408 The Management and Diseases of the Dog. 



and especially if the bitch is in the early period of CEsJ^rum 

 I will give one illustration out of many that have come 

 under my notice. Last autumn a valuable red Dachshund 

 bitch was brought to me that had gone astray to a cur the 

 previous day. I thoroughly syringed the womb with warm 

 soap and water, repeated in three hours, and again the 

 following morning. Three days afterwards. I obtained the 

 services of a good red Dachshund dog, and the bitch threw 

 four beautiful self-coloured puppies, two with red noses 

 like herself, and two with black like the father, without a 

 stain, at the proper period from the last connection. 



I advise this measure to veterinarians and canine fanciers 

 as the most simple and eiTectual I know. Warm soap and 

 water is better than alum if a subsequent connection at 

 that " oestrum " is intended, as it stimulates the function 

 whereas alum checks it. 



SORE FEET. 



This is often a troublesome complaint with dogs. Those 

 that travel long distances, following carriages, or accom- 

 panying sportsmen, are frequently affected. The thick 

 cuticle covering the sole or pad of the foot becomes worn 

 down, the deeper-seated structures are in consequence 

 bruised, and the foot becomes swollen, hot, and painful. 



Treatment. — This consists in warm fomentations and 

 poultices — bran, or bran and bread scalded together, are 

 the best agents for the latter ; linseed is too drawing. Where 

 the inflammatory action is excessive and the pain extreme, 

 the surface may be pricked in two or three places, and 

 leeches applied. 



If suppuration takes place, the matter should be evacu- 

 ated by lancing, and subsequently treated as for abscess. 



Aperient medicine is advisable, ze/z^;^ rest. To prevent 

 the animal tearing off the poultice, a wire muzzle should be 

 worn. The return to exercise should be gradual, and take 

 place on soft ground. 



