TREATMENT OF COMMON AILMENTS 315 



sirous of going more fully into the matter should 

 consult Mr. A. J. Sewell's useful work, "The Dogs' 

 Medical Dictionary." 



ABSCESSES. Abscesses are formed by a collec- 

 tion of pus, and must not be confused with a cyst. 

 Apply fomentations or poultices until the place is 

 soft, and open with a sharp knife. Wash out with 

 boracic lotion. 



ALOPECIA. Whole or partial loss of hair, usually 

 found in old dogs. Dress twice daily with fluid 

 extract of jaborandi, J oz. ; tincture of cantharides, 

 J oz. ; glycerine, J oz. ; vaseline, ij oz. 



ASTHMA. Is due to a thickening of the mucous 

 membrane of the air-tubes ; the breathing is heavy 

 and wheezy, frequently occurring in old dogs as the 

 result of over -feeding. Where this is obviously the 

 cause, the diet should be restricted to reasonable pro- 

 portions, and a dose of Epsom salts given four 

 drachms for a 50 Ib. dog. As a rule, there is no 

 elevation of temperature as in bronchitis. Confine- 

 ment to a chamber in which is a bronchitis kettle 

 containing a little terebene in the water will fre- 

 quently give relief. 



BITES. Stitches may be needed in the event of 

 a bad wound. In any case, dress with some disin- 

 fectant, such as Jeyes' Fluid, Izal, Pearson's Fluid, 

 Condy's, or carbolic solution. Put on a rag with 

 boracic ointment and bandage if possible. 



BRONCHITIS. Is inflammation of the mucous 

 membrane of the bronchial tubes. Diagnosis is not 

 difficult. There is a distressing cough, and an eleva- 

 tion in temperature of several degrees, with catarrh 

 of the eyes and nose. Confine the patient to a 

 warm room, and put on a flannel jacket lined with 



