Anaemia, or poverty of the blood, is a morbid condition occasionally observed among dogs. The best illustration of the affection is afforded by profuse hemorrhages. The causes are obvious in some cases; in others they are not assignable. An excess of starch and insufficient fleshy food, prolonged suckling of young, too frequent whelping, deranged digestion, damp, ill-ventilated kennels, and insufficient exercise are among the causes productive of anaemia. In a large proportion of cases the affection is associated with and depends upon other diseases which involve an expenditure of blood constituents.

Symptoms

In animals affected with anaemia the mucous membranes of the mouth, gums, and lips are paled, the tongue is white and dry. the temperature lessened, the action of the heart feeble, the pulse small and weak, the muscular strength is diminished and occasionally there is but little power in the limbs. Slight exertion induces great fatigue; the manner is languid and spiritless; the secretions from the bowels and kidneys are scanty. There is a deficiency of functional energy of all the different organs of the body.

Treatment

The first objects are to ascertain and remove if possible the cause or causes upon which anaemia depends. Associated diseases call for especial treatment elsewhere considered. To restore the normal constituents of the blood, a nutritious diet consisting largely of meat should be allowed; to stimulate the appetite and improve digestion by bitter tonics, such as quinine, is advisable. Iron is a special remedy in this disease, and the tincture should be given in fifteen drop doses, twice or three times daily with the food. Pure air and exercise contribute largely to a cure, by increasing the energy of the organs of the body and renewing the general strength.