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VETERINARY MEDICINE SERIES
No. 5
Edited by D. M. CAMPBELL, D. V. S.
CANINE MEDICINE
AND SURGERY
BY
CHAS. G. SAUNDERS, V.S., B. V. Se.
SENIOR PROFESSOR ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE, PROFESSOR
CANINE AND FELINE MEDICINE ONTARIO VETERINARY
COLLEGE, EDITOR CANINE DEPARTMENT AMER-
ICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDI-
CINE, O. C. No. 2 SEcT. CANADIAN
ARMY VETERINARY
Corps, Etc.
Chicago
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
1915
a te ; | ? a CopyricHt, 1915, bs
D. M. CAMPBELL
PREFACE
i: offering this little work to the profession the
author wishes to point out that it is published
mainly for the use of senior students and practi-
tioners. It presumes a knowledge of pathology,
histology and anatomy, and aims to deal only with
the clinical aspect of the various diseases. It does
not presume to be an encyclopedia, but deals merely
with the conditions commonly found in everyday
practice. If it succeeds in arousing more interest
in and deeper study of canine practice, the author
feels that his labor will not have been in vain.
Toronto, Ont. Ce Ges.
SENATOR VEST’S EULOGY ON THE DOG
The best friend a man has in this world may turn against
him and become his enemy. His son and daughter that he has
reared with loving care may become ungrateful. Those who are
nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness
and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The
money that a man has he may lose. It flies away from him when
he may need it most. Man's reputation may be sacrificed in a
moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to
fall on their knees and do us honor when success is with us may
be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its
cloud upon our heads. The one absolutely unselfish friend a man
may have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him,
the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is the dog.
A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health
and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, when the
winiry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may
be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food
to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter
with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his
pauper master as if he were a prince.
When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take
wings and reputation falls to pieces he is as constant in his love
as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives
the master forth an outcast into the world, friendless and homeless,
the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying
him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies,
and when the last scene of all comes and death takes his master
in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no
matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside
will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws and his
eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even
to death.
CONTENTS
PACE |
SECTION I.
CUA TOTES CURIS WTO cg SIG ee aa ik ee Ra
SECTION II.
DISEASES OF THE UPPER RESPIRATORY PASSAGES............
Simple Nasal Catarrh— Rhinitis — Coryza — Epis-
_taxis—Laryngitis—Chronic Laryngitis.
SECTION III.
DISEASES OF THE BRONCHI AND LUNGS... <¢ ..c/c csi see cee's
Bronchitis—Acute Bronchitis—Chronie Bronchitis
—Pneumonia—Lobar (Croupous) Pneumonia—Lobu-
lar (Catarrhal) Pneumonia.
SECTION IV.
RSMAS MOR UTETH ETM UR.) wie «ote ars
SpIritus; SUETIS: MILTOSI. Ji... wis 's/exs-oy s 0.0.808'e Min; xxx
LTHEUSTOMS DILCEUNT wcaleNs)e esyeidnr boaters, enaratesaleyns es drs. iv
M. Give four drams without water twice daily.
The cough may be regulated by one-fourth-grain
doses of codein sulphate every hour.
In the second stage an expectorant cough mixture
should be given, and stimulants as needed, of which
there is none better than 1-200 to 1-60 grain of
strychnin. Either of the following prescriptions
may be used with good results:
Pa ELeroin My OrOCHlOLIGI. isn oste et s\erbibis eo ee ess Spot
Syr. tolutani,
SCN FSC W IE CAE: Th SR BA VR Cee a, ni Ae Et IE drs. vi
PAU HUE OM LOMOLO GINS: s2\) 554 Ses ielal ade Wiel b teeta Sretecs ozs. Vi
M. Give two to four drams in water three times daily.
vam V ahh: TNCCACUAMMGO:) cies s cin c auc ew weet ae min. xii
Liquor ammonii acetatis,
SMC OMCs it vista tclara eiavelersiapece. eral erate eaten dr. ss
SA GSLCHUIE SRE RR sae RN eee eee min. xv
PAM Re ter Geert e Peatetd te atom ye vids, sola eeuescvere,». ia drs. iv
M. Give four drams three times daily.
Should the bronchial tubes become loaded with
mucus of which they are not able to rid themselves,
and the animal’s breathing becomes greatly dis-
tressed because of its interference with the passage
of air, an emetic, of which the most effective is one
thirtieth to one-tenth of a grain of apomorphin
hydrochlorid, will give great relief, often averting
suffocation.
The after-treatment consists of a liberal diet and
20 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
tonics, such as Blaud’s pills, one pill three times a
day, or a granule composed of
Be 4Stryehmim -arseniales nace soc 5 eee gr. 1-128
Iron arsenate,
Quininarsenate;, advan seek cee noe gr. 1-64
Nucléin’ solugion J c5..2cdtere ate eee ence min. iv
M. Give one half to three, three times daily, or give ferri
et quinine arsenas, two to ten grains, three times daily.
Chronic Bronchitis
This is a sequel to cases of acute bronchitis which,
owing to neglect or other reasons, merge into the
chronic. It runs a varied course of from a few weeks
to several months.
Symptoms.—Continual coughing and _ expectora- _
tion is a symptom of chronic bronchitis. The cough
is easily started by exertion or excitement, and the
expectorated matter is tenacious and often of an
offensive odor. The pulse and temperature as a
rule are disturbed but little, although in some cases
the latter may be slightly elevated. The animal’s
appetite is variable, and it generally loses flesh and
becomes more or less emaciated.
Treatment.—The treatment consists in controlling
the cough and the exhibition of expectorants, steam-
ing with stimulating medicated inhalations, and the
administration of tonics.
In this condition “Guaialyptol,” a combination of
guaiacol, eucalyptus, camphor, and phenic acid in
_ oil has a markedly beneficial effect upon the mu-
cous membrane and disinfects the entire respiratory
tract. Cod-liver oil is also a most valuable re-
constructive and should be given a trial. A liberal
diet must be prescribed, and, as in all diseases
of the organs of respiration, the importance of
proper hygienic conditions must not be overlooked.
PNEUMONIA 21
Pneumonia
Like bronchitis, inflammation of the substance of
the lungs is due to infection (pneumoccoccus, or
Diplococcus pneumonie, and various Streptococci
and Micrococci). ‘It may also be caused by the
spread of inflammation from other parts, as from
the bronchial tubes in bronchitis or from the pleura
in pleurisy. Again, it may be developed by the
direct action of mechanical or other irritation, such
as the inhalation of irritant gases or dust, or by
vomition; or it may spring from the presence of
emboli in the branches of the pulmonary artery or
oi: tubercles or clots in the lung tissue; it may
also occur as a complication of heart disease, kid-
ney disease, rheumatism, debilitating diseases, dis-
temper, tuberculosis, or echinococcosis.
“Cold and wet, unhealthful surroundings, and a
lowered vitality are undoubtedly — predisposing
causes. Clinically, in the dog we have to deal with
two forms of pneumonia, namely, lobar pneumonia,
which is of rare occurrence, and lobular pneumonia,
which is common. The words “diffuse” and “cir-
cumscribed,” however, might be used to better ad-
vantage, the type of the former variety being fur-
nished by the idiopathic affection; that of the latter
by the condition which is secondary to diseases of
the air passages. The two varieties, however,
merge into one another.
Lobar (Croupous) Pneumonia
This type begins with hyperemia of the small
vessels which are distributed in the walls of the air
cells and bronchial passages, a swelling and tend-
ency to proliferation of the epithelial cells of these
parts, and an exudation of serum and cellular ele-
ments of the blood. The air vesicles and passages
22 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
communicating with them gradually become filled
and finally distended with this exudate, the air in
them is expelled or absorbed by degrees, and the
affected lung tissue becomes solid and heavy. If
the parts be now examined microscopically, the
dilated blood vessels will be found crowded with
their corpuscular contents, and the alveoli full of
cells, all blended together into a common mass
either by an amorphous, glutinous cement, or by
a delicate, fibrillated network. With the progress
of the disease the contents of the air vesicles
liquefy and acquire a purulent character. This
liquefied exudate is removed partly by expectora-
tion and partly by gradual absorption. Occasion-
ally, however, this breaking up of the exudate is
followed by a breaking down of the lung substance,
abscess formation, and gangrene.
The progress of a case of pneumonia through its
various phases is quite gradual, but there are at
least three stages that are more or less well
marked. The first of these is the stage of en-
gorgement (congestion, hyperemia), the second that
of red hepatization, the third that of gray hepatiza-
tion. In the first stage the lung still contains air,
though in diminished quantity; it 1s deeply con-
gested, exudes more moisture than is natural, is
increased in weight, and is more friable than nor-
mal lung tissue. This condition of the lung tissue
is difficult to distinguish from hypostatic conges-
tion, for which it must not be mistaken if found
on autopsy. In the second Stage the lung is con-
solidated; the cells have lost their air and the
cavities are filled with adherent masses of cells;
it is distended to its full size, and its constituent
lobules are distinctly mapped out upon the sur-
face. In this stage the lung will sink in water
PNEUMONIA 23
and when sectioned it appears fairly dry and
slightly granular, presenting a marbled aspect
which is due to the intermixture of nearly colorless
inflammiatory extfdate and areas of congestion. The
third” stage differs from the second mainly in the
assumption by the affected lung tissue of a fairly
uniform, opaque, grayish, yellowish, or greenish
tinge, in its largely increased friability, and in the
ready exudation from the cut surface of a thick,
turbid, purulent fluid; in some cases this exudate
is comparatively scanty; in others it is so abund-
ant that the lung is like a sponge saturated with
pus. Since pneumonia tends to spread, it naturally
follows that different portions of the affected lung
often present well-marked differences of condition,
and that we occasionally find all the recognized
stages of pneumonia present at the same time in
the, same case.
Inflammation may involve the lung to a varied
extent; thus it may be limited to a section no
larger than a walnut or it may include the whole
lobe or even a whole lung; and further, it may
affect both lungs. The right lung is affected more
frequently than the left, and the lower lobe more
often than the upper.
Symptoms.—Although of somewhat rare occur-
rence, the symptoms of lobar pneumonia should be
known by the veterinarian. The disease is ushered
in with a day or two of lassitude and dullness,
anorexia, and restlessness. The invasion of the dis-
ease is generally marked by a rigor or a succession
of rigors, and the temperature rises to 104 or 106
degrees Fahrenheit; the respirations are increased,
in some cases up to sixty a minute. The breath-
ing is shallow and labored and accompanied by
more or less dyspnea; the cheeks are puffed out
24 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
at each expiration. -There is a short, dry, painful
cough. The pulse is full and bounding, running
at the rate of 150 to 190 a minute- during the
hyperemic stage, but becoming softer and weaker
but still fast in the second and third stages. In
cases approaching a favorable termination the
pulse gradually regains its normal tone and rate, but in
those cases that do not recover the pulse becomes
weaker and weaker, until it is barely perceptible.
While pneumonia is in progress the systemic
veins are apt to become overloaded and the mucous
membranes may assume a cyanotic tint, although
usually they are congested and of a reddish color.
Thirst is always increased, but loss of appetite is
invariable. The condition of the bowels varies, and
though the patient is usually constipated, some-
times there is more or less diarrhea. The urine
is scanty and dark colored.
In the first stage of lobar or croupous pneumonia
the most observable auscultatory phenomenon is
minute crepitation, which may be audible during
the whole of inspiration, sometimes during expira-
tion as well, and not: infrequently at the end of
a deep inspiration, such as that which precedes a
cough. In association with this there may be no
change or percussion or there may be high-pitched
resonance. The second stage is marked by the
supervention over the consolidated portion of the
lung of cessation of the fine crepitation and the
development in its place of well-marked tubular
breathing; when, however, the bronchial tubes lead-
ing to these consolidated areas are completely ob-
structed there is total absence of respiratory
sounds.
When pleurisy is coexistent with pneumonia, as
is often the case, the friction sound indicative of
PNEUMONIA 25
that condition will also be heard. At a later stage,
when the lung tissue is breaking down or resolu-
tion is taking place, tubular breathing gives way
to a sort of coarse crepitation to which the name
crepitatio redux has been given. This gradually
passes into the ordinary bronchitic rales.
