DIPHTHERIA. 381 
virus having been obtained from man—this disease has been produced in 
dogs. More than all this, there is at least one well authenticated case on 
record in which diphtheria was transmitted from a man to a dog. 
The same preferences for certain localities is exhibited by diphtheria of 
dogs as that of mankind; and as a rule the false membrane first appears in 
some part of the throat, from which it very generally extends, and possibly 
involves the nostrils and, more than likely, the larynx. But in a small pro- 
portion of cases the nasal passages are first invaded, and extension goes on 
from there ; although in these the rule is that the disease throughout its course 
remains largely confined to the points of attack. 
While the danger from diphtheria is measured somewhat by its location, 
and the greatest exists where the windpipe is involved — for then speedy suffo- 
cation is almost inevitable — it cannot be estimated on this line alone, for there 
is blood-poisoning to be considered ; and that, indeed, seems the easiest where 
the disease is intrenched in the nasal cavities. 
The initial symptoms of diphtheria vary in different cases. Occasionally 
it commences with shivering, followed by quite high fever, thirst, loss of 
strength and marked restlessness; but this is exceptional, and the rule is that 
the disease sets in gradually and insidiously, and for twenty-four hours, at 
least, the victim is, to appearances, merely what the ordinary observer would 
term dumpish. 
With pets the first pronounced symptom which generally manifests itself is 
a very offensive breath; yet this is almost always construed as an evidence of 
‘¢ biliousness.” About the same time the glands in the neck begin to swell; 
but while in some instances the enlargement is soon sufficient to create an 
obvious deformity, especially in dogs of light build, usually it is not consider- 
able at first, and increases slowly and becomes very great only when blood- 
poisoning has occurred. The eyes are also watery and wear a dull, languid 
look; there is loss of appetite; and although the patient may come when 
called, his reluctance is plainly evident; nor is he easily aroused from his 
sluggish and drowsy state. 
Likely these are all the notable symptoms for the first two, or possibly 
three, days, when others are added which point plainly to the nasal cavities or 
throat. If the disease is limited to the former, its detection with absolute 
certainty is scarcely possible. However, it may be strongly suspected if the 
victim, presenting the foregoing symptoms, can only breathe through his 
mouth, and there is a copious discharge from the nose, which, at first watery, 
soon becomes foul-smelling, of a brownish color and mixed with blood. And 
if the parts before the eyes are puffed up, the chances that diphtheria is the 
cause of these various changes is greatly increased. 
When the disease is located in the throat, after the first three days the 
victim’s mouth is almost constantly open, and there is an abundant discharge 
