Colic is a pain that originates in the walls of the intestines. It is properly but a symptom of the many abdominal diseases; its importance and frequent appearance among dogs however warrants its classification as a distinct disease. Among animals an attack of colic has especial significance from the fact that inflammation is prone to speedily follow it.

Puppies are especially liable to the affection near the period of weaning, and petted house dogs and pampered pets seem oftener attacked.

Causation

The influences which give rise to the affection are many. Among them indigestion, gaseous distension, constipation, worms, the passage ot calculi, and intestinal obstruction or stoppage. Colic pains occur with diarrhoea that has originated in consequence of irritating substances being taken into the stomach. Cold and exposure may induce the affection. The introduction of lead into the system in poisonous amounts will also develop a special form of the disease.

Symptoms

Restlessness and occasional moanings, or sharp cries of pain are the first to attract attention. It will then be observed that the back of the animal is arched, the abdomen hard, and the walls retracted. Firm pressure will often cause shrinking and evident pain.

The sufferer lies down only to be up and walking about again, vainly seeking relief by constant change of position. The manner plainly indicates the suffering; the expression is piteous and appealing. If the attack is severe moaning is constant, varied only by sharp, ear-piercing cries.

The animal if a petted house-dog, will seek his master or mistress as though begging for relief; unless it comes quickly his manner changes, he seems to shun all interference and endeavors to conceal himself in retired and unfrequented places.

At first no constitutional symptoms are associated; the pulse, nose, and skin remain normal. If the attack is prolonged evidences of weakness and fever are manifested. Vomiting and ineffectual attempts to vomit are common symptoms. The appetite usually entirely disappears.

Diagnosis

The suddenness of the attack, and the absence of all signs of inflammation render a diagnosis easy.

Treatment

Although writers agree that the first step in treatment is to administer a cathartic, it seems ill advised, and a better practice is to at once attack the pain, the more urgent symptom. Opium in some form is the only agent upon which we can depend in the severer cases. Paregoric and laudanum are both preparations of opium, and one or the other is to be found in nearly every house. If the former is used, one teaspoonful should be given from one to three hours until the pain is subdued. Of laudanum the dose is fifteen drops repeated in the same way.

Hot applications may be made to the bowels and will prove grateful to the sufferer. If vomiting occurs at intervals and the medicine is not retained, twice the quantity given by the mouth should be injected into the rectum and held there for a time by pressure over the anus. If the restlessness of the animal makes this effort ineffectual, a subcutaneous injection of one eighth of a grain of morphine should be administered.

If a chemist is within easy distance instead of paregoric or laudanum, have the following prepared. -

℞ Chloroformi ℥ ss.

Elixir Mo. Munn's ℥iss.

Ext. Pruni Virg. Fld. ad. ℥ iv Ft. Mist. Sig. Dose one teaspoonful in a little water every half hour until the pain ceases. The causative treatment, having for its object the removal of the different causes, should be commenced as speedily as possible. A free injection of warm soap-suds should be given to invite a movement of the bowels by exciting intestinal activity.

As soon as possible after the pain has been subdued a tablespoonful of castor oil should be administered and the discharges watched for, to determine the cause occasioning the attack. If attributable to coarse indigestible nutriments, a diarrhoea will probably follow, yielding readily to proper dietetic restrictions.

One fact will be observed and surprise will be felt at the amount of opiates some dogs will bear without visible effect.

Following an attack, the diet should be restricted and the same treatment instituted as advised in Indigestion.