REVIEW. 631 
mind to the study, and his hand to the practice, of canine 
pathology. 
“ Before Blaine collected and arranged the knowledge which existed con- 
cerning the diseases of the dog, canine pathology, as a separate or distinct 
branch of veterinary science, hardly existed. The task he accomplished ; 
but if after the lapse of years some of his opinions are found to be unsound, 
and some of his statements discovered to require correction, these circum- 
stances may be regarded as the natural consequences of progression, while 
they in no way deteriorate from the honour due to his name. Youatt en- 
larged and softened the teaching of his master, and by the liberality of his 
communications, and the gentleness of his example, improved and adorned 
the science to which he was attached. To others than these two great men 
I have no obligations to acknowledge. Bor their memories I take the 
opportunity of expressing the highest respect, and confess that to their 
instruction is fairly due any novelty which the present pages may contain ; 
since but for those advantages their teaching afforded, it is more than 
doubtful if I had perceived the facts herein made known. 
Before any mention is made of the diseases of the dog, it will be proper 
to take some notice of the temperament of the animal, as without regarding 
this the best selected medicines, or the most assiduous attention, may be of 
no avail. Any one who will observe the animal will soon be made aware of 
its excessive irritability. The nervous system in this creature is largely 
developed, and, exerting an influence over all its actions, gives character to 
the beast. The brain of the dog is seldom in repose, for even when asleep 
the twitching of the legs and the suppressed sounds which it emits inform 
us that it is dreaming. No animal is more actuated by the power of 
imagination. Who is there that has not seen the dog mistake objects 
during the dusk of the evening ? Delirium usually precedes its death, and 
nervous excitability is the common accompaniment of most of its disorders. 
To diseases of a cerebral or spinal character it is more liable than is any 
other domesticated animal. Its very bark is symbolical of its temperament, 
and its mode of attack energetically declares the excitability of its nature. 
The most fearful of all the diseases to which it is exposed (rabies), is essen- 
tially of a nervous character, and there are few of its disorders which do not 
terminate with symptoms indicative of cranial disturbance. This tendency 
to cerebral affections will, if properly considered, suggest those casual and 
appropriate acts which the dog in affliction may require, and which it would 
be impossible for any author fully to describe. Gentleness should at all 
times be practised ; but to be truly gentle the reader must understand it is 
imperative to be firm. Hesitation, to an irritable being, is, or soon becomes, 
positive torture.” 
Some tact and cunning are required in our conduct towards 
iC strange dogs,” to gain, if not their affection, still so much 
of their forbearance as will enable us to make the requisite 
examination of them, to make out their ailments. Mr. 
Mayhew^s directions in this case are such as denote the 
experienced practitioner. 
“ Strange dogs are not easily examined in their own homes, especially if 
they be favorites and their indulgent owners arc present. Like spoiled 
children, the beasts seem to be aware of all the advantages which the affee- 
