DOGS. ^ 103 



DISTEMPER. 



Cause. — The cause of distemper is a moot point. It 

 appears to be infectious sometimes and not at others. No doubt 

 it will be found to be due to some specific organism. There is 

 not much hope of a successful remedy being found until a 

 cultivated virus can be obtained with which to produce a 

 modified form which will give protection. 



With the earliest symptom, when it cannot be distinguished 

 from an ordinary cold, a dose of castor oil and syrup of buck- 

 thorn appears to do good, and as a remedy has stood the test 

 of time. 



It may be that the infective matter is taken into the stomach ; 

 and, if this is so, the clearing out of the contents of the 

 alimentary canal is rational treatment. 



Distemper, when developed, attacks the respiratory apparatus 

 at one time and the alimentary canal at another, while a third 

 and even worse form is that in which the spinal cord is affected. 



Treatment. — Palliation of the symptoms is about all that 

 can be secured ; good nursing, nutritious food, and plenty of 

 fresh air are necessary. 



The chest symptoms may be alleviated by rubbing in 

 EUiman's. 



The spinal form has, in many cases, derived great benefit 

 from daily applications of the EUiman's all along its course. 



Vaccination with calf vaccine is believed to be useful. Some 

 veterinary surgeons look upon distemper as canine smallpox, 

 and vaccinate as a preventive. 



DROPSY. 



The form of dropsy from which dogs suffer is abdominal 

 generally. 



Causes. — Obstruction of the portal circulation — that is, of 

 the liver. Worms, tumours, and degeneration of the liver 

 substance as the result of long-continued bad feeding. Lead 

 and other poisons have been known to induce it. 



