364 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



poultices — bran, or bran and bread scalded together, are the 

 best agents in the latter ; linseed is too drawing. Where the 

 inflammatory action is excessive and the pain extreme, the 

 surface may be pricked in two or three places, and leeches 

 applied. 



If suppuration takes place, the matter should be evacu- 

 ated by lancing, and subsequently treated as for abscess. 



Aperient medicine is advisable, with rest. To prevent the 

 animal tearing off the poultice, a wire muzzle should be worn. 

 The return to exercise should be gradual, and take place on 

 soft ground. 



OVER-GROWTH OF CLAWS. 



The claws occasionally (especially with dogs which have 

 but little walking exercise) become considerably elongated, 

 and, curving underneath, sometimes penetrate the pad of the 

 foot, causing intense pain and inflammation. 



Treatment. — This consists in shortening the claw with 

 sharp-cutting nippers, and poulticing the foot if injured. It 

 is not advisable to reduce the claws too much at first, but to 

 repeat the operation in a fortnight's time. The prevention 

 of a recurrence of such an abnormal condition, is in allowing 

 the animal a sufficient amount of liberty and exercise so as 

 to produce the wear necessary for their proper length and 

 shape. 



REMOVAL OF DEW-CLAW. 



The dew-claws or supplementarj' toes grow above the foot, 

 on the inside of the leg, and are apparently of but little use. 

 But as Youatt expresses it: " They are simply illustrations 

 of the uniformity of structure which prevails in all animals, 

 so far as is consistent with their destiny." Their presence, 

 however, especially in sporting dogs, is generally considered 



