108 Diseases of the Dog. 
CHAPTER VII. 
DISEASES OF THE DOG. 
General Observations — Health and Disease — Pathology — Fever: Simple, 
Symptomatic and Specific—Inflammation—Abscess—Serous Cyst—Preven- 
tion of Disease—Classification of Disease. 
THE public health is largely determined by the con- 
dition of our domestic animals, notably those which 
minister to the wants of mankind as a provision for 
daily food. Although the dog does not figure in the 
general influences exerted in that direction, he is in other 
respects, as the close companion of mankind, capable of 
developing somewhat dismal consequences. To main- 
tain a unitorm standard of health is an absolute neces- 
sity ; otherwise, not that only, but the lives ot the human 
population are laid under serious peril. 
The knowledge acquired by companionship with our 
domestic animals is first evident in our judgment of their 
being in health. Subsequently, and often by mere intui- 
tion, we discover the antithesis, and acquire the power to 
interpret the sign language of disorder and disease. The 
‘Bloom of Health” is a state which the experienced in 
canine lore comprehend at a glance. ‘The clear bright 
eye, sleek coat, maintenance of general function, cool, 
moist, and sweet odour of the mouth and breath, dewy 
state of the muzzle and general vivacity, present a spec- 
tacle on which a true lover of the lower animals will gaze 
with unwearied delight. On the otner hand, the signs: 
of disorder are readily comprehended by similar inteili- 
gence. ‘Tney are recognised by their being the reverse of 
health and spirits. ‘he animal is dull, heavy and list- 
less, the coat, having lost its sleek and glossy appearance, 
is more or less dull, dry, harsh, or staring, and probably 
fouled by accumulations of scurf and dirt which the 