The sputum expectorated is of little diagnostic
value in the dog, as it is almost invariably swal-
lowed immediately it is coughed up. It is, however,
at first transparent, very viscid, and tinged with
blood, later it loses its sanguineous tint and_be-
comes opaque and greenish, acquiring, in fact, a
mucopurulent character, and then gradually dimin-
ishes in quantity. In some cases, instead of
undergoing these changes, which may be regarded
as the normal changes, the sputum acquires a deep
purplish or reddish-brown tint, and at the same
time a more watery consistency. This form of
sputum has been likened to prune juice and is gen-
erally the sign not only of increased congestion
and escape of blood but of the onset of the third
stage. If attended by a disgusting fetor, it~ indi-
cates the onset of pulmonary gangrene. In either
case, it cannot but be regarded as an unfavorable
symptom.
Lobular (Catarrhal) Pneumonia
This is the commonest pneumonia of the dog.
In typical cases the lung is studded with pneu-
monic patches varying in size from that of a pea
to that of a walnut, each involving one or more
pulmonary lobules, circumscribed by the interlobu-
lar connective tissue and. separated from one an-
other by a network of still crepitant, and, it may be,
of perfectly healthy lung tissue. The pneumonic
patches may be in the hyperemic condition only,
in which case they may not be recognized or may
26 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
present the features of ordinary red or gray hepa-
tization.
Further, by an extension of “the ‘disease; ime
neighboring diseased areas may coalesce and thus
extensive tracts of lung tissue become involved.
Full lobular pneumonia is always secondary to the
blocking up of ‘air passages, and especially those
of capillary size; it may be excited either by the
gradual extension of the inflammatory process from
the tubes to the air vesicles, or by the entrance
into the vesicles during inspiration of the inflamma-
tory products of the tubes, which then act as irri-
tants and carriers of infection.
Closely related to lobular pneumonia is the dis-
seminated pneumonia due to obstruction of small
branches of the pulmonary artery, either by em-
bolism or thrombosis, or in the course of pyemia.
In these cases, as in the other, the affected areas
are of small size and limited by the margin of the
lobules. But there is a greater variety of result,
especially in pyemia; in which, while the affected
areas sometimes present simple hyperemia, or red
or gray hepatization, they not infrequently are the
seat of hemorrhage, or undergo rapid suppuration
or gangrene.
In all forms of pneumonia, even in such as are
not of bronchitic origin, there is a tendency to the
development sooner or later of bronchitis. But
apart from this there is a marked disposition early
in the course of pneumonia to the effusion into the
tubes from the inflamed air cells of a transparent,
very viscid fluid, uniformly stained with blood and
containing cells; and in some rare cases this fluid,
like that in the air cells whence it is derived, under-
goes coagulation in the bronchial tubes, which thus
PNEUMONIA 27
become filled to a greater or less extent with casts
consisting of coagulated fibrin and cells.
Fortunately, abscess formation is the exception
rather than the rule in lobular pneunionia, the dis-
ease seldom going beyond the third stage.
Gangrene seldom occurs in idiopathic pneumonia,
it being met with chiefly in those cases in which
the pneumonia is secondary to or complicated with
some other affection. It is characterized by the
breaking down of the lung tissue into a fetid,
dirty, greenish-yellow pulp, and by more or less
greenish discoloration of the surrounding consoli-
dated tissue. The gangrenous condition may involve
either an extensive tract of lung tissue of several
scattered areas or even a single small patch. The
complications of pneumonia are pleurisy, bronchitis,
icterus, and intestinal congestion. It is common to
find on autopsy the right side of the heart filled
with a fibrinous coagulum which is prolonged into
the pulmonary artery (antemortem clot), while the
left side is contracted and almost empty.
Symptoms.—The lobular type, the common pneu-
monia of the dog, attacks its victims insidiously
during the progress of some. other disease, such as
distemper or bronchitis. Its onset is not usually
marked by rigors or the violent circulatory dis-
turbances noted in the lobar form. In _ patients
suffering from bronchitis or distemper the super-
vention of this form of pneumonia may be sus-
pected by an aggravation of the respiratory dis-
turbance. The temperature mounts higher, the
respirations are more labored, and the puffing out
of the cheeks at each expiration more marked.
Auscultatory and percussive phenomena are not so
distinctive as in the idiopathic form, but apart from
its insidious approach, longer course, and greater
28 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
mortality, lobular pneumonia, with the exception
noted, presents the same clinical symptoms as the
idiopathic variety.
Treatment.—The treatment of pneumonia of either
the lobar or lobular, type, resolves itself into the
treatment of conditions found, and the upkeep of the
vital forces of the patient until the disease runs its
course.
The most modern method of treating pneumonia
is by the pneumobacterin and antipneumococcic
serum. The former combats the disease by raising
the opsonic index of the patient, thus enabling the
leukocytes to more effectually cope with the in-
vading organisms (active immunity), and should
be employed as soon as the diagnosis of pneumonia
is positive. It may be used in doses corresponding
to those used in human practice, namely twenty-
five to fifty million dead bacteria injected hypoder-
mically. It is not necessary to obtain the opsonic
index, as variations in the temperature constitute
a sufficient clinical guide. In cases responding to
bacterin treatment the temperature will fall after
the injection and then gradually rise again, when
another injection should be given. The antiserum
is used to neutralize the toxins already liberated
by the organism and often produces great ameliora-
tion of the symptoms (passive immunity).
One of the most important factors in treating
this, or for that matter, any other infectious dis-
ease, is to secure free elimination for both the
toxins produced by the infecting agents, and also
for those manufactured in the animal’s own ali-
mentary canal. In health these toxins are elimi-
nated or neutralized, and their producers kept under
control by the excretory organs and _ digestive
juices. In disease, on the other hand, the functions
PNEUMONIA 29
of the excretory organs and, in fact, the whole
mechanism of the body, is more or less interfered
with and thrown out of its normal equilibrium.
In other words, we have to deal not only with
toxins’ produced by the invading organisms, but
with toxins produced by the animal itself, that is,
with an autointoxication.
Thus free elimination, both by the intestinal
tract and the kidneys, must be maintained as the
most essential part of the treatment. This may
be accomplished by small doses of calomel, one-
fourth grain every two hours to effect, or until one
to two grains have been taken, and by the diuretic
mixture given for the treatment of bronchitis.
Constipation must never be allowed to persist.
In sthenic cases, with a full, bounding pulse,
the circulation must be equalized either by bleeding
or, better still, by small, repeated doses of 1-1600
to 1-800 grain of aconitin every thirty minutes to
effect, and then at intervals sufficient to keep the
pulse within bounds.
The same application to the chest wall as given
under bronchitis should be applied, or equal parts
of guaiacol and camphorated oil rubbed in and
the thorax covered with a padded jacket. Abundance
of fresh air should be allowed. The cough may be
controlled by the administration of codein, one-
fourth grain as required, and expectoration facili-
tated by. inhalations and expectorant mixtures.
Guaiacol is an extremely useful drug in this con-
dition, being an antipyretic, stimulant, and respira-
tory disinfectant.
In the second and third stages an ever-watchful
eye must be kept on the heart, and stimulants given
as conditions indicate. Strychnin, 1-200 to 1-60
grain, is the drug most useful here, and it may be
advantageously combined with 1-50 grain of digi-
30 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
talin. Throughout the illness the diet must be
light, nourishing, and easily digested. Milk, beef
tea, and small quantities of finely chopped raw beef
are appropriate articles of diet. In cases where the
animal refuses to eat at all, extract of meat, made
into pills, may be administered, or a teaspoonful
each of brandy and beef tea may be given every
two hours.
The after-treatment of pneumonia consists of
liberal diet, moderate exercise, and a good, iron
tonic.
In cases of pneumonia that take on a septic char-
acter due to secondary infection (pyogenic bac-
teria), all the usual symptoms are accentuated,
there is the addition of great prostration, and the
case only too often ends fatally. However, antt-
streptococcic serum in full and repeated doses has
in many cases saved life, and should be resorted
to as soon as the secondary infection is diagnosed.
Subcutaneous injections of camphor are particu-
larly useful in these cases and should be repeated’
as required. Thirty to sixty minims of spirit of
camphor may be given, or it may be given as fol-
lows:
Camphone. 22: S604 Sevens ot dae cog ean grs. Xv
EXtheris sulphunicit sn ceincwase oes dr. ss
Ole VOW Vee 5 xcs. s ho eon oe et COn he eee drs. ii
M. Inject fifteen to thirty minims, according to the cir-
cumstances.
Gangrene of the lung is often the sequel of the
secondary invasion in pneumonia and 1s_ nearly
always fatal, but the above treatment should be
persisted in, in the hope of inducing a favorable
termination,
See PONS bv
DISEASES OF THE PLEURZ
Pleurisy
(Inflammation of the Pleura; Pleuritis)
The disease is found in two forms, primary and
secondary pleuritis. The primary form is usually ,
caused by exposure to cold, especially when the
coat is wet, as in sporting dogs after swimming, or
running through wet underbrush. Secondary
pleurisy appears as a complication of other dis-
eases, such as pneumonia, pericarditis, peritonitis
(extending from the abdominal cavity through the
diaphragm), fractured ribs, punctured wounds of
the thorax, perforation of the esophagus by for-
eign bodies, tuberculosis, or pyemia.
Morbid Anatomy.—The pleura is dull and tume-
fied and very hyperemic. Its surface is roughened
by accumulations of fibrin and in appearance may
be likened to the surfaces of two pieces of bread
and butter that have been placed together and
then separated. When there is no accumulation of
fluid it is termed dry pleurisy, or pleuritis fibrinosa.
Usually, however, exudation takes place and an
accumulation of a serous fluid in which fibrinous
coagula float, is found between the pleural folds.
This pleuritic fluid, closely resembling blood serum,
contains cells, and, according to the number of red
blood corpuscles it contains, is of a straw color or
of a sanguineous color.
In secondary pleuritis, infection with pyogenic
organisms may take place and then the fluid be-
; 31
32 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
comes purulent, constituting the condition known
as septic pleuritis or empyema. In primary pleur-
itis the condition as a rule affects only one side of
the chest, while in secondary pleuritis it affects
both sides, but this is no hard and fast rule.
The prognosis in primary pleuritis is generally
favorable, though convalescence may be slow; that
of the secondary variety depends entirely on the
primary cause, or trauma.
Symptoms.—Pleurisy may or may not be ushered
in by rigors, but there is always malaise and great
stiffness in action, and disinclination to move or
bend the body, the condition being very painful.
The respiratory movements are painful and almost
entirely abdominal, the animal, on account of the
pain attending thoracic movement, trying to fix
the chest walls as much as possible. The constitu-
tional disturbance is great, thirst is greatly in-
creased, anorexia generally complete; the bowels
are costive; the urine is scanty, highly colored, and
contains albumin; the pulse is fast and wiry, the
temperature 104 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit; the
mucous membranes are congested.
Until the effusion has taken place percussion
yields negative results. Afterwards a dull sound
is heard up to the level of the accumulated fluid.
Auscultation reveals the characteristic friction
sounds of pleurisy, or later the fluid may be heard
splashing during respiration. Since the accumula-
tion of fluid in the pleural cavity compresses the
lung, sometimes to complete collapse, dyspnea is
always well marked when effusion has taken place,
and when the effusion is great symptoms of
asphyxia manifest themselves; the compression of
the heart and great blood vessels also leads to their .
disturbed and impaired action.
= tania
PLEURISY 33
Where the effusion is great in amount the inter-
costal spaces may be seen to bulge outward and
the whole side of the chest is thus altered in ap-
pearance. If empyema supervenes, the pulse be-
comes rapid and weak, and the temperature is inter-
mittent but always high. Sometimes, however, the
first indication of the empyemic condition is the
expectoration of pus or a pointing in an intercostal
space; as the evacuation of the pus in empyema
must not be delayed, every endeavor should be
made to diagnose it early. If the presence of pus
is at all suspected, an exploratory puncture should
be made,
Cough may or may not be present in pleurisy;
‘when present it is always painful, dry and sup-
pressed. —
Treatment.—At the onset of the disease there is
hardly any drug that will combat the pain and
fever and equalize the circulation better than
aconite or its alkaloid aconitin. Either may be ad-
ministered in small doses every fifteen minutes for
two hours, and then hourly, until the effusion takes
place. The tincture of aconite in two ‘minim
doses, or 1-800 grain of aconitin, or a defervescent
compound (aconitin, 1-800 grain; diditalin, 1-64
grain; veratrin, 1-128 grain), is perhaps the most
useful.
