DISEASES OF THE DOG. 265 



measures are improper. On the other hand, the pulse may be very 

 high and strong, and the breathing labored, which, together with 

 other unmistakable symptoms, require energetic and lowering treat- 

 ment. At this time, also, are developed those dangerous affections of 

 the brain, bowels, or liver, to which I have before alluded. When 

 this stage of prostration sets in the whole system is thoroughly pros- 

 trated, the dog is so weak that he is unable to stand, his strength is 

 almost entirely gone, so that he must be drenched to keep him alive. 

 The tongue, gums and teeth are coated with a black fur, and his 

 breath is highly offensive. At this time an eruption of the skin 

 shows itself sometimes consisting in mere purple spots, in others of 

 small bladders filled with yellow matter, but most frequently of 

 bladders varying in size from a pea to half the size of a hen's egg 

 containing matter more or less stained with purple blood, and some- 

 times blood alone. 



On the skin of the belly, and inside of the thighs, this eruption is 

 thickest, but sometimes extends to the whole body. It is considered 

 a favorable sign, taken by itself, though it generally attends severe 

 cases. Health gi'adually returns in the convalescence from malignant 

 distemper, but great care should be taken, or a relapse is apt to follow, 

 and is often fatal. In distinguishing the various forms of distemper 

 from the diseases that mosL resemble them, it is necessary to bear in 

 mind the peculiarity of distemper. In its malignant form, especially, 

 is the rapid tendency to loss of strength and flesh which accompanies 

 it. A common cold or cough is attended with slight fever, languor 

 and loss of appetite, yet it may go on for some days without the dog 

 losing much flesh, and with but small loss of strength. So with 

 ordinary diarrhoea — it requires a very severe attack to reduce a dog 

 anything like the same degree which a few days' distemper will cause. 



