Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 45 



It is now pretty generally acknowledged that consolidated 

 lung is capable of regeneration, and I have had myself 

 practical experience of the fact. Dr. Chambers observes : 

 " I have no doubt, in my own mind, that the way in which 

 consolidated lung recovers is by the exudated fibrin breaking 

 down into pus, and being expectorated, whilst the obstructed 

 airvesicles regain their elasticity and capacity for performing 

 their functions. This is a strong argument for an ample 

 supply of nutriment during the regenerative process." 



CONSUMPTION. 



This decimating disease of mankind extends to the lower 

 animals, and dogs are frequently subjects in which its fatal 

 seeds are sown. 



Predisposing Catises. — Hereditary taint, close confine- 

 ment, bad air, unwholesome food, and breeding in and in 



Exciting Causes. — Preceding diseases, as distemper, pneu- 

 monia, catarrh, scrofula, asthma. Sudden changes of 

 temperature ; damp habitation. 



Symptoms. — Occasional cough ; short respiration, ac- 

 celerated during exertion, with increased cough ; failing 

 appetite ; loss of flesh. As the disease proceeds, profuse 

 expectoration takes place, the breatl> becomes foetid, great 

 prostration is manifest, the hair falls oif, diarrhoea sets in, 

 and the animal dies much in the same way as our own un- 

 fortunate species do. 



Treatment. — This can only be adopted so far as the 

 alleviation of suffering and the prolongation of life are 

 concerned : cure is injpossible. In the early stages a seton 

 in the chest, cod-liver oil and iron, nutritious diet, and the 

 avoidance of exposure to damp and cold, will often arrest 

 the progress of the disease ; in fact, if thus checked early, 

 it will assume a quiescent state, and remain so for a long 

 time, or even the natural period of canine existence. 



