262 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



found setons exceedingly valuable. If the convulsive move- 

 ments are confined to the hind parts, the seton should be in- 

 serted across the loins ; if general, at the back of the head 

 and loins. Counter-irritation along the spine is also service- 

 able. 



Though in principle the hot-bath, from its relaxing ten- 

 dency, may appear wrong, it is nevertheless in chorea occasion- 

 ally attended with considerable benefit. It certainly affords 

 relief in those cases where the convulsive movements are 

 excessive, and so far I have found no after evil from its use. 



The less the patient is disturbed the better ; particular 

 attention should be paid to the bed being dry and the bowels 

 regular — two great essentials in paralytic affections. When 

 abatement of the twitchings with returning strength is ob- 

 served, a favorable issue may be expected j but the medicine 

 should not be discontinued so long as any nervous affection 

 remains, and it should be gradually, not suddenly suspended. 

 When the patient is able to walk, a short exercise each day 

 may be given with benefit. The fresh air acts as a tonic, new 

 scenery diverts the mind, and exercise encourages the natural 

 habits and functions of the animal. 



Tinct. ferri and cod-liver oil is advisable after discontinu- 

 ing the strychnia, until recovery is complete. 



The diet throughout must be nourishing and digestible and 

 forcibly administered if the patient refuses to take it. 



Constipation is generally present in chorea, and is best 

 relieved with enemas. 



Occasionally rheumatism becomes associated with chorea 

 and then the heart is frequently complicated (see " Heart 

 Diseases "). In such cases a cure is hopeless, but under 

 judicious treatment and careful nursing the rheumatic and 

 chorea symptoms may be considerably modified, and the 

 animal's life thereby prolonged. 



