MEDICAL TREATMENT OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 499 



" of parts, either of a local or general nature. They are propagated 

 *' alike, whether occurring in the male or female parent, but 

 " always most certainly and in the most aggravated form when 

 '' occurring in both. Defects and diseases that have already been 

 '' transmitted through several generations are impressed on the 

 " progeny in a most decided, permanent, and irremediable form ; 

 " but those acquired during the life-time of an individual also 

 " sometimes become hereditary, especially when of a constitu- 

 " tional nature, and accompanied by any considerable alteration 

 " of structure or function, or by a debilitated and deteriorated state 

 " of health. Indeed, debility, however produced, is almost cer- 

 *' tain to be hereditary ; and hence all breeding animals should be 

 " in a strong and vigorous condition, especially at the period of 

 " sexual congress." 



It is hardly necessary to say that the principles laid down in the 

 foregoing extracts from Dr. Dun's essay apply with almost equal 

 force to the breeding of all animals, — to the extent, at least, of 

 suggesting that in all cases the utmost care should be taken to 

 prevent the propagation of constitutional defects, whether heredi- 

 tary in the parents or acquired by them as a consequence of 

 improper circumstances of living. 



Mr. Allen says:* 



" Mortifying as the fact may be to human prid^, it is neverthe- 

 " less certain, that the internal arrangements — the viscera, digestive 

 " organs, omnivorous propensities, and the general physiological 

 " structure — of the hog and the bear more nearly resemble man 

 " than any other animal. Many of their diseases may therefore 

 " be expected to be a modification of those of the human species, 

 " and require a similar treatment. 



" To pulmonary affections, colds, coughs, and measles, swine 

 *'are peculiarly liable, and, as with most other evils, prevention 

 " of disease in swine is more easy and economical than cure. A 

 " dry, warm bed, free from winds or storms, and suitable food, will 

 "most effectually prevent any injuries, or fatal attacks. The hog 



* Domestic Animals. R. L. Allen. O. Judd & Co., New York. 



