J 90 GENERAL DISEASES. 



in these as in the other cases. Where the disease has appeared it has gen- 

 erally proved fatal. When recovery took place, in some loss of sight, in 

 others paralysis and chorea followed. 



Cases are on record where diphtheria has been without doubt transmitted 

 from man to dogs ; this fact, strongly evincing that the disease is analo- 

 gous in both, is important in considering treatment. 



If the deeper air passages become involved as shown by harsh, croupy, 

 spasmodic breathing, the case may be considered hopeless. If the disease 

 takes on the concealed or nasal type the nose must be frequently syringed 

 with lime water or carbolic acid solution; two grains to an ounce of water. 

 An application of diy powdered sulphur, blown into the throat through a 

 tube or by means of a small bellows, is advised. This operation should 

 be performed every half hour if possible. For internal treatment referable 

 to the congestion of the mucous membrane, chlorate of potassa should be 

 given. An ounce may be added to a pint of water, and of this solution 

 two or three teaspoonfuls can be given every hour. Beef tea, raw eggs, 

 milk, and brandy should be forced into the animal at frequent intervals, 

 to sustain the vital powers. 



<RHEUMaTISM. 



Rheumatism not infrequently attacks dogs and manifests itself in much 

 the same manner in them as in man. The disease may take on an acute 

 or chronic form ; the same morbid principle is supposed to give rise to 

 both, but in the latter it is present in a lesser degree. 



Causation. — The causes of rheumatism have never been fully deter- 

 mined. It has been commonly attributed to exposure to cold and damp ; 

 influenced largely by the seasons of the year, etc. That these agencies 

 alone are incapable of producing the disease is generally accepted. A 

 morbid peculiarity of the constitution, a special predisposition seems to 

 be requisite for the causation. When this susceptibility to the disease 

 exists then exposure doubtless acts as an exciting cause. 



Symptoms . —In acute rheumatism fever is always present, the skin is 

 hot, the appetite lessened, the thirst great, the pulse rapid, the animal 

 restless, movements difficult and painful. The tongue is generally coated, 

 the breath offensive, the respiration quickened, and constipation more 

 often exists. 



The essentiality of the disease consists in a swelling of the various 

 joints. Touching, and still more the movements ofthe affected parts are 

 extremely painful, and the animal with an expression of the utmost anxi- 

 ety, will guard over and seem to protest against an examination. The 



