2'64 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



distemper. In old age, when the nerve force is as a natural 

 result weak, no treatment beyond attention to the secretory 

 and excretory functions is of service. 



The medicinal agent most effectual in paralysis is undoubt- 

 edly strychnia or nux vomica, and this, in chronic cases, 

 may be advantageously combined with iron, quinine, or both. 

 Nux vomica, which is perhaps the most convenient form of 

 administering strychnia, is prescribed in from i to 2 grains 

 twice daily, and may be gradually increased after the third or 

 fourth day, in proportion to the requirements of the case.* 

 The dose of iron (sulphate) is 5 to 10 grains, quinine i to 2 

 grains. 



Local measures are often serviceable in paralytic affections 

 as counter-irritation, setons, and galvanism. 



When walking, if only imperfectly performed, is within the 

 power of the animal, it should be daily but not tirijigly in- 

 sisted on. 



The diet should be nourishing, easy of digestion, and 

 slightly relaxing. 



In all cases of paralysis particular attention to the material 

 of which the bed is composed, and its dryness, is most essen- 

 tial. Straw, dried fern, or heather, form the most suitable 

 materials. Whichever is used should be on perforated 

 boarded floor, and as far removed from the ground as may be 

 necessary to health. (See " Kennel Arrangements.") 



When the affection is established in such a manner as to 

 render the animal helpless, the patient should not be allowed 

 to lie too long in one position, otherwise troublesome sores 



* It may be well, perhaps, to observe that in the administration of this 

 drug extreme care is required, particularly in the increase of the dose and 

 the times at which it is given. When any alteration is made in the quan- 

 tity, it should be very gradual. The best time for the patient to have it is 

 shortly after feeding, and the hour should always be the same. Negiect 

 in these matters has caused many fatal issues in what might otherwise have 

 been satisfactory cases. It is advisable, also, in leaving the medicine 

 off, to gradually and not suddenly suspend it. 



