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3 1924 104 226 158
DOGS:
THEIR
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
IN
DISHAS H.
A STUDY OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF CANINE
MEDICINE.
SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED.
By ASHMONT. |
cdoseph F, fers. \f
PUBLISHED BY
J. LORING THAYER,
BoOsTon: 1886.
CA
BERWICK & SMITH, PRINTERS, BOSTON.
WO idly, ©.
“etna,
WSS Roe pu. Shilo.
PREFACE.
The rapid advancement in science has wrought many changes in
the principles and practice of medicine; added new remedies to the
résources of the physician; exploded many ‘old theories, and dissi-
pated countless fancies and prejudices. Well worn paths have
been left, new fields traversed, and discoveries made, which aid not
only in the cure, but in the prevention of disease. Important
lessons have been taught, and the limits of knowledge extended, by
trials of endurance which have developed unsuspected latent
powers, both in man and animals. Further progress will yet be
made, of which speculation is fruitless.
To place before the reader a faithful exposition of medicine, as
it exists at the present time, is the purpose of the author. No
finished treatise is attempted, replete with scientific technicalities,
calculated to confuse and mystify, but in simple, comprehensive
language and expression, on these pages are described the promi-
nent appearances in disease, and the manner of applying remedies,
sustained largely by the results of personal observation.
This book is submitted with the ardent hope it may be found a
source of instruction, and aid in the care of man’s true and faithful
friend, the Dog. r
ASHMONT.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT.
PAGE
Introduction.—The Care of Puppies after Weaning.— Feeding.— Exercise,.—
Washing.—Kennel Arrangements.—Grooming.— Vermin. ea - i
CHAPTER II.
ANTIDOTES AND TREATMENT IN CASES OF POISONING.
General Remarks.—Rules in using Medicine.—Arsenic,—Strychnine and Nux
Vomica.—Carbolic Acid.—Phosphorus.—Mercury.—Lead Salts.— Gen-
eral Antidote. . geo. Se . aoe 8 ec » « 15
.
CHAPTER III.
THE PRINCIPLES OF MEDICINE.
Pathology.—Definition of Health.—Diagnosis.—Reasoning by way of Exclu-
sion.—Prognosis.—Prognostics. -Causation.—Administering Medicine. . 19
CHAPTER IV.
SPECIAL PATHOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS.
Introduction.—Definition of terms Acute, Subacute, and Chronic.—Self-limited
Duration of Certain Diseases.—The Expectant Plan of Treatment.—
Rules for Estimating the Doses of Medicine.—Examination of a Dog.—
Indications of the Pulse.—Importance of Hygienic Measures of Treat-
ment. . . 2 fi . * . oo. ‘i ar oe + 23
DISEASES AFFECTING THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS.
Acute Pleurisy.—Chronic Pleurisy.—Pneumonia.—Bronchitis.—Consumption.
—Asthma.—Acute Laryngitis.—Chronic Laryngitis.—Acute Catarrh.—
Nasal Polypus.—Ozena.—Influenza. . . «© «© «© «© «© « 2
CHAPTER V.
AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH AND TONGUE.
Eruption of the Teeth.—Treatment of the Teeth.—Softening of the Gums.—
Cancrum Oris.—Salivation. —Blain.—Inflammation of the Tongue.—
Pharyngitis, Bi “Oa Pe Gane wes ae ee AD
IV. CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VL
DISEASES AFFECTING THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. elas
Indigestion.—Acute ‘Gastritis, Chronic Gastritis.-Vomiting.— Colic.— Diar-
rheea.—Dysentery.—Constipation.—Enteritis.— Intestinal Obstruction.—
Peritonitis.—Piles.—Fistula in Ano.—Prolapsus Ani. a ee ee
CHAPTER VII.
DISEASES AFFECTING THE SOLID ORGANS OF THE ABDOMEN.
Acute Hepatitis.—Chronic Hepatitis.—Fatty Liver.— Jaundice. —Torpor of the
Liver.—Passage of Gall Stones.—Cancer of the Liver.—Affections of the
Spleen.—Diseases of the Pancreas.—Sugar in the Liver.—Digestion of
Starch, 2. 6 we eee 8B
CHAPTER VIIL.
DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
Nephritis.—Acute Cystitis.—Chronic Cystitis. Cystic Caleuli.—Renal Calculi.
—Retention of Urine.—Hematuria. . ip 8 ae . _ 7
CHAPTER IX.
DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS,
Balanitis.—Paraphymosis.—Inflammation of the Scrotum.—Morbid Growths.
—Prolapse of the Vagina.—Polypi of the Vagina —Acute Metritis.—
Affections of the Vulva. Sm ee a ae | a ROB:
CHAPTER X.
DISEASES OF THE EYE.
Ophthalmia,— Iritis.— Cataract.—Amaurosis.—Protrusion of the Eyeball.—
Lachrymal Apparatus.—A ffections of the Haw.—A ffections of the Eyelids. 111
CHAPTER XI.
DISEASES OF THE EAR.
Canker.—Otitis, Media or Interna.—Polypus.—Deafness,— Affections of the
Flap of the Ear. %- ie te a . S (a oe. se . . 119
CHAPTER XII.
DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
Eczema.—Sarcoptic Mange,—Follicular Mange.—Prurigo.—Pruritus.—Favus,
—Ringworm.—Erythema.—Erysipelas. 2 3 a . 127
CONTENTS. Y
CHAPTER XII.
INTESTINAL PARASITES, oa
: ‘ PAG:
General Remarks.—Giant Strongle-—Wrinkled Thread-worm.—Cruel Thread-
worm.—Ascaris Marginata.—Tenia. . 5 io Los . ew » 143
37
CHAPTER XIv.
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Hydrophobia.—Convulsions.—Vertigo.—A poplexy.—Concussion of the Brain,—
Hydrocephalus.—Compression of the Brain.—Acute Meningitis.—Chronic
Meningitis,—Chorea.—Neuralgia.—Paralysis._Tetanus. . «oo « ABE
CHAPTER XV.
GENERAL DISEASES.
Distemper.—-Diphtheria._—-Rheumatism.—Lumbago.—Eruptive Fevers.—
Dropsy.—Anzmia,—Plethora.— Obesity.— Rickets.— Scrofula.— Maras-
mus. . . a eC er ae ne ee ee » » 18l
CHAPTER XVI.
SURGIOAL AFFECTIONS.
Wounds.—Umbilical Hernia.—Sprains.—Burns and Scalds,—Fractures and
Dislocations. . Seem te Ce a oh Sy te » . 199
DOGS:
: THEIR
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
IN DISEASE.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
As the object of this work is to treat of the dog in a state of disease, the
author has deemed it expedient to confine himself to those essential con-
siderations in keeping with his purpose, reserving for a future effort the
subject of Breeding and attendant interests.
The introduction of general management which might seem extraneous, is
yet pursuant of this design, on the assumption that a knowledge of the
prevention of disease, is intimately associated with the study of pathology,
and holds a place scarcely inferior to that of a familiarity with the princi-
ples and practice of medicine.
Many diseases are preventable by removing or obviating their causes;
reforms in ventilation, cleanliness and diet, there is reason to believe,
accomplish much, and are among the most important modes by which
diseases may be prevented.
The care of puppies from the period of weaning, is treated of in a gen-
eral way. Inthe management of dogs after maturity is reached, minor
details are dwelt upon, it being assumed that, to some at least, their con-
sideration may prove of value.
The number of drugs capable of producing death, under certain condi-
tions, is almost limitless, as medicines, possessing sufficient activity to be
of much value, are always poisons in inordinate or excessive quantities.
2 INTRODUCTION.
In the chapter devoted to the subject, the action of dangerousagents, more
generally encountered, is discussed.
In the consideration of the different diseases, causes, symptoms, treatment
and prognosis are each of recognized importance, and diagnosis if necessary
to discriminate from one of several diseases with which it has more or
less symptomatic phenomena in common.
To dwell on pathological anatomy, or the appearances in a morbid or dis-
eased state, must necessarily confuse the reader and reference excepting
in rare instances is avoided.
In the arrangement of diseases convenience is studied. Under general
diseases are considered all unclassified.
It is implied that operative surgery is beyond the capacity of many, and
as an exhaustive treatise on the subject would prove of but little value,
only the simpler operations, and treatment in cases of emergency are con-
sidered.
THE CARE OF PUPPIES AFTER WEANING.
One of the greatest essentials in the rearing of puppies, especially the
ease in large breeds, is sufficient exercise. Under no consideration, chain
them, but allow almost absolute freedom of movement. If kept ina pen,
have it large and so constructed that they can lie down or stand on all fours
and look between the boards; for standing on their hind legs to look over,
would invite weak backs and cow-hocks. The sleeping quarters should be
kept scrupulously clean, frequently whitewashed, and free from draughts.
In the warmer weather, pine shavings or sawdust is the best bedding; in
the winter, clean straw, changed frequently.
In feeding puppies, their discharges should be watched, and the diet
varied as the need manifests itself. Milk is one of the most important
articles of food in the earlier weeks after weaning. It may be frequently
given, some caution being used, however. It should be old or skimmed,
never fed fresh from the cow. Three or four times a week, sour milk ma}
be given, as it is an enemy to worms. It will be well to add limewater
to sweet milk when used, in the proportion of nearly one-sixth part.
Sometimes when feeding milk freely to very young puppies, diarrhea
manifests itself.’ A change must at once be made to beef tea and broths,
into which may be broken crackers or bread. Too great importance
cannot be given to the early administration of meat, which must be fresh
and lean. Unsound food should never be used in any form. Meat may be
given raw or cooked, small quantities of the former at first, and when the
age of three or four months is reached, let it be scraped or finely cut, and
given after other food has been eaten.
Meat may be cooked alone or with vegetables, onions in small quantities
being especially healthy and palatable, then removed, and in the liquor,
oatmeal, indian meal, or wheat middlings, be well boiled and thoroughly
cooked. Then the meat can be chopped up and added with the crushed
vegetables. Rice and pearl-barley may be given occasionally.
Liver, from its laxative action, must be given guardedly, if at all. Large
bones may frequently be supplied, but beware of small bones that may
possibly sliver, as many a valuable dog has been killed by them. Remem-
4 CARE OF PUPPIES.
ber always the great secrets in feeding are —- wholesome food and a variety
in diet. Where only a few dogs are kept, the “scraps” from the table,
from their varied nature, cannot be improved upon. Mix potatoes and
other vegetables with alittle gravy and small pieces of meat. Until six
months old, feed three times a day, then twice daily until maturity is
reached.
Remain with the pup while eating, and as soon as he turns from his food
remove itat once. Never urge a dog to eat, if he shows from his manner
a loss of appetite. Prepare something else and tempt him with it and ifhe
still declines, wait until his next regular time of feeding and try again.
