1 68 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES. OF THE DOG. 



Symptoms. — Increase of temperature, rigors, hurried respi- 

 ration, small frequent pulse, nose dry, mouth hot and slimy, 

 visible mucous membranes injected, extremities soon become 

 cold, coma speedily sets in, frequently accompanied by deli- 

 rium, and death quickly follows. 



Post-mortem examination. — *' In those cases in which death 

 has taken place, and an examination of the body has been 

 made, the local and essential lesions are found in the genital 

 organs and peritoneum, and when puerperal septiksemia has 

 been present, there are observed indications of general infec- 

 tion of the body. Decomposition sets in early, the tissues 

 are dark-green and'fcetid, and roeteorism is largely developed. 



" It is seldom, indeed, that the puerperal or septic inflam- 

 mation is limited to the mucous membrane. Nearly always 

 it extends to the submucous connective tissue [nietritis phleg- 

 monosd), which is infiltrated with an oedematous transudation ; 

 or it becomes the seat of acute inflammatory cedema,in which 

 the tissue swells, becomes tumid, and its interstices filled with 

 fluid, small cells, and 'a gelatinous, semi-solid material. The 

 muscular tissue is swollen and softened, and a dark fluid 

 flows from it." * 



Treatment. — In all cases of septic inflammation, prompt 

 measures both for the removal of the cause and effect are de- 

 manded. The former consists in cleansing, by injections of 

 warm water, those parts of the genitals upon which the in- 

 fecting material is present, and also disinfection of wounds or 

 abrasions. 



Fleming observes : " The genital canal should be thorough- 



perish from septikamia puerperalis. This appears to be due to the fact 

 that the puppy so retained quickly dies : owing to the shortness of the 

 umbilical cord, the early separation of the placenta, and birth taking place 

 in the amnion. The young creature also speedily putrefies, and the large 

 raw surface formed by the maternal placenta is a ready inlet for the di- 

 rect introduction of the septic material into the blood. Speedy death of 

 the bitch is the consequence."— Fleming's " Veterinary Obstetrics," p. 6391 

 * Ibid., pp. 635, 636. 



