374 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



cially as regards percussion and auscnltation of the chest, 

 60 that any departures from the existing state may be the 

 more readily appreciated, for much depends on an early 

 diagnosis of a complication and its prompt treatment. 



Treatment. — Two extreme positions have been taken 

 in regard to this disease — the one that there is some spe- 

 cific or means to cut it short, the other that all remedies, 

 or at least all medication, is utterly useless. 



It is true that distemper can not be aborted, but it is 

 equally true that the patient may be put under conditions 

 that favor his avoiding the rocks and quicksands and 

 reaching a harbor of safety. 



The sooner the notion that there is any specific for dis- 

 temper known at present is abandoned, the better. The 

 treatment of this disease may be resolved into providing 

 an environment most favorable to healthy life generally, 

 and the avoidance of complications ; in other words, pro- 

 viding as good hygienic surroundings as possible, with 

 suitable food, and meeting special conditions as they arise. 



All who have written intelligently on distemper are 

 agreed on certain points, such as that there is no specific 

 for the disease ; that careful nursing and feeding are of tlu 

 highest importance ; that strong purgatives are to be 

 avoided ; and that exercise is injurious. 



The dog should, of course, be isolated from all com- 

 panions, if possible in a separate building ; he should be 

 rendered comfortable, and especially guarded against cold. 

 In many cases a blanket or chest-jacket will be useful, 

 perhaps always in winter. Tliis is of vital importance, as 

 all sorts of chills are apt to aggravate symptoms and set 

 up complications. 