As arule, give as little medicine as possible to puppies. Probably the
more common affection observed among them is indigestion in some form
or other. As castor oil or syrup of buckthorn can do no harm, if an odor to
the breath, a hot nose, sluggish manner, or disinclination to eat is noted,
give either, and watch the discharges. If very offensive, or undigested
matter appears in them, the cause is apparent. Stop all food for a time,
and when next given, select only the simplest and most easily digested,
milk and lime-water preferred.
Vegetables have a tendency to purify the blood and keep the bowels in
good condition. When these cannot be given, other means should be
employed in the form of a mild physic. It is a good plan to give a dose of
sulphur, either alone or with powdered magnesia, if a laxative is needed,
mixed with the food once or twice a week in summer, and less often in
colder weather. Ordinary dose, one-half a teaspoonful of each.
Diarrhea is usually the result of indigestion. Often nature’s effort to
- throw off the disease, in many cases regulating the diet, will suffice; giving
porridge made of boiled milk, and flour baked until slightly brown. If the
attack is severe, first imitate nature by giving a dose of castor oil, it being
desirable that the contents of the intestines be effettually removed, in order
to prevent their continued passage over the inflamed surface, and to
secure, as far as may be, that important end in the treatment of all inflam-
mations, viz., quietude of the inflamed parts. Paregoric, as the simplest
form of opiate, may then be given in one or two teaspoonful doses.
Worms are a common enemy to pups, and the giving of sour milk will
do much to prevent their formation. Their presence may be suspected
when bloating beyond the fulness that the food taken would be likely to
produce. For worms in puppies three months old, give one or two grains
of santonine in butter after having fasted twelve hours; follow this dose
three hours later with one of castor oil.
Fleas are a constant source of annoyance. Washing young puppies is
never admissible. Combing with a fine comb dipped in kerosene oil, or
rubbing flea powder into the hair, are the means to be employed.
WDE Se. B.
Seen,
VBLS Doe pY.. Sho.
DOGS IN HEALTH.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT.
FPREDING.
Pages have been written on the origin and ancient history of the dog,
theories advanced, speculations urged, and yet we still remain in complete
ignorance on the subject. Some contend, in the anatomical structure of
certain parts that he resmbles the wolf. There are however, differences
to reconcile, before this supposition can be accepted. Others have traced
to the fox, and still others to the jackal, each party being satisfied in his
own mind of the correctness of his theory, and yet the same differences
remain.
A knowledge of the primitive state and habits of the animal might aid
much on this subject, but that being denied us,” we are forced to turn to
the anatomical mechanism and natural promptings for guidance.
It is admitted that the dog belongs to the family of carnivora, or flesh
eaters, and a study of his digestive organs verifies this assumption. The
instinctive desire of animals for certain substances is a sure indication
that they are in reality required for the nutritive process, while the indif-
ference or repugnance manifested for others, injurious and valueless, is
an equal evidence of their unfitness as articles of food.
Starch is very abundant in corn, wheat, rye, oats and rice, and in almost
all vegetable substances used as food, and during the progress of digestion
is converted into sugar. That these articles alone are an unfit diet, is
proven by the experiments of Magendie, who found that dogs fed exclu-
sively on starch or sugar perished after a short time with symptoms of
6 GENERAL MANAGEMENT.
profound disturbance of the nutritive functions. On the other hand, ex-
periments have been made by Claude Bernard and others, proving that
carnivorous animals can be kept for an indefinite time, exclusively on a
diet of flesh, and yet the body be maintained in a perfectly healthy
condition.
Dogs have nonatural cravings for vegetables. Tobe fed chiefly on them,
or on puddings, bread and starchy food continuously, invites debilitated
constitutions and attendant diseases. The writer is firm in his convic-
tion, that eczema is propagated by this abuse more often than by any other.
Meat, unquestionably, should be the principle article of diet for dogs.
An acceptance of this theory is by no means an indorsement of that ex-
treme doctrine advanced by some—that starchy foods are detestable to the
canine race. On the contrary, saccharine substances in small quantities
are essential, and conducive to the health of the animals (see page 96).
The question arises whether meat should be fed cooked orraw. Both
have advantages. Certain constituents are lost in the process of cooking.
The muscular fibres are almost always more or less hardened by boiling
or roasting, but at the same time, the fibrous tissue by which they are held
together is gelatinized and softened, so that the muscular fibres are more
easily separated from each other, and more readily attacked by the
digestive fluids. The organic substances contained in meat, which are
insipid in the raw state, acquire, by the action of heat and cooking, a
peculiar and agreeable flavor. This flavor excites the appetite and stim-
ulates the flow of the digestive fluids, and renders in this way the process
of digestion more easy and expeditious.
In cooking meat, itis desirable that it be rendered palatable, and the
flavor varied from time to time. This may be done by the addition of
vegetables, which should be well crushed after boiling.
The different kinds of meal, thoroughly cooked in strong broths, consti-
tute a diet nutritious and inviting. Puddings so made must not alone be
depended upon, but meat should be generously added to them or given
after they are eaten.
Sheep’s heads and the feet of animals may be boiledto a jelly. They are
highly nutritious, and dogs are very fond of them.
Beef flour is a valuable substitute for flesh, is excellent for puppies and
matured dogs alike; it can be added to boiling water, a strong broth
made, and then thickened with a little bread, crackers or meal.
Pork scraps, in pressed cakes, keep for an indefinite time, and may be
fed once or twice a week; they should be soaked for some hours until
soft, and then boiled.
Milk, sweet or sour, can be given freely, and is valuable for a change.
Dog biscuits, so called, have within a few years become very popular in
FEEDING. 7
large kennels; when honestly prepared, they are an excellent diet. The
tanner of feeding them should be frequently changed ;at times given dry,
at others soaked in milk or broths, or crushed with vegetables.
Bones, the dog’s tooth brush, are an essential. By their use the muscles
of the jaws are kept strong, and the pleasure they give the animalsis very
evident; their value may be lessened however, by too frequent feeding, as
many a broken well worn tooth testifies.
While the use of vegetables adds flavor to the food and excites the
appetite of the animal, it has still another important action as a gentle
laxative. Liver has the same property, and the conditions of the bowels
should direct its use.
Among the medicinal agents often administered with the food, sulphur
may be properly referred to while on the subject of feeding. It is laxative
and resolvent, and is supposed to be rendered soluble by the soda of the
pile. Itis thrown out of the system by the bowels and through the skin,
and for that reason has an influence on cutaneous diseases. Its occasional
use can do no harm, and unless a perfect condition of the animal contra-
indicates, it may be given once or twice a week in summer, and once or
twice a month in colder weather.
The dose for a fifty pound dog is one teaspoonful, and may be mingled
with the food or given in milk.
Many authors have dwelt upon the dirt-eating propensity of dogs, and
concluded therefrom, that the proper method of feeding is to throw the
food on to the ground. The writer is of the opinion that if such a propen-
sity exists, it is wiser to leave the dogs to nature’s promptings and let them
eat dirt when they choose, rather than insist upon its being eaten at every
meal. He therefore prefers to feed his animals from clean dishes, and the
cleaner the better.
The greatest importance is attached to the quality of the food given. It.
should be of the very best, and no tainted meat, mouldy bread, or food
changed in its integrity, should ever be used in any form. Many people
consider decomposing meat better for a dog, and attempt to fortify their
arguments, by illustrating with the fact, that the animal will occasionally
bury a bone or part of his food, to be dug up and eaten later. The fact is
true, but the inference an ancient absurdity. A dog never buries meat
when he is hungry, but after a hearty meal will often do so, proving our
supposition that it is his natural food, an evidence of his great craving,
which he will eat in any form, no matter how badly decayed. Give him
sufficient fresh meat and he will never seek carrion.
Chloride of Sodium or common salt, some authors state, “is poison to ¥
dog.” In this the writer cannot agree, but on the contrary deems it essen-
tial to perfect health. Itis found throughout the tissues and fluids of the '
8 GENERAL MANAGEMENT.
body, exerts an important influence on the solution of various other ingre-
dients with which it is associated, and the blood globules are maintained
by it in a state of integrity. Since common salt is so universally present
in all parts of the body, it isan important ingredient of food. It occurs in
all animal and vegetable food as well, though in smaller amount in the
latter, and actsin a favorable manner asa condiment, by exciting digestion,
and assisting in this way the solution of the food.
In connection with the subject of feeding, reference to the appetite is
pertinent. Remember dogs will eat when hungry. For them to refuse a
meal occasionally, means nothing. Evidence is not wanting where they
have passed days and even weeks in confinement without food, and yet
recovered without injury from their long fast. If food is placed before the
animal and he turns from it, something else should be prepared to tempt
him. If he still declines, it should be removed and another attempt be
made at his next regular time of feeding. Ifa dog is in good health,
simply dainty, this method repeated again and again, if needed, will prove
effectual, and he will finally eat whatever may be offered him.
Regularity in the hour of feeding should be observed. The number of
times to feed is a disputed question, with the weight of authority on the
side of once a day, at night, and all they can then eat. Owners must decide
for themselves, influenced by what has been their custom, the condition
of their animals, and the amount of work required of them. Where only
one dog is kept, no doubt in many instances it is over fed, especially if
allowed the freedom of the kitchen While the fact is apparent, that once
a day is alla dog actually needs to be fed, the question arises: would it
not be wiser to give him a little less at night, and a mere trifle in the
morning? It would seem thereby that the dangers of indigestion would
be lessened.
It might be said that even of greater importance than good wholesome
food, is a constant supply of good fresh water. The system suffers more
rapidly when entirely deprived of fluids than when the solid food only is
withdrawn. Magendie found in his experiments on dogs subjected to
fasting, that if the animals were supplied with water alone, they lived six,
eight, and even ten days longer than if they were deprived the same time
of both solid and liquid food.
To recapitulate: the essentialsin feeding are meat, fresh and wholesome,
‘varied from the raw by cooking, and the addition of other articles of food,
to add to the flavor and tempt the appetite, together with a constant
supply of fresh, pure, and clean water.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT. 9
EXERCISE.
Exercise develops the muscles of the body, increases their functional
activity, hastens the digestion of food, and renders its assimilation easier.
It improves nutrition by elevating the temperature, opens the pores of the
skin, stimulating its functions, and through the lungs, by the stronger
movements excited, it favors the exhalation of impurities and excesses.
Too much importance cannot be attached to this subject. Keeping a dog
confined with insufficient exercise is cruelty itself, which no excuse can
justify. Never chain a dog should be the rule, but unfortunately if cannot
always be observed. Certain methods may, however, be resorted to, and
a confined animal have greater freedom and still*be restrained.
