364 DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 



virus, although the surroundings have a great deal to do with it, 

 uch as improperly ventilated, damp kennels, etc., or improper 

 feeding, especially that of a meat diet. Spring and fall are the 

 most common seasons of the disease, and, as the annual bench 

 shows are held then, we have more distemper than at other sea- 

 sons of the ear. 



The principal symptoms in an uncomplicated 

 ca>e are catarrhal discharges from the eyes and nose, thin and 

 watery at first, finally becoming muco-purulent ; high fever, rapid 

 pulse, sneezing, dry hot nose, dullness, loss of appetite, etc. 

 Complications usually accompany the disease, the most common 

 ones being those of the respiratory' organs, such as congestion, 

 broncho-pneumonia, etc.; those of the digestive organs, such as 

 gastritis, jaundice, enteritis, etc.; and those of the cerebro-spinal 

 system, such as mengengitis, myelitis and chorea. There is a 

 hard dry cough; bowels may be constipated, but diarrhoea is 

 usually present, the discharge being very offensive. When skin 

 eruptions occur, they are usually seen on the belly. 



There is no specific for distemper in dogs any 

 more than there is in the horse. Good nursing is all important. 

 Make the patient as comfortable as possible by placing him in a 

 warm place, free from draughts of cold air, and feed him on nu- 

 tritious food, such as eggs and milk beaten up together, beef tea, 

 mutton broths, etc. Bulky food of any kind should be avoided. 

 If the patient will not eat he should be fed with a spoon. The 

 importance of pure air can not be over estimated, but cold air 

 must be avoided. It is advisable to disinfect the kennel, or 

 A here the patient is kept, with a preparation of carbolic acid or 

 lime. If constipation is present, give injections, per rectum of 

 warm soapsuds, oil. or glycerine; either will he found very use- 

 ful in such cases. If a physic is necessary, give the following: 



