DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 35 



ASTHMA (Congestive). 



This disease is due to congestion of the mucous membrane 

 of the bronchial tubes, and chiefly affects aged, highly-fed, 

 pampered house dogs, and those in the same condition out of 

 doors. 



Predisposing Causes. — Hereditary disposition, indigestion, 

 gastric and intestinal irritation. 



JExciting Causes. — Sudden changes of temperature ; flatu- 

 lency ; obstructed pneumonic circulation ; large accumula- 

 tions of fat, especially about the heart and large blood-vessels ; 

 pungent efHuvise, especially ammoniacal : hence dogs contin- 

 ually kept in foul stables being asthmatical. 



Symptoms. — Thick, labored, wheezing respiration ; husky 

 bark ; distress after exertion, with excessive panting, and 

 frequently palpitation ; Schneiderian membrane injected ; 

 flatulency and constipation. 



Treatment. — Remedial measures can only be adopted with 

 a view to alleviating the symptoms ; an absolute cure is out 

 of the question. The digestive organs demand special atten- 

 tion ; rich food, and that which is likely to produce flatulency 

 must be strictly avoided. Vegetable charcoal and iron, i 

 scruple of the former and 10 grains of the latter, made into a 

 pill and given three times a week, with an occasional olea- 

 ginous aperient, form as a rule the most effectual medicinal 

 treatment. If the animal is gross and the breathing difficult, 

 an ordinary emetic may be administered with benefit ; and to 

 ensure prolongation of life a gradual reduction of obesity, and 

 when reduced proportionately a fixed standard maintained, 

 is most necessary. If out of doors, the dryness, drainage, and 

 kennel situation are matters of importance. (See " Kennel 

 Arrangement.") 