A post can be set up as far from the kennel as the limits of the owner’s
premises will allow, a wire fastened to it and passed through a ring, the
other end attached to the kennel and drawn taut. The dog can then be
chained to the ring, which will slide freely the entire length of the wire,
permitting greater latitude and the animal still be held in check. This
means may be employed in cities, and where it is impossible to allow them
to run at large.
When dogs are kept in yards, the plan adopted by the writer can be re-
sorted to. Fences or hurdles can be built entirely across the inclosures.
These must be placed low at first, simply high enough to force the animal
to make an easy jump, then in three or four weeks raised a few inches,
another interval allowed to pass, and raised again. The results from the
employment of this means are admirable, especially in the case of dogs
inclined to be weak in the loins, and needing development behind.
In conditioning dogs, especially for exhibitions, no better exercise can
be recommended than slow walking; the distance being from two to four
miles daily. By this means they will eat more, digest it better, and accu-
mulate flesh more rapidly.
While exercise is imperative, extremes must be avoided and caution
used. If a dog is habituated to following a team, there is less danger ot
over exertion; if not so accustomed, care must be observed lest the sys-
tem be disordered by too great effort. In winter,if a hard run is taken
and he returns in a heated condition, he must not be shut into a cold ken-
nel, but be allowed to cool gradually in a warm room. Violent exercise
must never be allowed after a hearty meal.
It is a wise plan to accustom dogs to climatic changes, yet they must
be protected during the hotter days of summer, from the sun’s intense
heat, or the exposure will cause debility and often convulsions.
10 GENERAL MANAGEMENT.
WASHING.
Washing is admissible in summer, and undoubtedly has its benefits in
colder weather when all influences are favorable, and proper precautions
observed; unfortunately, neglect results too seriously, and it .cannot be
insisted upon, that bathing is an absolute necessity for dogs.
Some breeds take to the water naturally and find pleasure in it, but the
reluctance of others, and the disposition shown by them to conceal them-
selves when the preparation to wash commences, is an indication that the
process will prove a hardship. Where it is possible, it is better to allow
them access to a tub or cistern of water, and leave them to follow their
natural promptings.
Very dirty coats, vermin, andcutaneous diseases sometimes make wash-
ing imperative. If these needs are not evident, itis wiser to do little or
none of it, for care in the kennel arrangements and thorough grooming
will obviate the necessity.
Washing in cold weather is extremely hazardous, and the animal is
almost certain to take cold unless the greatest care is observed after the
operation. He must be confined to the house until thoroughly dry, then
judiciously exercised before returned to his kennel.
In warm weather the dangers are much less, yet care should be observed.
The method of washing naturally suggests itself, and need not be dwelt
upon. The purpose for which the animal is washed will direct the nature
of the soaps to be used. If mere cleanliness of the coat is the object,
champooing is the better means to employ.
Eggs broken and rubbed into the hair, then sponged off, leave it clean,
soft, and glossy. The sea-foam champoo of barbers is also excellent as a
stimulant and for cleanliness.
Fleas demand the use of soaps which destroy them. Cutaneous diseases
call for carbolic, sulphur, and the varieties of soaps mentioned elsewhere
under skin diseases.
If used properly there is little or no danger of absorption from the strong
carbolic preparations; the operation must be rapidly performed, and by
a thorough rinsing every trace of the soaps removed.
After washing, the animal should be thoroughly sponged, rubbed dry,
and then properly cared for.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT. il
KENNEL ARRANGEMENTS.
In kennelling, the primary essentials are, good ventilation, perfect clean-
liness, dryness, and freedom from draughts.
Less sickness undoubtedly occurs when dogs are inured to climatic
changes. Those animals accustomed to out-door kennels, are usually far
healthier than those that are allowed the freedom of the house. Again
when a disease like distemper attacks them, it runs a shorter and much
less severe course; their natures, more elastic, seem to throw off the in-
firmities quicker.
In winter dogs suffer as much, ifnot more, from artificial heat than they
do from exposure tointense cold. Many are allowed in houses and around
the stoves during the day, and are kennelled out at night, or shut into a
cold stable, thus experiencing the greatest extreme in temperature; u
fruitful source of disease.
To kennel out and constantly keep in the open air, the coarser long-
haired breeds, seem the wiser. Their houses should be carefully con-
structed, raised several inches from the ground, and the space beneath
carefully boarded. These should, in winter, face the rising sun, and be
provided with a glass front. The door may be hung on hinges, so that it
can be opened by the dog from within or without, or it may be dispensed
with, in which case a projection should be built around the door-way on
the outside, to prevent rain from entering.
A room within a room in winter is the better. The inner or sleeping
quarters can be easily constructed by partitioning off a part, leaving an
opening as a passage for the animal, then laying a supplementary raised
floor on which the bedding can be placed. This inner kennel can be ren-
dered warm, snug, and free from all possible draughts, by covering the
floor and sides with tarred paper.
Where dogs are housed at night in stables, barns, or large rooms, these
same sleeping boxes should always be used in the colder weather.
The floors of the kennel should be covered with sawdust as it is the
cheapest and cleanest. For bedding, straw in winter, and fine shavings in
summer are preferred.
Cleanliness is of paramount importance. In this connection, the meth-
ods employed by the writer may be of interest. Every week in warm and
cold weather alike, in his kennels, the sawdust and bedding are removed,
the doors and windows closed, and the building purified by introducing a
kerosene stove, and burning sulphur thereon. The walls, even the floors
if necessary, are then thoroughly washed with lime, and if the weather is ‘G
damp or very cold, the stoveis again introduced and the white-wash dried.
After all dampness is removed, the floors are covered with a disinfectant,
12 KENNEL ARRANGEMENTS.
lime and carbolic acid more often used, tarred paper then laid down, on it
sawdust, and then the bedding. It is important where several dogs are
kept, that they be provided with separate kennels, at least no more than
two be allowed to remain together, as infectious diseases are sometimes
transmitted, in their earliest stages, and may become general before de-
tection. This danger is especially great where the care of the animals is
intrusted to servants.
GROOMING.
In the stable, one often hears the old adage, “a good grooming is better
for a horse than a feeding.” The same holds true in the kennel. The
ancient Averrhes gave the sum of the directions by Galen and other
authorities, in his reference to friction applied to the human body. Strong
friction, he said, braces and hardens the body; weak, rarefies and softens;
moderate, in an intermediate degree. Besides, he added, hard friction
diminishes obesity; moderate, on the other hand, tends to remove emaci-
ation.
Not only is the health of a dog improved by grooming, but his changed
appearance well repays the owner for the effort. Again in the operation,
conimencing cutaneous diseases and vermin are detected, suggesting the
prompt application of remedies and much trouble and annoyance thereby
averted.
In the use of a comb, care should be observed lest the skin be irritated
and mange propagated.
A clean, fairly stiff hair brush, a bathing hair-glove, or a pad of woollen
yarns, and a chamois skin are all the essentials. Their use can be followed
by hand rubbing, an admirable method of adding a fine finish and produc-
ing a gloss.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT. 13
VERMIN.
Fleas, more especially in warm weather, are the bane of a dog’s existence,
and only the most constant care and watchfulness can insure protection
from this unmitigated nuisance.
There are literally two species of this parasite; the common-flea (pulex
irritans.) and the sand-flea (pulex penetrans.) The former bites, producing
papules or wheals; the latter bores into the skin, causing inflammation.
The sand-fleas, as the name implies, are common in sandy districts, and
are very difficult to combat. Even when entirely removed, they are quite
certain to return. Kennels infected, if situated in the sand, should be
moved to a foundation of black earth. If that is impossible, earth should
be drawn and the floors and ground surrounding be covered with it, then
insect powder be blown freely into every crack and crevice, and rubbed
well into the dogs; this will drive them away for a time, but the method
must be repeated or they will return.
The common-flea needs much the same continued effort to suppress him.
Grooming, combing, and washing will do much, but generally other
means must be employed.
Whale oil is an effectual remedy but its use is an abomination; itmust be
thoroughly rubbed into the hair of the animal, from tip to tip, and allowed
to remain on, some hours at least, during which time he must be kept in
@ warm room, as there is great danger of taking cold; then eggs may be
used as a champoo and washed off, or soap and water alone, followed by
a persistent combing, and after all a hard run be given.
Quassia chips boiled to a strong infusion, or. in the form of tincture,
when sponged on freely, will be found efficacious. Carbolic acid and soaps
incorporated with the same are excellent, but must be used cautiously, or
poison from absorption may result; a mixture of carbolic acid, two drachms
of the crystals to a pint of water, is sufficiently strong. The phenol sodique
is preferable to carbolic acid, as there is little danger of poisonous ab-
sorption, and may be used diluted with the same quantity of water.
The sulphuret of lime used with such success in Belgium for the itch, acts
quite well as a cure of vermin; a weak solution of it can be made by boil-
ing together the flowers of sulphur two pounds, unslaked lime one pound,
water two gallons; slack the lime first then add the sulphur slowly, stir-
ring well, and finally boil down to one gallon. Let the mixture cool and
precipitate, then pour off the clear fluid and apply it freely to the hair of
the dog, allowing it to dry on.
Balsam peru is an agent which has been, in times passed, much valued in
parasitic troubles. Its efficacy, is unquestioned, but it is rather too expen-
sive for general use.
14 VERMIN.
Kerosene and crude petroleum are used advantageously in many kennels,
the method employed being, to dip a comb into the oils and pass it per-
sistently through the hair, being careful that little or none reaches the
skin, which is likely to become irritated thereby.
Insect powder is an excellent remedy, and can be economically used, by
laying the dog on a paper while being rubbed.
Lice and wood-ticks demand much the same treatment that fleas do, the
preference being given to petroleum oil. A strong infusion of the seeds of
the stavesacre is a sure remedy, but they are not easy to procure. Many
authors advise the use of mercury in some form, the white precipitate the
more common. It should not be employed until all the simpler remedies
have failed, and then be used with great caution, the dog being securely
muzzled.
Where vermin have become troublesome, the kennels should be thor-
oughly cleaned, bedding destroyed, and sulphur burned, after which, all
parts should be faithfully: whitewashed.
The continued scratching of animals causes eczema which must be
treated, after the vermin is removed, with external applications of cod-
liver oil, sulphur and lard, or phenol sodique, and possibly the employment
of the usual mange remedies will be demanded.
CHAPTER II.
ANTIDOTES AND TREATMENT
IN
CASES OF POISONING.
It would seem, that in the treatment of dogs in disease, some people
draw from a fund of accumulated and transmitted ignorance, and display
the least possible common sense and judgment. Remedies of the great-
est efficacy and virtue, become exceedingly dangerous in the hands of
the careless and incompetent, and many dogs are sacrificed by man’s stu-
pidity, as well as destroyed by that fiend incarnate, the dog poisoner.
