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DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



remissions, a serious general condition, an obstinate constipation, 

 sensitiveness of the abdomen to palpation. The symptomatology 

 may enlighten the practitioner. In some instances the diagnosis 

 can be established by exclusion. 



3. A differential diagnosis of the various forms of gastro-enteritis 

 is often very difficult to make. We have as a guide in toxic gastro- 

 enteritis the history and certain special symptoms ; in mycotic en- 

 teritis we have the cerebral symptoms and a very rapid course; in 

 croupous enteritis we observe the rejection per rectum of fibrinous 

 membranes and the slow course; and in dysentery we see an 

 epizootic character in the disease, and also very bloody ejections. 



4. In order to distinguish essential gastro-intestinal catarrh from 

 that accompanying hydrophobia, anthrax, bovine pest, etc., it is 

 only necessary to make a careful examination of the patients ; in 

 doubtful cases we must wait for an evolution of the disease. It 

 is especially in the dog that we meet with difficulties; gastro- 

 enteritis quite frequently starts with rabiform symptoms in this 

 animal. 



Treatment. The first thing to be done is the regulation and 

 care of the diet ; it should start with complete abstinence, then 

 easily digested food may be given gradually. We must not use 

 very cold water, as it provokes vomiting in the dog ; we must give 

 only such quantity as is strictly necessary. Circulation and the 

 cutaneous functions must be stimulated by dry or exciting frictions 

 (camphorated alcohol, essence of turpentine, oil of mustard) and we 

 should also apply hydrotherapeutic compresses upon the abdomen. 

 Internally, we must prescribe emollients and sedatives, mucilagin- 

 ous decoctions, and oil emulsions; linseed mucilages, fresh linseed 

 oil, barley mucilage, a solution of gum with opium, opium tincture, 

 etc. Violent colics will have to be combated by hypodermatic 

 injections of morphine. As purgatives, we should preferably use 

 laxatives, castor-oil, sulphates of soda or magnesia, also calomel, 

 alone or mixed with opium. 



We give below a few very excellent formulas : 



For the horse : Powdered opium, 10 grammes ; protochloride of 

 mercury, 2 grammes ; marsh mallow powder, 100 grammes ; dis- 

 tilled water, q. s. To be given as an electuary at one time. 



For the ox : Decoction of linseed (100 grammes in 750 grammes 

 of water) ; linseed oil, 250 grammes. 



For the dog : Tincture of opium, 2 to 5 grammes; mucilage o 



