20 THE DOOS OF THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 



in one fore-quarter when the dog begins to move, so that he bobs his head in a very 

 helpless way. Sometimes the twitch is slight and partial, at others it is almost 

 universal ; but it always goes off during sleep. Shaking palsy affects the whole 

 body, and is far more rare than chorea, which is fortunate, as I believe it to be 

 incapable of cure. 



The treatment of the several forms and sequels of distemper must always be 

 conducted upon the acknowledged principle that this is a most debilitating disease, 

 and that any very lowering measure must be avoided, if possible. On the other 

 hand, inflammation is always to be feared attacking either the brain, lungs, or 

 bowels ; and as bleeding and other remedies of a similar tendency form the most 

 active means for getting rid of inflammation, there is often left to the person in 

 charge only a choice between two dangers. Two things, therefore, are to be 

 attended to in the general treatment. 1st. Not only to avoid lowering the system, 

 but also in bad cases to support it by good diet, as far as is consistent with the 

 avoidance of the encouragement to inflammation. 2nd. To take especial care that 

 inflammation does not go far enough to destroy life, or to leave such organic change 

 in the brain or lungs as shall render the dog useless for the purposes to which he 

 is designed. This requires some experience in practice, though in theory it is simple 

 enough ; and, indeed, one is sometimes obliged to blow hot and cold at the same 

 time, lowering the dog with one hand and propping him with the other. It must 

 always be remembered, also, that this is a disease which has a natural tendency to 

 recovery, its essence being an effort of the powers of the system to throw off a poison 

 in the blood. Hence nature requires to be aided, not opposed ; and that man will 

 succeed the best in the long run who interferes the least with her operations. With 

 these preliminary observations I shall proceed to give special directions for the 

 treatment of each form. 



1. GENERAL TREATMENT. In the early stage give a mild dose of aperient 

 medicine, such as castor oil and syrup of poppies in equal proportions ; or, if the 

 liver is not acting, calomel and jalap. It is always better, however, to avoid giving 

 calomel if there is plenty of bile in the evacuations. After the early stage is gone 

 by, give nothing in the shape of medicine, but keep the kennel dry, clean, and airy, 

 but warm. Change the litter frequently, and avoid exercise till the cough and 

 running at the eyes have entirely ceased. For several days the diet should consist 

 of nourishing broths, thickened, when there is diarrhoea, with flour, rice, or arrow- 

 root ; or, if the bowels are confined, with oatmeal. If there is little water passed, 

 give every night (as a drench) five or six grains of nitre, with half a teaspoonful of 

 sweet spirits of nitre. 



2. HEAD DISTEMPER requires very energetic local treatment in addition to 

 that recommended above. From four to eight leeches may be applied to the inside 

 of the ears, washing the part well with milk and water first. Then put in a seton 

 to the back part of the neck, first smearing the tape with blistering ointment. If 

 the head is very much affected apply cold water to it by means of a wet cloth, or 

 if that is not allowed, by the watering-pot. Calomel and jalap must be given to act 

 on the liver and bowels, and a pill (consisting of half a grain to one grain of tartar 



