TREATMENT OF COMMON AILMENTS 32 i 



The most frequent complications to be looked for 

 are fits, chorea, dysentery, and pneumonia, all of 

 which require separate treatment. A distemper fit 

 is unlike all others, and may pass unnoticed in the 

 beginning. A twitching of the muscles of the head 

 should put one on the alert. The fit itself is mani- 

 fested by a champing of the jaws and a dazed appear- 

 ance. As they increase in frequency the poor 

 creature emits a painful cry, and is altogether SL 

 pitiable object. Directly the fits begin give bromide 

 of strontium, from 3 to 1 5 grains in a teaspoonful or 

 tablespoonful of water every three or four hours. 

 Should they diminish in frequency, reduce the 

 bromide, but do not be too easily lulled into a 

 feeling of security. 



The advent of pneumonia is heralded by a diffi- 

 culty in breathing, which becomes worse in the later 

 stages. The patient blows at the lips, eventually 

 becoming so much distressed that he sits up on his 

 haunches, or lies with head outstretched. Skilled 

 advice should at once be taken, as the disease is 

 very rapid. Relief may, however, be given by 

 rubbing the sides and chest well with turpentine. 

 Frankly, the chances are not very hopeful, but still 

 there is a prospect of recovery, and while this exists 

 we should do all we can. The heart in many cases 

 becomes affected, which only tends to make matters 

 more difficult. 



The appearance of a pustular eruption on the inner 

 part of the flanks and the bare skin of the abdomen 

 is usually to be welcomed, seeming to afford an 

 outlet to the poison in the system, but, unfortu- 

 nately, a severe form of skin complaint is common, 

 the dog at times losing practically all his hair. This 



Book of the Dog. 22 



