In other instances it can only be conjectured, treatment becoming speculative.
Boiled rice and milk, arrowroot and milk, to which two or three tablespoonfuls of port wine has been added, constitutes suitable dietary whilst the evacuations are in a fluid, or semi-fluid state.
When arising through a chill, or the animal becoming overheated, the following mixture can, with benefit, be used:--
Rx Rubini's Essence of Camphor 1 drachm Chlorodyne 2 drachms
Mix, and give 25 drops three times per day, along with a tablespoonful of cold arrowroot gruel.
Diarrhoea arising through the irritation of unsuitable food in the stomach and bowels must be treated as follows:--
1. Give a full dose of castor oil, along with 20 drops of laudanum.
2. After this has had time to work itself out, follow up with doses of the diarrhoea mixture, as sold by chemists for the human subject.
When diarrhoea is allowed to continue, it is liable to end with dysenteric symptoms, the lower end of the bowel becoming implicated, producing bloodstained evacuations, or the disease may be of a specific nature from the beginning.
No matter how arising, dysentery is an exhausting disease, and one that demands prompt treatment for its alleviation.
Internally, powdered ipecacuanha is the best remedy, and it should be given.
First give an injection of tepid water (1/2 to 1-1/2 pints) to wash out the bowel, and then administer from 5 to 20 grains of the above drug, mixed with the same quantity of bicarbonate of soda, in a tablespoonful of honey and water. Repeat in eight hours.
Give no food, and keep dog very quiet for next twenty-four hours.
Injections of starch gruel and laudanum are often very useful for dysentery, and can be used twice daily.
Twenty to 60 drops of laudanum may be added to a couple of tablespoonfuls of tepid boiled starch, then injected into the lower end of the bowel by means of a vulcanite, glass, or ball syringe.
Particular attention must, of course, be paid to the animal's diet.
Nothing but farinaceous foods should be allowed unless it be Brand's Essence, or some stimulating liquid, such as bovril or Oxo, to which isinglass has been added. If pain severe, apply hot poultices to the belly.
Loss of blood may arise either from within or without the body, be of varying amount, and either arterial, venous, or capillary.