The disorder of the stomach which bears this name is the result of aggravated indigestion.

Symptoms

The symptoms seem to depend on congestion of the mucous membrane of the stomach, with excessive secretion of the natural mucus. There are at first indications of febrile disturbance, as shown by quick pulse, hot nose, congested conjunctiva, loss of appetite, etc. The dog manifests the usual signs attendant on severe pain in the abdomen; and there is obstinate constipation. The efforts to vomit are frequent and strong; but unsuccessful. After a while, the severe retching brings up a large quantity of thick mucus, which may, or may not be tinged with bile, and even with blood. The pulse becomes weaker and more frequent, bloody faeces are voided with much straining, and death ensues.

There is a milder form of this disease, which is very prevalent in town-pampered dogs. I have had many such cases under treatment. This disease is known by the name of "husk" amongst dog-fanciers, and it is so called by some writers on dog diseases. To all appearance the dog is comparatively well; the appetite is little if at all impaired, and the animal is in good spirits. The chief symptom is a cough, hard, loud, occurring in violent paroxysms either during the day or night, each paroxysm ending in retching. The matter brought up often sticks in the throat from its tenacity, and is swallowed; or it is discharged from the mouth when less sticky, and is then seen to consist of frothy mucus varying in quantity, and sometimes mixed with a watery fluid. Similar paroxysms recur at longer or shorter intervals. The animal gradually wastes and gets weak.

The cough and mucus might be supposed to point to bronchitis as the disease, but I have repeatedly examined the chest, and have never found the physical signs or quickened pulse and respiration which betoken bronchial affections.

Treatment

Aconitum* should be given when the pulse is quick, the skin hot, the nose dry, and the other symptoms of febrile excitement present.

Nux vomica is indicated when the bowels are costive, the abdomen painful, and the mucus or bilious retchings frequent.

Mercurtus is specially indicated when there are frequent vomitings of bile or mucus.

Arsenicum should be administered in the last stage when there is exhaustion, accompanied by purging, etc. This is also the sovereign remedy for the milder and more frequent form of gastric irritation and catarrh.

* For the dose, etc., see "Introductory Remarks".

Foody Etc

Milk, arrow-root, and other bland foods should be given with the spoon, or thrown up the bowel. The chief point as to diet is to give food in small quantities.