INTRODUCTION 18 



abdominal viscera, or measles in the flesh. No food can 

 produce true mange, but stimulating articles of diet can 

 produce the rashes and congestions of the skin commonly 

 known as surfeits. Sick dogs seldom require washing 

 entirely, as do healthy dogs occasionally, but the patient 

 maybe much refreshened by careful cleaning of the natural 

 orifices with tepid water and by such slight grooming, in 

 the form of combing and brushing out the coat, as suffices 

 to prevent matting of the hair and the skin becoming foul. 

 The amount of attention to the skin must be carefully 

 regulated according to the case. Exercise, with care not 

 to weary the animal, should be given in the fresh air 

 whenever the case admits of it. Mayhew's remarks on 

 the examination of DOG patients are very much to the 

 point : " Petted dogs are best examined away from their 

 homes and in the absence of anyone who has been in the 

 habit of caressing them. ... I usually carry such 

 dogs into a room by myself, and commence by quickly but 

 gently lifting them off their legs and throwing them upon 

 their backs. This appears to take the creatures by 

 surprise, and a little assurance soon allays any fear which 

 the action may have excited. The dog seldom after 

 resists, but permits itself to be freely handled. Should, 

 however, any disposition to bite be exhibited, the hand 

 ought immediately to grasp the throat, nor should the 

 hold be relinquished until the creature is fully convinced 

 of the inutility of its malice, and thoroughly assured that 

 no injury is intended towards it. A few kind words, and 

 the absence of anything approaching to severity, will 

 generally accomplish the latter object in a short period." 

 The relations of diseases of the dog to those of other 

 animals, especially man, is a matter of importance upon 

 which we shall have sometimes to lay great stress; in 

 reference to rabies and parasitic diseases this branch of 

 our inquiry attains its greatest importance. 



