GENERAL DROPSY. 35? 



without the slightest fear. The first should be mixed with molas- 

 ses, and a teaspoonful or two given occasionally. The second and 

 third are better mixed with butter, the dose being as much as can 

 be heaped upon a twenty-five cent piece. Spirits of turpentine is 

 without doubt the most efficacious of all worm medicines; but, if 

 not given with care, is apt to upset the health of the dog, by irritating 

 the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal, and of the kidneys 

 also. I am satisfied, however, that it is not necessary to give it in 

 its undiluted form, and that by mixing it with oil, its dangerous 

 qualities are altogether suppressed. I have known young puppies, 

 under two months of age, cleared of worms without the slightest in- 

 jury, by giving them from three to ten drops, according to their size, 

 in a teaspoonful of oil. The old plan was to tie up the turpentine hi 

 a piece of bladder, which is then to be given as a bolus ; but this is 

 either broken in the throat, causing suffocation by getting into the 

 windpipe, or it is dissolved in the stomach, which is then irritated 

 by the almost caustic nature of the turpentine. The ordinary 

 dose given in this way is from half a drachm to half an ounce, the 

 latter being only adapted to very strong and full- sized dogs. 

 Certainly it is very useful given in this way, if it does not irritate ; 

 but I should prefer the mixture with oil, though it is sometimes 

 rejected from the stomach. The leaves and oil of the male fern 

 are both very efficacious remedies, when obtained in a state of 

 purity. 



GENERAL DROPSY. 



General Dropsy consists, in serum infiltrated into the cellular 

 membrane, beneath the skin of the whole body, as shown by 

 swelling without redness, and " pitting " on the pressure of the 

 finger being removed. The immediate cause is to be looked for 

 either in general debility, by which the serum is not absorbed in 

 due course, or from defective action of the kidneys, by which the 

 blood is overcharged with it. More remotely, improper stimu- 

 lants or gross food will produce it, especially in foul and dirty 

 kennels, and in old and worn-out dogs when the liver is deficient 



