Like almost every other animal, the dog is a frequent sufferer from a too loose condition of the evacuations, constituting diarrhoea.

A variety of causes are capable of bringing this about, but the presence of worms, cold, feeding on liver and other unsuitable foods, are, in all probability the most frequent causes.

During distemper, superpurgation is a frequent sign, calling for active but well-regulated treatment to control it.

It must be borne in mind that this excessive discharge of liquid faeces is but symptomatic of derangement of the stomach, bowels, or digestive glands, and that it can only be successfully treated when viewed in this light, the administration of diarrhoea mixtures being often a failure, because these facts are ignored.

A little careful consideration will often determine the cause, the discharge ceasing with its removal.

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:—

R 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.