3l8 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



In lumbago, the animal walks with its back arched, and 

 with a dragging paralytic gait, pressure or manipulation about 

 the loins causes intense pain, there is great disinclination to 

 move, the bowels are obstinately constipated, and the urine is 

 high colored, scanty, and turbid. 



Chest-founder, or kennel-lameness, is indicated by stiff- 

 ness and pain in the shoulders, the animal has difficulty in 

 extending its fore-legs, and when going downhill exhibits 

 much the same appearance as a horse with navicular disease 

 or laminitis. If the limbs are extended outwards, or laterally, 

 excruciating pain is caused. 



In both the latter forms considerable fever is present. 



Youatt observes, " This chest-founder is a singular com- 

 plaint, and often a pest in kennels that are built in low situa- 

 tions, and where bad management prevails ; where the hunts- 

 men or whippers-in are too often in a hurry to get home, and 

 turn their dogs into the kennel panting and hot ; where the 

 beds are not far enough from the floor, or the building, if it 

 should be in a sufficiently elevated situation, has yet a north- 

 ern aspect, and is unsheltered from the blast, chest-founder 

 prevails ; and I have known half the pack affected by it after 

 a severe run, the scent breast-high, and the morning unusually 

 cold." 



Treatment. — If rheumatism is due to the presence of lactic 

 acid, alkaline agents would appear to be those indicated in 

 the treatment of the disease, and in the majority of cases 

 under my own care I have found their use attended with 

 marked benefit. The nitrate of potass, lo to 15 grains, and 

 bicarbonate of soda, 20 to 30 grains, in proportion to the size 

 of the dog, should be given in a spoonful or two of water 

 twice or three times a day. 



A fixed rule of treatment, however, cannot be laid down 

 for every case of rheumatism : some cases from time to time 

 occur which will not yield to alkalies alone j the addition of 

 colchicum, 2 to 5 grains, is in such instances frequently of 

 great survice. Mercury — recommended by some authorities 



