE DO(J. 



to predispose to this irregularity, Costiveness pure and 

 simple must be dealt with by a careful regulation of the 

 diet into which some such laxative element as vegetables 

 (cabbage especially) should occasionally enter ; also liver, 

 boiled or uncooked, may be given once a week ; regular 

 exercise and regular feeding must be enforced. Where 

 the retention has become associated with extreme dryness 

 of a large mass of fasces collected in the rectum, this may 

 be detected by manipulation of the belly, the presence of 

 abdominal pain, constant attempts to pass faeces only re- 

 sulting in a bulging of the anal structures but with no 

 relaxation of the sphincter. " The agony caused by cos- 

 tiveness is greater than in any other affection to which 

 the dog is liable. Apparently well, and perhaps at play, a 

 cry breaks forth which is the next instant a shriek, expres- 

 sive of the acutest torture. The animal takes to running 

 and is not aware of surrounding objects ; it can recognise 

 nothing, but will bite its master if he attempts to catch it, 

 and hit itself against anything that may be in its way ; it 

 scampers from room to room, or hurries from place to 

 place ; it is unable to be still or silent, and perhaps get- 

 ting into a corner it makes continuous efforts as though 

 it wished to scramble up the wall, remaining there jump- 

 ing with all its strength, and at the same time yelling at 

 the top of its voice. This excitement may last -for an 

 hour or more, and then cease only to be renewed, till at 

 length the powers fail, and in half a day the animal may 

 be dead. Just prior to death a mass of compact faeces is 

 usually passed, arid blood, with dysentery, is generally 

 witnessed for the short period the animal survives " 

 (Mayhew). In such cases removal of the accumulated 

 faeces with the oiled forefinger inserted per anum is in- 

 dicated ; the handle of a teaspoon will prove useful for 

 breaking down the hardened mass, and small doses of oil 

 and oleaginous or alkaline injections will materially assist. 

 The bowels afterwards will require constant attention and 

 careful regulation as this condition is liable to continually 

 recur. 



