TYPHUS OF DOGS 579 



is useful to sustain the heart action. Good care and nour- 

 ishing food plays a very important role in the treatment of 

 cat distemper. 



TYPHUS OF DOGS. 



Canine Typhus. Hemorrhagic G astro-enteritis. 

 Dog Plague. Black Tongue. 



Definition.— An acute, infectious disease occurring in ah 

 epizootic form, characterized by a severe gastro-enteritis, 

 stomatitis, and in some cases severe nervous symptoms. 



Occurrence.— During the past few years this disease has 

 appeared as an epizootic in various sections of the United 

 States, producing extensive losses, particularly in old dogs. 

 In some districts it has made the breeding and handling of 

 dogs prohibitive. The disease has been disseminated by dog 

 shows, and follows in the wake of such exhibitions. 



Etiology.— The nature of the disease indicates that it is 

 produced by some specific infection. Up to the present 

 time the infectious agent has not been isolated. Experi- 

 mental inoculations with various organisms, which have 

 been isolated, have not proved that any of them are con- 

 stant in reproducing the disease in healthy "animals. In a 

 number of outbreaks in this country, old clogs were as com- 

 monly affected as young. Further, dogs which have had 

 distemper severely come down with this disease in a severe 

 form. The breed, or sex of the animal seems to have noth- 

 ing to do with its susceptibility. The infectious agent is 

 probably taken in with the food or drink. The disease is 

 spread by cohabitation, or by the infection being carried 

 by intermediate agents. The period of incubation is from 

 three to five days. 



Pathology.— The autopsy in this disease presents a rather 

 constant picture. The digestive tract is mainly involved. 

 The mucosa of the mouth is often inflamed; ulcers are 

 found in a number of cases, particularly noticeable along the 

 margin of gums'. In some cases extensive necrosis of the 

 buccal mucosa is found. The tongue is frequently thick- 



