SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 117 



a more advanced stage of the disease, another will be almost sure 

 to follow, unless such an impression can be made as to cause a 

 counteraction. If a close observation is carried on, the symptoms 

 noted will enable the treatment to take the start of the attack. 

 First give an active emetic, and then follow that up by a brisk pur- 

 gative. Mr. Youatt recommends a full dose of calomel united with 

 opium : insert a seton in the neck, smearing the tape with blister- 

 ing ointment. Should repeated attacks succeed, give the follow- 

 ing to a medium sized dog every two hours, and half the quantity 

 to a small one, in a spoonful of ale : — 



JEiher 1 drachm 



Tincture of Opium half a drachm 



Camphor 6 grains 



Spirit of Hartshorn 1 drachm. 



Place the patient in a very warm bath, and retain him there twenty 

 minutes, keeping him also both warm and moist some hours after- 

 wards, by means of wrapping in flannel and placing before a fire : 

 avoid irritation, force nourishment, and endeavour to shorten every 

 fit, by sprinkling cold water in the face, and likewise by soothing 

 language and manner, which have often the happiest effect in lessen- 

 ing the force and duration of the convulsion. If these means 

 should fortunately succeed, continue to keep the animal quiet both 

 in temper and person, and particularly refrain from allowing active 

 exercise, which is very apt to bring on a recurrence of the fits. 

 See more on this subject in the article Epilepsy, Class II. 



The chorea of distemper is hardly less to be dreaded than the 

 epilepsy ; for if it is not so immediately fatal, it yet frequently leaves 

 the dog helpless and useless for life. As soon, therefore, as there 

 is any appearance of spasmodic twitchings, if the dog be not much 

 emaciated, or the nasal discharge -very great, insert a seton ; sti- 

 mulate the spine every day ; push a cordial tonic plan of medi- 



a judicious use of digitalis or foxglove. I gave every two hours from ten to 

 twenty drops of the tincture, according to the size and strength of my patient. 

 As few remedies act so powerfully in lessening sensorial irritation as this, I 

 would recommend a judicious and cautious trial of it. 



