CHAPTER VII. 
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 
1. Indigestion (Dyspepsia). 
Indigestion is inability to abstract from the food taken 
into the stomach the nourishment necessary for the building 
up and sustaining of the body. 
Causes. — Lack of exercise, improper food and irregular 
feeding are among the causes. It may be the after effects 
of some other disease that may have left the -ligestive organs 
in a weakened condition. 
Symptoms. — Ravenous appetite, alternating periods of 
loss of appetite, occasional spells of vomiting, constipation, 
alternating periods of diarrhoea, are among the more notice- 
able symptoms. These are accompanied by loss of flesh and 
a dry, dusty coat of hair. 
Treatment. — Remove the cause if possible. Give a rea- 
sonable quantit)^ of clean, wholesome food regularly, with 
plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. Give 
Syrup of Buckthorn. . .1 to 2 ounces or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 
Vary this dose to the size of the dog and give every day 
for a week or ten days or until the bowels are operating 
regularly. 
If the case is a severe one, in addition to this give a 
half teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of Soda on the tongue, night 
and morning. It must be remembered that careful feeding 
and regular exercise are absolutely necessary to bring about 
a cure. 
2. Gastritis (Inflammation of the Stomach). 
Causes. — Anything that may cause acute derangement 
of the stomach and secretory glands. 
Symptoms. — There is very severe pain and the dog lies 
with his legs spread out. When standing he has a sort of 
doubled up appearance. Pressure on the left side of the 
