Diseases of the Gullet, Stomach, Bowels, and Digestive Glands
Disease of Gullet—Inflammation of Stomach—Twist and Intussusception of the Bowels—Inflammation of the Bowels—Vomiting—Worms—Diarrhœa—Dysentery—Hæmorrhage—Hæmorrhoids—Dyspepsia—Jaundice or Yellow—Ruptures.
GULLET
This begins at the back part of the mouth, the entrance into it is known as the pharynx, and ends at the stomach.
Stricture, or narrowing of the gullet, and injury to it, such as sometimes produced by the dog swallowing a sharp-pointed body, is not an uncommon accident.
External compression, such as the presence of a morbid growth in juxtaposition to the gullet, is capable of interfering with the functional use of the tube, thereby preventing the animal from swallowing properly.
Diseases of the gullet always demand the exercise of professional skill, and until this is obtained, nothing beyond trifling amounts of liquid nourishment ought to be given.
INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH (GASTRITIS)
Probably the most frequent cause of gastric inflammation in the dog is that arising through the ingestion of irritant poisons, such as arsenic, antimony, etc.
Less frequently an inflamed stomach is due to the presence of worms, or to the specific poison of distemper: in the latter case the areas of disease generally being of an extensive nature.
The chief symptoms of stomach inflammation are vomiting; pain in the belly; prostration; thirst, and other signs of the dog being in a critical condition.
Treatment must be in accordance with the cause.
TWIST OR STRANGULATION; AND INTUSSUSCEPTION OF THE BOWELS
Neither of these morbid conditions are of uncommon occurrence amongst dogs, more especially so in young dogs, but why this should be so, is difficult of explanation.
A twisted bowel is certainly not so frequently met with as a telescoped or intussuscepted one. In both cases inflammation is set up, chiefly confined to the area involved, or in those parts in juxtaposition to the lesion.
Practically speaking, one issue is the rule in both cases, and that is death.
Spontaneous reduction is rare, and as the diagnosis is attended with difficulty, relief by operation seldom attempted.
The true nature of these bowel complaints is generally only revealed on after-death examination.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS
We have already alluded to this in the previous paragraph, but inflammation of the bowels also arises from other than the causes therein named.
In the author's opinion, the most frequent causes of this complaint in puppies are round-worms (Ascaris marginata).
To avoid puppies being troubled with these parasites, small quantities of lime-water are of service. A tablespoonful will be sufficient at once.
Teaspoonful doses of Brand's Essence of Beef constitutes one of the very best substances that can be used when vomition is troublesome, and later on the yolk of an egg, with the addition of a teaspoonful of brandy.
As a medicinal agent, bismuth is particularly useful, so that the following mixture should be obtained from the chemist:—
| ℞ | Carbonate of bismuth | 3 drachms |
| Pepsin | 30 grains | |
| Bromide of potash | 2 drachms | |
| Bicarbonate of soda | 3 drachms | |
| Compound tincture of cardamoms | 1 ounce | |
| Water to make | 4 ounces |
Mix. Dose: One tablespoonful every four hours until the vomiting ceases. For Terriers, etc., half this dose will suffice.
This mixture will be found specially suitable for the vomiting of distemper, and when arising from other causes, of a general nature. In case the dog has been poisoned or picked up some material of an objectionable nature, it may not be advisable to try and check the vomiting. Under these circumstances, it must be regarded as a salutary process. It is only when it becomes excessive that it is advisable to stop it.
Another very important matter when dealing with a case of excessive vomition, is that of keeping the dog as quiet as possible, together with the application of hot, dry flannels, applied over the belly for several hours at a time, and continued with until improvement sets in.
The bitch should be thoroughly dosed with worm medicine before she comes into season, otherwise repeated purgation by worm medicine may have a prejudicial influence after service. Refusing to suck and crying from the pain in the belly are the surest indications of this condition in suckers. In adult dogs irritant poisons are not at all an uncommon cause of inflammation of the bowels. The specific poison of distemper is another cause. External injuries will produce it, and probably exposure to severe wet, such as lying on a damp kennel floor. Peritonitis is a frequent accompaniment. It is generally fatal, therefore the best of skill should be obtained. Hot fomentations and 15-to 20-drop doses of chlorodyne every three hours can be tried in the meantime.
VOMITING
The dog finds vomiting the readiest means of ejecting objectionable substances from within its stomach, and consequently many medicinal agents are conveniently—sometimes inconveniently—got rid of by this means.
