92 CANINE DISTEMPER 
a pure infection with the distemper organism. Here, 
again, in the case of empyema, the symptoms exhibited 
during life did not lead one to expect, as was found, the 
pleural cavities to be filled with pus, and the lung almost 
completely solidified or collapsed.” 
It has been asserted, and no doubt correctly, by many 
authorities whose opinions must command the utmost 
respect, that pneumonia is a complication of distemper ; 
but in consequence of its being so frequently in associa- 
tion with distemper I regard it as being a very con- 
firmatory and diagnostic symptom, even as are also the 
abdominal and other conditions. 
Nevertheless, individually none of them is charac- 
teristic, though two or three in combination should be 
sufficient evidence to expel all further doubts. 
Uncomplicated Distemper.—Uncomplicated distemper is 
thought to be a pure and simple catarrh of the respiratory 
mucous membranes—in fact, coryza—marked by a slight 
rise in temperature (1° F.), watery discharge from eyes 
and nose, and a husky cough. These three affections 
are found together in about 55 per cent. of cases, whilst 
cough may be observed in quite 90 per cent., which 
seems to prove that the primary infection is in the trachea 
and bronchi, and not in the nose. 
Eye Symptoms.—Ocular lesions may be conveniently 
described here, since their production is frequently 
brought about by the direct spread of infection from 
the nose va the nasal duct. When the secretions from 
the nose have become purulent, this duct is more or 
less occluded, with the result that the exit for tears is 
blocked, and it is possible that infection may rapidly 
spread along this channel. 
Conjunctivitis.—In a number of cases nothing more 
formidable than a watery effusion from the eyes is 
observed, accompanied by a great distaste for strong 
