THE DOCK 
530 
PROTRACTED LABOR. 
A healthy biteh very seldom has trouble in giving birth to a litter. The 
time may be prolonged in some and short in others, but, as a rule, it is best 
to allow nature to have its course. If, however, assistance is absolutely 
needed, a gentle manipulation may be made, and a few drops of ergot admin- 
istered. 
SPRAINS. 
Rub the injured part with 
Malt vinegar 1 ounce. 
Spirits vini et camp 2 ounces. 
Aqua 7 ounces. 
TO HARDEN TENDER FEET. 
Baths the feet daily involution white oak bark aud alum. Every other dav 
mb into the soles cosmoline. 
RABIES OR HYDROPHOBIA. 
The term rabies signifies madness, and hydrophobia fear of water. The 
fi*st is the appropriate name for this dread disease in dogs; the latter conveys 
the wrong idea, as a rabid animal does not in any manner fear water, nor does 
the sight of it bring on spasms. The inability to swallow water and the 
agony experienced in attempting it, results entirely on account of the inflamed 
condition of the throat and the closing of its passage. The cause of rabies is 
not known. Some writers charge it to the absence or deprivation of natural 
sexual intercourse on the part of the dog. It is notable that the number of 
males outnumbers that of females in very great proportion, and in rural 
districts bitch puppies are invariably destroyed owing to the fact of their 
trouble when in season, and the double tax imposed on their owners in the 
counties where they are kept, so that the argument is a reasonable one to say 
the least. Again, wild animals of the canine species, the wolf, fox, etc., ar.l 
never known to be affected with it unless innoculated. It may occur in a dog 
in cold as well as a hot climate, but hot weather seems to generate brain 
troubles. Symptoms: The dog becomes sullen, lias a desire to be alone, hides 
himself, and when called sneaks off to his retreat again. As the disease 
advances he begins to gnaw and pull at the woodwork of his kennel or sleeping- 
place. His eyes have a vacant expression, and will seem at times to be 
looking into the distance at some imaginary object. Small insects will be 
attentively observed by the sufferer, and will be intently followed in their move- 
ments; as they near him he will suddenly jump forward. and make an angry 
snap at the supposed offender, and then sneak off as if ashamed of himself. 
Thick saliva will now come from his lips, aud he will champ his jaws. As ti>« 