Aconitin, it must be remembered, is a. powerful
drug, and its frequent administration must be
stopped as soon as either the desired effect is pro-
duced or the physiological action of the drug
brought about, as manifested by the softening of
the pulse, champing movements of the jaws, and
general relaxation of the patient. When this has
been attained the dose is given at longer inter-
vals to maintain the effect. Counter-irritants should
34 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
be applied to the thoracic walls, either in the form
of cataplasma kaolini, or mustard or oleum sinapis,
and a firm Supporting bandage placed around the
chest to immobilize the ribs. The relief from pain
given by thus fixing the ribs is most marked.
When effusion has taken place, efforts must be
made to hasten its reabsorption and_ elimination.
This may be done by purgatives and diuretics. By
their alterative and diuretic actions potassium iodid
or ammonium iodid is of great service here.
Codein in one-fourth grain doses, repeated as re-
quired, will control the cough which, if present, is
always distressing. Where the effusion is so exces-
sive as to cause great difficulty in breathing, with
symptoms of asphyxia, paracentesis thoracis should
not be delayed, but promptly performed. The main
danger lies in delaying the operation after the
necessity for it is recognized, the patient’s vitality
then not. being sufficient for it to recuperate. The
after-treatment consists in protecting the animal
from exposure to cold and wet, liberal diet, and
a line of alterative and tonic treatment.
Hydrothorax
(Dropsy of the Thoracic Cavity)
Hydrothorax, strictly speaking, is true dropsy of
the chest, although the term has been loosely used
in connection with the effusion found in pleurisy.
Hydrothorax is a transudation, non-inflammatory in
origin, and is the result of some other pathologic
condition, such as cardiac or renal disease.
Symptoms.—A gradual filling up of the thoracic
cavity with the transuded fluid, with corresponding
difficulty in respiration, is the usual symptom of
hydrothorax. Percussion reveals a distinct level of
the fluid in the cavity, parallel to the horizon.
PLEURODYNIA 35
The normal respiratory sounds may be _ heard
above the level of the fluid, and indistinctly or not
at all below the level. Splashing sounds are also
in evidence. The other symptoms will depend upon
the primary condition.
Treatment.—Treatment for this disease is usually
unsatisfactory. It must first of all be directed to
the primary disease, and unless this can be diagnosed
and corrected the treatment of the hydrothorax can
be only palliative. It consists in the exhibition of
diuretics and in resorting to paracentesis thoracis.
This operation is harmless and may be repeatedly
performed to relieve the dyspnea, but as a rule
gives no permanent relief unless the primary cause
is curable. On the other hand, by its repeated per-
formance the life of an old favorite may often be
prolonged for a considerable time.
Pleurodynia
Pleurodynia is essentially rheumatism of the mus-
cular walls of the thorax. This exceedingly pain-
ful condition might possible be mistaken for pleurisy
unless a careful examination is made. It is due
undoubtedly to exposure to wet and cold, more
especially in rheumatic subjects.
Symptoms.—The animal is dull and listless, and
evinces pain on movement and upon being handled.
The breathing is shallow and abdominal, the patient
trying to use his respiratory muscles as little as
possible. When compelled to move, the animal
shows great stiffness and disinclination to bend the
body. The pulse may be a little more rapid than
normal, but has not the wiry characteristic of the
pulse in pleurisy. The temperature, as a rule, is
about normal, or a little above it. Auscultation and
percussion reveal nothing.
36 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
Treatment.—Counterirritants to the affected mus-
cles, capsicum linament or mustard, and the appli-
cation of the padded pneumonia jacket should be
resorted to. The region on.each side of the spine
should be palpated, and spots tender to pressure
should receive smart counterirritation. The patient
should receive a saline laxative, such as one to
four drams of magnesium sulphate, Its head being
kept elevated for twenty minutes after its admin-
istration to prevent’ it being vomited, and acetyl
salicylic acid in doses of five to fifteen grains.
Asperin (acetyl salicylic acid) is far superior to the
ordinary salicylates, because it is soluble only in
an alkaline medium and it does not cause the gas-
tric disturbances that other salicylates cause.
Bryonin, 1-20 to 1-40 grain, every two to six hours,
will usually give prompt relief.
In addition to the medical treatment, the patient
must be kept in a warm, dry kennel and not ex-
posed to cold or wet. The diet should be of a light
and easily digested nature, such as milk, oatmeal
porridge, or dog biscuit, while meat should be with-
held until the attack is over.
SCL bern ¥
DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, PHARYNX, AND
ESOPHAGUS
Stomatitis
TOMATITIS, or inflammation of the buccal
mucous membrane, is the result of either chem-
ical, thermal or mechanical irritants, and is often
a complication or symptom of some other disease
or condition. It is also common during teething,
and where there are decayed teeth.
Symptoms.—The patient is observed to be slow
and careful in eating, large pieces of food being
discarded and smaller portions bolted without mas-
tication. Salivation is a prominent symptom, the
saliva hanging out at the corners of the mouth in
glairy.strings. Upon examination the mucous mem-
brane of the mouth will be found to be red, swollen,
and inflamed, the amount of inflammation depend-
ing on the cause. In the case of corrosive poisons
having been taken into the mouth the mucous mem-
branes may be greatly eroded and hanging in
shreds, the gums and tongue are also inflamed and
tender, and ulcers sometimes appear on different
parts of the mouth.
Treatment.—The dog’s diet must consist of bland
and non-irritating liquids or mashes, such as soups,
milk, beef tea, bread and milk, and boiled rice;
plenty of cold water should be supplied constantly.
The mouth should be kept clean by means of
antiseptic and mild astringent washes, applied either
with a camel’s-hair brush or an atomizer; decayed
37
38 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
and loose teeth must be removed and the tartar
cleaned from the remaining teeth. In teething, the
inflamed gums may be lanced.
Any of the following solutions constitutes a useful
mouth wash for this ‘condition:
1. Potassium permanganate, one-per-cent solution.
2. Peroxid of hydrogen, one to five parts water.
3. Borax, 130 grains; sodium bicarbonate, 130
grains; carbolic acid, twenty-five grains; glycerin, five
one-half drams, and water to make twenty fluid
ounces.
Ulcers may be touched with tincture of iodin or
a strong solution of alum. The tender gums may
be painted with a tincture of myrrh, or one part
tannic acid to four parts glycerin.
Stomatitis Ulcerosa, or Necrotic Stomatitis
This condition is a necrotic inflammation of the
mucous membrane of the mouth. It attacks the
gums more frequently than other parts.
Cause.—This serious condition is generally seen
in old, debilitated dogs and in weakly, anemic, and
pampered animals of all ages. It is usually associ-
ated with decayed teeth, and is no doubt due to
some microorganism, probably the Bacillus necro-
phorus, or possibly to various organisms. It is
possible that the “Black Tongue” of the Southern
states is a modified (intestinal), type of this same
infection.
Symptoms.—The gums in the neighborhood of
certain teeth become swollen, red, and painful to
the touch. In a day or so there is marked increase
of the swelling, and the affected gum is of a dark
red, brown-red, or of a purplish hue, while the tis-
sue affected is spongy, bleeds on the slightest pres-
sure, and is seen to have receded from the teeth.
Later, beginning with the swollen region next to
STOMATITIS 39
the teeth, the affected part takes on a yellowish
or greenish-yellow color. This necrotic tissue is of
a pulpy, greasy consistency, and if removed, either
by the sloughing process or by force, leaves a
large ulcer about one sixteenth of an inch deep,
with irregular, ragged edges.
The walls of the ulcer are hard and hyperemic
and raised above the general surface of the gum. As
the gangrenous process proceeds, abscesses form in
the alveolar process, and the teeth become loose
and fall out; in extreme cases, the jaw itself may
become necrotic and portions of the bone exfoliate.
The morbid process extends from the gums to the
lips and to the cheek, corners of the mouth, an
in rare cases to the tongue. There is always a
profuse salivation, the discharge being ropy, glairy,
blood-stained, and of an intolerably fetid odor.
There is usually a rise of temperature to 103 degrees
Fahrenheit, or even higher if septic absorption takes
place, in which case the patient usually dies of
septicemia.
The appetite is generally good, although mastica-
tion is both painful and difficult. In cases that run
a benign course the necrosis is usually confined to
the mucous membrane, and after the separation of
the slough, the ulcers heal rapidly, often being entire-
ly well in from eight to ten days. In the case of old,
debilitated subjects the disease more often assumes
a malignant type, the gangrenous and necrotic proc-
esses extend rapidly, and the animal dies from
septic absorption.
Treatment.—All loose and decayed teeth must
first be extracted and abscesses evacuated. The
mouth must be frequently swabbed with a deodorant
mouth wash, such as potassium permanganate in
one-per-cent solution or hydrogen peroxid, and after-
40 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
wards strong disinfectants applied. Creolin in two-
per-cent solution, painted on with a camel’s-hair
brush, is most effectual. Lugol’s solution* of iodin
applied in the same manner often gives good re-
sults, and touching up the ulcers with caustics is
also effective. Internally the patient should receive
an occasional laxative and an iron tonic, Nuclein
(eight minims hypodermically twice daily) should
be given from the beginning of the treatment, and
the animal’s strength kept up by a liberal and easily
digested diet.
Glossitis
Inflammation of the tongue is usually the
result of injury by foreign bodies becoming em-
bedded in or lacerating the substances of the tongue.
Among the common causes of this condition may
be mentioned spicules of bone that become lodged
between the molar teeth, elastic bands placed around
the tongue either by children in play or by some
malicious person, irritant medicines, and caustics,
new growths (carcinoma, sarcoma), etc.
Symptoms.—The animal shows difficulty in mas-
tication and in lapping water. Salivation is pres-
ent, the tongue is red, swollen,.and tender, and the
breath is often offensive.
Treatment.—A careful examination of the tongue
must be made for foreign bodies, which, if present,
must be removed. The teeth must also be examined
for particles of bone wedged between them, and if
any are found they must be removed. Wounds of
the tongue heal with remarkable rapidity, and often
the removal of the cause and the use of some mild
antiseptic mouth wash complete the cure.
*Lugol’s solution consists of: Iodin 5 parts; potassium iodid 10
parts; water q. s. 100 parts.
EPULIS 41
Ranula
Ranula is a large, fluctuating swelling which ap-
pears at the lateral or under surface of the tongue,
usually near the frenum. It is painful, produces
profuse salivation, and may attain such size as to
prevent the complete closure of the mouth.
Cause.—This trouble is due to the blocking up
or closure of the mucous gland and the consequent
enlargement of the gland. An obstruction of Whar-
ton’s duct sometimes produces a similar condition.
The contents of ranule are of a thick, glairy,
mucoid nature.
Treatment.—This should be surgical, the instru-
ments required are a mouth speculum, a_ small
scalpel, scissors, and tissue forceps. The instrument
having been sterilized by boiling for twenty min-
‘utes, the mouth is fixed open with a mouth specu-
lum and the tongue drawn into such a position as to
place the ranula in the most suitable situation for
removal. The sac is then punctured with the
scalpel and the whole of the wall dissected out;
unless this is thoroughly done, the ranula will recur.
After-treatment consists in washing out the wound
three or four times a day with an antiseptic and
astringent mouth wash. Boracic*acid, ten grains to
the ounce, and chinosol, one-half*grain to the ounce
of water, make useful antiseptic washes.
Epulis
This name is given to a hard, smooth, periosteal
tumor which appears on the gums at the edge of
the alveoli. There may be only one tumor, or they
may be numerous, and may be benign or malig-
nant in character. Unless these tumors cause pain
and undue inconvenience in eating it is better not
to interfere with them. If an operation is decided
upon, they may be removed with a scalpel or scis-
42 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
sors and the hemorrhage controlled by styptics.
Occasionally a bony attachment may be found, in
which cases bone forceps will be necessary to com-
plete their removal.
Papilloma or Wart
Papillomas are often multiple, and may cover
nearly the entire surface or the mucous membrane
of the lips.
Cause.—These tumors are of infectious origin.
