If 'peritonitis'--inflammation--is neglected, or drastic purgatives are
too often and too plentifully administered, a peculiar contraction of
the muscular membrane of the intestine takes place, and one portion of
the bowel is received within another--there is 'intussusception'. In
most cases, a portion of the anterior intestine is received into that
which is posterior to it. Few of us have opened a dog that had been
labouring under this peculiar affection without being struck with the
collapsed state of the canal in various parts, and in some much more
than in others. Immediately posterior to this collapsed portion, it is
widened to a considerable extent. The peristaltic motion of the
intestine goes on, and the consequence is, that the constricted portion
is received into that which is widened, the anterior portion is
invaginated in the posterior: obstruction of the intestinal passage is
the necessary consequence, and the animal dies, either from the general
disturbance of the system which ensues, or the inflammation which is set
up in the invaginated part.
I will say nothing of medical treatment in this case; for I do not know
the symptoms of intussusception, or how it is to be distinguished from
acute inflammation of the bowels. Acute inflammation will not long exist
without producing it; and, if its existence should be strongly
suspected, the treatment would be the same as for inflammation.
The domesticated dog, from the nature of his food, more than from any
constitutional tendency, is liable to constipation. This should never be
neglected. If two or three days should pass without an evacuation, the
case should be taken in hand; otherwise inflammation will be very soon
established. In order to procure an evacuation, the aloetic ball, with
one or two grains of calomel, should be given. Beyond that, however, I
should not dare to go; but, if the constipation continued, I should have
recourse to the castor-oil mixture. I should previously examine and
empty the rectum, and have frequent recourse to the enema-syringe; and I
should continue both. It would be my object to evacuate the intestinal
canal with as little increased action as possible.
DIARRHOEA
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