135 



which enables the system to throw ofi a second attack, 

 and it seldom proves fatal. 



From what has already been discovered, I gather 

 that distemper itself is a fever that lowers the vitality 

 and leaves the victim a prey to any virulent microbe 

 that may be wandering about. It is, therefore, im- 

 portant to keep kennels scrupulously clean by a free 

 use of disinfectants : the burning of straw and excreta 

 from infected hounds, in addition to using every 

 precaution to limit the powers of dangerous germs. 

 My own opinion, gained from several years' experi- 

 ence, but not necessarily of any value, is that hounds 

 re-infect themselves, and consequently fumigation 

 must assist in arresting the further development of 

 the disease. The very ancient custom of putting 

 Stockholm tar on the nose may not be a remedy, but 

 it undoubtedly helps in destroying germs, for the nose 

 is always the channel that conveys infection to the 

 dog. Here is a theory that is worth consideration : 

 hounds are admittedly more susceptible to distemper 

 than other dogs — is it not possible that the extra 

 sensitiveness of the former's olfactory organs may be 

 the reason? 



The practice is dying out of giving the pack an 

 annual spring dressing; like spring cleaning, it ought 

 not to be necessary if a custom of daily cleanliness 

 is observed, and hounds that are regularly brushed 

 may perhaps not require it. However, a stranger 

 from another kennel or puppies returning from walk 

 are likely enough to bring colonies of parasites that 

 will quickly breed and spread. Ticks and fleas are 

 fairly easy to dispose of, but the almost invisible lice 

 are very difficult to eradicate, a frequent cause of skin 

 disease, and killed only by a dressing from head to 