No where will that old saying better apply than in connection with the
use of medicine, ‘ a little knowledge makes men foolish.”
An article lately appeared in a prominent sportsman’s paper, under the
heading, “Treatment of Poisoned Dogs,” which well illustrates this. It
said, ‘“ The lives of many valuable dogs can be saved by the prompt use
of a very simple remedy. As soon as you know a dog has been poisoned,
inject about an ounce of hydrate of chloral into his back with a hypoder-
mic syringe, the quantity to be governed by the size of the dog and
severity of his symptoms. As long as there is life in him do not despair.
I have known dogs to have been saved by this treatment when in the
death throes.”
Nothing could be either more absurd, or more dangerous than this advice.
One ounce of chloral hydrate is four hundred and eighty grains; the dose of
this agent is from jive to twenty grains. The rule when medicine is admin-
istered subcutaneously is one half the quantity given by the mouth. In
cases of strychnine poisoning, the need is more urgent, and the usual
doses can be safely increased; twenty grains however would be quite
enough tointroduce hypodermically, as it acts quickly, and the need of
a larger dose would be readily apparent. The adviser says ‘‘ the quantity
to be governed by the size of the dog.” It is presumed it would matter
little, were anything near four hundred and eighty grains’ administered.
Again to “ inject into the back,” an abscess would surely result, leaving an
unsightly scar. While chloral hydrate is indicated in cases of poisoning
16 IN CASES OF POISONING.
by strychnine and other drugs producing convulsions, its use would surely
prove fatal in poisoning by narcotics.
Not alone in the care of animals, is shown this same stupid reasoning.
The writer recalls a case he once treated, that of a woman who had effect-
ually used creasote on a pledget of cotton pressed into an aching tooth.
Shortly after on being attacked with earache, reasoning that the remedy, if
a success in one instance, must surely be good in another, had a quantity
dropped into her ear; the result can be imagined.
The writer had a valuable horse overcome by the heat. His driver much
alarmed, was ready to do anything and everything advised. A bystander
recommended an ounce of the tincture of aconite root, which was at ounce
secured and administered. At least eight hundred drops were given of the
drug, whereas ten to fificen drops would have been reasonably large. Man’s
stupidity will never allow the limit of illustrations of this character to be
reached.
While on the subject of poisons, certain rules in the use of medicines
are appropriate. $
Never undertake to prepare complicated prescriptions, but depend upon
a competent and reliable druggist. .
Protect your labels. If one is lost, sacrifice the contents of the bottle
rather than be in doubt.
Use great care in dropping medicine. When uncertain about the accu-
racy of the dose, throw it away and drop again.
Remember that medicine can be repeated if necessary, but cannot be recalled
after once given. Give too small rather than too large doses.
All drugs require a certain time to act in, and must not be repeated until
a@ proper interval has been allowed.
There is no protection from the poisoning fiend. Apothecaries are by
law forbidden to sell poisons. They can easily be obtained however with-
out legal responsibility. Pills of strychnine, nux vomica, arsenic, etc.,
each containing the proper dose can be bought without suspicion, implying
they are for personal use, several of them pressed into meat, thrown into
the vicinity of the hated dog, and the hellish purpose be accomplished.
One author has stated, “as a general rule for distinguishing between the
evidence of poisoning and the symptoms of disease, the suddenness of
the attack must weigh largely, and by tracing where the dog has been,
and what he has or is likely to have picked up, a pretty accurate conclu-
sion can be arrived at.” ;
This is about all that can be said on this subject. At the same time, it is
essential to remember that there are many exceptions to this rule.
Some agents are more readily absorbed than others. Poisons taken into
the stomach when empty, necessarily act much more speedily than when
IN CASES OF POISONING. 17
full, thus if that organ is loaded the appearance of the symptoms may be
delayed some hours. Sleep may retard the action of some agents. It
must be also remembered that there are many diseases which commence
suddenly, and rapidly run to a fatal termination. Internal hemorrhages,
severe inflammations of the stomach or intestines, often set in suddenly
and might be taken for poisoning.
The process of diagnosis by elimination, described elsewhere, will aid
much in cases of suspected poisoning.
It would be advisable where valuable dogs are owned, that a few reme-
dies be prepared, and kept in anticipation of possible poisoning. Sulphate
of zinc for an emetic, lawdanum or paregoric for pain, chloral hydrate for
convulsions (mixture of one drachm of the drug to an ounce of water).
These, with a glass syringe holding from one to two tablespoonfuls, are of
great use in emergences where delay is fatal.
In cases of poisoning, the methods of treatment indicated are:— Get rid
of the Poison —Stop its action — Remedy the mischief it has done.
A consideration of the more common poisons and their antidotes, is all
that space permits. Aside from drugs, other means are sometimes em-
ployed by the destroyers. Powdered glass is often used, and a sponge com-
pressed while wet, then tightly rolled with twine, dried, and introduced
into a piece of meat, is another method, producing certain death by intes-
tinal obstruction. When glass is known to have been taken into the
stomach, never give cathartics, but exclude drinks and give solid food
with the hope of enveloping the particles, and thereby protecting against
internal laceration.
oatrsenic:—Symptoms; constant hawking, caused by burning pain in the
throat; great thirst, tongue and mucous membrane of the mouth becomes
red and swollen; abdomen enlarged, hard, tense, and painful to the touch;
severe griping pains; vomiting and purging of brown or bloody matter.
Symptoms grow rapidly worse, skin at first hot, but later cold and clammy,
prostration, paralysis, convulsions, and death.
Treatment ;—If vomiting is not free, give an emetic, then quickly pour
into the animal what may be within reach, either milk, flour and water,
magnesia and oil, or oil and lime water, and send at once for the only true
antidote, the hydrated peroxide of iron, for which, if the druggist has not all
prepared, he can make a substitute on the instant, by adding to diluted
tincture of iron enough bicarbonate of soda, or aqua ammonia, to saturate
it; give freely of this.
Sirychnine and Nux Yomica.—Symptoms; at-first restlessness, then
pain, as evinced by the dog’s sharp eries, followed by twitchings of the
muscles, jerkings of the head, snapping of the jaws, and foaming at the
mouth; then convulsions, which may intermit for a short time, during the
18 IN CASES OF POISONING
interval the animal uttering sharp, shrill, ear piercing cries, to be stifled
by a recurring spasm.
Treatment;— If possible, give an emetic. This can, however, rarely be
done after the convulsive stage has set in. Then the dependence must be
on chloral hydrate, from twenty to thirty grains, administered by the rec-
tum. Of w mixture of this agent, (one drachm to an ounce of water), a
tablespoonful contains thirty grains of the chloral. After giving the injec-
tion, pressure should be made against the anus, to prevent its being
evacuated. If in twenty minutes the convulsions have not ceased, repeat
the injection, dose being the same. When the convulsions are finally con-
trolled, allow the animal to sleep as long and quietly as possible, and when
he arouses up and shows a disposition to move about, give, every three or
four hours, one teaspoonful of aromatic spirit of ammonia well diluted, and
continue at intervals until perfectly conscious.
Carbotie Acid: —Symptoms; Great depression, trembling, shivering,
and loss of motion, indicative of approaching paralysis, diarrhaa, the dis-
charges attimes bloody.
Treatment; — Hot mustard bath, friction, and stimulants of brandy and
ammonia.
Phosphorus: —Symptoms; Burning pain in the throat and stomach,
vomiting, purging, great inflammation and tenderness of the abdomen,
convulsions.
Treatment ;— Give promptly an emetic, followed with either magnesia,
chalk, or whiting in water. Avoid oils, as they dissolve the phosphorus.
Mercury: —Symptoms; Acts much like arsenic, but quicker and more
violent, corrosion of mouth, burning of throat, distress in stomach and
bowels, excessive thirst, vomiting and purging of bloody mucus, skin cold
and clammy, convulsions.
Treatment; —If vomiting does not occur, induce it with an emetic; give
freely white of eggs with milk, or flour and water, or flour and soft soap
thinned with water. The protosulphuret of iron is an antidote, but is use-
less ten minutes after the poison has entered the stomach. Mercury, it
must be remembered, occurs in many forms, the more common being
corrosive sublimate, red precipitate, white precipitate, bar, vermillion, and
cyanide of mercury.
Lead Satis: Symptoms; Depend on the mode of poisoning. In large
doses, the usual symptoms are irritation, distress, and vomiting, colic,
constipation, cramps, and paralysis.
Treatment ;— Give epsom salts with milk and eggs freely.
GENERAL ANTIDOTE—In cases of poisoning, when the nature of the
poison is unknown;—calcined magnesia, powdered charcoal, sesqui oxide of
tron, equal parts of each in a sufficient quantity of water.
CHAPTER III.
THE PRINCIPLES OF MEDICINE.
ve
+
PATHOLOGY.
If the term health expressed a well defined state, an absolute standard
might be fixed. To define disease is equally as difficult. It is an absence,
or deficiency of health, simply a transfer of the difficulty of definition.
If all the tissues and organs of the body are normal, if all the fluids are
in no respect abnormal, if all the functions of the organical structure are
completely and harmoniously performed, health undoubtedly exists. But
this perfection of health is visionary and never actually exists. An exam-
ination of the healthiest would disclose some deviation, some change, and
these deviations from the normal are not inconsistent with the evidences
of health. Functions of different parts may be disordered to a certain
extent, without sufficient disturbance to constitute disease.
No practical embarrassment can result from this difficulty, to draw the
line with precision. Each owner will fix an individual standard for his
animal. Variations from it will constitute disease.
In a general way, ina healthy dog, we note as follows :— Eyes bright, the
white usually clear, the fine red lines seen at times having no significance,
the lining of the lids a pink rose tinge. Nose, cold, moist and slippery,
except when the animalsleeps, then often hot and dry. Coat soft, smooth,
and in long haired dogs, glossy. Skin soft, easily moulded, and of a gentle
heat. Tongue moist, pink in color, free from coating. Pulse, full and
strong, ranging from eighty to one hundred, varying in different breeds
and natures. The larger animals have a lower rate than the smaller, the
nervous a higher than the less easily excited. Bowels; excretions vary
with the food given, in consistency and color. They should be neither
hard nor thin, free from undigested matter, and not markedly offensive in
odor. Kidneys; urine, pale yellowish, abundant, freely and easily expelled.
20 THE PRINCIPLES OF MEDICINE.
DIAGNOSIS.
The term diagnosis, signifies the art of discriminating diseases, to de-
termine their character and situation. It is sufficiently obvious, that a
distinctive knowledge of diseases is of great practical importance in ref-
erence to their management. Treatment cannot be judiciously applied
until a diagnosis has been reached. It may be based on the presence of
characteristic signs peculiar to certain affections alone. Thus the crepitant
sound denotes the existence of pneumonia. But there are very few signs
which are inseparable from a disease, being found in that and no other.
