MODERN FARRIER. 483 



In the treatment of this disease, we must be 

 guided in a great measure by the circumstances of 

 the case. In shght cases, where the bowels are not 

 in a loose state, a cure is easily effected, merely by 

 giving a little castor oil, sulphur, or jalap, keeping 

 the animal warm, and giving him warm broth, 

 warm milk, &c. It appears, indeed, that putting 

 him into a comfortable warm place, and nursing 

 him carefully, form very essential parts of the treat- 

 ment. Emetics are very commonly recommended, 

 at the commencement of the distemper ; but though 

 they sometimes appear to succeed, they often do 

 mischief. When the eyes are much affected, a large 

 seton in the neck will do good. Mr. Taplin ima- 

 gined that the distemper depends on an accumula- 

 tion of hard excrement in the bowels ; but this cer- 

 tainly is not the case ; and though purgatives are 

 generally proper at the beginning of the disease, one 

 dose is commonly sufficient, for the animal soon be- 

 comes too weak to bear any kind of evacuation. 



When the distemper is acompanied by purging, 

 nothing is more useful than sago, or arrow root, 

 given frequently ; and should this be found ineffec- 

 tual in checking the looseness, a few drops of lauda- 

 num, according to the age and size of the dog, may 

 be added. When the stomach is so irritable as to 

 reject every thing that is swallowed, a little lauda- 

 num should be given ; and if this fail, a very small 

 quantity of wine may be tried. 



But as this disorder varies so much in appearance 

 and requires such correct observation to ascertain 

 the best mode of treatment, it will be proper to 

 enter more into detail. 



The following medicines, says Mr. Richard Law- 

 rence, have been frequently successful : 



Calomel, - - - - li grain. 

 Rhubarb, - - _ - 5 grains. 



To be given every other day. 



