324 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



side of the spine. Over the main portion of the head, 

 cold constantly applied in the form of cloths dipped in 

 ice- water and often changed, or the ice-cap ; bromide of 

 potassium given frequently ; the bowels well opened ; the 

 bladder relieved by a catheter, if the urine be retained, 

 etc. But the cold applications and bromides must be the 

 chief reliance in the acute stage. 



After effusion, iodide of potassium, good food, counter- 

 irritation, etc., are indicated. If there be convulsions at 

 any stage, in addition to the above belladonna may be 

 tried. 



If the heart be vigorous, chloral hydrate may be com- 

 bined with bromide of potassium at the outset, but not 

 continued, as it depresses the heart dangerously. 



When suhaciite or chronic the disease is difficult to 

 recognize, and the diagnosis is got at by a process of ex- 

 clusion. Stupidity, drowsiness, alteration of disposition, 

 twitchings, etc., should arouse suspicion. The history 

 may throw light on the case. 



The treatment should be as for the later stages of the 

 acute form. 



Hydrocephalus — "large head/' "water on the brain," 

 etc. — may occur in puppies owing to an excess of the fluid 

 of the ventricles of the brain, possibly related to chronic 

 inflammation. The prognosis is bad, though iodide of 

 potassium, tonics, etc., may be tried. 



Tetanus is a dreadful and generally fatal disease. It is 

 due to an irritable condition of the nerve-centers, now be- 

 lieved to be caused by specific germs, in most if not all 

 cases, which results in more or less constant discharges 

 from the motor-cells of the brain and spinal cord, giving 



