VOMITION
Cause.—This is a symptom which shows itself in almost any disease to which the dog is subject, so extensive are the reflex influences which follow disease in a dog. This process of Vomiting can be brought about in the dog by means of many medicines, and the good effect of emetics is appreciable even to the most casual observer. This class of medicines has been much abused by those caring for sick dogs, emetics being given for any and every disease. They sometimes free the stomach of irritants and poisons which cause disease and poisoning, but their use requires care and judgment.
Symptoms.—The dog shows very marked symptoms of pain, but usually the first signs exhibited are those of a sense of discomfort. The dog moans in his sleep, wakes suddenly, curls himself up and goes to sleep again. This continues until at last the vomiting is too urgent to allow rest. The dog utters sharp, shrill, continuous cries, tries all sorts of positions to get itself at ease, and walks about with the back arched. There may be distention of the abdomen, due to the gases generated in the bowels from the fermentation of their contents. Colicky symptoms frequently accompany vomiting, due to the spasmodic contractions of the stomach relieving itself of some irritant.
Treatment.—Knowing that the causes operating in the production of Vomiting are so numerous, it will be easily understood that the treatment must be equally variable. If due to the torpidity of the liver, give Calomel, one to two grains. When worms are suspected, give worm treatment recommended under the heading of Worms. When due to poisoning, give milk and raw eggs. In case it is due to faulty digestion, or where a dog is recovering from some debilitating disease, give one-fourth to one-half teaspoonful of Baking Soda in a gelatin capsule two or three times a day. The following prescription is recommended when all suspected irritants are removed from the stomach: Diluted Prussic Acid (B. P.), twelve drops; Bismuth Nitrate, one dram; Lime Water, four ounces. Mix and give one tablespoonful three times daily. This dose is based on a dog weighing fifty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same prescription, but in doses proportionate to their weight. This medicine should be administered with great precaution, as it is very poisonous when used in larger doses, or given at shorter intervals than above recommended.