ON THE DISTEMPER IN DOGS. 
1 , 9 !) 
continually occur in which a knowledge of the diseases of dogs 
will be not only useful, but absolutely indispensable,* and they 
who have formed right views of the extent of their duty, and of 
their personal reputation and interest, and the claims of humanity, 
will avail themselves of every opportunity of rendering themselves 
acquainted with the structure, functions, and economy of all domes- 
ticated, animals , that the treatment of their diseases may be both 
efficient and successful. The course of instruction which was 
given at the Royal Veterinary College when I was a pupil, and 
which I understand is still pursued, is a subject of deep regret, 
because it is confined almost exclusively to the horse. I had 
hoped that our worthy professors would long ere this have filled 
up the chasm. It is fortunate, however, that veterinary students 
have the opportunity of attending lectures on the diseases of 
cattle, sheep, &c., at the London University, and thus laying a 
scientific basis on which to erect a superstructure extensive as 
the scope and bound of our art. 
As Mr. Youatt has shewn the degrees of severity which dis- 
temper assumes in the different breeds of dogs, the hereditary 
predisposition, atmospherical influence, its epidemic and endemic 
characters, and, also, its contagious character — and has proved 
that dogs of all ages are subject to its attack — I will not occcupy 
your pages by repetition ; but merely add my testimony as to the 
value of that gentleman’s elaborate statement, by saying that I 
have observed every symptom which he has so accurately de- 
scribed, and will pass on to enumerate some modifications of 
treatment which I have found successful. 
The distemper is an “ inflammation of the mucous membranes 
and when we recollect their extensive surfaces, and the various 
terminations of inflammatory action, we may in some measure 
account for its varying symptoms, and feel assured that no spe- 
cific remedy can be prescribed. At the commencement of an 
attack, a cure is often effected by bleeding, and giving the emetic 
of tartarized antimony and calomel, followed by the croton oil, 
which sits well on the dog’s stomach, and is both an efficacious 
purgative and a vermifuge : but if the febrile symptoms should run 
high, and the animal be in good condition, the digitalis, nitre, 
and nauseating doses of emetic tartar, may be given once a-day 
with advantage. Unfortunately, however, the veterinarian does 
not usually treat the disease in its primary stage. This probably 
is not so much owing to the comparatively small value of the 
animal as the influence of credulity, which induces the owner to 
repose implicit confidence either in some boasted specific remedy 
or absurd nostrum, until the animal becomes worn down bv 
