384 FEVEES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



first pustules ; and, if some red spots show themselves at that 

 period of the malady, they disappear without being followed by 

 the development of pustules. They are a species of abortive 

 pustules. After the desiccation, the skin remains covered by 

 brown spots, which, by degrees, die away. There remains no 

 trace of the disease, except a few superficial cicatrices on which 

 the hair does not grow. 



" The causes which produce the greatest variation in the periods 

 of the eruption are, the age of the dog, and the temperature of 

 the situation and of the season. The eruption runs through its 

 difierent stages with much more rapidity in dogs from one to five 

 months old than in those of greater age. I have never seen it in 

 dogs more than eighteen months old. An elevated temperature 

 singularly favours the eruption, and also renders it confluent and 

 of a serous character. A cold atmosphere is imfavourable to the 

 eruption, or even prevents it altogether. Death is almost con- 

 stantly the result of the exposure of dogs having small-pox to any 

 considerable degree of cold. A moderate temperature is most 

 favourable to the recovery of the animal. A frequent renewal 

 or change of air, the temperature remaining nearly the same, is 

 highly favourable to the patient ; consequently close boxes or 

 kennels should be altogether avoided. 



" I have often observed that the perspiration or breath of dogs 

 labouring under variola emits a very unpleasant odour. This 

 smell is particularly observed at the commencement of the desicca- 

 tion of the pustules, and when the animals are lying upon dry 

 straw ; for the friction of the bed against the pustules destroys 



