14 KENNEL DISEASES. 
form; and while it lasts the patient might without impropriety be considered 
merely ailing — not seriously ill. A chronic disease is one that is subacute, and 
has persisted as such for a considerable period. 
Proverbially the signs of inflammation, as when a hand or foot is inflamed, 
are redness, heat, pain, and swelling. The redness is owing to the excess of 
blood; the heat to the same cause, with also, probably, some increase of chemi- 
cal change in the part. Pain is not quite so clearly to be accounted for. Pres- 
sure on a nerve is known to cause it; and the excess of blood beating on a part 
at whose centre is stagnation must induce considerable pressure. The swelling 
of an inflamed part is also due in considerable degree to the accumulation of 
blood in it; and under the pressure of the heightened circulation some of the 
watery portion of the blood escapes from the blood-vessels into the substance of 
the parts affected, and thus contributes to the swelling. 
The most common and prominent symptoms that are generally exhibited 
when an acute attack of disease is on or near are as follows: — 
Increase in rapidity of the pulse; a chill, or chilly sensations, and fever; the 
nose is dry and hot; frequently the eyes are reddened; there may be restlessness, 
but oftener there is depression and evidences of general weakness; the desire 
for food is slight, if the appetite is not wholly lost, which is the rule; thirst is 
almost always present, and the lips and tongue somewhat dry; and in many 
cases vomiting occurs at least once, while in some it is repeated several times 
at quite frequent intervals, the matter raised after the first attack consisting 
largely of mucus or “slime.” The quantity of urine discharged is less than in 
health, and the color of that excretion is darker than normal; occasionally there 
is diarrhoea, but commonly constipation exists. Some change in the general 
appearance of the body may take place; and even if an attack has been on but 
for a few hours it may seem somewhat shrunken, the abdomen be tucked up, the 
back arched, the head carried stiffly to one side, or other notable peculiarity be 
presented. The expression is usually greatly changed and indicative of distress. 
The eyes wear an anxious look, and plead piteously for relief; they also show 
resentment and even utter despondency when it is not afforded. 
Most acute attacks are more or less painful, and if the victims are pampered 
pets, or very delicately constructed dogs, they likely give evidence of their suf- 
fering by whining or short, sharp cries. 
In diseases located within the chest, the breathing is modified and generally 
quickened. In some cases also the respiration is what is termed restrained or 
cautious, inspiration being shortened by the pain it produces. 
In most acute attacks of great severity the condition of the coat and skin 
speedily changes, and the former, instead of being glossy and smooth, is more 
or less staring; while the skin, losing its natural softness and elasticity, is soon 
dry and hard. 
Aside from the foregoing symptoms, which, as stated, are exhibited in nearly 
