Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach, may be caused by irritant poisons, and the inflammation in that case extends the whole length of the bowel also. Antimony, which has a special irritant action on the mucous membrane, may induce gastritis, when given in excessive doses either as an emetic or a depressant. This drug is largely used, or rather abused, in canine practice.

The most frequent cause of gastritis is the continued ingestion of stimulating food, or of food otherwise unsuited to the requirements and habits of the canine race. Favourite dogs are especially affected with gastritis, from the circumstance that improper food is either given to them or they arc allowed to eat it.

Symptoms

The form of gastritis which is thus produced takes on the character of aggravated indigestion. The most marked symptom is incessant vomiting, - whatever is swallowed is rejected, - and the effort of vomiting is evidently attended with more or less pain. The thirst is extremely urgent and lapping cold water or licking the cold ground seems to give relief. The appetite fails, the nose is dry, the breathing quick, the countenance is anxious, the legs are cold, etc. The dog lies stretched out with his belly in close contact with the cold ground, - a position which in itself is almost sufficient to distinguish gastritis from any other disease.

Treatment

The most suitable medicines in gastritis are the following: -

Aconitum* when the attack is attended with quick pulse, hot skin and nose, and the other indications of febrile action.

Arsenicum when the vomiting is incessant and painful, the thirst unquenchable, the pulse small, the legs cold, and the countenance expressive of anxiety.

Mercurius when the vomit consists of biliary matter, when the thirst is insatiable, the bowels costive, and the tongue foul.

Nux vomica when the attack is the result of long-continued indigestion, or has been directly induced by drinking cold water; when the bowels are confined, and the retching frequent and painful.

The treatment of acute gastritis caused by poisons consists in expelling the poison from the stomach, and in giving the appropriate chemical antidotes.

* Directions for the dose, etc, of these medicines are given in the "Introductory Remarks".

Food, Etc

The diet should consist of bland food, given frequently in small quantities. Milk, flour, arrow-root, gruel, etc., are amongst the best. Should these be immediately rejected, it may be necessary to throw up nutritive enemata to prevent starvation. The quality, quantity, and kind of food should be very carefully attended to for some time after the acute symptoms have ceased. The dog should be allowed to lap up as much cold water as he likes.