320 The Management and Diseases of the Dog. 
There is, however, no analogy between the two. The dis- 
temper eruption and loss of coat is simply owing to suspen- 
sion of the secretions necessary to the growth and support 
of the hair ; or if not actual suspension of these secretions 
then from such an exceedingly low state of vitality of the 
surface of the body, that life and health in the appendages 
of certain parts cannot be maintained. 
Occasionally this eruptive stage is the forerunner of a 
return to health, but much more frequently it is the precursor 
of a fatal issue. 
At this period of the disease, tonics are especially indi- 
cated, and everything in the shape of diet, exercise, cleanli- 
ness, etc., calculated to promote vigour. 
When chorea or paralysis co-exist with distemper, 
remedies specially adapted to either must be used in 
addition to, or in conjunction with, the distemper treat- 
ment. Strychnia or nux vomica is undoubtedly the most 
effectual restorative agent in such cases. 
It would be superfluous on my part, so far as scientific 
its appearance was simply abominable. In a few days every vestige 
of hair, with the exception of that on the head, ears, and lower fart of 
the legs, came off. He continued in this state for several weeks, the 
skin being perfectly clean, and whole, but very glazed. In every other 
respect he improved daily and gained flesh. The owner and another 
gentleman maintained that the dog had contracted mange; nor could 
I convince them to the contrary. Invain I argued the difference of 
symptoms, and that as the system gained tone so would the patient 
regain his coat. But no: the dog was removed, and placed out to 
nurse in the hands of a dog-breaker—he also being of opinion it was 
mange; and this worthy individual, according to his own account, 
brought away that which the patient never in my possession possessed 
—a hatful of worms. Some time afterwards I met the gentleman to 
whom the animal belonged, and was asked if I recognised the dog he 
had with him. Certainly, as my old patient, which he proved to ke, { 
did not; for he was clothed in an entirely new coat, and of an entirely 
different colour--dark, nearly black, stubbly hair having taken the 
place of. the original silver-grey—the result, in all probability of the 
dressing applied to the sensitive and weak skin. In this instance the 
breaker claimed the cure which nature had wrought. 
