326 The Management and Diseases of the Dog. 



and the anus protruded and deeply injected, due to the 

 continual diarrhoea and straining. 



Causes. — Of these I havd invariably traced the leading 

 one to defective sanitary arrangements, notably the drain- 

 age ; dampness of the walls and floors through clogged 

 drains produces a condition of atmosphere favourable to 

 catarrhal symptoms, while the collection of effete matter, 

 particularly where the drains are untrapped, poisons the 

 atmosphere, and acts as a pyoemic agent on the inhabitants. 

 No more patent illustration of the value of a strict regard 

 to hygiene could be offered to canine fanciers than the 

 outbreaks I have alluded to. Too often the disease is 

 treated, and its founder neglected, to the disappointment 

 of employer and employed. The ^ite of kennels and their 

 drainage are matters of vital importance. 



Treatment. — Concerning the treatment of this malignant 

 type of disease, no hard-and-fast line can be laid down ; 

 generally speaking, the most valuable measures consist in 

 the inhalation of acid vapour, the administration of mineral 

 tonics and diffusible stimulants, a nutritive and mucilaginous 

 diet, counter-irritation to the throat (and the sides in chest 

 complication), antiseptics and disinfectants, complete isola- 

 tion, with warmth and dryness. Diphtheritic conditions 

 must be treated under that head ; the throat may be mopped 

 with warm carbolised water, and the tonsils painted daily 

 with tannic acid and glycerine, tincture of perchloride of 

 iron and glycerine, a weak solution of liquor chlorinated 

 soda, or nitrate of silver. Subsequently cod-liver oil, nux 

 vomica, quinine and steel, may be given. For the skin 

 rash nothing excels the oxide of zinc ointment prepared 

 with vaseline and sanitas oil. In all such cases the owner 

 of the animal will best consult his own interests, and that 

 of his dog, by calling in the aid of an experienced canine 

 pathologist. 



