.268 DISEASE OF THE DOG. 



3. Chest Distemper — Should there be inflammation, it sometimes 

 becomes necessary to bleed, but it is better to avoid any such lowering 

 measure, and use antimony or ipecacuanha. Mix one grain of either 

 of these with half a grain of opium ; give twice or three times a day 

 If the trouble is long continued apply a blister to the chest, or rub in 

 mustard mixed with vinegar. Should the breathing be more rapid 

 than the pulse, stimulants will be required, such as the bark and am- 

 monia mixture in No. 5. 



4. Distemper of the belly, attended with purging, requires the use 

 of astringents. Opium is the best. The following has no equal : 

 Prepared chalk, two drams; laudanum, one once; mulcilage of acacia, 

 one ounce; tincture of ginger, two drams; water, five and one-half 

 ounces. Give a tablespoonful every time the bowls are relaxed. The 

 diet should consist of boiled rice with milk or broth, and in case of 

 much thirst give rice-water only. 



If the bowels are confined, and, as generally the case, attended 

 with " the yellows," take calomel, 3 grains to 5 grains ; rhubarb and 

 aloes, of each 5 grains to 10 grains. Mix and form into a ball with 

 water, giving twice a day until it acts freely. Should bile begin to 

 flow, there is still greater care required to avoid checking the diarrhoea 

 on the one hand, while on the other the exhaustion caused by it is 

 •often very great. Broth, thickened with rice or flour, must be given 

 often, by force if necessary. Where there is great exhaustion from 

 diarrhoea, arrow -root and port wine will prove beneficial. 



5. Malignant distemper is less difficult to control than that 

 in the head. The great thing is to avoid reducing the system in 

 the early stage. A mild dose of oil given as described in 

 No. 1 will be beneficial. After this, the less done the better till the 

 usual weakness shows itself. There is no chance of recovery 

 .unless by resorting to strong tonics and good food. For this 



