22 THE PRINCIPLES OF MEDICINE. 



C&US&TIOJY. 



A knowledge of the causes of disease is highly important as a means of 

 prevention. When causes are traced to their origin, their influences can 

 often be obviated. It not unfrequently happens that ignorance of etiology 

 largely prejudices recovery, when a knowledge of the morbid influences, 

 still operative, might be removed. 



The term traumatic is used to distinguish certain causes. Anything which 

 occasions an injury or wound of a part, from which disease results, is a 

 traumatic cause. Certain diseases, the origins of which we are unable to 

 appreciate, are termed spontaneous. 



Predisposing or exciting causes are influences that induce a tendency 

 or liability to certain affections. They alone may be sufficient to give rise 

 to disease, or they may only suffice to so influence the system, the condi- 

 tions will be favorable for the occurrence of it. 



£<DMIXISTERING MEDICINE. 



It is presumed that the owner, or at least one familiar with the dog to be 

 treated, will administer the medicine. If kindness and patience is exhib- 

 ited, little or no trouble will be experienced. 



An important object is to concentrate drugs as much as possible. If given 

 in the form of small pills, they can be pressed into raw beef and thrown 

 to the animal, after first tempting him with a few pieces. 



When medicine is to be given in a bolus or very large pill, this method 

 should be employed. Grasp the muzzle of the dog firmly with the left 

 hand, the thumb and fore-finger on either side, pressing in the upper lips 

 covering the teeth, thus preventing his biting. His mouth being opened, 

 and head elevated, carry the bolus back into the throat as far as possible 

 and close his jaws. If he does not swallow immediately, closing his nos- 

 trils, and stopping his breathing will be effectual. 



If the dog is very large or unruly, and liquid medicine of unpleasant 

 taste is to be administered, an assistant will be needed. 



Liquids can best be given from a bottle, the assistant preventing the 

 jaws closing and breaking it. A spoon is unfit, as much will be spilled in 

 its use. Making a funnel of the cheek and pouring the medicine in slowly, 

 is an admirable method, and can be employed if the dog is unconscious 

 and cannot swallow; care must be observed, allowing but little at a time 

 to trickle down the throat. 



Some medicines can be disguised in milk or strong broths. Ordinarily, 

 drugs should be given upon an empty stomach, excepting tonics, which 

 should enter with the food, and be incorporated with it. 



