ON THK D I ST KM PEK IN DOGS. 
501 
Superpurgation is easily induced by it ; and when diarrhoea is 
once established, absorbents and astringents are but of little 
avail in arresting its progress. I have, however, frequently suc- 
ceeded in arresting the purging by giving calomel and opium, 
conjointly, once or twice a-day, varying the proportions of each 
from the sixth of a grain to a grain. Probably this formula may 
be considered as an example of the advantage resulting from 
medicinal combination, as the specific action of the calomel be- 
comes lost, and an opposite effect is produced ; and by the ad- 
dition of compound cinnamon powder it is rendered stomachic. 
In protracted cases, and when all kinds of food have been 
refused, I have forced the dog with a little calves-foot jelly, to 
which has been added a small quantity of port wine ; but 
although this mode of treatment has occasionally succeeded, 
I conceive that it is not free from objection ; because we may 
reasonably suppose that, without the natural sensation of hunger, 
we are calling a passive organ into dangerous action, and the 
rapid distention of the abdomen which frequently ensues is 
sufficiently indicative of the derangement of function. 
Fits in distemper are generally unmanageable. The only suc- 
cessful case which I have met w ith is that of my own setter, and 
in him a strict antiphlogistic treatment succeeded. 
With respect to the “ yellow disease” I can say but little, as I 
have met with very few cases, and treated only one successfully ; 
and that was by giving, over-night, a full dose of calomel, with 
a sufficient quantity of opium to prevent its being carried off by 
the bowels, f and a croton-oil pill in the morning. But dissection 
leads me to regard this as an hepatic attack, and probably not 
connected with distemper ; as, in those subjects which I ex- 
amined after death, the observable unhealthy appearances were 
inflammatory action in the liver, and the mucous coat of the 
bow'els slightly injected, probably by the morbid biliary secretion. 
The usual post-mortem appearances in distemper are such as 
may be naturally expected in accordance with its varying symp- 
toms. 
In submitting to your readers the above practical remarks, or 
rather facts which have come under my observation, I wish it to 
be distinctly understood, that it is with a view to advance the 
progress of veterinary science, by promoting discussion through 
the medium of your Journal, and not from any supposition that 
I am suggesting a superior mode of treatment. Distemper has 
been hitherto and still is a sadly untractable disease in our faith- 
ful friend and companion, the dog. 
