PUERPERAL FEVER. 173 
disinfectant while that remains, even if the solution is carried into the womb, 
which is never likely unless the injection is administered by a physician. Yet 
it should do some good, slight though it be, when used by non-professionals, 
and in a measure delay absorption, prevent the victim from losing ground 
rapidly, and favor the chances of natural or forced expulsion. 
Ergot is a uterine stimulant, and under certain conditions it acts admirably 
on the human family. On the canine, however, its effect is much less marked, 
and it is practically valueless in puerperal fever, for which it has often been 
prescribed, under the impression that by means of it the uterus can be made, in 
some degree, to free itself of retained material. But this is a delusion; for 
while that organ might be stimulated somewhat by the drug, the results would 
be disappointing, for in such cases the uterine contractions are irregular, and 
obstruct instead of favor expulsion of matters retained. 
Quinine and calomel should be the main reliance in the way of constitu- 
tional treatment, and these should be combined as follows: — 
Take of calomel ten grains and quinine eighty grains. Mix and divide into 
ten powders if the patient is of medium or large size, or into twenty powders if 
under medium size. 
One powder should be given every four hours; and caretakers will find the 
administration easiest if capsules are used. 
When there is high fever, it is advisable to resort to some antipyretic, and 
one of the safest of the most powerful is phenacetin, one or two grains of 
which, according to the size of the patient, might be given, with every powder 
of calomel and quinine, until the fever has greatly subsided. 
This should be the medicinal treatment until the end is certain, or marked 
signs of improvement are noted. 
From the very first, measures must be directed to the support and stimula- 
tion of the system, that it may make a good fight against the invading poison, 
and they should consist of as near absolute rest as possible, forced feeding, and 
the administration of whiskey. 
Milk and raw eggs stand high on the list of serviceable foods, and with 
them meat extracts and meat jellies. The latter, however, must not be con- 
founded with beef-tea, but should consist of the juices expressed after the 
meats have been heated only slightly — not cooked. 
The nourishment must be administered every two or three hours until 
improvement is noted. And the whiskey should be given at equally as short 
intervals, and preferably between the feedings. As for the doses of the stimu- 
lant, a tablespoonful for largest breeds and a teaspoonful for the smallest can 
be none too much. The fact must also be kept in sight that dogs will bear in 
this much greater quantities of stimulants than in ordinary diseases, therefore 
if there is a sign of rapid failure, even larger doses than those advised would 
likely be indicated. 
