_Causes._ Two parasites have been found in connection with this disease
in the dog; the =Coccidium penetrans=, already described, and the
=Coccidium bigeminum=.
=Coccidium Bigeminum, var. Canis.= This is elliptical and from 12 to 15
μ long by 7 to 10 μ broad. They are usually found in pairs lying side by
side, and sometimes both in the same envelope indicating multiplication
by division along the longitudinal axis.
The bigeminum is held to be harmless, but the perforans, as in the cow
and rabbit is very injurious and even fatal. The _symptoms_ are those of
digestive disturbance, dullness, loss of appetite, retching, vomiting,
colic and fœtid and bloody diarrhœa. Irritability, and a morose
disposition and loss of control over the hind limbs have been set down
as rabiform indications.
_Diagnosis_ depends on the inveteracy and sanguineous nature of the
diarrhœa, but especially on the discovery of the amœboid organisms in
the recent, warm discharges.
_Treatment_ should be along the same line as in cattle.