Strictly speaking, abortion means the expulsion of the foetus before it is sufficiently matured for independent life, but applied to the lower animals it is generally used to mean premature parturition as well. Abortion is comparatively rare in dogs, but premature whelping, especially just a week or so before the pups are due, is by no means uncommon. The causes of abortion and premature parturition are various. A low diet, causing extreme paverty when the system requires extra support for the growth of the unborn pups, and the secretion of milk for them afterwards, is likely to cause it; and, on the other hand, a plethoric state of the body from over-feeding and want of exercise is also a likely cause, and very severe exercise, jumping from a height or over fences, and, what is too common, blows or kicks on the abdomen. It may also be brought on by drinking foul water, eating putrid food or anything likely to cause inflammation of the bowels, violent diarrhea, and consequent straining. Young bitches bred from before the system is matured, and old worn-out ones, are most likely to abort. Preventive measures consist in general attention to health, both in regard to the food and water given and the sanitary condition of the kennel, and the permitting of regular, but not violent, exercise, and in selecting only for breeding purposes bitches that are matured and in vigorous health. When a bitch has had her pups before the full time she should not be again bred from until at least one period of oestrum has passed.

Anaemia (Poverty of Blood) is shown by paleness of the mucous membranes, weak and slow pulse and heart-beat, lack of energy, depression and lassitude. As the disease progresses, the eye sinks, becoming dull, the gait is staggering, the breathing becomes labored and wheezy, and the dog gradually sinks.

The causes are poor food, exhaustive demands on stud dogs, excessive secretion of milk, and allowing bitches to suckle puppies too long. Anaemia may also be the result of some other disease impoverishing the system, and it is not infrequently a consequence of the dog harboring worms. Give in small quantities and frequently the most nourishing foods - milk, flesh, broths, etc. - pepsin porci to assist digestion, and wine of iron or syrup of phosphates as a tonic. Sergeant's Clayton's, or Eberhart's condition pills are a good tonic. At the same time see that the dog is warmly housed and that he gets plenty of sunlight and fresh air.