192 DOGS: THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



tution is involved, and an operation would produce no 

 benefit, but hasten the death, while it added to the suf- 

 fering of the beast. The growth would be reproduced, 

 and its effects would be more violent ; consequently 

 nothing further can be done beyond supporting the sys- 

 tem, and alleviating any torture the animal may endure. 

 But if the body has improved, and the tumor has 

 remained stationary, or is suspected to be a little better, 

 the knife may be resorted to ; although the chance of 

 cure is rather against success. The age of the animal, 

 and the predisposition to throw out tumors of this 

 nature, are against the result ; for too frequently, after 

 the jaw has healed, some distant part is attacked with a 

 disease of a similar character. 



WORMING, as it is generally called, is often practised 

 upon dogs, and both Elaine and Youatt give directions 

 for its performance. I shall not follow their examples. 

 It is a needless, and therefore a cruel operation; and 

 though often requested to do so, I never will worm a dog. 

 Several persons, some high in rank, have been offended 

 by my refusal ; but my profession has obligations which 

 may not be infringed for the gratification of individuals. 

 People who talk of a worm in the tongue of a dog, only 

 show their ignorance, and by requesting it should be 

 removed, expose their want of feeling. 



Pups, when about half-grown, are sometimes seized 

 with an inclination to destroy all kinds of property. 

 Ladies are often vexed by discovering the havoc which 

 their little favorites have made with articles of millinery ; 



