DISEASES OF THE DOG. 26T 



the dog useless for purposes for which he was deoigned. This, in 

 theory, is simple, but requires some experience in practice. At times 

 one is obliged to blow hot and cold at the same time, lowering the dog 

 with one hand and propping him up with the other. Kemember, 

 always,, that this disease has a natural tendency to recovery, the efforts 

 of the powers of the system being to throw off a poison in the blood. 

 Nature, therefore, requires to be aided, not opposed ; the less inter- 

 ference witli her operations the greater your success. 



1. General Treatment — For the early stage give a mild dose of 

 aperient medicine, such as castor oil and syrup of poppies in equal 

 proportions. If the liver does not act give jalap and calomel. Avoid 

 giving calomel if there is plenty of bile in the evacuations. After the 

 early stage of the trouble is passed give no medicine. Keep the 

 kennel clean, dry, airy and warm, changing the litter often. Avoid 

 exercise till the running of the eyes and cough have ceased. Give 

 nourishing broths, thickened with rice, flour, or arrowroot, when there 

 is diarrhoea. If the bowels are confined give oat-meal. If there is 

 very little water passed give as a drench five or six grains of nitre,, 

 with half-teaspoonful of spirits of nitre every night. 



2. Head distemper requires energetic treatment in addition to the 

 above. From four to eight leeches may be applied to the inside of 

 the ears ; bathe the part with milk and water first. Then put in a 

 seton to the back of the neck, first smearing the tape with blistering 

 ointment. Apply cold water to the head if it is very much affected, 

 with a wet cloth or with a watering-pot. Give calomel and jalap to 

 act on the bowels and liver, also a pill (one-half grain to one grain 

 tartar emetic), twice a day. When the urgent symptoms have- 

 disappeared the dog will require supporting with beef tea and tonics. 



