lo8 Diseases of the Dog. 



CHAPTER VII. 

 DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



General Observations — Health and Disease — Pathology — Fever : Simple, 

 Symptomatic and Specific— Inflammation— Abscess— Serous Cyst— Preven- 

 tion of Disease— Classification of Disease. 



The public health is largely determined by the con- 

 dition of our domestic annuals, notably those which 

 mmistcr to the wants of mankuid as a provision for 

 daily lood. Although the djg does not hgure in the 

 general influences exerted in thac direction, he is in other 

 respects, as tne close companion ot mankind, capable of 

 developing somewnat dismal consequences. To main- 

 tain a uniiorm standard of health is an absolute neces- 

 sity ; otherwise, not that only, but the lives of the human 

 population are laid under serious peril. 



The knowledge acquired by companionship with bur 

 domestic animals is first evident in our judgment of their 

 being in health. Subsequently, and otten by mere intui- 

 tion, we discover the antithesis, and acquire the power to 

 interpret the sign language of disorder and disease. The 

 "Bloom ot Health" is a state which the experienced in 

 canine lore comprehend at a glance. The clear bright 

 eye, sleek coat, maintenance of general function, cool, 

 moist, and sweet odour of the mouth and breath, dewy 

 state of the muzzle and general vivacity, present- a spec- 

 tacle on winch a true lover of the lower animals will gaze 

 with unwearied delight. On the otner nand, the signs 

 of disorder are reauily comprehended by similar intelli- 

 gence. Tney are recognised by their being the reverse of 

 health and spirits. 1 he animal is dull, heavy and list- 

 less, the coat, having lost its sleek and glossy appearance, 

 is more or less dull, dry, harsh, or staring, and probably 

 fouled by accumulations of scurf and dirt which the 



