16 DISEASES 



PERI-RECTAL ABSCESS. 



In a large number of cases — in fact nearly every one — of distemper, 

 rectal abscesses will be found. To those who do not clearly understand the 

 best method of handling them, we make the" following suggestions: 



Take the dog carefully between the knees and bend the tail sharply 

 upward. This will cause the rectum to project. With the thumb and finger 

 press firmly upon the projection, as if to extract the milk from a cow's 

 teat. Use considefable force. If there is an abscess, this will break it and 

 press out the pus. Be careful that the pus does not fly into the eyes. 

 Repeat this operation every day so long as there is pus. You will find 

 this is a material aid in effecting a cure. 



Abortion. — Strictly speaking, abortion means the expulsion of the 

 foetus before it is sufficiently matured for independent life, but applied to 

 the lower animals it is generally used to mean premature parturition as 

 well. Abortion is comparatively rare in dogs, but premature whelping, 

 especially just a week or so before the pups are due, is by no means un- 

 common. The causes of abortion and premature parturition are various. A 

 low diet, causing extreme paverty when the system requires extra support 

 for the growth of the unborn pups, and the secretion of milk for them 

 afterwards, is likely to cause it; and, on the other hand, a plethoric state 

 of the body from over-feeding and want of exercise is also a likely cause, 

 and very severe exercise, jumping from a height or over fences, and, what 

 is too common, blows or kicks on the abdomen. It may also be brought 

 on by drinking foul water, eating putrid food or anything likely to cause 

 inflammation of the bowels, violent diarrhea, and consequent straining. 

 Young bitches bred from before the system is matured, and old worn-out 

 ones, are most likely to abort. Preventive measures consist in general 

 attention to health, both in regard to the food and water given and the 

 sanitary condition of the kennel, and the permitting of regular, but not 

 violent, exercise, and in selecting only for breeding purposes bitches that 

 are matured and in vigorous health. When a bitch has had her pups 

 before the full time she should not be again bred from until at least one 

 period of oestrum has passed. 



Anaemia (Poverty of Blood) is shown by paleness of the mucous 

 membranes, weak and slow pulse and heart-beat, lack of energy, depression 

 and lassitude. As the disease progresses, the eye sinks, becoming dull, the 

 gait is staggering, the breathing becomes labored and wheezy, and the dog 

 gradually sinks. 



The causes are poor food, exhaustive demands on stud dogs, excessive 

 secretion of milk, and allowing bitches to suckle puppies too long. Anaemia 

 may also be the result of some other disease impoverishing the system, 

 and it is not infrequently a consequence of the dog harboring worms. Give 

 in small quantities and frequently the most nourishing foods — milk, flesh, 

 broths, etc. — pepsin porci to assist digestion, and wine of iron or syrup of 

 phosphates as a tonic. Sergeant's Clayton's, or Eberhart's condition pills 

 are a good tonic. At the same time see that the dog is warmly housed 

 and that he gets plenty of sunlight and fresh air. 