Even this ready means does not safeguard our canine friends against death from the ingestion of various poisonous agents, though doubtless this prompt action of the stomach in response to stimulation of the vomiting centre in the brain, does confer a certain degree of immunity against toxic substances. Rapidity of absorption has an important bearing in this respect, such deadly agents as strychnine being absorbed by the stomach, passing into the circulation to other vital organs in a very rapid manner.
During distemper, vomiting is common, its frequent repetition being an additional exhausting factor in this malady.
To avoid this, minute quantities of readily assimilable nourishment is essential.
When the ejected material is stained with blood or actually contains blood as blood, it points to ulceration of the lining membrane of the stomach—a condition of gravity.
Stoppage of the bowels is often followed by vomiting, and frequently brings on paralysis.
Treatment for Vomition.—Rest for the stomach is one of the first essentials of treatment. Nourishment must be given, and, if necessary, this can be in the form of nutrient enemas. (See Clysters.)
Fatty substances, milk, vegetables, and solid food, must be rigidly excluded until such time as the organ has regained its tone and proper power of assimilating the nutritive pabulum supplied. Soda-water to drink and 20 grains of powdered bismuth three times a day, along with a tablespoonful of the soda-water. If dog is paralytic give it an enema.
WORMS
Although fairly common in other situations, worms are most frequently found infesting the intestines and stomach.
The cavities of the heart, nasal and respiratory passages, cranial cavity, and bile-duct are more rarely the seats of parasitic invasion in the dog. When the heart and respiratory tubes are affected, the parasites are of a minute, thread-like character, hence known as Filaria, or thread-worms.
The flat, lancet-shaped worm, sometimes found up the nose, is spoken of as a trematode; the round-worms in the stomach and bowels as nematodes; whilst the other long, flat, or tape-like worms, are called Tænia.
Very few dogs are entirely free from worms of one sort or another, though it is only when these become numerous that the dog shows signs of having these pests.
Gradual loss of condition, irregular appetite, irregular evacuations, harsh coat, sometimes vomiting, and increased redness of the membranes lining the eyelids, are the usual signs, significant of internal parasites. Positive proof is of course the passage of segments of tape-worms, or round-worms, either by vomiting, or in the evacuations.
Sneezing and a catarrhal discharge from the nose is generally present when the nasal passages are infested with the lancet-shaped worms already alluded to. An uncommon true blood-sucking worm (Spiroptera sanguinolenta) is occasionally found in the stomach.
Newly-born puppies seem predisposed to become infected with round-worms, known as Ascaris marginata, such infection taking place from the dam, hence the necessity for ridding her of worms, and the most suitable time to administer vermifuge medicine, in an efficacious manner, is prior to her coming in season.
With reference to the preventative measures against worm infestation, speaking practically, not a great deal can be done, the sources of infection being so varied. Feeding dogs on the viscera of animals must of course be condemned, and with the abolition of this practice so will diminish one source of infection. Many so-called worm specifics are now largely advertised, rival proprietors claiming superiority and even infallibility.
Some of these nostrums are given without fasting the dog, but said to be equally efficacious. This statement must be accepted with reservation, as all worm medicines act more energetically when the stomach and bowels are empty. Before administering worm medicine, it is advisable to fast adult dogs for twenty-four hours, but puppies should not be kept longer than fifteen hours without food.
Although an old, but well-tried remedy against both round and flat worms, areca nut still maintains its position, and rightly so, because when given in suitable doses, and in accordance with the old rules, it seldom fails to give a satisfactory account of its action.
The freshly grated nut has advantages over the powder, more especially if the latter has been kept in stock for a considerable time, as usually happens where the demand for a certain drug is limited. When combined with santonin, its action on round-worms is greatly enhanced.
Areca nut, santonin, and male fern, are now all sold in capsular form, thus diminishing their nauseating effects.
The average dose of areca nut for such breeds as Pointers, Setters, Retrievers, Fox and other Hounds, is a drachm and a half, combined with 8 grains of santonin, and given as a bolus mixed with honey, treacle, etc., or in a little milk, though less liable to be vomited when given without any liquid.
About three hours afterwards give a full dose of castor oil.
Repeat weekly, for a month if needful. A course of tonic medicine may then follow, so as to brace up the constitution.
Such substances as powdered glass and other mechanical irritants ought to be avoided, being liable to set up gastro-enteritis. Powdered tin, glass, etc., belong to this class. Calomel, hellebore, pomegranate bark, spirit of turpentine, Barbadoes tar, garlic, wormwood, Kousso, Kamala, etc., have been, and still are, much used, and abused.
Whatever be the drug employed, it is advisable to isolate dog both before and after dosing, so that the results can be properly noted.
Through neglect of this precaution, many failures or indifferent results arise.
The indiscriminate employment of worm medicines is but too frequently resorted to, and may further deplete an already exhausted system.