Treatment.—In many instances papillomas disap-
pear spontaneously without treatment, and the ani-
mal is immune against a second infection. Where
they are very numerous, local applications of a satu-
rated tannic-acid solution should be applied and
Fowler’s solution given internally for at least a
month before resorting to surgical means. If, how-
ever, there are only a few tumors present, or the
above treatment is futile, they may be removed by
ligature or with the thermo cautery. It is best not
to excise them with the scalpel or scissors, as the
blood may infect a new area.
Tumors of the Mouth
The new growths met with in the mouth and
pharynx of the dog are mostly carcinoma, sarcoma,
and adenoma. Usually they are found affecting the
‘soft palate, the pharynx, and the vicinity of the
tonsils, sometimes even invading the eustachian
tubes. The cause of new growths is unknown.
Symptoms.—At first the patient shows some diffi-
culty in swallowing, and the appetite may be capri-
cous. Upon examination the growth may be dis-
covered or, if deep seated, an unhealthy looking
ulcer with ragged edges may be seen. This may be
mistaken for an injury caused by a bone or some
other foreign body, but the involvement of the
TEETH 43
neighboring lymphatic glands and the non-response
to treatment in time reveal its true character. The
diagnosis may be absolutely confirmed if a small
portion be excised and submitted to an_ expert
pathologist for microscopic examination. In all
cases there is rapid emaciation, and sooner or later
death relieves the sufferer.
Treatment.—There is no successful treatment for
this condition. Surgical interference appears to
stimulate the malignant properties of these neoplasms,
and the most humane course, once the diagnosis of
malignancy is positive, is to end the animal’s suffer-
ing by an overdose of chloroform.
Harelip and Cleft Palate
These congenital malformations may occur con-
jointly or singly, and are serious defects. More
especially is this true of the latter, as it is impos?
sible for the puppy to feed in the natural way and
it has to be fed from a feeding bottle with a nipple
large enough to reach to the back of the mouth.
A harelip “may be double or single. A.~cleft
palate may be wide or narrow, existing either in
the anterior or posterior portion of the mouth, or
it may extend the whole length.
Treatment.—The treatment is surgical, and con-
sists of scarifying the edges of the lips or palate
and uniting them by sutures. The details of this
operation are given in Part II (see page 191).
The Teeth
The dog has forty-two teeth, formulated thus:
i. 3-3 Ge 1-1) apm, 4-40 mi2-2 42
3-3 1-1 4-4 3-3
INCISORS CANINES PREMOLARS MOLARS
JAW. Lip i i fs oe 1; Tis 1;
Upper .....3 3 1 af 4 4 2 2
Lower ....3 3 1 il 4 4 3 3
44 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
The first incisors and the canines, and the second,
third, and fourth molars appear in the dog at the
end of five weeks. The permanent teeth begin to
appear about the third or fourth month; the canine
and middle incisors about the fourth month, and
the remaining incisors at the end of five months,
as well as the second, third, and fourth molars, the
fifth molar about five months, the sixth about the
sixth month, and the seventh about the end of the
seventh month. Then the dog has a “full mouth”
at the end of the seventh month.
During teething the gums become red and tender
and the flow of saliva is increased. In some case3
the appetite may be entirely suspended and convul-
sions may occur from reflex nervous irritation. In
such cases the proper treatment is the administra-
tion of simple sedatives, such as potassium bromid
(five grains three times daily), and scarification of
the gums.
Tartar
Tartar is a calcareous deposit on the neck of the
tooth at the border of the gums. It is deposited
chiefly around the canine and molar teeth, and
causes great irritation of the gums, sometimes even
loosening the teeth and giving the breath an offen-
sive odor. ‘Tartar should be removed by scraping
the tooth with a specially constructed instrument
termed a “scaler,” the mouth either \being closed
with a tape or kept open by means of mouth specu-
lum. In powerful, violent patients a general anes-
thetic may be necessary to facilitate the operation
of removal. The teeth should then be cleaned with
a toothbrush and camphorated chalk or other suit-
able dentifrice.
CARIES 45
Caries Dentum
(Caries of the Teeth)
True caries of the teeth—that is, molecular de-
struction—is rare in the dog, but such cases have
been observed. It begins on the upper surface
and mainly in the cavity of the crown, appearing as
a black spot. This spot, which is the decaying part
of the tooth, gradually penetrates the tooth toward
the pulp cavity, and finally exposes the nerve, tooth-
ache being the result.
In necrosis of the teeth there is usually an alveolar
periostitis associated with it, the tooth becoming
loose and yellow in color. In these cases alveolar
abscesses may form and pyorrhea alveolaris, or
dental fistula, remain. An animal affected with
toothache becomes irritable, resents any manipula-
tion of the mouth, has difficulty in mastication, and
is salivated. The affected tooth is very tender; if
struck with a sound or key causes the animal to cry.
Treatment.—In true caries, if treated before the
nerve is exposed, the tooth may be saved by care-
fully drilling out the cavity, removing all diseased
tooth substance, and filling the cavity with dental
cement or amalgam. If, however, the case has gone
too far for filling, extraction is the only remedy.
For this purpose the mouth is held open by a specu-
lum or gag, the forceps applied -as far on the tooth
as possible, the tooth loosened by a few lateral
twists and finally extracted by a strong pull in the
direction of its roots. Immediately after the ex-
traction the gums should be firmly compressed and
the mouth washed out with an antiseptic lotion.
46 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
Empyema of the Superior Maxillary Sinus
Necrosis of the fourth upper premolar often leads
to empyema of the superior maxillary sinus, into
which its roots penetrate, the pus discharging by a
fistula just below the eye. This fistula may heal
for a time under an antiseptic treatment, but sooner
or later the discharge is reéstablished. By the use
of a probe and tapping the affected tooth the signifi-
cance of the fistula is recognized.
Treatment.—The fourth premolar must be ex- .
tracted, the probe pushed down the fistula into the
mouth, the sinus syringed out with an antiseptic,
and free drainage maintained. The syringing 1s
continued until healing takes place.
Pharyngitis, or Sore Throat
Cause.—Pharyngitis, or inflammation of the mu-
cous membrane of the pharynx, may be caused by
the extension or spread of inflammation from con-
tiguous organs, by irritant medicines and chemicals,
foreign bodies, or by injuries caused by unskillful
attempts at removing obstructions lodged in the
throat or in passing the probang.
Symptoms.—Pharyngitis is manifested by a some-
what stiff carriage of the head; difficulty in swal-
lowing solids; sometimes by coughing, especially if
laryngitis exists also, and by a congested appear-
ance of the affected mucous membrane.
Treatment.—The throat must be examined for
foreign bodies, and if any are found they must be
removed; this often presents considerable difficulty
in the case of needles or pins, and great care must
be exercised to avoid. breaking them. The throat
should then be sprayed either with iodin solution,
PAROTITIS 47
hydrogen peroxid, or Dobell’s solution of the fol-
lowing formula:
TENE TRIS: | 2S UR de hale Al ccd Cgc NOR ee tac Pik Cece ar De grs. 130
Sagi MICATMONALE |G 6. b. weiss aes wren crave’ grs. 130
Mie ITs OCR Leia LG UL perv cite vay a, ee lala «(os neh oiahe’ th abs) oes, gers. _ 25
PAGMOUIE ik eee le cee ee deer es eee sees fl. ozs. 5%
MHC Mao FTL c eveh alate ofarais eka eke. aee ie Sieiee ietane’ os fl. ozs. 20.
The diet must be restricted to liquids and soft
foods to avoid irritation of the inflamed mucous
membrane.
Parotitis
(Inflammation of the Parotid Gland—Mumps)
Cause.—There are four varieties of parotitis (or
parotiditis), the causes of which differ. Vhey may
be classed as follows:
Contagious parotitis, the specific organism of
which has not yet been determined; traumatic
parotitis, produced by injuries; metastatic parotitis,
due to a metastasis of pyogenic organisms during
attacks of distemper, pyemia, or septicemia; and
parotitis caused by the extension of a neighboring
inflammatory focus, as in pharyngitis, mastoiditis,
or similar diseases.
Symptoms.—In the contagious form the whole
gland, or both glands, are swollen and tender, but
there is no tendency to suppuration. In the other
varieties the swelling is more circumscribed and
suppuration usually takes places. The swollen
glands are hot and tender and the act of swallowing
is difficult and painful. Constitutional symptoms
are fever, anorexia, and lassitude, while in sup-
purative cases fluctuation is detected and the fever
is usually high.
Treatment.—The patient should receive a_ mild
laxative—olive oil or cascara—and the affected
glands, after being freely fomented with hot water,
48 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
should receive an inunction of warm camphorated
oil or have calaplasma kaolini applied.
Moist heat in the form of Priessnitz compresses*
often gives great relief by lessening the tension of
the parts, and in cases where abscess formation is
taking place it hastens the formation of the pus.
Abscesses should be evacuated, drainage established,
and the wound treated antiseptically. The diet must
be of a liquid nature, such as beef tea, milk, and
soft mushes.
Foreign Bodies in the Esophagus, and Choking
Choking is caused by the lodgment in the throat
or esophagus of some foreign body, and is usually
the result of greediness in feeding. The most com-
mon foreign bodies are bones, gristle, needles, and
pieces of wood.
Symptoms.—The patient is greatly distressed,
efforts at deglutition are greatly increased, and
there is a return of food and drink through the
nostrils.
Treatment.—Sometimes the offending article may
be forced back into the mouth by manipulation of
the exterior parts, and in some cases extraction with
throat forceps is easy; but in cases where neither
of these methods is successful the probang must be
*Describing the Priessnitz bandage or compress and its use,
Glass says:
“The object of the compress or bandage is to maintain-a con-
tinual heat, either dry or moist, to certain parts of the animal's
body. We first apply to the part affected a piece of absorbent
cotton, thick wool, or dry felt; or if moisture is required, it is
soaked in warm water or a medicated solution and wrung out to
remove the excess of fluid; this is then held in position by a cov-
ering, of some light material—a wide bandage of cheese-cloth is. the
best—next a layer of oiled silk or rubber cloth (the object of
this is to retain the heat and in case of a wet compress, the
moisture), and finally over this is placed a compress or bandage of
flannel. This last is to prevent loss of heat by radiation. Some-
times the inner layer of cheese-cloth is omitted, or it may be put
on the outside of all. >
“The above procedure may seem to the hurried practitioner a
rather long,and unnecessary method, but after one has tried it
and found the great advantages it has in the retention of heat,
especially in diseases of lungs, in hastening the maturing of an
abscess, or in the lessening of a _tumefaction by the constant and
direct application of heat and moisture, he will realize its benefits,”
So a es ie
PAROTITIS 49
passed and the offending body cautiously pushed
on-to the stomach. In the case of fish bones or
needles the operator may be able to entangle them
in the horse-hair portion of the probang and ex-
tract them.
Great caution must be exercised not to use undue
force or the esophagus may be ruptured, with seri-
ous, if not fatal, results. Fuller directions for pass-
ing the probang and for esophagotomy are given
in-Part II, Section II (see page 192).
5 EAC A Ne Sana
DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND
INTESTINES
N the dog, impaction of the stomach and gas-
tritis constitute about sixty per cent of all dis-
eases of digestion. This is due mainly to the want
of proper attention to the animal’s diet and to the
practice of feeding only once a day, whereby the
animal seeks to satisfy its hunger in a voracious
manner.
Impaction of the Stomach
Cause.—Overfeeding and improper food are the
principal causes of impaction.
Symptoms.—Vomiting is an evidence of this trou-
ble, and if it takes place may empty the stomach
and so relieve the condition, but in the majority of
cases vomiting is not violent enough to give much
relief, and the patient will retch, slaver, and eruc-
tate gas. Pressure over the epigastric région pro-
duces pain, the respirations are accelerated, and the
patient is greatly depressed. There are colicky
symptoms, with ‘great uneasiness and a_ frequent:
desire to change positions. The animal groans or
whines, and may be irritable and “snappy.”
Treatment.—Empty the stomach by a hypodermic
injection: - of 4-20. to. 1-10 grain. “ot apomorphin.
