CONSTIPATION
Cause.—Insufficient exercise, overfeeding or feeding decomposed or irritating foods. Dogs are predisposed to indigestion as they frequently swallow a large quantity of indigestible food without masticating it. Poor care and exposure to cold also frequently produce Constipation.
Symptoms.—Constipation is often a complication of other diseases, the feces is dry-looking and may be more or less covered with a mucus. A prominent symptom is straining, attempts to defecate, the appetite is greatly impaired, the dog acts dull and stands with the head down or goes off to some quiet place and lies down. Protrusion of the rectum or piles may occur, especially if the animal has eaten freely of dry, indigestible food. Colicky pains are sometimes manifested. Constipation occurring from causes other than a complication of diseases seldom takes on a serious form.
Treatment.—When a dog becomes constipated, all dry, indigestible food should be withheld. A soft, easily digested diet should be fed sparingly and a liberal supply of water allowed. In some cases it is well to exercise the dog. A physic of two to four ounces of Castor Oil should be given, but overdosing with physics avoided. The action of the physic should be assisted by injecting into the rectum warm, soapy water. Tonics which assist digestion by stimulating secretions of the bowels, should be administered, as Ferri Sulphate, one-half dram; Quinine, one-half dram; Pulv. Nux Vomica, one-half dram; Gentian Root, one dram. Mix and make into twelve capsules and give one capsule three or four times a day.
The above treatment must be persisted in until the constipated condition is relieved.