It must be remembered, that all the symptoms typical of a disease will
be but rarely present.
In some, possibly many instances, the disorder is readily apparent, and
the exact location of it detected. Cough, and rapid breathing would point
at once to the chest as the seat of the trouble. In other cases much diffi-
culty will be experienced. Some symptoms may be absent, and others
unduly prominent. Patient watching, with a careful analysis and study of
each individual case will, however, usually dissipate all doubts.
The previous history is essential in reaching a diagnosis. The duration
of the symptoms materially assist in determining whether we have an
acute or chronic disease to contend with. If the animal were recently to
all appearances in good health, and the attack more or less sudden in its
invasion, the disease is probably the former, whereas, if the dog has fora
long time shown certain signs of ailing, the disease is probably chronic
in character. A highly effective method of reaching the diagnosis of a
disease is called, “reasoning by way of exclusion.”
In a case of doubt, the problem is generally to decide between a certain
number of diseases. The existing disease is one of two, three, or more,
which may be suspected. Nowif it be difficult to decide which one of these
is the disease present from positive proof, it may be practicable to decide
that there is insufficient evidence of the existence of one or more, and
therefore they are excluded. By this process of elimination, the number
of diseases is diminished, and may be reduced even to one disease. To
illustrate the application of this mcthod.—
Our dog does not respond to the usual call. We seek his kennel for the
cause, find him unable to leave it, and observe the following symptoms.
His breathing israpid and labored; his manner exceedingly dull; he opens
his eyes only to close them at once; hangs his head, it falls as though he
slept, to be lifted as he seems to waken, or disturbed from time to time by
a dry hacking cough, with an attempt to vomit, occasionally raising a
little colored sputa. Nose and body are very hot. He lays down only to
assume at once a sitting position, with forelegs braced and separated.
DIAGNOSIS — PROGNOSIS. 21
The disease may possibly be in the throat, but is evidently in the chest.
The previous history tells us that the symptoms are acute, therefore we
can at once eliminate all chronic affections, and there are left laryngitis,
bronchitis, asthma, pleurisy, and pneumonia.
An examination of the throat dispels the doubt respecting laryngitis. No
knowledge of a previous attack, the absence of wheezing respiration, and
husky, barking cough, and asthma is reasonably excluded.
In bronchitis, so early in the disease, we should not expect such marked
constitutional symptoms; while some fever would probably be observed,
it would scarcely run so high; again, while the breathing is often acceler-
ated, it lacks in the early stages at least, that labored character. Pain in
bronchitis is evident when the patient coughs, and is less apparent in the
interval. His discomfort would tend to make him restless, and on lying
down he would assume no unusual position. These facts considered, ren-
der bronchitis improbable.
Uneasiness of the animalis one of the marked symptoms of pleurisy.
That indication is absent in the patient before us. The breathing too is
different, while in pleurisy itis labored, it is also unmistakably painful,
and inspiration is shortened from that cause. A dog affected with that
disease, would seem to avoid taking more air into his lungs than absolutely
possible. There would be a restraint in the working of the muscles of the
chest, that plainly told of pain. This too would be shown in the cough,
dry and shortened, with little or nothing raised. While fever is present in
pleurisy, it seldom in theearly stage, runs as high as observed in this case.
If these differences in symptoms noted are insufficient, an examination
of the chest by the ear will remove what doubts remain.
Pleurisy then excluded we come at last, by this method, to the disease of
the animal before us— pneumonia.
PROGNOSIS.
The art of foretelling results in diseases is called prognosis. To deter-
mine the probable end in many cases, is often important with reference to
treatment. The writer has deemed it wise to consider the signs on which
prognosis is based, incidentally in connection with individual diseases.
Some few obvious appearances which render the prognosis unfavorable,
may here be mentioned :— Continued loss of flesh when connected with
chronic affections is serious. Very feeble, rapid pulse, more especially in
acute diseases, indicates a very grave condition. Among the fatal signs are
a fixedness of the eyes, denoting paralysis; involuntary discharges, indicating
great insensibitity. A jerking inspiration if not dependent upon diseases of
the lungs, betokens death.
22 THE PRINCIPLES OF MEDICINE.
CAUSATION.
A knowledge of the causes of disease is highly important as a means of
prevention. When causes are traced to their origin, their influences can
often be obviated. Itnot unfrequently happens that ignorance of etiology
largely prejudices recovery, when a knowledge of the morbid influences,
still operative, might be removed.
The term trawmatic is used to distinguish certain causes. Anything which
occasions an injury or wound of a part, from which disease results, is a
traumatic cause. Certain diseases, the origins of which we are unable to
appreciate, are termed spontancous.
Predisposing or exciting causes are influences that induce a tendency
or liability to certain affections. They alone may be sufficient to give rise
to disease, or they may only suffice to so influence the system, the condi-
tions will be favorable for the occurrence of it.
ADMINISTERING MEDICINE.
It is presumed that the owner, or at least one familiar-with the dog to be
treated, will administer the medicine. If kindness and patience is exhib-
ited, little or no trouble will be experienced.
An important object is to concentrate drugs a3 much as possible. If given
in the form of small pills, they can be pressed into raw beef and thrown
to the animal, after first tempting him with a few pieces.
When medicine is to be given in a bolus or very large pill, this method
should be employed. Grasp the muzzle of the dog firmly with the left
hand, the thumb and fore-finger on either side, pressing in the upper lips
covering the teeth, thus preventing his biting. His mouth being opened,
and head elevated, carry the bolus back into the throat as far as possible
and close his jaws. If he does not swallow immediately, closing his nos-
trils, and stopping his breathing will be effectual.
If the dog is very large or unruly, and liquid medicine of unpleasant
taste is 10 be administered, an assistant will be needed.
Liquids can best be given from a bottle, the assistant preventing the
jaws closing and breaking it. A spoon is unfit, as much will be spilled in
its use. Making a funnel of the cheek and pouring the medicine in slowly,
isan admirable method, and can be employed if the dog is unconscious
and cannot swallow; care must be observed, allowing but little at a time
to trickle down the throat.
Some medicines can be disguised in milk or strong broths. Ordinarily,
drugs should be given upon an empty stomach, excepting tonics, which
should enter with the food, and be incorporated: with it.
CHAPTER IV.
SPECIAL PATHOLOGY
AND
THERAPEVTICS.
+o
+
INTRODUCTION.
Before entering upon the consideration of individual diseases, it may
be well to understand certain points of distinction, interesting and of prac-
tical importance.
Differences us regards severity and duration, constitute a basis of the
division of diseases into varieties. The same disease may be either acute,
subacute, or chronic. A disease is acute when it has a certain degree of in-
tensity, and runsa rapid course. The subacute variety has less intensity ;
a disease of moderate activity. The chronic variety exists when a disease
is subacute, and itisof long continuance. The division into varieties based
on the difference just named, is especially applicable to inflammatory
affections.
A point of distinction of practical importance relates to duration. Some
diseases continue for a definite period, never exceeding certain limits in
this regard. Those which tend intrinsically to end after a certain time,
are distinguished as self limited.
In the list of individual diseases, are some recognized as such for the
sake of convenience, but which in reality, are only effects or symptoms of
disease, as for example, jaundice and dropsy, which are merely symptoms
occurring in connection with different affections.
It will be observed that the term expectant is often used. the treatment
of a disease by expectation, consists in watching carefully its progress,
24 INTRODUCTION.
and meeting, with appropriate measures, unfavorable events as they arise,
or withholding active treatment until the need is manifest.
It will be noted that in prescribing drugs, simplicity has been observed.
Not the leastimportantis the selection of concentrated remedies, divesting
them of nauseousness, thereby rendering their administration less difficult.
The writer in prescribing medicines, has deemed it wise and more con-
venient to choose some standard, and leave the reader to divide or add to"
the doses as the size of the dog may warrant. He has therefore selected
one of about fifty pounds in weight. Where a toy dog is to be treated, the
dose should be lessened one half, and for a mastiff or St. Bernard, or one
approaching in size, the dose should be doubled. For instance, if the dose
one teaspoonful is recommended, that would be proper for a setter or pointer,
in fact any dog of fifty pounds weight; one half a teaspoonful would be the
dose for a terrier or pug, and two teaspoonfuls for the larger breeds.
Sufficiently correct for ordinary purposes—a teaspoon measures one
liquid drachm —a dessertspoon two drachms—a tablespoon four drachms, or
one half an ounce.
An examination of a dog when ill cannot be hurriedly made. By patient
watching some clue asto the location of the disease, may be acquired.
His general appearance, the expression of his eyes, his breathing, his
manner of moving about, should be noted. He should be forced to walk,
and his back be particularly observed, if natural or arched. His way of
lying down, and the position assumed may signify much.
By watching the head, the point of suffering may often be determined.
The ears, mouth, tongue, and throat should be carefully examined. To
note the pulse and temperature is of especial importance. The former,
normally runs from eighty to one hundred. The indications from it may
be read thus :— When irregularly intermittent— nervous affections; contin-
uously intermittent — possibly organic discase of theheart; rapid and bound-
ing; fever, or inflammations; soft and easily compressible — debility and
depression; thin and thready — exhaustion and death.
The examination of the abdomen should be carefully made. Observing
if the same is soft and flaccid, or hard and tense. Tenderness beneath the
hand, will be revealed on gentle pressure, by the animal shrinking, or
turning with piteous expression.
As regards nursing, pure air, sunlight, cleanliness and warmth, nour-
ishing and sustaining diet, are the essentials.
In sickness and in health alike, man’s true friend and honest comrade
the dog, deserves all the care his owner can bestow upon him.
DISEASES
OF
THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS.
me
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QCUTE PLEVRISY.
Each lung is invested, upon its external surface, by an exceedingly del-
icate membrane, the pleura, which incloses the organ as far as its root,
and is then returned upon the inner surface of the chest. The inner sur-
face of the pleura is smooth, polished, and moistened by a fluid which
favors the easy play of the surfaces, as the lungs alternately expand and
collapse in movements of respiration. -
In inflammation of this membrane or pleurisy, this lubricating fluid dis-
appears, and the surfaces become roughened, hot, swollen, and painful as
they come in contact and rub together with every inspiration. This con-
dition rarely exists longer than twenty-four hours, and oftener a much
shorter time; then follows an effusion into the affected side, the space
being in some instances only partially filled, and in others the amount of
fluid is of sufficient quantity to fill the cavity of the pleura, compressing
the lung into a small, solid mass. In certain cases of acute pleurisy which
pursue a favorable course, absorption of the liquid commences a few days
after the accumulation has reached the maximum. Should the quantity
remain stationary, or the diminution take place very slowly, after the
elapse of two or three weeks, the disease becomes chronic.