Enormous masses of undigested or partially di-
gested food are usually vomited, and relief is almost
instantaneous. The stomach may then be washed
out by means of the stomach pump, or eight to
ten ounces of water may be administered and the
50
GASTRITIS ; 51
dose of apomorphin repeated to more thoroughly
clean the stomach. A_ gastric sedative, such as
from five to twenty grains of bismuth subnitrate,
may then be administered and the animal’s diet
restricted for a week or longer to small quantities
of easily digested food.
Gastritis
This ailment, due to inflammation of the mucous
membrane of the stomach, occurs both in the acute
and the chronic forms.
Acute Gastritis
Cause.—Acute gastritis is caused by irritating
foods or medicines, such as decomposing meat or
arsenic, corrosive sublimate, or phosphorus, as well
as by foreign bodies. Acute gastritis also occurs
as a symptom of distemper.
Symptoms.—There is vomiting, with little or no
appetite, and increased thirst, great quantities of
water sometimes being taken, only to be immedi-
ately vomited. There is more or less constipation.
The temperature is raised and the pulse accelerated.
Pressure on the stomach causes pain. The patient
is greatly depressed, lying down a great deal and
assuming an almost diagnostic attitude, by trying
to rest its abdomen on the floor.
Treatment.—If an irritant-poison, decayed meat,
or a foreign body is suspected to be the cause, an
emetic should be administered to clean out the
stomach. The vomiting may be controlled with
from five to twenty grains of bismuth subnitrate,
combined with three grains of cerium oxalate or
five grains of chloretone. The constipation may be
overcome ‘by laxatives and enemas. If the pain
52 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
indicates it, morphin in one-fourth-grain doses’ may
be given subcutaneously, but chloral hydrate must
never be used on account of its irritating effect on
mucous membranes. .In cases where there is _ex-
cessive tenderness on pressure, warm fomentations
or turpentine stupes, or even the application of mus-
tard over the epigastric region, often afford great
relief. The animal must be kept on a low diet for
some days; equal parts of milk and lime water may
be given, and beef tea or finely minced, raw beef
in small quantities. The after-treatment consists of
a stomachic, such as a combination of quassia and
strychnin, or tincture of rhei and tincture of nux
vomica.
Chronic Gastritis
This disease is often the sequel to repeated at-
tacks of the acute form; it may appear also as a
secondary complication in other diseases. Gen-
erally, however, it is the result of continued im-
proper diet, associated with a debilitated state of
the system.
Symptoms.—Evidences of chronic gastritis are
somewhat similar to those of acute gastritis, with
the difference that the appetite is not entirely lost
but is extremely capricious. Vomiting comes on
only after eating, and there is no fever, and seldom
is there evidence of pain on pressure over the epigas-
trium. The patient gradually becomes emaciated.
Treatment.—Constipation or diarrhea must be cor-
rected at the outset and the diet previously indi-
cated for acute gastritis prescribed. Internally a
combination of two grains of pepsin, two and one-
half grains of bismuth subnitrate, and 1-100 grain
of strychnin may be given immediately after meals
GASTRITIS 53
three times daily, followed later with an alterative
and tonic mixture such as:
K
BUTEA PTINIGIS WOT CH rn) 2) aioe ai etal aesbat (eta aicys's drs. 4
SATO Me ACTON “ULSCNIOSL< ste is <1 vues ave tre.eva's 3/0 drs. 1
CUA gad 23) 00 PG Sa ae oe oz. 1
Ray beme CLINE UIT DAN Serene oreiss) avatars feteee aharer suste’s OVAS sal
PNCIRISE RMN Sela are ans Sig.c\ Sista stone eieta see ei ste aus, oe ozs. 4
M. Give two drams three times daily.
Or
Kk
AG RironyaTOCHlOTICH <2 5 cok 6 sc eels a's drs. 2
iret OL Lalies. COMM eta sis ceeds feiae Ga ves ete oz. 1
SHVIR DARD cha) tle ee en eae ae oz. 1
/NCUTTIEESM (0 ae Kc pea Ro CG ne a PAPO ate eC ozs. 4
M. Give one dram three times daily, after meals.
The diet must be carefully regulated to avoid a
recurrence of the trouble, the animal being fed
small quantities at a time and several times daily.
Proper exercise, grooming with a hound glove, and
sanitary surroundings are valuable aids to treat-
ment that are frequently overlooked.
Foreign Bodies in the Stomach
The variety of substances which may be swallowed
either intentionally or accidentally while at play is
so extensive as to prohibit a coniplete list; but
sticks, stones, pins, needles, bones, coins, rubber
balls, and corks are among those generally met with.
Symptoms.—In many instances the patient shows
no ill effects unless the foreign body either perfo-
rates the stomach or, passing on, blocks the in-
testines. Silver coins may remain in the stomach
for years and cause no illness whatever, but copper
coins undergo corrosion in the stomach or intes-
tine and in time cause serious illness or death. In
the case of pins, hat pins, and needles, their pres-
ence in the stomach is often unsuspected until an
abscess forms either in the esophageal region, be-
54 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
tween some of the posterior ribs, or in the flank.
The history of the case should be obtained and the
habits of the animal inquired into, to determine
whether the patient has actually been seen to swal-
low something, or is in the habit of picking up and
swallowing odds and ends. The most prominent
symptoms are attempts at vomiting, poor appetite,
general dullness and depression, irregularity of the
bowels, blood in the feces, general unthriftiness, and
emaciation.
An examination with the Roentgen rays makes
the diagnosis more positive.
Distemper
HIS is the most widespread, the most common,
the most fatal, and with the exception of rabies
the most dreaded malady of dogs. When first dis-
covered in France, from which country it was im-
ported into Great Britain, it was and is still named
distemper, yet that name seems unhappily chosen
as being too indefinite for correct application to a
disease marked by such varying phases. Distemper
is also known as “dog.ill”. in some parts of Eng-
land, and the Scotch term it “the snifters.” This
latter term, although unscientific, certainly graphi-
cally conveys to the mind one important character-
istic of the disease, namely, the snifting noise—
half-cough, half-sneeze—made by the dog in _ his
efforts to get rid of the exudate which accumulates
in the upper air passages; but “snifting” is a term
too limited to adequately describe a disease which
has well been called the “scourge of the kennel,”
and which assumes so many forms and complica-
tions.
Etiology.—Until quite recently the causative
agent of this disease was simply a matter of specu-
lation, many theories being advanced as to the etio-
logical factor. The microdrganism now definitely
determined as the sole cause of distemper is the
Bacillus bronchisepticus*, discovered and isolated in
pure culture by Dr. N. S. Ferry. Although respon-
sible for the primary symptoms of the disease, the
Bacillus bronchisepticus is by no means responsible
*Many able observers have been unable to verify the findings of
Ferry, and the causative factor in canine distemper may be said
to be unsettled in the minds of many bacteriologists, not a few of
whom believe the agent to be a protozoan,
148
DISTEMPER 149
for the complications which generally ensue during
the course of the malady. There are always closely
associated with it the various strains of Staphylo-
cocci and Streptococci, and it is the effect of their
combined toxins that gives us the clinical picture
which an animal presents when sufferirig from dis-
temper. Among the predisposing causes of dis-
temper may be mentioned youth, unhygienic sur-
roundings, in-breeding, in fact, any circumstance
which tends to lower the animal’s vitality and its
powers of resistance to disease or unfavorable con-
ditions.
Symptoms.—The symptoms of distemper vary
considerably according to the particular local com-
plications which are developed; they are also de-
pendent upon the severity of the attack, the powers
of resistance of the patient, the rapidity with which
the disease progresses and the treatment the pa-
tient receives. As a rule, the first observable symp-
toms are pronounced lassitude and dullness, a great
disinclination to play or exercise, a decided prefer-
ence for warmth, the dog creeping into’ the warm-
est corner or crouching before the fire, and a gen-
eral languor that appears to benumb the dog’s ener-
gies; so that the hitherto lively dog, instead of
jumping with delight at his master’s call, merely
replies with a spiritless wag of his tail and a dis-
mal, woe-begone look. Loss of appetite is an in-
variable symptom and_ feverishness ensues, as
shown by the hot, dry nose, rigors, and by the
clinical thermometer; considerable thirst is present;
the bowels are generally deranged, sometimes re-
laxed, sometimes constipated; the urine is scanty
and high-colored; the coat is usually rough
and staring; retching and vomiting often oc-
cur; there is a thin, watery discharge from the
nose and eyes, and a hyperemic condition of the
150 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
conjunctive; and the eyes appear unusually sensi-
tive to light.
A short, dry, husky cough and sneezing occur,
especially when the animal is brought into the open
air. ‘The discharge from the eyes and nose gradu-
ally becomes more purulent, sticking the nostrils
and eyelids together, causing the patient much dis-
comfort and inconvenience and interfering with
respiration, and resulting in constant efforts to clear
the nostrils which produce that peculiar noise that
has earned for the disease the popular name above
mentioned. In many cases the eyes are seriously
affected.
A small bluish-white opacity may be observed
which gradually widens and deepens until an ulcer
is formed. This ulcer, which, by perforating the an-
terior layers of the cornea, may cause the con-
dition known as staphyloma or may even allow the
aqueous humor of the eye to escape. Such cases,
although of alarming appearance, usually do
well under appropriate treatment, although in some
cases of extreme severity some slight opacity of the
cornea may remain. As the progress of the disease
advances, special symptoms present themselves, de-
pending upon what -organ or organs are chiefly
involved. However, a constant and unvarying
symptom in all cases of distemper, irrespective of
local complications, is rapid emaciation and loss of
strength.
In cases where the respiratory tract is chiefly
involved the symptoms of bronchopneumonia pre-
dominate. When the digestive tract is the subject
of serious invasion, digestive disturbances are em-
phasized and there is vomiting, profuse watery and
offensive diarrhea, and in many instances an icterus.
When the central nervous system is_ involved
DISTEMPER 151
symptoms of cerebral congestion, accompanied by
convulsions and sometimes by attacks of mania
closely resembling those of rabies, make their ap-
pearance. Again the patient may become partially
or eyen completely paralyzed, or it may develop
the persistent clonic convulsion of some group or
groups of muscles, known as chorea.
In distemper the skin, especially that inside the
thighs, on the chest, and on the belly, is often the
seat of a pustular eruption (the exanthema of dis-
temper). These pustules discharge their contents,
dry up, and form scabs. The scabs later on fall
off, leaving small depigmented areas.
The significance of the appearance of this exan-
thema is still a debated question among practition-
ers, some contending that it foreshadows a fatal
termination, others that its appearance is a favor-
able symptom. The author’s experience is that it
is merely a manifestation of the disease and has no
significance either one way or the other.
Another prominent symptom in distemper is the
characteristic and exceedingly offensive odor ema-
nating from the patient’s exhalations and from the
skin, the latter also having a peculiar greasy feel
to the touch which can hardly be mistaken when
once experienced.
Treatment.—The therapeutic indications for dis-
temper vary with the particular complications the
case presents. ‘In other words, symptoms must be
treated as they arise, but. the whole rationale of
treatment may be summed up by saying that the
patient’s powers of resistance must be raised to
resist the invading organisms, and free elimination
must be established to carry off both the microbic
toxins and those toxins produced by the normal
flora of the intestinal canal, which in disease are
152 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
absorbed into the system because of imperfect
elimination and perverted metabolism. Thus we
have to deal not only with the toxemia produced
by the primary invading organism, but also with
the condition known as autointoxication or auto-
toxemia. .
Elimination may be secured by medicines caus-
ing free evacuations of the bowels and by those
stimulating the free excretion of urine. To obtain
the former, a dose of calomel should be given,
preferably in repeated small doses to effect; the
latter may be attained by appropriate doses of such
diuretic medicines as spirits of nitrous ether, potas-
sium nitrate, potassium acetate, or potassium
citrate.
In addition to this cleaning-out process, the flora
of the alimentary tract must be kept under control
by the use of intestinal antiseptics, such as calcium
creosote, the sulphocarbolates of zinc, calcium, and
sodium advantageously combined with a_ bismuth
salt, acetozone, (fifteen grains to the quart of water
and given ad libitum in the drinking water), creo-
sote, or salol in enteric-coated pills or capsules.
To raise the patient’s powers of resistance a
bacterin composed of Bacillus bronchisepticus com-
bined with Staphylococcus, aureus and albus, must
be administered hypodermically every three days in
ascending doses. The action of the bacterin treat-
ment is much increased, especially if the patient
has not come under observation until the disease
is well advanced, if a simultaneous hypodermic in-
jection of nuclein is administered. The respiratory
complications must be treated as they arise, under
the directions given previously for handling respira-
tory diseases (see pp. 12-30).
