Marasmus depends on disease of the mesenteric glands in the abdomen, and is brought on in the first instance by disordered digestion, want of food, mange, and numerous diseases which induce general debility. Young dogs are more liable to be affected than those whose constitutional powers have become properly developed.

Symptoms

The chief symptoms are, voracious appetite and gradual wasting, in consequence of the course of the chyle, or elementary blood, being obstructed by the disease in the glands through which the chyle must pass; belly tumid and pendulous; coat dry, harsh, and staring; growth stunted, and legs bowed; breath foul; faeces offensive, and either costive or relaxed. Death takes place from starvation.

Treatment

Air, exercise, and generous food. The most likely medicines to do good are -

Calcarea and Sulphur,* to be given alternately when there are enlarged glands, cutaneous eruptions, looseness of the bowels, etc.

Arsenicum is often of service for emaciation and loss of strength, diarrhoea, thirst, etc.