INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.

Whenever inflammation of the bowels makes its appearance, it is a sure sign that there is a loss of equilibrium in the circulation; and this disturbance may arise from a collapse of the external surface, or from irritation produced by hardened excrement on the mucous membrane of the intestines. An attack is recognized by acute pain in the abdominal region. The dog gives signs of suffering when moved, and the bowels are generally constipated.

_Treatment._--Endeavor to equalize the circulation by putting the animal into a warm bath, where he should remain about five minutes. When taken out, the surface must be rubbed dry. Then give the following injection:--

Linseed oil, 4 ounces.

Warm water, 1 gill.

Mix.

To allay the irritation of the bowels, give the following:--

Powdered pleurisy root, 1 tea-spoonful.

" marshmallow root, 1 table-spoonful.

Mix, and divide into three parts; one to be given every four hours.

Should vomiting be a predominant symptom, a small quant.i.ty of saleratus, dissolved in spearmint tea, may be given.

Should not this treatment give relief, make a fomentation of hops, and apply it to the belly; and give half an ounce of manna. The only articles of food and drink should consist of barley gruel and mush. If, however, the dog betrays great heat, thirst, panting, and restlessness, a small quant.i.ty of cream of tartar may be added to the barley gruel.

The bath and clysters may be repeated, if necessary.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.

This requires the same treatment as the preceding malady.

ASTHMA.

Dogs that are shut up in damp cellars, and deprived of pure air and exercise, are frequently attacked with asthma. Old dogs are more liable to asthma than young ones.

_Treatment._--Endeavor to ascertain the cause, and remove it. Let the animal take exercise in the open air. The diet to consist of cooked vegetables; a small quant.i.ty of boiled meat may be allowed; raw meat should not be given.

_Compound for Asthma._

Powdered bloodroot, } " lobelia, } of each, 1 tea-spoonful.

" marshmallows, } " licorice, }

Mix. Divide into twelve parts, and give one night and morning. If they produce retching, reduce the quant.i.ty of lobelia. The object is not to vomit, but to induce a state of nausea or relaxation.

PILES.

Piles are generally brought on by confinement, over-feeding, &c., and show themselves by a red, sore, and protruded r.e.c.t.u.m. Dogs subject to constipation are most likely to be attacked.

_Treatment._--Give the animal half a tea-spoonful of sulphur for two or three mornings, and wash the parts with an infusion of white oak bark.

If they are very painful, wash two or three times a day with an infusion of hops, and keep the animal on a light diet.

DROPSY.

Dropsy is generally preceded by loss of appet.i.te, cough, diminution of natural discharge of urine, and costiveness. The abdomen shortly afterwards begins to enlarge.

_Treatment._--It is sometimes necessary to evacuate the fluid by puncturing the abdomen; but this will seldom avail much unless the general health is improved, and the suppressed secretions restored. The following is the best remedy we know of:--

Powdered flagroot, } of each a quarter of " male fern, } an ounce.

Sc.r.a.ped horseradish, a tea-spoonful.

Mix. Divide into eight parts, and give one night and morning. Good nutritious diet must be allowed.

SORE THROAT.

A strong decoction of mullein leaves applied to a sore throat will seldom fail in curing it.

SORE EARS.

A dog's ears may become sore and scabby from being torn, or otherwise injured. In such cases, they should be anointed with marshmallow ointment.

SORE FEET.