DISTEMPER — 153
A useful combination for general routine of cases
is as follows:
Paes er OME TONING | ass, 0.5 a er arajcla Ghee Syetewe aisles aa © oz. liss
Semele SOLD: 5 ps onde oaivis Co 8 s'w ove « oz. iiss
PeiSelWE CLITALE recis
occulorum, when affected by spasm, cause the eyes
to retract within their orbits and the membrana
nictitans to protrude over the eyeballs. The whole
body becomes rigid; the extremities stiff and stilt-
like, the neck outstretched, and the tail elevated.
Breathing is interfered with by the spasm of the
inspiratory muscles.
Depending upon which group of muscles is
mainly affected, the patient’s body assumes various
positions when the spasms are present. The head
and tail may be elevated and the back depressed;
the back may be arched and the abdomen tucked
up; or the body may be curved laterally. The tem-
perature is at first only moderately elevated, but
in cases approaching a fatal termination it may |
160 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
reach 108 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and continue
to rise for some time after death.
The prognosis should be guarded. As a rule it
is slightly more favorable in the dog than in the
horse.
Treatment.—Good nursing and the avoidance ot
all excitement and noise are essential. The patient
should be placed in a darkened room and kept ab-
solutely quiet, as on account of the extreme irrita-
bility of the nervous reflexes the slightest sound or
movement may induce or aggravate the spasms.
Nerve sedatives are the drugs indicated, in order
to endeavor to control the spasms, the most valu-
able being gelsemium and lobelia. In exceptionally
acute cases chloroform combined with H-M-C in
full doses must be used to induce complete anes-
thesia in order to relax the patient. It must @he
remembered that to produce the desired effect te-
tanus patients require doses far in excess of those
usually administered, and that these drugs may be
pushed with safety. Elimination per anum and
through the kidneys must be provided for, and
enemas of predigested milk or beef given to sustain
life, if the patient is unable to eat.
Tetanus antitoxin is useless as a curative, but
as a prophylactic is of undoubted benefit if ad-
ministered before the appearance of symptoms.
Anthrax
Anthrax is an infective disease caused by the
Bacillus anthracis. Young dogs are extremely sus-
ceptible to anthrax, but mature animals appear to
develop a comparative immunity. Eating meat con-
taining anthrax germs is the usual cause of the
disease in the dog. On this account the animal
ordinarily suffers from the intestinal form of the
TUBERCULOSIS 161
disease and from local anthrax of the mouth and
pharynx.
It must be remembered that the blood of an in-
fected animal is the medium of infection and also
that while the bacilli themselves are comparatively
easily destroyed, that the spores are extremely re-
sistant to the action of disinfectants. The gastric
juice has no effect upon the spores of anthrax,
although it is bactericidal for the bacilli themselves.
Symptoms.—Suddenness of attack, high fever,
dyspnea, violent intestinal disturbances, hemorrhages
from all the natural openings of the body, the local
manifestations in the mouth and pharynx—saliva-
tion, the presence of vesicles on the mucous mem-
brane, swelling of the throat, cyanosis, are all
indicative of this disease. The diagnosis is com-
pleted by the microscopical examination of the blood
and the identification of the Bacillus anthracis.
Treatment.—Needless to say, suspected cases
should be handled with extreme caution, as the
disease is communicable to other animals and man.
All blood and discharges should be carefully dis-
infected and the carcasses should be cremated. At-
tempts to cure the patient are futile.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is not a common disease of the
dog, but cases do occur and such can nearly always
be traced to infection from mankind. It has been
amply proved that the patient becomes infected by
inhaling the dust from a room inhabited by a tu-
berculous person, or by licking up tuberculous spu-
tum or from eating food from the plate of a person
affected with tuberculosis.
Symptoms.—Usually the disease assumes the as-
pect of a chronic pneumonia or a chronic bronchial
162 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
catarrh, quite unyielding to treatment. The tem-
perature is fluctuating, there usually being a rise
towards night. There is often weakness and a
rapid, progressive emaciation. Auscultation reveals
areas of dullness, the presence of cavities, rales,
suppressed respiratory murmur and so on.
Diagnosis is assisted by the history of the case
and a knowledge of the owner’s state of health.
It may be confirmed except in advanced cases by
the tuberculin test.
Treatment.—Owing to the danger to human _ be-
ings, treatment should not be attempted. The pa-
tient should be sent to the happy hunting grounds
immediately.
Granuloma
This is a disease of true infection, a venereal dis-
ease of dogs, affecting chiefly the mucous mem-
brane of the vagina and of the penis and prepuce.
It is transmissible by coition and by inoculation.
Cause——The causative agent is unidentified as
yet.
Symptoms in the Female.—Although the lesions
are usually confined to the genital organs, other
parts of the body may become affected in conjunc-
tion or independently. The lesions are generally
found on the skin of the neck, throat, back, groin,
abdomen and limbs.
Metastatic growths are also often found in the
abdominal and mesenteric lymphatic glands, kid-
neys, spleen, liver and lungs.
In the genital organs of the bitch the lesion gen-
erally begins as a circumscribed swelling of the
mucous membrane, deep red in color and by a grad-
ual elevation of the tissue and develops into round
nodular sessile tumors, these become lobulated, pre-
senting a warty and cauliflower-like appearance.
INFECTIOUS, GRANULOMA 163
These growths are friable and bleed freely upon the
slightest manipulation.
They are most commonly situated in close prox-
imity to the urethral opening. The presence of
these- infective venereal tumors is usually unsus-
pected until a sanious, muco-purulent discharge is
- noticed at the vulva, when an examination reveals
their presence.
In severe cases the whole vagina may become
blocked up, rendering coition painful and parturition
impossible. After about three months retrograde
changes take place in the tumors which break down
and disappear but invariably leave the vaginal wall
inelastic by reason of cicatricial contraction, so that
if numerous parturition is attended with grave dif-
ficulties.
Treatment.—The growths should be removed by
dissecting them off the vaginal walls, their bases
freely curretted and painted with tincture of iodine.
Hemorrhage is easily controlled by packing the
vagina with aseptic gauze.
Symptoms in the Male.—Hemorrhage after co-
ition, refusal. to serve and sometimes difficulty in
urination (if the growth involves the urethral open-
ing) should lead to an examination for venereal
warts. Exposing the penis by drawing back the
prepuce of course reveals the condition.
In the male the infective tumors, in the early
stages of the affection, appear as small yellowish-
white raised patches about the size of a mustard
seed. Later on the growths take on the character-
istic cauliflower-like appearance and bleed readily
when touched. They may be situated at the ex-
meme vendor the ,penis; wpon the sides. or at its
base.
Treatment.—Secure the patient in the dorsal po-
164 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
sition and then fill prepuce with a five per cent
solution of cocaine. After waiting ten minutes to
allow the parts to become properly anesthetized,
expose the penis, pick up the growths with rat-tooth
forceps and snip them off with sharp scissors, cut-
ting well into the surrounding healthy tissue. The
resulting wound should be treated antiseptically
and, if extensive, sutured with fine silk (No. 00).
ue CATT Ori, ae OX
INTERNAL PARASITES AND PARASITISMS
ONTRARY to the popular belief, intestinal
parasites, unless the infestation is particularly
heavy, do not cause any very serious constitutional
disturbances. However, large numbers of parasites,
especially in puppies, may give rise to alarming
symptoms and in some instances even cause death.
Intestinal parasites are detrimental to their host
by reason of the irritation they produce, their in-
terference with the digestive process, the deleterious
effect of their waste products, the abstraction of
blood, or by mechanical obstruction. We may,
therefore, look for a definite train of symptoms
when the infestation is heavy.
The general symptoms of parasitism are a general
unthrifty condition of the patient—a rough, dry
coat, appetite variable but usually voracious, anemia,
gradual emaciation and alternate constipation and
diarrhea. Convulsions are common and in certain
special cases there is bleeding from the nose. Pru-
ritus ani is well marked in cases where the parasites
inhabit the rectum. The diagnosis, however, 1s
positive only when the parasites or their ova are
detected in’ the feces. Notwithstanding the com-
parative harmlessness of parasitism to the patient
itself, every means should be employed to rid him
of these pests and to destroy their ova and thus
prevent their reproduction, on account of the danger
from some of them to both man and other animals.
Of these Tzenia echinococcus and Tzenia ccenurus
are examples producing respectively hydatid disease
165
166 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
in man and “gid” in sheep. Only brief reference to
the morphology and life history is given here, the
student being referred to the standard works on
parasitology for more detailed information.
Spiroptera Sanguinolenta
This parasite is a small, round worm that 1in-
habits the walls of the esophagus and stomach. The
intermediate host is the Blatta orientalis. This
nematode worm is readily recognized by its blood-
red color, and in addition to its normal habitat as
stated above, it may be found in the aorta, lungs,
and lymphatic glands. Its presence in the esophagus
and stomach forms tumors consisting of indurated
tissues in which there are chambers containing the
rolled-up worms.
Symptoms.—Repeated vomiting and rapid emacia-
tion give evidence of infestation by this parasite.
Sometimes, too, there is rabiform convulsions.
Ascaris Marginata
The Ascaris marginata is a nematode worm, the
male from five to ten centimeters long, the female
from nine to twelve centimeters long. In color it 1s
white or reddish white. These worms are more
especially common in puppies, who may be infested
with them at three or four weeks old, but it 1s
at the age of three or four months that they are
most abundant. Their habitat is the small intestine
and frequently the stomach.
Symptoms.—Unthrifty coat, emaciation, enlarged
abdomen (pot-belly), variable appetite, sometimes
convulsions, colics, and constipation or diarrhea re-
sult from infestation by this parasite. By collecting
in rolled-up masses the parasites sometimes cause
complete intestinal obstruction, which is followed
by death. In one case in the author’s practice the
PARASITES 167
stomach and intestines of a month-old puppy were
found on‘ postmortem examination to be tightly
packed with worms, which, when removed, com-
pletely filled a six-ounce bottle.
Treatment.—All solid food must be withheld for
twelve hours, when capsules containing calomel and
santonin, one-half grain of each, should be admin-
istered every three hours until purgation takes place.
The following prescription has given complete satis-
faction to the author in numerous cases:
i Fluidextracti spigelia,
PuMigextracti SMM, AA .8 6... sisi ote ues OVAR
Sig.—Give 15 to 30 minims every morning until three doses
have been given.
There are many other vermifuges applicable, but
whatever one is used, a laxative should either
be combined with it or administered after the last
dose, and in every case of worm infestation the
treatment should be repeated every two weeks until
the feces show no evidence of parasites or of their
ova. All feces of infected dogs should be burned
to prevent other animals from becoming infested.
Oxyuris Vermicularis
This is a small, white, thread-like worm, the male
from two to three millimeters long, the female from
nine to ten millimeters long. These parasites in-
habit the rectum and cause considerable irritation
and anal pruritus; the patient continually drags
the anus along the floor to relieve the itching.
Symptoms.—Anal pruritus and the presence of
the parasites in the feces prove the presence of the
parasite.
Treatment.—A laxative should be administered,
followed by enemas of a saturated solution of sodi-
um chlorid or a strong infusion of quassia chips.
168 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
Ankylostomum Trigonocephalum
The hookworm is white in color, the male from
nine to twelve millimeters long, the female from
nine to twenty-one millimeters long. These para-
sites inhabit the small intestines and produce grave
symptoms. They are true bloodsuckers, producing
pernicious anemia.
Symptoms.—The symptoms are those of grave
anemia—a gradual but progressive emaciation, and
debility. The appetite is unaffected at first, but
later on becomes capricious and finally disappears.
The coat is staring, the skin scaly and dry. The
nose is tumefied and becomes excoriated with the
mucosanguinolent discharge. Later) a . copioas
epistaxis supervenes, two or three ounces of blood
being lost at each attack. These attacks of epis-
taxis recur at intervals of a few days to several
weeks, during which the mucosanguinolent dis-
charge continues.
In some cases convulsions occur. Intermittent
edematous swellings make their appearance on the
limbs, which finally become permanently edematous.
