Diseases , of the Nervous System. 285 



NOSTOMANIA. 



Nostomania, or home sickness, is frequently demon- 

 strated in dogs (especially those which have been much 

 petted, and of toy breeds), when illness, accident, or other 

 circumstances compel their removal to strange quarters and 

 new guardians. Under such conditions they may become 

 melancholic, refusing food, continually whining, , restless, 

 sleepless, and rapidly losing flesh. 



Thorough kindness, tempting food, daily exercise if 

 practicable, amusement, and constant companionship are 

 the measures indicated in such a case. These failing, the 

 patient should be returned home or to individuals it knows 

 and likes. 



It is the height of cruelty to place a tenderly reared dog, 

 of affectionate disposition, and high nervous sensibility with 

 a number of strange animals in a sick hospital. 



There are dogs and dogs ; but pet dogs enjoy a peculiar 

 distinction in the canine world. The lines of a pet dog 

 usually fall in pleasant places : he is indulged (not always, 

 wisely) beyond his fellows ; and being, in the majority of 

 . instance, under the protection of a lady, he may be looked 

 upon as an exceptionally lucky dog. No expense is spared, 

 no time or trouble grudged, to make his short life pleasant ; 

 and in the hour of sickness, care and attention, as that be- 

 stowed on a member of the human family (possibly more) 

 is freely and affectionately exercised. Unfortunately, how- 

 ever, cases occur in which the removal of the animal to 

 another sphere becomes necessary, and it is under such 

 circumstances that nostomania is developed, the new and 

 unpalatable surroundings having much to do with it. The 

 treatment therefore of a pet dog thus removed should first 

 be directed to a strict observance, so far as possible, of his 

 usual comforts. 



A kennel to a drawing-room dog is as a cell to a human 

 being, under analogous conditions ; and the approach of an 

 ordinary kennel attendant as that of a jailer. All indoor 



