320 The Management and Diseases of the Dog. 



There is, however, no analogy between the two. The dis- 

 temper eruption and loss of coat is simply owing to suspen- 

 sion of the secretions necessary to the growth and support 

 of the hair ; or if not actual suspension of these secretions, 

 then, from such an exceedingly low state of vitality of the 

 surface of the body, that life &nd health in the appendages 

 of certain parts cannot be maintained. 



Occasionally this eruptive stage is the forerunner of a 

 return to health, but much more frequently it is the precursor 

 of a fatal issue. 



At this period of the disease, tonics are especially indi- 

 cated, and everything in the shape of diet, exercise, cleanli- 

 ness, etc., calculated to promote vigour. 



When chorea or paralysis co-exist with distemper, 

 remedies specially adapted to either must be used in 

 addition to, or in conjunction with, the distemper treat- 

 ment. Strychnia or nux vomica is undoubtedly the most 

 effectual restorative agent in such cases. 



It would be superfluous on my part, so far as scientific 



its appearance was simply abominable. In a few days every vestige 

 of hair, with the exception of that on the head, ears, and lower part of 

 the legs, came off. He continued in this state for several weeks, the 

 skin being perfectly clean, and whqle, but very glazed. In every other 

 respect he improved daily and gained flesh. The owner and another 

 gentleman maintained that the dog had contracted mange ; nor could 

 I convince them to the contrary. In vain I argued the difference of 

 symptoms, and that as the system gained tone so would the patient 

 regain his coat. But no : the dog was removed, and placed out to 

 nurse in the hands of a dog-breaker— he also being of opinion it was 

 mange; and this worthy individual, according to his own account, 

 brought away that which the patient never in my possession possessed 

 — a hatful of worms. Some time afterwards I met the gentleman to 

 whom the animal belonged, and was asked if I recognised the dog he 

 had with him. Certainly, as my old patient, which he proved to be, I 

 did not; for he was clothed in an entirely new coat, and of an entirely 

 different colour— dark, nearly black, stubbly hair having taken the 

 place of the original silver-grey — the result, in all probability of the 

 dressing applied to the sensitive and weak skin. In this instance the 

 breaker claimed the cure which nature had wrought. 