Pleurisy is an unilateral disease, that is, it affects the pleura of one side
only. While it may be associated with pneumonia (pleuro pneumonia), it
does not tend to the development of that disease.
Causation. —Acute pleurisy may be produced by contusions, especially
if accompanied with fracture of the ribs, and penetrating wounds. It is
remarkable, however, that severe injuries of the chest often occur without
giving rise to this disease. Cold resulting from exposure, is the more fre.
quent source of pleurisy. It may, however, be spontaneous, that is pro-
ceed from an unknown internal cause.
Sympioms.—The attack is usually sudden. Ina certain proportion of
cases, however, some pain or soreness exists one, two, or three days before
the development of acute inflammation. It is sometimes ushered in with
a chill, as shown by shivering. Pain in the affected side attends the onset.
26 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS.
in a majority of cases, and is usually intense. It is sharp and cutting in
character and is felt especially in the act of inhaling. Jt increases during
inspiration, often becoming so severe that the act is shortened and arrested
before completed. This is due to the pain, caused by the rubbing together
of the inflamed sides of the pleura as the lung expands. The respiration
is consequently quickened, and the animal instinctively multiplies the acts
to compensate for the want of a full inspiration.
Cough is usually present. The pain in coughing leads instinctively to
efforts to repress it, and its character is termed suppressed.
Fever is coincident with the development of the inflammation, varying
in intensity in different cases.
The usual indications associated with fever are present; restlessness,
thirst, pulse rapid, full, and bounding, nose hot and dry, tongue slightly
coated, eyes watery, and wearing a pleading anxious look, the whites red-
dened and the lining of the lids deeper in color.
After a considerable amount of effusion has taken place, the symptoms
are materially modified. The pain is notably lessened, the acts of coughing
are less distressing, and the efforts at suppression not so apparent. The
fever diminishes, and the other evidences of constitutional disturbance,
in a manner disappear. The respirations continue, more or less hurried,
their frequency now depending on the compression of the lung by fluid.
If a considerable amount of liquid is rapidly effused, the respirations are
quickened; the animal suffers from a painful sense of the want of breath,
and may be obliged to maintain a sitting posture, with fore legs spread
widely apart. If the quantity is not large and the effusion has not taken
place rapidly, less suffering will be noted while quiet, but exertion will
cause panting and a sense of suffocation. |
With a small quantity of effusion, the animal prefers, when lying down,
to lie on the affected side, as in that position he is able to expand more
fully the opposite lung. With a large quantity of fluid present, the breath-
ing becomes more labored and abdominal as shown by the heaving action
of the muscles of the flank. The limbs become dropsical, suffocation is
threatened, and death may result from that cause.
Diagnosis. —In the earlier stages some difficulty will be experienced in
discriminating between the disease under consideration, and pneumonia.
An examination of the chest by inspection, will show restrained move-
ments, caused by the pain. Examination by the ear will determine the
respiratory sound more or less weakened on the affected side, due to the
fact that pain leads instinctively to a diminished use of the lung involved,
while the action of the other lung is increased. No great importance can
be attache@ to this sign alone, asin some attacks of pneumonia, severe
pain may exist, and the same appearance be present.
CANKER.
The term canker is certainly a convenient one, as the older authors
found it quite sufficient to designate a variety of affections of the ear, dis-
tinct in character, occurring in different locations, and arising from a
variety of causes. Some recent writers have attempted a different classi-
fication, but their selections are equally objectionable, and it seems
expedient to still recognize the term canker sanctioned by common
acceptation.
The disease is really an inflammation of the lining membrane of the
auditory canal or passage, which extends from the large cavity of the ex-
ternal ear inward to the drum membrane.
Causation. — Among the many causes which may be assigned as induc-
ing canker are cold, digestive disorders, improper food, over feeding with
insufficient exercise, the accumulation of the natural secretion in the ear,
and possibly, blows.
It may accompany skin diseases, or it may be a sequel of any exhaust-
ing illness. During a long run and when overheated, dogs will frequently
plunge in stagnant pools, and dirt and mud will lodge in the outer ear and
give rise to the affection.
Eruptions sometimes appear on dogs suffering from a prolonged and
severe attack of distemper. The passages to the ears are often invaded by
these pustules, and canker results.
Sympioms.— Unless the ears of dogs are frequently and carefully exam-
ined, the affection is likely to have existed for some days before attention
is attracted. The symptoms observed in an animal suffering from canker
are his restlessness, frequent scratching of his ear, and violent shaking of
his head. On examination the skin in the outermost part of the ear pas-
sage is found red, hot, and some swollen.
The irritation may be confined to the parts forming the external cavity,
a condition designated by some as * external canker.”
120 CANKER.
The tendency of the disease is to invade the innermost portions of the
tube, becoming then the so called “internal canker.”
The disease may have its origin either without or deep within the pas-
sage. In the latter little or no redness or swelling will be visible, but an
offensive odor and a discharge is characteristic evidence.
The inflammation if uncontrolled results in an ulceration, recovery from
which is often tedious and delayed.
Ireaimen?. —It is difficult for the writer to appreciate why the older
authors gave to canker that importance with which they invested it in
their works on canine diseases.
No less amazing is the treatment they employed, which possibly is a
solution of the enigma, for remedies such as many advised, could only
have aggravated the disease and retarded recovery.
The first law to be religiously complied with is perfect cleanliness; very
many cases in their early stages will yield to that treatment alone,
This fact must be remembered in the selection of medicines to be applied
within the ear, no more delicate organ exists in the body, and none are
more easily injured by wanton applications. An eminent aurist once
thus advised a patient, who was addicted to using a small ear spoon to clear
the passage. ‘Never put anything into your ear but your elbow,” advice
which if followed, would materially lessen suffering and save many their
hearing unimpaired.
To insure cleanliness the outer ear should be frequently sponged with
soap of an unirritating nature, and warm water. If the passage has been
invaded by the inflammation, water must be gently injected, sufficient in
quantity to remove all discharge and everything foreign within. It mat-
ters little the syringe used, provided it be large and easily managed; those
small glass affairs arean abomination. The ear should be syringed several
times daily and after the operation the following used.—
R Acid. Carbolici 38s
Glycerinee 3383
Aquee Zijss
Ft. Mist. Sig. Drop a little in the ear.
Neither this nor any other application should be used cold, but it should
be of the same temperature as the body.
In syringing the water should be warm; a good method to estimate
properly how hot it can be comfortably borne by the animal, is for the
operator to inject some against his own cheek, which is far more sensitive
than his hand.
If frequent syringing does not relieve the pain and itching, it will be
well to use the following —
DISEASES OF THE EAR. 121
R Bromo-Chlorali
Tr. Opii aa Zi
Aque Zvi
Ft. Mist. Sig. Drop in the ear.
This preparation can be alternated with the first one advised, using one,
then two or three hours later the other.
When there is much discharge the powdered boracic acid dropped in the
ear is productive of good results.
if canker is confined to the outer cavity and flap of the ear, accessible to
direct application, stronger remedies can be safely used. If the parts are
simply red and inflamed, cleanliness and applications of the following
will suffice.—
R Acid Carbolici Zi
Glycerinz St ow se
Ft. Mist. Sig. Paint the affected bart several times daily after sponging.
If an ulceration exists, it will be well to cauterize with the stick nitrate
of silver or concentrated carbolic acid, after which the paint can be
applied.
While recognizing the fact that in a majority of cases of canker there is
some associate general affection which demands treatment, the need to
follow the stereotyped rule of first giving a cathartic is not appreciated
by the writer, unless the conditions are favorable and there is good and
sufficient reason for it.
If the animal is overfed and plethoric, or if some fever attends, then
certainly a purgative is demanded; butif on the other hand he is debilita-
ted by a long illness, or some rapidly exhausting disease, it were much
better withheld.
In debility, iron, quinine, or cod liver oil with a generous and nutritious
diet is indicated.
Whatever disease may be associated, its treatment isnot influenced by
the presence of canker, but constitutional remedies are to be administered
as the need is manifested.
122 DISEASES OF THE EAR.
OriTis, MEDIA OR INTERNA.
It is to be understood that the membrana tympani, or drum membrane
of the ear, is the division between the so-called external and middle ear.
In treating of the affection which we were obliged to call canker, owing
to the difficulty and inconvenience of displacing it, inflammations of the
external ear were alone considered. There remains affections of the tym-
panum and internal ear to be described.
Otitis is strictly the proper name to apply to inflammations of the ear in
general; to this may be added terms to distinctly designate the particular
locality and structure affected.
In a general way the ear may be divided thus: external, middle or inter-
nal. Still other subdivisions might be made, but they are needless in this
work and would simply tend to confuse the reader. The middle ear is the
space internal to the drum membrane, and the internal ear is beyond that
and comprises the deeper structures. Properly inflammations of the ear
should be denominated thus: otitis externa, media or interna,
As the first has already been considered as canker, there now remains to
be described otitis, media or interna. In this disease the cavity of the ear
becomes inflamed, involving the drum and generally the external ear, and
invading the cells and inner structures. The inflammation may be con-
fined to the mucous membrane alone, or with it the membrane covering
the bone and even the bone itself may become affected.
Causation. —The usual causes are exposure to cold, sudden chills such
as may result from plunging into the water and remaining too long, vio-
lent injuries and blows in the region of the ear, and foreign bodies in the
external passage. Powerful chemical liquids which have been poured
into the ear, accidentally or for the purpose of treatment, may so irritate
the drum that deep seated inflammation will result.
The disease may have its origin in the middle ear or it may follow the
profuse purulent discharge of a severe attack of canker, which finally
ulcerates through the drum and gains entrance to the cavity within.
Certain constitutional conditions and disturbances furnish predispos-
ing causes for this affection. When the blood is impoverished and the
system debilitated by long tedious illnesses, otitis is more prone to occur.
Sympioms.—The disease almost always commences suddenly, attack-
ing one ear, but never both at the same time. Pain which marks the inva-
sion of the infammation is intense and rapidly increasing in severity,
eventually becoming so torturing as to cause the animal to shake his head
violently, rub his ear along the ground, and utter incessant, sharp, shrill,
ear piercing cries. He seems distracted and cannot be tranquillized.
These violent local symptoms are attended with disturbances of the
OTITIS, MEDIA OR INTERNA. 123
general system, fever, hard and rapid pulse, great thirst, and entire loss
of appetite.
In some cases the animal seems delirious, so maddening is the pain
which tortures him. Great tenderness exists on the affected side, and an
examination will be made with difficulty. The passage to the ear willbe
found more or less reddened, swollen, dry, hot, and sensitive.
