578 ACUTE GENERAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 



The cornea often presents the characteristic changes noted 

 in dog distemper. The bowel form is observed frequently, 

 and is characterized by vomiting, abdominal pain and later 

 severe diarrhea. The animal becomes emaciated, there is 

 marked weakness and a fall in temperature, which often 

 becomes subnormal. Convulsions and other nervous phe- 

 nomena are not commonly observed. 



Diagnosis.— The diagnosis depends upon the existence of 

 catarrhal symptoms involving the eyes and nose, the tem- 

 perature and the rapid emaciation and weakness. A 

 differential diagnosis should be made from hemorrhagic 

 septicemia. In this disease no catarrhal symptoms are 

 present, as a rule, but there is marked gastro-enteritis, and 

 the course is peracute. The mortality in hemorrhagic 

 septicemia is much higher. 



Prognosis. —The prognosis is bad. The mortality, how- 

 ever, is lower in cats than in dogs. The catarrhal form 

 involving the eyes, nasal passages and lungs is more favorable 

 than the bowel form. 



Treatment.— Hygienic— The animal should be kept in a 

 moderately warm place, free from draughts of air. The 

 room should be well ventilated, and every precaution taken 

 to prevent unnecessary exposure. 



Dietetic. —The appetite can be tempted by offering small 

 amounts of fresh lean meat, or liver at frequent intervals. 

 Milk should be allowed in small quantities. In case the 

 animal refuses food, it is advisable to give small quantities 

 of beef broth, or warm milk to maintain strength. 



Medical.— A laxative is given at the onset of the disease 

 (castor oil 4.0-12.0, or sulphur in milk 1.0-2.0). The eyes 

 should be cleansed daily with boric acid solution (2 per 

 cent.) to control the blennorrhea. The nasal passages can be 

 cleansed with a similar antiseptic solution. Small doses of 

 opium (tincture of opium 0.10-0.15) are often beneficial in 

 preventing the spread of the inflammation in the stomach 

 and bowels and to control the diarrhea. Sulphocarbolate 

 tablets are to be recommended as a bowel disinfectant 

 (0.1-0.2). When pneumonia threatens inhalations of warm 

 medicated solutions are valuable. Atropin sulphate (0.003) 



