212 CANINE DISTEMPER 
CONVALESCENCE ~ 
This matter, though last, is not least important, for it 
very often depends upon the care with which an animal is 
nursed through convalescence whether it will thoroughly 
regain its normal health and become robust and hardy, 
or whether it will succumb to a relapse, or linger on 
‘from month to month as a weakly, emaciated wreck. _ 
Asa dog shows increasing appetite and desire for solid 
foods, it is inadvisable to yield to its cravings too readily ; 
but any increase in quantity, or change from liquid to 
solid, should be effected with the tardiest graduation, 
remembering always that the animal has survived a most 
trying ordeal and emerged with every organ in a much 
reduced and delicate state, The jacket should not be 
removed until the last symptom has disappeared, and 
then only for short periods at first, which may be 
lengthened by degrees until it is discarded altogether. 
Exercise too should be only grudgingly allowed in the 
beginning, until it eventually becomes apparent that 
strength has returned to the limbs, and that the eee is 
not exhausted after activity. 
In all these matters one should be guided <itialy by 
what one would consider advisable or good for a human 
being who has been long confined to bed, the subject of 
a very debilitating and exhausting disease. 
The food should continue to be nourishing and easily. 
digestible, and should be administered little and often 
for a week or two, then gradually increased to normal in 
quality and frequency. 
No bathing should be undertaken until the ae is 
thoroughly strong and well. If the coat is much soiled, 
this had better be remedied by the use of dry shampoos 
applied with caution. 
Permit no draughts, walks in the rain, or any Sther 