These painful symptoms may last five or six days; before the expiration
of this time, death may in rare instances take place from convulsions, or
possibly an extension of the disease to the brain.
If the animal lives, matter forms within the middle ear, and at last the
membrana tympani ulcerates, or ruptures and pus streaked with blood is
discharged by the external ear. This discharge is odorless at first but in
three or four days becomes highly offensive.
After an opening is made the more violent symptoms subside. In some
cases the discharge persists for a time and then disappears; the hole
made in the membrane closes, and a cure is affected with but little loss of
hearing. More commonly the small bones of the ear are discharged with
pieces of other bones which have necrosed or been destroyed, and a cure
takes place with almost a complete loss of hearing. In other cases the
brain may become affected by the extension of the disease and death
result.
In rare instances instead of the matter discharging through the exterial
ear, it may so affect the deeper cells and structure that a swelling back of
the ear appears; an abscess forms which eventually opens and thus allows
the pus to escape.
During the progress of otitis the general system suffers severely, debil-
ity becomes marked, emaciation is progressive, the animal is slowly
wearing out.
Treaimen?. — The intense severity of the pain demands the use of opi-
ates, and fifteen drops of laudanuin should be given every two or three
hours as needed. Hot applications if they can be made to the side of the
head, may aid slightly in relieving the suffering. During the inflamma-
tory stage, the bowels should be kept open by two or three teaspoonfuls
of epsom salts given as needed. It is to be remembered the disease occurs
more often in debilitated animals, and the effort to nourish and sustain
should be early commenced.
If nourishment is not taken voluntarily, the sufferer should be forced to
swallow concentrated beef tea, broths, milk, and raw eggs. Two grains
of quinine may wisely be given three times a day. After the discharge
appears, absolute cleanliness should be enforced. The ear should be gently
syringed every two or three hours, and if much odor exists, the drops
recommended in canker should be used after each injection. As the odor
124 DISEASES OF THE EAR.
disappears, and if the discharge remains profuse, after syringing the ear
with warm water, an astringent injection of alum and water, one half a
drachm of the former to an ounce of the latter may be used.
If pieces of bone appear in the discharge, sulphate of copper five grains
-to an ounce of water may be injected instead of the alum.
After a time as a substitute for the medicated injections, boracic acid
may be freely dusted into the ear after a thorough syringing with warm
water.
As the appetite returns the most nourishing diet should be allowed,
consisting largely of raw beef. Cod liver oil in dessertspoonful doses
should be given three times daily, and instead of quinine, the citrate of
jron and ammonia may be given in four grain doses with the oil.
By improving the tone of the blood, nourishing the body, and sustaining
the strength of the animal, a cure of the local affection may be accom-
plished.
POLYPUS.
The term polypus includes two forms of diseased growths. The first is
extremely rare; it is nearly colorless, fleshy in appearance, and attached
by a stalk to the middle of the external ear. Its surface is smooth; it is
devoid of sensibility, and often unattended by any discharge. This form
of polypus is the result of inflammatory changes which usually subside
before the growth appears.
The second form is not uncommon; it is the immediate consequence of
inflammation and is invariably attended by a discharge. By some it is
called the bleeding polypus or hematoid; it varies in size and may be-
come sufficiently large to appear at the outer opening of the ear. Its
surface is rough and glistening, and deep red in color. It is almost gelati-
nous in substance, is exceedingly sensitive, and bleeds easily. This form
of growth has usually a deeper origin near the drum of the ear, and is
more commonly a consequence of otitis, media or interna.
Symptoms .— Constitutional symptoms are present in certain cases of
polypus; in others none appear. If they are large growths and attended
with pain, the animal by his manner indicates the seat of the disease as
in canker. The local symptoms are profuse, offensive discharges, tinged
with blood.
If a dog has experienced an attack of otitis, media or interna, and four
or five weeks later, notwithstanding treatment,a discharge persists, puru-
lent, bloody, and of very offensive odor, it is strongly indicative of the
existence of a polypus of the second form. An examination with a spec-
DISEASES OF THE EAR. 126
ulum renders a diagnosis easy, even when the polypus is forming and very
small.
Treaitmen?. — Efforts should be made to improve the general health, and
relieve the local condition which first induced the formation of the poly-
pus. Perfect cleanliness by injections, the use of powdered alum, or
boracie acid dropped into the ear, may cause the growth to waste and be-
come detached. If this treatment is unsuccessful a skilled aurist should
be consulted.
DEAFNESS.
Impairment or loss of hearing power is more commonly the result of
organic changes. Very rarely deafness depends upon certain constitu-
tional disturbances, there being an entire absence of all symptoms
indicative of inflammation. ‘
Certain drugs such as quinine, taken in very large doses, and persisted
in for a long time, have been known to induce deafness. In young dogs
this is generally transitory, but in older the impairment may be permanent.
The more common cause is otitis, media or interna, or some organic
change in the auditory nerve, possibly induced by blows on the head, or
sympathetic with disease of the brain.
In very rare instances a catarrhal inflammation of the middle ear may
be excited and subside without the occurrence of purulent changes, leay-
ing a chronic irritation which eventually. causes a thickening of the drum
membrane, and impaired hearing power in the affected ear.
Accumulations in the external passage may cause deafness, at first me-
chanically, and ultimately by pressure inducing disease, and permanent
injury of the parts acted upon. Some puppies are imperfect at whelp, the
sense of hearing being entirely absent.
Treatment. —Excepting in cases where the deafness is due to accumu-
lations in the external ear, the results of treatment will prove negative.
If congenital, positively nothing can be done. If the drum membrane
has been perforated, a judicious treatment of otitis will favor a closing of
the opening, and the hearing power will in a measure be restored.
The deafness of old dogs admits of little or no improvement. Catarrhal
inflammation of the middle ear generally results in a chronic disease very
difficult to cure, and for which there is no treatment which will promise
much. When organic nerve deafness exists, the condition is due to paral-
ysis and should be treated as such. Where the cause is obscure or due to
evident constitutional disturbances, efforts should be made to tone up the
system, thereby improving the general health.. Where deafness is sus-
pected the ears should be well syringed and then carefully examined.
126 DISEASES OF THE EAR.
AFFECTIONS OF THE FLAP OF THE EAR.
Abscesses occasionally form in the flap of the ear. They may occur
without any apparent cause but are more commonly the result of blows
or tugging at the ear. The constant shaking of the head induced by canker
may be sufficient to give rise to abscesses.
Their contents are usually watery in character and they have the pecu-
liar baggy appearance of large blisters. An opening should pe made in
the lowest part of the abscesses; this must be large and free, and kept open
until the sack has entirely closed. This treatment and perfect cleanliness
will ordinarily be quite sufficient. If matter forms and a running sore
results, the oxide of zinc ointment will readily heal it.
At times an eczema of the flap occurs independently of a general mani-
festation of the disease. This condition if not induced by constant scratch-
ing is almost always aggravated by it. The treatment of this affection is
identical with that of mange.
A dry, scaly condition of the external passage of the ear involving the
inner portion of the flap may exist, and often follows acute inflammations
of that organ. The affection annoys the animal exceedingly, induces
constant scratching. In the treatment the following will be found effica-
cious.—
R Zinci Sulphocarb. gr. vi
Aquee Bi
Ft. Mist. Sig. Drop in the ear three or four times daily.
At night it will be well to freely apply this ointment to the external
parts affected.—
,
R Ungt.Hydrarg. 3i
Ungt. Simp. 3S iij
Ft. Ungt. Sig. External use.
Constitutional derangements should be sought for, and if found, are to be
treated as the need is manifest.
Othzematoma or blood tumor of the ear is a form of disease said to affect
dogs, an account of its occurrence in which,has been given by Mr. 8. Ogier
Ward. Wilde states that he observed the trouble in a valuable pointer.
The cat is rather more liable to the affection. One case has been de-
scribed where the entire auricle was swollen out, the affected organ
forming along pointed tumor. The effusion was gradually absorbed, thick-
ened, and shrivelled. In this instance the presence of a cutaneous trouble
at the upper and back part of the auricle was noted.
NS et Nu
Seow,
\OLS DMG BEERY ALL
DISEASES OF THE SKIM.
ECZEMA.
Eczema isa disease of the skin which first appears either as minute
blisters, pimples, or small elevations covering pus; these three forms may
more conveniently be designated the vesicular, papular, or pustular. The
first is the more G€ommon form, and the vesicles are minute, transparent,
and glistening; slightly elevated, and pressed together in irregular patches
with little or no redness between. The fluid in the vesicles soon becomes
gummy and cloudy; it may be absorbed but is more commonly discharged;
adheres to the surface, dries rapidly, and forms crusts benéath which is
the beginning of the disease.
The skin becomes reddened, moist, and swollen. Successive crops of
vesicles form, the discharge from which is a constant source of inflamma-
tion, and the disease spreads showing different stages in different parts.
The progress of the pustules is identical with that of the vesicles.
When the disease appears in the form of papules, they either change
into vesicles and run the course described, or they dry into scales and
crusts.
Eczema rubrum, eczema squamosum, and other terms are used to desig-
nate certain forms of the disease belonging to the subsequent stages. In
the first the skin is reddened and inflamed in patches covered with shining
vesicles; in the latter the eruption is dry and scaly.
Pityriasis rubra is a form of eczema rarely met with. It is characterized
by a skin reddened in large patches, and covered with branny crusts or
scales, which ifremoved the skin will be found dry and reddened, but not
bleeding. This disease usually attacks the whole surface of the body, and
is distinguished by its obstinacy and tendency to recur.
Eczema simplex is the term used to designate the mildest form of the
disease yielding more readily to treatment. Numberless subdivisions have
been made by authors who have chosen terms to designate different varie-
ties of eczema having more or less perfectly marked stages, but they
128 ECZEMA.
merely represent the different forms of the diseaso in various situations
and subjected to dissimilar influences.
Eczema may be acute or chronic; the latter form is far more frequent
and may attack every portion of the body, while the former may be con-
fined to certain locations. Al) forms of the disease are accompanied with
intolerable itching.
Causation. —Eczemas are in part primary diseases and in part sympto-
matic. The primary result from immediate irritation of the skin, as
caused by acrid medicated applications in ointments, etc., by extremes of
temperature, and by mechanical injuries affecting the skin directly. Cro-
ton oil, strong mercurial ointments, alkaline soaps, iodine, etc., when
applicd are frequent causes of eczema. Mechanical causes are illustrated
by the irritation of the skin produced by the nails in scratching; eczema
accompanying parasitic diseases is generated in this way. Prolonged,
very hot baths are sufficient in some cases to induce the disease under
consideration.