In the last stage there are ulcerations, gangrenous
patches, and persistent diarrhea, which may give
place to dysentery. The course of this condition
is extremely chronic, the animals lingering for
months or even a year.
Treatment.—When pernicious anemia appears in
a pack of hounds extreme care should be taken to
thoroughly clean and disinfect the kennels. The
sick should be isolated and prevented from soiling
the drinking troughs, they should be ted and
watered in individual utensils which should be
boiled immediately after use, and their feces should
be burned.
The anthelmintic which has been proved to be
PARASITES 169
of the greatest service is thymol given in large
doses and followed up by a saline laxative. Oil ct
male fern is also very effectual. This latter should
be given only after the patient has been fasted for
twenty-four hours, having previously received a
purgative. Six to eight hours after the exhibition
of the male fern a saline purgative should be given
to clean the intestinal canal. The strength of the
patient must be carefully maintained by nutritious
and easily digested foods—milk, and raw meat—
with tonics of iron and a bitter tonic such as quas-
sia or gentian.
Tricocephalus Depressiusculus
A white worm forty-five to seventy-five milli-
meters long. This parasite inhabits the cecum of
the dog and is often found in conjunction with the
Ankylostomum trigonocephalum. It produces anemia
and often typhlitis—appendicitis.
Treatment.—The same as for Ankylostomum trig-
onacephalum.
Tznia—Tapeworms
The tapeworms most commonly. met with in the
dog are merely mentioned here and the reader is
again referred to works on parasitology for a more
extended description. The fcliuwing table gives the
name, the intermediate host, and the larval form:
NAME LENGTH INTERMEDIATE Larva Form
; Host
Tenia Serrata....}50 cm. to 2 m...}Hare and rabbit..|Cysticercus pisi-
formis
Tenia Serialis....]45 cm. to 75 cm.]Rodents ........ Ceenurus serialis
Tenia Marginata. PeBaeW tO. Ay tite phe | CEMA ATTES: Wotecs «las Cysticercus tenui-
collis
Tenia Coenurus..|so cm. to 75 cm.|Sheep ..........- Ceenurus cerebralis
T. Echinococcus../4 mm. to 5 mm..}]Man, swine, rumi-
STATES si atisia ah «eines Echinococcus poly-
é . morphous
Msria | CARS sc eee. to cm. to 40 cm.}Louse and flea...|Cryptocystus trich-
odectis
Aretiial ISEADPENs, «-eclfits ‘Liles wa/State wieie air Remdeer «2. sys 0 Cryptocystus serra-
ticeps
170 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
Of these tapeworms the most important from an
economic standpoint are the Tenia echinococcus
and the Tzenia ccenurus, the first producing hydatid
disease in man, the second “gid” in sheep.
The symptoms of tapeworm infestation are those
of general parasitism, and the diagnosis is positive
when the segments are found in the feces.
Treatment.—After thoroughly preparing the ani-
mal by fasting and laxatives, administer on an
empty stomach fifteen minims to one dram of oil
of male fern, followed in eight to ten hours by a
saline cathartic in full doses. The expelled para-
sites should be carefully examined to ascertain if
the head has been expelled, and if not the treatment
should be repeated in ten days. The same precau-
tions as to burning worm segments and the bowel
discharges must be taken as mentioned before in
this section.
ai CP LO Nox AT
POISONS AND POISONING
OISONING in the dog may be accidental or
intentional. The former may come about by
the animal picking up poisoned meat or other food
laid down for vermin, or the patient may ,show
symptoms after an overdose of some drug given
empirically. Some animals show a great suscepti-
bility to the action of some drugs, notably strych-
nin, symptoms of poisoning appearing after even
moderate medicinal doses. Poisons cause death
1. By their corrosive or tissue-destroying proper-
ties ;
2. By their physiological action;
3. By a combination of (1) and (2).
Poisoning in canine patients, whether intentional
or accidental, is only too often fatal, the quantity
of the drug ingested in nearly every case being
large and the patient’s condition often not discovered
until irreparable damage has been done. The usual
portals through which poisons are absorbed are the
respiratory and digestive system, with air or food.
Occasionally they are absorbed through wounds in
the skin.
Pathology of Poisoning
Local Effects.—These are the results of the action
of the poison on the living cells with which it
comes in contact and consist of more or less violent
irritation, varying in degree from congestion or in-
flammation to mortification, and these local effects
react on the whole system, giving rise to fever, col-
lapse, and other serious conditions.
171
172 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
Absorption.—The rapidity with which poisons
are absorbed depends to a great extent on the
poison itself, the portal by which it gains entrance
to the animal’s economy, the condition of the diges-
tive tract—wnether full or empty, and also the
nature of the stomach contents. For instance, the
unbroken skin will easily and rapidly absorb gases,
but solids or liquids hardly at all; on the other
hand, irritated or woundea skin becomes very ab-
sorbent. Again, an empty stomach will absorb
far more readily and rapidly than a full one, and
yet again, the digestive tract just after a imeal
of fatty substances, even milk, is far more impene-
trable than when a meal with no fat has been par-
taken of. The exception to this is phosphorous, the
absorption of which is accelerated by oils and fats.
Elimination.—Poisons are eliminated in the excre-
tions. Nearly all mineral poisons are eliminated
through the kidneys, some by the bowels. Gases,
vapors, and volatile poisons are eliminated by the
lungs. Some poisons undergo changes during elimi-
nation, others are eliminated unaltered.
Treatment.—The main objects to be attained are
to delay or prevent absorption, to neutralize the
poison or render it insoluble, to eliminate from the
system both what is absorbed and what is unab-
sorbed, and to counteract the effects produced by
the poison absorbed and the resulting lesions.
The first can be accomplished by emetics and
purgatives, the former by reason of their rapidity of
action being the most valuable. Purgatives are
chiefly valuable when combined with agents that
retard absorption or with those that unite with
poisons and form insoluble or inert compounds.
Antidotes act in three ways: they neutralize the
poison, render it insoluble, or arrest its injurious
effects.
—————<—
POISONING 173
Arsenic
Arsenic, or rather arsenious acid (arsenic trioxid),
is one of the commonest of vermin poisons, and
dogs are frequently poisoned on that account. Dogs
may also become poisoned by the arsenic in an
overdose of Fowler’s solution given for medicinal
purposes.
The toxic dose of arsenic is two grains. Arsenic
is a corrosive irritant, producing gastroenteritis,
with its corresponding effects.
Arsenical poisoning may be either acute or sub- °
acute.
Symptoms of Acute Arsenical Poisoning.—About
an hour after ingestion there suddenly appears
profuse salivation, swallowing movements, and great
thirst. The patient is restless and anxious, with
convulsive action of the lips, acute colicky pains,
and vomiting. There is great pain over the ept-
gastric region, and intolerance to pressure. At
first there is constipation, which later on gives
way to a fetid dysentery. The pulse at first is full,
but soon becomes small, irregular, and impercepti-
ble; respiration is difficult, urine scanty and often
bloody, and the temperature is subnormal and the
extremities cold. Later on rigors set in, with
weakness and paresis, the gait is staggering, the
pupils dilated. The pain is excruciating, and the
animal dies in a state of collapse in from four to
five hours.
Symptoms of Subacute Arsenical Poisoning.—There
are much the same as in the acute form, but not
sQ@ violent. There is dryness of the mouth, great
thirst, colicky pains, vomiting, fetid diarrhea, and
tympanites. The mucous membranes are _ pale,
the pulse irregular but frequent, the urine scanty.
These symptoms may persist for about twenty-four
174 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
hours, when the patient seems to improve. This
improvement, however, is_ short-lived, the patient
soon relapsing and becoming worse. There is great
depression and weakness and he is unable to stand.
Dyspnea is present, and the pulse is weak and
almost imperceptible. Convulsions may occur, or
the patient may lapse into coma. There may be
edema of the eyelids and dependent parts; paralysis
of the hind quarters then sets in, and death fol-
lows in a day or two.
Treatment.—Administer an emetic, 1-20 to 1-10
grain of apomorphin, and follow with an antidote.
Antidote: Sesquioxid of iron prepared by pre-
cipitating tincture of iron perchlorid with an alkali.
Large amounts of this antidote should be given
every twenty minutes or so, followed up by a
purgative of magnesium sulphate. Three ounces
tincture of iron perchlorid, and one ounce of sodium
carbonate, dissolved in water and mixed together,
will produce sufficient sesquioxid to neutralize ten
grains of arsenious acid. Insoluble arsenate of iron is
formed and is swept out by the magnesium sulphate.
In acute cases hypodermic injections of morphin
every half hour will retard absorption and ease
pain. Later on and in subacute cases, opium com-
bined with a demulcent has the same effect and
tends to soothe the inflamed mucous surfaces. Fo
hasten elimination, spiritus etheris nitrosis should be
given in full doses, well diluted with water. Collapse
must be combated wth stimulants.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus poisoning in dogs is usually acci-
dental, and due to their picking up pieces of bread
or meat smeared with vermin paste of which phos-
phorus is the chief constituent.
Symptoms.—The first symptoms of phosphorus
POISONING 175
poisoning generally appear about an hour after the
ingestion of the poison, manifestations of acute gas-
tritis, increased flow of saliva, acute pain, bloody
diarrhea, extreme prostration, convulsions, and coma
occurring in rapid succession. A _ garlicky odor of
breath and icterus complete the clinical picture.
If the patient is taken into a darkened room, his
breath, feces, and urine appear luminous. If the
patient survives the acute symptoms, fatty degener-
ation, chiefly of the liver, takes place, from which
the animal may die later on.
Treatment.—An emetic of two grains of copper
sulphate in water should be given and repeated
until the stomach is completely emptied. Copper
sulphate is both an emetic and an antidote for
phosphorus, forming an insoluble phosphid of cop-
per. . Afterall -the poison: has’ been ejected by
vomiting that it is possible to eject in this way,
demulcents and opiates should be given, but on
no account should oil or milk be used, as they
hasten the absorption of the phosphorus. To coun-
teract the extreme prostration and collapse asso-
ciated with phosphorus poisoning, subcutaneous in-
jections of strychnin sulphate (gr. 1-200 to gr. 1-60)
or one-half to one ounce of spirits of camphor
should be given.
Strychnin
Strychnin poisoning is probably the most com-
mon form of poisoning with which the veterinarian
has to deal. The dog poisoner generally chooses
this powerful alkaloid to attain his nefarious ob-
ject. In addition, canine patients are extremely
susceptible to strychnin and poisoning frequently
results from overdosage of this drug. These lat-
ter cases, however, are usually quickly amenable to
treatment, In malicious poisoning, on the other
176 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
hand, the mortality is high on account of the mass-
ive doses employed.
The length of time which elapses before symp-
toms of poisoning appear after the ingestion of
toxic quantities of strychnin varies considerably,
depending on the nature and amount of food in the
stomach. Absorption is retarded by a full stomach
and by food stuffs of a fatty nature. The author
has records of a case in which this delayed ab-
sorption is well illustrated. The patient on her
return home was given a bowl of milk, after which
she was under continual observation until the symp-
toms of strychnin poisoning developed, a period of
four hours. The dose in this instance must have
been a large one, as the bitch was saved only by
heroic doses of H-M-C, being nee narcotized for
twenty-four hours.
Symptoms.—Uneasiness, an anxious expression,
and panting, followed by acute tetanic spasms at
varying intervals, are indications of strychnin
poisoning. The spasms affect the whole body, the
limbs become stiffened, and the animal, unable
to stand, falls to the ground. The jaws are in a
state of trismus, the lips being drawn back, espe-
cially at the commissures, producing the character-
istic risus sardonicus. The spine is curved (lordosis),
inspiration is labored, and the mucous membranes
are cyanotic. The eyes are prominent, the pupils
dilated, the heart action tumultuous, and the pulse
small and quick, but the artery full and_ hard.
After the spasm the muscles relax and the fore-
going symptoms abate until another paroxysm sets
in, and these become more and more frequent, with
shorter intervals, until ultimately the patient dies
from asphyxia during one of the convulsions.
Treatment.—Immediately an emetic of 1-10 to
1-20 grain of apomorphin hydrochlorid should be
—
POISONING 177
administered hypodermically to produce prompt vomi-
tion of the unabsorbed portion of the poison. No mat-
ter what treatment is resorted to for the purpose of
allaying the spasms, this emetic must be given first of
all; unless the quantity of strychnin ingested be very
small, all other treatment is futile, and a fatal termi-
nation certain if this is neglected.
