2is Miscellaneous 



liver and kidneys and the stomach all share in the decline, and the repro- 

 ductive functions decline. This condition, however, should not be con- 

 founded with dropsy or ascites, and the latter can be differentiated by the 

 fact that in dropsical disorders the flesh gives way under the fingers, while 

 the flesh of a fat dog is comparatively firm. 



The appearance of the urine may change greatly without the subject's 

 health being in any way affected. An excessive amount of urine indicates 

 diabetes. Dard-colored urine, during acute attacks of disease, simply 

 means that the water which is ordinarily passed has been disposed of by the 

 body in some other way and the excretion is condensed. Straining indicates 

 prostatic trouble, inflammation or a partial paralysis of the parts. Blood in 

 the urine indicates an injury and is usually alarming. 



Indications of Various Troubles. — The appearance of the passages in 

 either diarrhoea or constipation always gives some idea as to what is going 

 on within the system. If the passages are clay colored, the secretion of bile 

 is defective, or the bile passages are clogged. In any event, the liver is 

 involved. If the passages are dark colored and of a greenish tinge, the 

 liver is too active and too much bile is being poured into the bowels. 

 Offensive smelling passages indicate liver trouble, intestinal irritation or 

 digestive disorders. The presence of dark blood indicates irritation of the 

 bowels. If the blood is bright red and there is much straining, a sharp bone 

 is probably being passed. Tne constipation that usually accompanies fever 

 is the result of a drying up of watery matter, which leaves the passage 

 hard and chalky. 



The whine or cry that dogs may utter will indicate to those who are 

 familiar with them something of their condition, for, as a rule, while dogs 

 bark upon the slightest provocation, they do not cry except when in serious 

 trouble. A sharp cry will, of course, always suggest injury. In cases of 

 diseases of the head, when dogs feel that a convulsion is coming on, they 

 often utter a short, high-pitched cry that has a crazy sound. In rabies, 

 one of the most characteristic symptoms is a peculiar wail, a coarse blended 

 howl, that once heard will never be forgotten. 



Pawing at the side of the head suggests ear troubles. Hearing, early 

 in cases of brain trouble, is acute; later, after congestion becomes pro- 

 nounced, it is defective. Lying on the belly, especially on a strip of cold 

 concrete or wherever it is coolest, indicates a disordered liver. Standing 

 with the legs braced or sitting up with the legs apart, so as to expand the 

 chest, indicates pneumonia. The arched back indicates inflammation of 

 the abdominal regions. The sore, painful gait, general soreness and pained 

 expression indicate rheumatism, while a slow gait indicates debility or old 

 age. 



Indigestion, due to many causes, can always be suspected in aged dogs 

 that go off in flesh and refuse to fatten, no matter how much they may eat. 

 It is also to be suspected where the breath is foul and bowels irregular. 



Tapeworm is a frequent cause of many obstinate forms of skin diseases 

 that are recurrent and will not yield permanently to external treatment. 



Cold After Whelping. — Should the dam take cold after whelping it 

 may affect the milk glands, causing swelling and inflammation. The very 

 best remedy for this is sage ointment, made by taking a good handful of 

 the leaves of common garden sage; either green or dry may be used. 

 Simmer them in a small teacup of lard for two or three hours over a slow 

 fire, then strain through muslin and set aside to cool. 



It should be applied hot and plentifully over the swelling, and be 

 gently but well rubbed in three or four times daily, until improvement is 

 manifest, always rubbing toward the teat, never in any other direction. If 

 sage cannot be procured, the bark of the root of bittersweet (celastrus 

 scandens) may be used instead, as it is also excellent for this purpose, al- 

 though not quite so efficient as sage. 



Postules Betweefi Toes. — At first they are hard but soon come to a 

 head and break, making the dog's feet very tender. These eruptions are 

 quite common in English bulldogs, or, in fact, any dog that is crowded to 

 make flesh and bone or over fed as all pets are so frequently. Wash the 



