GENERAL DISEASES. 299 



that it is but the result of general derangement of the system, 

 consequent on improperly treated or neglected distemper. 



The symptoms are a yellow tinge of the eyes, visible 

 mucous membranes, and thin parts of the integtiment — as 

 inside the thighs, forearms and ears, and that covering the 

 abdomen ; pain on pressure over the region of the liver, and 

 sometimes enlargement, with hardness ; the fasces pale and 

 hard, or soft and greenish, and mingled with mucus ; the 

 urine high-colored, hot,j and occasionally turbid. 



The patient may or may not exhibit catarrhal symptoms 

 with jaundice. In distemper it most frequently follows the 

 former. 



A mild dose of aloes and calomel is generally at first ad- 

 visable, but in the administration of this we must be guided 

 by the other symptoms. If the catarrh is still present, or the 

 bowels irritable, aloes must certainly be avoided. • Five-grain 

 doses of hydrarg, cum creta may be given daily to a medium- 

 sized dog J and if this is found to be unattended with benefit, 

 sulphurous acid — from three to ten drops in a little cold 

 water — may be tried, as it is frequently given with success. 

 The addition of quinine is often useful. 



A mustard poultice applied over the region of the liver in 

 severe cases, affords considerable relief, and at the onset is 

 of especial service. 



The diet should be plain and light ; milk, with one-third 

 its quantity of lime water, is most suitable until an improve- 

 ment in the symptoms is observed. 



When the disease extends to the bowels — which, in negr 

 lected cases of distemper, or even in those most assiduously 

 attended, it frequently does — a violent form of diarrhoea or 

 dysentery sets in. The feeces are dark, streaked with blood, 

 and offensive ; the patient rapidly wastes, has a sickening 

 odor, and speedily dies, often under even the most energetic 

 and judicious treatment. A mild dose of oil (linseed or salad) 

 is generally at first advisable, and in three hours is best fol- 

 lowed up with antacids and astringents. 



