DOGS I THEIR MANAGEMENT. 155 



support of nature, and the husbanding of those powers 

 which the malady is certain to prey upon : in proportion 

 as this is done, so will be the issue. In the very early 

 stage, purgatives or emetics are admissible. If a dog is 

 brought to me with reddened eyes, but no discharge, and 

 the owner does no more with regard to the animal than 

 complain of dulness, a want of appetite, and a desire to 

 creep to the warmth, then I give a mild emetic such as is 

 directed, page 119 ; and this I repeat for three successive 

 mornings ; on the fourth day administering a gentle 

 purge, as ordered, page 116. The tartar emetic solution 

 and purgative pills I employ for these purposes, in pre- 

 ference to castor oil or ipecacuanha, and during the same 

 time I prescribe the following pills : 



Ext. belladonna . . . Six to twenty-four grains. 



Nitre One to four scruples. 



Extract of gentian . . One to four drachms. 



Powdered quassia . . A sufficiency. 



Make into twenty -four pills, and give three daily; 

 choosing the lowest amount specified, or the intermediate 

 quantities, according to the size of the animal. 



Often under this treatment the disease will appear to 

 be suddenly cut short. With the action of the purgative, 

 or even before it has acted, all the symptoms will disap- 

 pear, and nothing remains which seems to say any further 

 treatment is required. I never rest here, for experience 

 has taught me that these appearances are deceptive, and 

 the disorder has a disposition to return. Consequently 



