302 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



Occasionally this eruptive stage is the forerunner of a return 

 to health, but much more frequently it is the precursor of a 

 fatal issue. 



At this period of the disease, tonics are especially indicated, 

 and every thing in the shape of diet, exercise, cleanliness, etc., 

 calculated to promote vigor. 



When chorea or paralysis co-exist with distemper, remedies 

 specially adapted to either must be used in addition to, or in 

 conjunction' with, the distemper treatment. Strychnia or 

 nux vomica is undoubtedly the most effectual restorative 

 agent in such cases. 



It would be superfluous on my part, so far as scientific 

 persons are concerned, were I to hint at the care required in 

 the adminstration of this drug. I will merely observe, .for 

 the benefit of non-professional persons, that cases have fallen 

 under my notice in which deatli had resulted from irregularity 

 in the time of giving such medicine, and more particularly 

 where the dose had been for some time gradually increased 

 until it had reached more than treble the primary quantity. 

 Forgotten for some hours, or it may be a day, and then given 

 perhaps fasting, a fatal issue is pretty nearly certain to 

 follow. 



When there is any difficulty in administering the medicine 

 in the form of pills, the liquor strychnia may be conveniently 

 substituted. 



Local remedies in chorea and paralysis are often very 

 beneficial. I have found setons exceedingly valuable. If 

 the convulsive movements of the former, or the numbness of 

 the latter, are confined to the hind parts, the seton requires 

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

 and across the loins. Counter-irritation along the spine is 

 also serviceable, and galvanism is occasionally useful. 



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

 erties, may appear wrong, it is nevertheless, in chorea, 

 sometimes attended with good results. It certainly affords 

 relief when the convulsive twitchings are excessive, and so 



