392 KENNEL DISEASES. 
The most pronounced symptom of the presence of the parasites is ascites, 
and those which precede it are not as a rule important or suggestive of the ex- 
citing cause. 
There is usually a cough of husky nature. The appetite generally remains 
fairly good until near the end, when it disappears. There is no fever. The 
character of the pulse varies in different cases. In some it may not fora long 
time be much affected, but eventually it becomes small, feeble and irregular, 
as the heart weakens. The bowels are scarcely disturbed. The quantity of 
urine is excessive ; and there is weakness in the back, over the kidneys, which 
may even approach paralysis. In time emaciation becomes very marked. 
One symptom, which is quite suggestive of the presence of the parasite, and 
which manifests itself before the ascites, is a peculiar shortness of the breath, 
which is intensified at times until there is a striking resemblance to the par- 
oxysms of asthma. The tongue and lips become livid after great exertion; and 
occasionally it is followed by a convulsion or urgent indications of suffocation. 
These parasites are quite common in Indian and Chinese dogs, also in dogs 
of the southern part of America, especially those used in hunting. 
Infection occurs through the mouth. The embryos are passed in the urine, 
and carried by the air or water into fields or swampy places, from which the 
parasite makes its way into the system with the drinking-water. 
Regarding the length of time victims live after infection, it depends on the 
number of parasites harbored and their location. While fatal symptoms may 
appear within a few weeks, in some cases their coming is delayed for a year 
or more. Generally the time is short after ascites appears, and the majority of 
victims succumb in from two to four weeks. 
Nothing can be done in cases in which dropsy is caused by the filaria; nor 
is treatment likely to be of lasting benefit when due to other causes, because 
the diseased conditions on which it depends are quite generally incurable. 
In attempting to remove a dropsical effusion it is usually advisable to 
employ a purgative, and the following acts quite speedily and well: 
Powdered jalap, one drachm; bitrate of potassium, six drachms. 
This should be divided into powders, in number corresponding to the size 
of the patient, as follows: 
For largest breeds, six powders; medium size, ten; fox terriers and the 
like, fifteen ; toys, twenty, 
One powder should be given every three hours until the bowels have acted 
freely ; and thereafter as often as necessary to keep them moving three or four 
times daily. 
The strength of the animal must determine how far these powders can 
be pushed. 
If too weak to bear a purgative, he may be given the infusion of digitalis, 
three or four times daily, as follows: 
