CHAPTER IX.— THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



Ail the evidence available tends to show that the dog, 

 more than any other of our domesticated animals, is liable 

 to disorder of the nervous system, especially of the central 

 masses of the cerebro-spinal portion. The brain is specially 

 well developed in the species Canis, much more so, too, in 

 some breeds than in others.* Thus the ladies' toy terrier, 

 the pug, the Italian greyhound, and other fancy strains, 

 have larger brains in proportion to their bodies than have 

 dogs of the chase. In some this cerebral development is 

 all but abnormal, and is associated with high nervous 

 temperament, which must be taken into consideration both 

 in manipulation and treatment of the animal. There can 

 be no doubt that such dogs sometimes feign to be ill, that 

 they sometimes make simple cases seem very urgent by 

 their demeanour, that they require to be dealt with firmly 

 but gently, and not allowed to take advantage ; moreover, 

 we must regulate any doses and medicines used by careful 

 consideration of the special temperament of the patient. 

 A harsh word may throw a dog into convulsions, and 

 rough, hasty approach of the canine surgeon will often 

 bring about a most intense state of nervous excitement. 

 Newralgia, even, has been described in the bitch. Fleming 

 records the case of an Irish setter in which fits of howling 

 and screaming indicative of pain used to come on suddenly, 

 and the head was bent to one side when she moved. She 

 gradually rose up on her hind legs, fell backwards, and 

 lay howling for a considerable time. No cause could be 



* Master MacGrath, the celebrated Irish greyhound, had a very large brain 

 for a dog of his breed, but not exceptional for the species. Arloing has 

 utilised the conclusions arrived at by physiologists as to cerebral localisation 

 successfully for exact diagnosis of cerebral lesions in dogs. 