If the patient can swallow, the emetic may be
followed by a liberal dose of oil. To control the
spasms, the animal must be chloroformed, or an
intravenous injection of chloral hydrate may be
given. Large doses of morphin sulphate may also
be used subcutaneously; but the treatment that has
given the best results, and has in addition the ad-
vantage of easy administration, is the hypodermic
injection, after the production of emesis, of from
three to five tablets of H-M-C (No. 1). The main
object is to keep the patient free from spasms until
the poison is eliminated. These injections of the
H-M-C tablets should be repeated in sufficient dose
to attain the result, the procedure being entirely
without danger. The patient when completely nar-
cotized should be placed in a dark and quiet place
and all noise and excitement avoided,- or a return
of the paroxysms will result.
Hydrocyanic Acid and Potassium Cyanid
These poisons are sometimes used by the dog
poisoner, the latter being the more used of the two.
Symptoms.—The rapidity with which this poison
usually acts does not allow of the development of
definite symptoms, but when relatively small toxic
doses have been given (luckily the commercial potas-
‘sium cyanid is often impure) the following symptoms
appear in a few minutes after the ingestion of the
poison: Great distress, difficulty in breathing, head
and neck extended, and convulsive movements of
178 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
the fore limbs. The patient next falls on his side
and goes into convulsions, the spine being alter-
nately arched (kyphosis) and curved (lordosis).
There is champing of the jaws, an increased flow of
saliva, spasms of the diaphragm, asphyxia, and death.
Treatment.—Death usually takes place so quickly
as to preclude treatment, but if there is time, 1-10
to 1-20 grain of apomorphin hydrochlorid should
be given for its emetic effect, and the poison neutral-
ized with a solution in water of ten grains of iron
sulphate. Complete anesthesia should then be: in-
duced by the administration of ether.
Carbolic Acid (Phenol)
Dogs are extremely susceptible to the effects of
carbolic acid and are often poisoned by being washed
in a strong solution for the eradication of vermin,
or by licking wounds to which carbolic dressings
have been applied.
Symptoms.—When taken by the mouth the caustic
action of carbolic acid is observed by the stomatitis,
pharyngitis, and gastroenteritis which it produces.
The mucous membranes that have been touched by
_it appear white in patches. When phenol is absorbed
into the general circulation the following symptoms
appear:
The patient is anxious and distressed; there are
fits of rigors and convulsions followed by paralysis
of the hind quarters; the pulse is small, irregular,
and barely perceptible; the respiration is quick and
difficult; the temperature subnormal, and the urine
high colored.
Treatment.—Alcohol neutralizes carbolic acid and
is, in addition, a stimulant. It should be given in full
doses, one to two ounces, or if it be obtainable give
gin, one to four ounces. A full dose of sodium sul-
phate should then be given for a purgative. This
POISONING 179
also in a measure neutralizes the poison. The in-
flamed mucous membranes should be soothed by the
administration of oil or demulcents. The failing res-
piration should be combatted by repeated full doses
of atropin sulphate (1-100 to 1-25) administered
hypodermically. .
Iodoform
Poisoning from this agent is usually due to absorp-
tion from wound dressings or from the patient lick-
ing wounds that have been dressed with iodoform.
Symptoms.—Gastric disturbances, vomiting, con-
stipation, and convulsions alternating with coma,
are produced by the ingestion or absorption of toxic
quantities of iodoform. In some cases there is great
excitement and difficult breathing. The pulse is
irregular.
Treatment.—Eliminate by emetics and give starch
to form insoluble starch iodid.
The foregoing list of poisons comprises those usu-
ally met with in practice; for a more extended list,
the reader is referred to special works on toxicology.
PARE eT
SURGICAL OPERATIONS
Sy Lal OU ak
PRELIMINARIES
HE successful carrying out of an operative pro-
cedure depends partly on the skill of the oper-
ator and still more on the rigid adherence to the
rules of asepsis and antisepsis. To attain these es-
sentials, some means of restraining the patient’s
movements must be provided for. There are numer-
ous and varied types of operating tables to be found
on the market, but for all practical purposes a per-
fectly efficient table may be devised at home. An
ordinary kitchen table, enameled white, makes a
thoroughly practicable and cheap substitute for the
high-priced tables sold by the surgical supply houses.
The top of the table should be removed and fixed
on again with hinges at one end, to allow the top
to be tilted at any angle. At the other end of the
framework of the table a square frame is hinged,
the top of which butts against slats screwed on the
inferior surface of the table top. In this way vari-
ous angles of inclination may be obtained.
On the table top are screwed four cleats, one
at each corner, to which to affix the hopples. The
hopples themselves may be made of tape, small-
sized cotton rope, or webbing. A loop is made in
one end of the hopples and a slipknot formed by
passing the other end through the loop. In secur-
ing the patient the slipknots are placed on each leg,
above the carpus or the tarsus, as the case may be,
the patient stretched out, and the ends of the hop-
180
ANESTHESIA 181
ples passed round the cleats in figure-of-eight style.
The positions in which the patient is placed are
the abdominal and the ventral. In the former the
patient is stretched on the table on his belly; in
the jatter, on his back. Occasionally the position
of lateral recumbency is required, when the patient
is placed on his side and the feet secured to the
cleats opposite to each other.
Anesthesia
To obtain the best results, as well as for humani-
tarian reasons, all operations (with the exception,
perhaps, of evacuating an abscess, which as a rule
requires only one bold stroke of the knife) should
be performed under anesthesia.
Anesthesia may be either local or general. As a
general rule local anesthesia is applicable only in
minor operations of short duration. It is applied
by a spray to the part to be operated on, or the
part is injected subcutaneously, by means of an
ordinary hypodermic syringe, with the anesthetic
selected. Ethyl chlorid is sprayed on the site of
operation until the tissues are nearly frozen. It is
of use only in such operations as opening an abscess
or giving an intravenous injection, because the
anesthesia is only fleeting and cannot be pushed on
account of the danger of the tissues sloughing from
too prolonged freezing. The anesthetics admin-
istered hypodermically are solutions of cocain,
eucain, urea and quinin hydrochlorid, alypin, acoin,
novocain, and stovain. Of these cocain is probably
the most used and is quite safe, provided that the
amount injected does not exceed three-fourths of
a grain. Although solutions of varied strength may
be used with the above limitation as to dose, a
four-per-cent solution is found to be the most suit-
able for general work. It must be remembered that
182 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
cocain has toxic properties and that no more than
a tenth of a grain per pound weight of the patient
should be injected at one time. The addition of
adrenalin to the solution not only delays absorption
into the circulation and so diminishes the risk of
poisoning, but by constricting the capillaries it
renders the operative field comparatively bloodless—
a great advantage in some operative procedures.
Technic.—The site of operation is shaved and
cleaned up as described hereafter, and a sterilized
hypodermic syringe is filled with the anesthetic
solution. A sterilized needle is introduced under
the skin in the usual manner, the syringe attached,
Chloroform Inhaler.
a few drops injected, and the needle withdrawn.
Within the wheal produced by the first injection the
needle is again introduced and another injection
made, and so on until the whole operative area 1s
injected. Gentle massage to the part is then applied
for a minute or so in order to distribute the solu-
tion. A pause of about fifteen minutes must be
made before commencing the operation.
General Anesthesia
Being so easily and safely induced, general anes-
thesia in canine practice is by far the most prac-
ticable and satisfactory. The general anesthetics
most in vogue are chloroform and ether, but various
mixtures of these, with or without the addition of
alcohol, are often substituted, but with no advan-
ANESTHESIA ‘88
tage to the patient. The safest and most desirable
method of inducing general anesthesia is as follows:
About one hour previous to the operation the pa-
tient should receive a hypodermic injection of H-M-C
(hyosein, 1-100; morphin, 1-4; catin, 1-64), this
usually produces vomiting in ten minutes. The
dose must be gauged by the animal’s age and gen-
eral condition, and varies from one No. 1 tablet for
a puppy or small dog to five No. 1 tablets for a
collie or bull terrier. The anesthetic is then com-
pleted by a few whiffs of chloroform administered
by means of a Funker’s inhaler or some _ similar
apparatus. The advantages gained by using this
method are (1) the emptying of the stomach; (2)
the small amount of chloroform required to produce
profound but safe anesthesia; (3) the long post-
operative hypnosis that the patient enjoys, with corre-
sponding benefit to the healing process.
Chloroform alone may be quite safely administered
-if due considerations are given to the following de-
tails:
1. The patient must be prepared by fasting and
the exhibition of a laxative twelve hours previous to
operation,
2. The anesthetic must be administered slowly
and be largely diluted with air.
3. The anesthetic must be administered only in
sufficient quantity to inhibit the reflexes.
4. A sharp lookout must be kept for the danger
signal, namely, shallow respirations. It. must be
remembered that it is the respiratory center that
first becomes paralyzed, and that respiratory failure .
precedes cardiac failure.
5. At the first sign of respiratory trouble the
anesthetic must be immediately discontinued, stimu-
lants given, and if need be artificial respiration per-
184 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
severed with until normal breathing is again estab-
lished.
6. In case of sudden collapse, every effort must
be made to reéstablish respiration. Remove the
chloroform mask at once, pull the tongue forward
with the tongue forceps, and drop on the back of
the tongue the requisite dose of Scheele’s acid.* The
dose of the acid is one-eighth of a minim for each
pound in weight of the animal. The sudden gasping
which immediately takes place-on the administering
of hydrocyanic acid in a large majority of cases
starts the respirations again. Then give the patient
a smell of strong ammonia and a hypodermic of
1-100 to 1-50 grain of strychnin, according to its size.
If these measures fail, give adrenalin solution (1-1000)
hypodermically. In addition to this medicinal treat-
ment, artificial respiration must be resorted to.
Technic.—The following apparatus, instruments,
and drugs are required to be ready to hand: Chloro-
form apparatus as illustrated, chloroform, strong
ammonia, Scheele’s acid (one eighth minim to a
pound weight of patient), medicine dropper, hypo-
dermic syringe filled with strychnin solution (1-50
grain), adrenalin solution (1-1000), and tongue
forceps.
Administration.—The patient should be secured in
the abdominal position on the table and the mask
applied over the nose and mouth. |The anesthetist
then gently squeezes the bulb of the apparatus,
taking care to give the patient plenty of time, after
the first struggles have subsided, and the patient
passes into the second or narcotic stage, recognized
by a series of short, sharp yelps or whining. Then
the chloroform may be pushed faster until the anes-
*A five-per-cent aqueous solution of absolute hydrocyanie acid;
named for Carl Wilhelm Scheele (1742-1786), a Swedish chemist, ~
discoverer of chlorin and oxygen.
STERILIZATION OF INSTRUMENTS 185
thetic stage is reached, as shown by the abolition of
reflex action. The administration of the anesthetic
must then be continued with great caution, the bulb
being squeezed only often enough to maintain
anestiesia.
If due regard is given to this method of anes-
thetizing, the patient is kept well within the safety
zone and accidents will be of rare occurrence. The
author has anesthetized hundreds of cases by this
method, which is followed by Professor Hobday,
without a single fatality.
Preparatory Treatment of the Operative Area
This most important preliminary must in all cases
be rigidly carried out, as only by surgical cleanliness
can healing by primary union be brought about.
Technic.—All hair should be removed by clippers
or scissors, the part thoroughly scrubbed with anti-
septic soap and boiled water, and then shaved. The
site of operation should then be rinsed with boiled
water, or rubbed with swabs dipped in ether or
gasolin, to remove the greasy secretion of the skin.
This must be persisted in until the swabs come away
perfectly clean. Tincture of iodin is then applied
and allowed to dry, the process being repeated three
times. The body of the patient should be covered
with gauze wrung out in boiled water, to prevent
hairs or dust getting into the wound during the
operation.
Preparation of Instruments
One of the most important factors in the success-
ful healing of surgical wounds is the prevention of
pathogenic organisms being introduced either by
instruments, sutures, dressings, or the operator’s
hands. In other words, everything that comes in
contact with a wound must first of all be rendered
aseptic. Instruments can readily be sterilized by
186 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY
boiling for fifteen minutes.