THE DISTEMPER. 67 



instance, may be regarded as an inflammation of this membrane ; 

 which, if not timely removed extends down to the lungs, where 

 suppuration will soon be produced ; when the animal's eye will 

 become dull, accompanied shortly after by a mucous discharge, a 

 cough, and loss of appetite. As the disease advances it presents 

 various appearances, but is frequently attended with twitchings 

 about the head, while the animal becomes excessively weak in 

 the loins and hinder extremities ; indeed he appears completely 

 emaciated, and smells intolerably. At length, the twitchings 

 assume the appearance of convulsive fits, accompanied with 

 giddiness, which cause the dog to turn round : he has a constant 

 disposition to dung, with obstinate costiveness, or incessant 

 purging, 



On the first appearance of the symptoms which I have de- 

 scribed, I should recommend the dog to be bled,* and his body- 

 opened with a little castor oil : this will sometimes remove the 

 disease altogether, if applied the moment the first symptoms 

 appear. If, however, this treatment should not have the desir- 

 ed effect and a cough ensues, accompanied with a discharge at 

 the nose, give him from two grains to eight of tartar emetic 

 (according to the age and size of the dog) every other day. 

 Also a seton or blister on the side will be serviceable, if adopted 

 prior to suppuration of the lungs taking place. When the ner- 

 vous symptoms ensue, which I have already described, external 

 stimulants (such as sal-ammoniac and oil, equal parts) should 

 be rubbed along the course of the spinal marrow, and tonics 

 given internally, such as bark, &c. 



There are few game-keepers, who will not tell you, that they 

 can cure the distemper; and assume an air of mysterious secrecy 

 if questioned as to the remedy ; but they so frequently experi- 

 ence the inefficacy of their own receipt, as to place its infalli- 



* The quantity of blood taken to be regulated by the age and size of 

 the dog; 



