SPECIFrC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 115 



jectionable, on grounds stated in the general directions relative to 

 emetics (p. 86). Salt also should only be used for the purpose 

 when the articles already prescribed are not within reach. The 

 early insertion of a seton should depend on circumstances : if that 

 state of impatience of light noticed in the symptoms presents itself, 

 and the pupils look red within, and the cough is harsh, dry, and 

 frequent by all means insert one as soon as possible ; but if, 

 on the contrary, the discharge is become purulent and profuse, 

 and particularly if the dog be not strong, but is losing flesh daily, 

 by no means do so ; the indiscriminate use of setons in distemper 

 is calculated to do much harm. The same may be said oi purga- 

 tives, of which I would again remark, that while the dog is full 

 and his inflammatory symptoms run high, two or three moderate 

 purges are proper; see this subject at p. 86. Costiyeness must, 

 in all cases, be avoided ; but it is best combated by laxatives, exr 

 cept in the very early stages, when, as observed, a purgative is ad- 

 missible and highly proper; for unloading the bowels, like un- 

 loading the stomach, will tend greatly to lessen irritation and reduce 

 the inflammatory action of the heart and arteries : but at the same 

 time that, under these views, they are valuable agents, we must 

 not lose sight of the diarrhoea which is so fatal a symptom of the 

 disease, and which too free a use of them might tend to bring on. 

 These primary depleting means having been carried into effect, 

 proceed with the following : — 



Antimonial powder .2, 3, or 4 graips 



Nitrate of potash (nitre) 5, 10, or 15 grains 



Powdered ipecacuanha 2, 3, or 4 grains. 



Make into a ball with the minor, medium, or major quantities, ac- 

 cording to the size and age of the dog, and give two or three times 

 a-day, as the symptoms are more or less urgent; diminishing the 

 quantities if they occasion sickness. When the cough is very dis- 

 tressing, by which pneumonic symptoms may be apprehended, add 

 to each dose of these medicines from half a grain to a grain of di- 

 gitalis (foxglove). Should nothing new in the symptoms occur, it 



H 2 