In many instances, a course of iron and arsenic tonics, followed by cod-liver oil and malt, does more good than the administration of anti-worm remedies.
DIARRHŒA
Like almost every other animal, the dog is a frequent sufferer from a too loose condition of the evacuations, constituting diarrhœa.
A variety of causes are capable of bringing this about, but the presence of worms, cold, feeding on liver and other unsuitable foods, are, in all probability the most frequent causes.
During distemper, superpurgation is a frequent sign, calling for active but well-regulated treatment to control it.
It must be borne in mind that this excessive discharge of liquid fæces is but symptomatic of derangement of the stomach, bowels, or digestive glands, and that it can only be successfully treated when viewed in this light, the administration of diarrhœa mixtures being often a failure, because these facts are ignored.
A little careful consideration will often determine the cause, the discharge ceasing with its removal.
In other instances it can only be conjectured, treatment becoming speculative.
Boiled rice and milk, arrowroot and milk, to which two or three tablespoonfuls of port wine has been added, constitutes suitable dietary whilst the evacuations are in a fluid, or semi-fluid state.
When arising through a chill, or the animal becoming overheated, the following mixture can, with benefit, be used:—
| ℞ | Rubini's Essence of Camphor | 1 drachm |
| Chlorodyne | 2 drachms |
Mix, and give 25 drops three times per day, along with a tablespoonful of cold arrowroot gruel.
Diarrhœa arising through the irritation of unsuitable food in the stomach and bowels must be treated as follows:—
1. Give a full dose of castor oil, along with 20 drops of laudanum.
2. After this has had time to work itself out, follow up with doses of the diarrhœa mixture, as sold by chemists for the human subject.
DYSENTERY
When diarrhœa is allowed to continue, it is liable to end with dysenteric symptoms, the lower end of the bowel becoming implicated, producing bloodstained evacuations, or the disease may be of a specific nature from the beginning.
No matter how arising, dysentery is an exhausting disease, and one that demands prompt treatment for its alleviation.
Internally, powdered ipecacuanha is the best remedy, and it should be given.
First give an injection of tepid water (½ to 1½ pints) to wash out the bowel, and then administer from 5 to 20 grains of the above drug, mixed with the same quantity of bicarbonate of soda, in a tablespoonful of honey and water. Repeat in eight hours.
Give no food, and keep dog very quiet for next twenty-four hours.
Injections of starch gruel and laudanum are often very useful for dysentery, and can be used twice daily.
Twenty to 60 drops of laudanum may be added to a couple of tablespoonfuls of tepid boiled starch, then injected into the lower end of the bowel by means of a vulcanite, glass, or ball syringe.
Particular attention must, of course, be paid to the animal's diet.
Nothing but farinaceous foods should be allowed unless it be Brand's Essence, or some stimulating liquid, such as bovril or Oxo, to which isinglass has been added. If pain severe, apply hot poultices to the belly.
HÆMORRHAGE
Loss of blood may arise either from within or without the body, be of varying amount, and either arterial, venous, or capillary.
Excessive hæmorrhage is of course always injurious, but its gravity is greater when issuing from some vital part, such as the lungs, stomach, kidneys, cranium, etc.
In lung hæmorrhage the blood is coughed up, and of a bright-red colour—fresh blood.
When coming from the stomach it is generally intermingled with the vomited material.
If issuing from the urinary apparatus, it is either mingled with the urine, so as to stain this fluid, or passed as blood at the end of the act of urination.
In the latter case, it will most probably be coming from the bladder, or the kidneys.
Hæmorrhage from the bowels is passed along with the stools, or immediately following the act of defecation, as frequently happens in piles.
Rupture of the heart, or the larger vessels gives rise to a rapid and fatal hæmorrhage.
The treatment, with a view to arrest the bleeding, will of course depend upon the conditions through which it has been brought about.
If from without, e.g., a wound, the bleeding vessel ought to be ligatured, or else have a compress fastened on so as to exercise sufficient pressure upon and above the injured vessel.
When bleeding is due to small blood-vessels having been torn, tincture of steel, Friar's Balsam, etc., will sometimes be sufficient to arrest it.
Cold water, or an ice compress is equally useful. When blood comes from the lungs, e.g., a gunshot wound in this region, there is generally a certain amount of bronchial irritation, so that the dog must be kept warm. Have ice compresses applied to the chest, and 15 grains of gallic acid given three times a day. If this fails, Adrenalin Tablets can be tried.
