SYMPTOMS 103 
ception, which frequently leads to a fatal termination. 
Diarrheea in itself, provided it proves amenable to treat- 
ment and is not reducing the dog toa state of great weak- 
ness, need not be feared as a very serious sign ;.in fact, 
should an obstinate diarrhoea suddenly cease without 
apparent cause, it is viewed with some concern, as it is 
thought that the retention of poisons which would other- 
wise have been eliminated sets up a toxeemia which 
attacks the central nervous system, producing nervous 
manifestations such as chorea, convulsions, etc. 
Emaciation.—Emaciation is peculiarly typical of dis- 
temper, and has been observed by practically every 
writer on the subject. Rapid emaciation, with or with- 
out a very marked diarrhoea, is a symptom not to be 
overlooked. The dog may lie about in a listless manner 
for a week or two, losing flesh rapidly, with no marked 
temperature, or possibly with a subnormal one; some- 
times with a cough, now and then so slight as to be 
entirely overlooked, when suddenly it will develop a 
purulent discharge from the eyes and nose and die within 
a few days from a most virulent type of the disease. In 
such cases, even though of such short duration, the loss 
of flesh will often be remarkable. It can be noticed again 
and again, even in mild and favourable attacks, what a 
comparatively great loss of weight takes place, and severe 
symptoms do not appear to be essential to its incidence. 
After the discharges have made their appearance in the 
virulent and rapid types of distemper, the chances of 
recovery with any kind of treatment are practically zz/. 
Progressive wasting may be produced or encouraged by 
excessive purgation, and is certainly always the sequel 
to a long-continued debilitating diarrhcea. 
The putrid type of distemper often occurs as a complica- 
tion of what had previously been a benign attack, and in 
which we find the development of a marked debility, 
