600 
ON ENTERITIS IN THE DOG. 
usual—thinner than their natural consistence—but otherwise not 
materially altered in quality, and the mucous coat of the intestines 
being somewhat congested, if not inflamed. It is the consequence 
of over-feeding, or the use of improper food. Sometimes it is of 
very short continuance, and disappears without any ill consequence 
being left. The health being unaffected, and the character of the 
faeces no otherwise altered than by assuming a fluid character, ' 
it may not be bad practice to wait a day, or possibly two. It is 
desirable for the action of the intestine to be restored without the 
aid of art. 
I should by no means give a physic ball, or a grain of calomel 
in simple diarrhoea. I should fear the establishment of that species 
of purging which is next to be described. The castor-oil mixture 
will afford the greatest hope of success. 
Habitual diarrhoea is not an unfrequent disease in petted dogs. 
In some it is constitutional—in others it is the effect of neglected 
constipation. A state of chronic inflammation is induced, with 
which it is dangerous to meddle. It has become a part and portion 
of the dog, and if repressed in the intestines, it will appear under 
a more dangerous form in some other place. 
Dysentery is a far more serious complaint. In most cases a 
considerable degree of inflammation of the mucous coat exists, and 
the mucus is separated from the membrane beneath, and discharged 
per anum. The mucus thus separated from the intestinal mem¬ 
brane assumes an acrid character. It not only produces inflamma¬ 
tion of the membrane, dangerous and difficult to treat, but it exco¬ 
riates the anus and neighbouring parts, and produces pain and 
tenesmus. 
This disease has sometimes been fatally misunderstood. A great 
deal of irritation exists in the intestinal membrane generally, and 
in the lower part of the rectum particularly. 
The faeces passing over this denuded surface, a considerable de¬ 
gree of pain is produced, and there is much straining, and a very 
small bit or portion of faeces is evacuated. Many a time and oft 
has this been seen by the careless observer, and he has taken it as 
an indication of costiveness, and some drastic purge has been admi¬ 
nistered, and the animal quickly sent to his long home. The old 
practitioner rarely makes a blunder of this kind; but many a tyro 
has compromised his reputation by the carelessness with which his 
examination was conducted. 
No one that had ascertained the real nature of the disease would 
administer calomel in any form or combination; but the anodyne 
mixture as an enema, and also as administered by the mouth, would 
be the only medicine from which benefit could be expected. 
