I** RHEUMATISM. 



more instances of this disease than any other time of the year, 

 probably from the prevalence of easterly winds at that season^. 



The treatment of canine rheumatism should be as follows : — 

 In every instance the bowels must be particularly and promptly 

 attended to ; and in no way does this indication seem better effected 

 than by first placing the animal in warm water, and keeping him 

 there for a quarter of an hour, at the same time rubbing him well 

 over the affected parts. When taken out, wipe him dry ; wrap 

 him well up in a blanket, and place him within the warmth of a 

 fire : first, however, giving him the following : — 



Tincture of opium 20 drops 



Vitriolic aether 30 drops 



Castor oil 1 ounce. 



This quantity is proper for a middling sized dog, and may be 

 increased or diminished in strength at pleasure : should it not be 

 found to operate as a laxative, a clyster should be likewise admi- 

 nistered ; and, in default of that acting also, give the following 

 ball, increasing or diminishing its size and strength according to 

 circumstances : — 



Submuriate of mercury (calomel) 4 grains 



Powdered opium a quarter of a grain 



Oil of peppermint 1 drop 



Aloes 1 drachm. 



Make into a .ball with lard or butter, which give ; and, if neces- 

 sary, repeat every four hours till the bowels are perfectly open, 

 and keep them gently so by mild aperients for several days after, 

 or until amendment takes place. The affected parts must also be 

 embrocated two or three times a- day with either of the following: — 



* Dogs, particularly such as are closely domesticated, become peculiarly 

 open to atmospheric impressions. Any sudden change of weather, especially 

 from a dry to a moist state, may be seen in the depressed countenance and 

 listless manner of many of them. Many othei-s cannot be exposed to an 

 easterly wind, for a quarter of an hour even, without becoming affected with 

 rheumatism. 



