92 DISEASES 



From these facts it can be seen that the essentials of prevention of 

 hookworm disease are absolute cleanliness in every particular, especially as 

 regards feeding pans and water vessels, and disinfection of all excretions 

 and soiled bedding. When an animal dies the body should be buried in 

 quicklime, or, better still, cremated. Above all, dampness must be avoided 

 in every possible way. 



For disinfecting sleeping quarters dry sawdust impregnated with a 

 reliable disinfectant is of great value, as it absorbs moisure and when 

 brushed out carries away and destroys the eggs of the parasite. Woodwork 

 may be whitewashed or painted and all floors should be cleaned out at 

 least once daily. Earth floors should be covered with boards or concrete. 

 As damp soil is the medium in which the embryos develop, outdoor runs 

 should be dressed with quicklime, well drained and covered with several 

 inches of furnace ashes or crushed coke. This when alternately rolled and 

 sprinkled- with crude petroleum will in time form a waterproof asphalt- 

 like surface which will carry off water according to the direction in which 

 it is sloped. All food and drinking water should be given in clean pans, 

 and under no consideration should dogs be allowed to eat from the floor 

 of sleeping quarters or from the ground in the runs. To prevent mud from 

 being carried into the kennels on the feet of kennel men or visitors where 

 the surrounding grounds are liable to be muddy, board walks and a door 

 mat and scraper at the kennel entrance should be laid down. 



Confinement to kennel quarters in some districts seems to be the only 

 safe plan to avoid the disease, as, when allowed to roam at liberty, dogs 

 will drink from stagnant of surface water and thus become infected. 

 Suspected cases should be isolated whenever possible. 



Hookworm disease is not necessarily nor commonly fatal to adult 

 dogs; in fact, in Western Pennsylvania it is the rule rather than the ex- 

 ception to find a few hookworms in dogs dead from other causes. It is 

 such cases that constitute a danger to young and susceptible dogs. When 

 the method of reproduction of the hookworm is taken into consideration, 

 it can be understood that when reinfection is prevented by following the 

 precautions suggested, it is quite possible for a dog to be entirely freed 

 from hookworms, provided his vitality be kept up to the highest standard 

 during the period necessary to get rid of the worms by cautious and per- 

 sistent treatment." 



Indigestion (Dyspepsia) — This means that food taken into the stom- 

 ach is not digested or made fit for the nourishment of the body, and that 

 the stomach has altogether or partially lost its power of performing its 

 most important office. This is caused in various ways; want of exercise, 

 improper food, or having' been fed irregularly. Having been overfed or 

 having fasted too long will produce indigestion, but to cause a serious 

 attack, the causes must have been of some standing. 



Symptoms. — A vitiated appetite, wholesome food he will turn his nose 

 up at, or eat it mincingly, with a preference for filth and garbage. Con- 

 siderable thirst it present, and often vomiting. Flatulence is also an ac- 

 companiment and the gums become inflamed, and breath is foul and offensive 

 when of long standing. Indigestion causes many other forms of disease, 



