GENERAL DISEASES. 297 



When the eyes remain weak after recovery from distemper, 

 with opacity of vision, a seton inserted at the back of the 

 ears, and daily smeared with stimulating ointment, is of great 

 benefit. The time for its removal is to be regulated accord- 

 ing to the condition of the eyes ; here the third form of lotion 

 is useful. Frequently small circular depressions present 

 themselves on the cornea, which, if neglected, assume an ul- 

 cerated condition, and extend to the anterior chamber of the 

 eye. In such cases I have found a little calomel daily blown 

 on the surface of the eye, attended with the greatest success. 



I will now proceed to speak of distemper in some of its 

 more complicated forms. * 



It not unfrequently happens, particularly in house pets, 

 whose diminutive bodies are foolishly and unnaturally clothed 

 in miniature horse apparel, from their susceptibility to cold, 

 or from not being observed in time, that the catarrhal symp- 

 toms increase suddenly in intensity, bronchitis sets in, and 

 pneumonia speedily supervenes. The hot, rapid, gasping 

 breath, and unmistakable mucous rattle of the former, with, 

 on auscultation, the rasping crepitating rale in the latter, the 

 sunken eye, jerking and increased heart-beats, haggard face, 

 dilated nostrils, and mouth drawn back at the angles, soon 

 inform the practical man where the mischief is located. 



A seton, if not already inserted, should be placed imme- 

 diately in front of the chest, and its action excited as quickly 

 as possible. Turpentine is the best agent for this purpose. 



Hot linseed-meal poultices, applied to the sides, are ex- 

 ceedingly beneficial. They should be covered by a handker- 

 chief brought under the girth, and tied over the back, but not 

 too tightly, so as to compress the walls of the chest. These 

 should be repeatedly renewed, and followed, if tl^p animal is 

 not relieved in six hours, by mustard plasters. 



With regard to internal remedies, diffusible stimulants are 

 best adapted to such cases. I recommend the administra- 

 tion, to a small dog, of a teaspoonful of brandy and water 

 (equal parts of each), with two-four drops of chlorodyne. 