HÆMORRHOIDS (PILES)
The dog, like other animals, is liable to suffer from piles, causing it considerable discomfiture. The disease may be external, or internal. External piles consist of enlarged veins, the result of a sluggish circulation, and are more frequently seen in ladies' lap-dogs, or those leading an indolent and useless existence. Internal piles generally cause bleeding and pain during defecation, and are often seen protruding during the latter act.
Exercise, a liver laxative, such as 1 to 4 of Carter's Little Liver Pills now and then, with the application of a little gallic acid ointment, constitutes the safest treatment that the amateur can adopt.
DYSPEPSIA (INDIGESTION)
Although the dog has remarkable powers of digesting such apparently insoluble substances as bones, etc., he, like most other animals, is a frequent sufferer from digestive disturbance, though this derangement of the digestive organs is certainly of more frequent occurrence amongst dogs leading inactive lives.
Probably the most frequent cause of dyspeptic symptoms are the various forms of worms, so prevalent amongst dogs.
Following this as a cause, decayed teeth are liable to provoke it, whilst prolonged feeding on unsuitable food, over, under, and irregular feeding, are equally fruitful sources of mischief to the digestive apparatus.
General unthriftiness, want of energy, and a morbid appetite, together with foul breath, are the leading features of disordered digestion.
It must be borne in mind, however, that the digestive organs are frequently in a perverted condition through disease in other parts, such as the heart, kidneys, liver, etc., and can only be regulated for proper assimilation when treatment is directed towards the mischief, in connection with any of the foregoing organs.
Most suitable food is that containing a due proportion of flesh and carbohydrate; therefore a mixture of boiled paunch and boiled rice will meet this end.
Feed the dog regularly, and give no more than the dictates of common sense suggest as sufficient for the size of the dog. Give extract of malt daily.
Hounds and other sporting dogs should not be allowed to eat as much as they like, no matter however hard they may have been working.
If sickness is a troublesome symptom, it will generally be advisable to give the dog a dose of worm medicine. Should the results be negative, give one of the following powders night and morning.
| ℞ | Bismuth carbonate | 1 drachm |
| Pepsin | 20 grains | |
| Powdered charcoal | 2 drachms | |
| Powdered sugar | 1 drachm |
Mix and divide into one dozen powders, giving in their dry state, by placing on the back of the tongue.
Any loose or carious teeth ought to be removed, and a dose of compound liquorice powder given occasionally to regulate the bowels.
From a quarter to one teaspoonful of this powder will be a suitable dose.
Should there be no improvement in the animal's condition, it will be advisable to obtain skilled advice—not such as is frequently offered by unqualified canine specialists, or others of this class professing a knowledge of "all pertaining to the doggy world."
JAUNDICE
Affections of the liver, or when the secretion or excretion of bile is perverted, the symptom known as jaundice results.
Very few people are unacquainted with the characteristic yellow colouration of the skin and visible mucous membranes.
The word "jaundice" comes from the French "jaune," yellow, and "icterus," a Greek word for golden thrush.
The yellow colour of the skin, white of eyes, mucuous membranes lining eyelids and cheeks is, of course diagnostic that the colouring matter of the bile is circulating throughout the system.
The urine is usually deep yellow and very scanty, and the motions often clay-coloured and hard, though this latter condition is frequently absent, in fact diarrhœa present.
This is particularly well marked in the so-called hepatic or bilious form of distemper.
Gall-stones, when impacted in the bile-ducts, give rise to jaundice and colic pains.
There is also a catarrhal condition of the bile-ducts that leads to the same jaundiced condition.
As a considerable number of dogs succumb to this affection, very careful treatment is necessary. Linseed and mustard poultices over the region of the liver, and a hot bath, will often work miracles. Soda-water and milk should constitute the only nourishment for a few days, unless it be teaspoonful doses of Brand's Essence of Beef.
A grain of calomel along with a quarter teaspoonful of sugar, night and morning for two or three days (until the bowels are open), will be found to do good in most instances. Further treatment can, with advantage, be left to the veterinarian, so much depending upon individual conditions.
RUPTURES
Although purely of a surgical nature, it may not be out of place to mention that any organ or tissue in any part of the body may be the seat of a rupture.
Ruptures of the stomach (rare in the dog), bladder, liver, blood-vessels, bowels, muscles, etc., are of occasional occurrence.
A very common rupture is that known as "umbilical," many puppies showing this swelling in the region of the navel. Frequently it disappears with increasing age. It is of little importance.
Rupture of the wall of the belly and protrusion of the bowels, etc., is a serious condition, demanding immediate professional aid.
This is equally applicable when the generative organs or perinæum are injured.
Another form of rupture is that known as "inguinal," denoted by a variously-sized swelling in the region of the groin.
In scrotal rupture the testicular sac is enlarged.