242 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



the dog's general health. Drugs should be used onlj 

 when urgently needed. In dilatation, digitalis is the most 

 useful single drug as regards the heart itself. 



However, every case must be treated on its merits 

 with the utmost discretion, and professional advice will be 

 valuable accordingly. 



DISEASES OF THE BLOOD-VESSELS. 



Aneurism is a local dilatation of an artery. It is said 

 to have been the cause of the death of the noted coursing 

 greyhound Master McGrath. Such a tumor is generally 

 preceded by a local weakening of the walls of the vessel, 

 owing to disease of one or more of the coats, and, in such 

 cases as that mentioned above, is caused by straining of 

 the vascular system. The prognosis is bad. 



Diagnosis. — Dullness over the area on percussion, ab- 

 normal respiration, pulse, heart's action, pain, etc., are the 

 most reliable signs. 



Treatment. — Absolute quiet, a diet as free from liquid 

 as possible, and iodide of potassium in gradually increas- 

 ing doses, have been most useful in human practice, and 

 might be imitated in the case of the dog. 



DISEASES OF VEINS. 



In old dogs dilatation of veins in the extremities is not 

 uncommon. 



Inflammation of veins {phlehitis), except in bitches 

 after whelping or following on blood-poisoning, is not 

 common. 



Diagnosis. — An alteration in the circulation, tender- 

 ness on pressure, with full veins in the neighborhood. 