The symptomatic causes are not so apparent; we know that attacks of
eczema occur in consequence of certain internal diseases, but their anal-
ogy has never been positively determined. Among the symptomatic
causes are indigestion, injudicious feeding, want of exercise, and impov-
erished blood.
Eczema frequently appears as a sequel to long exhaustive illnesses, and
is very often associated with liver derangements. In highly nervous tem-
peraments there seems to exist a predisposition to eczema, and ‘in-
breeding ” has been condemned asa possible cause. That the disease is
hereditary as asserted by some has never been clearly proven. That want
of cleanliness might possibly induce the affection can be readily appreci-
ated. An excess of animal food is another cause assigned, but further
proof is necessary before this can be accepted asindisputable. The feeding
of starchy food in excess induces disturbances of the nutritive functions,
and eczema frequently results.
Worms by intestinal irritation and other influences on the system might
give rise to the affection. Puppies during the period of dentition some-
times suffer eczematous attacks. Many other causes have been assigned,
and many cases occur, the origin of which it is impossible to explain.
Eczema is not contagious, but in certain stages when the secretion is
profuse, the disease can be communicated by actual contact of a sufficient
duration. Tobe more explicit a healthy dog might be allowed to play
with one affected with eczema, and be many times in momentary contact
without acquiring the disease; but were they allowed to occupy the same
sleeping-box, and the healthy skin of one remain sufficiently long in con-
tact with the diseased skin of the other, from which there exuded a, profuse
DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 129
secretion, through this secretion the disease could be transmitted and the
previously healthy animal become eczematous.
Prognosis. —Eczema is a curable disease. An animal once attacked is
liable to be again affected. In long haired dogs the disease will prove more
rebellious and difficult to cure. In pityriasis rubra, certain degenerative
changes occur in the skin, rendering a cure of that form of the disease
exceedingly difficult.
Treaimen?. —While the internal treatment of eczema is positively essen-
tialin very many cases, ‘it must not be employed indiscriminately, but
only after a diagnosis of the disease associated is determined beyond a
reasonable doubt. The connection with diseases of the internal organs
may not be clear at first, but careful study will ultimately develop w clue
sufficient to direct internal medication; until then it were wiser to depend
entirely upon external remedies.
When eczema first appears especially in puppies, considerable fever is
associated anda laxative is indicated. It were better to increase the activ-
ity of the bowels by divided doses rather than administer purges. Epsom
salts or calcined magnesia are to be preferred; the dose of the former, two
teaspoonfals, of the latter, one teaspoonful, once or twice daily until the
fever subsides, after which they are to be given cautiously if at all, as
intestinal derangement and debility will result from their prolonged use.
In rare instances cases will be met with in which a feverish condition
exists for a long time, the animab being full blooded and of inflammable
tendency. In such cases a restricted diet and the use of laxatives is indi-
cated; to obviate depression iron should be combined asin the following —
R Magnesiz Sulphatis 5i
Ferri Sulphatis Zi
Acid. Sulph. Aromatici 383
Aques 3viss
Ft. Mist. Sig. One teaspoonful three times daily.
When dogs are reduced nutrition must be improved, and the most gener-
ous diet be allowed into which meat largely enters, and it may be given
cooked or raw. If the loss of weight is very marked, cod liver oil in table-
spoonful doses should be added to each feeding.
In cases of debility an iron tonic is indicated, and if the skin eruption
has existed for sometime, Fowler’s solution of arsenic may be combined
as follows —
R Ferriet Ammon. Cit. 3i
Sol. Fowleri 3 ij
Ft. Mist. Sig. Four drops three times daily with the food.
Very many cases will be met with where this prepafation of iron and
180 ECZEMA.
arsenic, also cod liver oil, should be given at the same time. Frequently
loss of appetite is a prominent symptom which demands especial treat-
ment first, and before other internal remedies can be employed.
In such cases quinine in two grain doses four times a day should be
given, and the animal urged to eat raw beef, milk, beef teas, etc., and if
partaken of sparingly he should be tempted with food every few hours.
When gastric derangements exist, they should be treated as advised in
indigestion.
One cause of eczema which the writer does not recall having seen men-
tioned, and which he desires to dwell upon, is to be found in torpor of the
liver and other hepatic derangements. Cases have been observed by him
which have proved obstinate, and remedy after remedy has been used
without success until treatment was especially directed to the liver, and
then improvement immediately followed. When a sluggish action of this
organ is suspected, it would be well to discontinue other internal remedies
and give the following —
RK Mass. Hydrarg. gr.iv
Pulv. Ipecac. eri
Ext. Taraxaci 338
Ft. Pil. No. xij. Sig. Dose one three times daily.
After these pills are taken, the treatment previously employed can again
be instituted. The importance of regularly enforced and sufficient exer-
cise in plethoric, overfed animals, cannot be too strongly insisted upon.
In fact every abuse must be corrected, and every influence tending to
improve the general health of the animal should be encouraged.
While the internal treatment is important, the local is no less so, and in
very many cases of even greater importance. In no known disease which
the canine race is heir to, has a larger number of remedies and methods
been advised than for the treatment of eczema, and much harm las been
done by the injudicious and indiscriminate use of irritating applications
in the acute form, while much time has been lost by using the wrong appli-
cation, and neglecting to employ a proper and valuable remedy.
To carefully study each case is imperative; not alone to know its causes
and complications, but the stage of the eruption is of great importance,
for be it remembered, remedies which are valuable in the chronic stage
are not only pernicious in the acute form but do much to intensify the dis-
ease, and invite its extension over the entire body, when had judicious
treatment been instituted at first, and far simpler remedies and methods
been properly applied, the eruption would have remained a mere localized
patch, have been of but little consequence, and immediately recovered
from.
DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 131
In all cases when acute eczema makes its appearance, the first step in
local treatment is to remove the hair, not only over the eruption, but for a
sufficient distance from it to insure the disease is seen in its entirety.
With the scissors remove the greater portion and shave closely. The
parts are then to be carefully washed, remembering to use cold water, car-
bolic soap, a soft sponge, and to be exceedingly gentle, as an approach to
hard rubbing will add to the inflammation.
In using medicinal applications it must be remembered the skin is in a
very irritable state, andthe treatment should necessarily be soothing. The
balsam of peru is a remedy which has for years been much used in the
treatment of skin diseases; in many cases it has proved efficacious, in
others less active; when unsuccessful itis presumed other essentials in
treatment were neglected. The writer has sufficient confidence in the rem-
edy to recommend its use.
After the hair has been shaved off, the parts carefully bathed and
allowed to dry, the balsam should be warmed and freely applied. Gen-
erally nothing more need be done until the following day, when it will be
well to again use the balsam or freely apply the oxide of zinc ointment,
this being especially indicated if the skin is very irritable, and the animal
is inclined to scratch.
Until recovery takes place, or itis evident other local remedies must
be resorted to before a cure can be accomplished, the balsam should be
used continuously or alternated with the zinc ointment.
In rare instances notwithstanding these applications, the itching will
still be intolerable, and the animal continueto gnaw or scratch.
If necessary camphor and morphine can be added to the zine ointment
as follows. —
R Morph. Sulph. gr.ij
Pulvy.Camphore 4s8
Ungt. ZinciOxidi 3i
Ft. Ungt. Sig. Apply not too freely.
While ointments are almost invariably serviceable, occasionally the
secretion from the eruption will be excessive, and powders will be needed
to check it. The powdered oxide of zinc or the subnitrate of bismuth are
advised in such cases.
The writer appreciates that this advice to cut and shave the hair will
not always be followed, or at least it will be done with reluctance and
after other means have been sought and employed. In such cases the
palsam of peru should be heated and poured on to the eruption, and rub-
bed in well with the finger two or three times daily, or the following
can be applied —
132 ECZEMA.
R Bals. Peru
Spts. Rectificati aa 3iij
Zinci Oxidi Bi
Glycerine 3x
Ft. Mist. Sig. Shake well. External use.
If a doubt exists as to the eruption being simple eczema, and there is a
possibility that the irritation is induced by a parasite, instead of the oxide
of zine, it would be well to add an ouncé of sulphur to the mixture. The
animal should be watched and wherever he is seen to scratch, even if no
eruption is apparent the solution should be freely applied.
In the treatment of chronic eczema one must expect to occasionally
encounter cases obstinate and difficult to cure; more often they will yield
readily to judicious treatment. It must be remembered that a cure of
eczemacan seldom be effected with one means alone, but changes to others
must be made as the stages and conditions vary. We can never tell with
certainty how a remedy will actin every case. The skins of some dogs
are more easily affected than others, and certain applications which in
some allay irritation, will in others intensify it.
Notwithstanding the obstacles encountered and disappointments met,
the fact that eczema is a curable disease, should encourage us to persevere.
_In commencing the local treatment of chronic eczema itis to be inferred
that in the progress of the disease the hair has already fallen out; if not
it should be removed to admit the easy application of remedies. The
crusts should be detached by the free use of oily substances; it matters but
little which is selected, either fresh lard, linseed oil, cod liver oil, or vase-
line. Whatever is used should be very generously applied, and in recent
, cases these simple remedies are often sufficient to effect a cure.
If necessary to employ other means, it would be well to gently and
thoroughly wash the animal, using a strong solution of borax, or shampoo
with raw eggs. After washing and drying, the zinc ointment should be
freely used, and the result patiently watched. If this proves ineffectual
more active remedies must be chosen. Tar has proved itself very effica-
cious in chronic eczema and may be used variously combined. The oil
of tar and glycerin, one part to three, acts well in some cases. The thick-
estform of tar is generally the better, and should be combined with other
agents as follows.—
R Picis Liquid.
Sulphur. Flor. aa i
Sapo. Viridis
Adepis aa ij
Ft. Ungt. Sig. External use.
*
DISEASES OF THE SKIN. ; 188
.
This ointment can be applied freely, and in cases where the hairs have
not been removed, it will not stick and mat them together. A prolonged
use of this preparation sometimes inflames the skin and necessitates its
discontinuance for a time; in such cases it will be well to wash the animal
thoroughly, and return to the oxide of zinc ointment or the use of fresh
lard or vaseline. In cases proving obstinate under this treatment, it would
be well to try the mixture of calomel and lime-water for which the name
“black wash” is given. As a general rule tarry preparations are more
appropriate when the affected parts feel stiff and rigid, and there is a ten-
dency to the formation of fissures. .
Preparations of lead are often found serviceable in the treatment of
eczema; diachylon is the more common form used, and can be made into
an ointment with linseed oil equal parts. Its long continued use is not
advised, poisoning by absorption being possible.
The number of proprietary medicines for skin disease is countless; that
all are positive cures is assured by extensive advertisements.
The writer has no disposition to discuss their value; many have virtues
and others are comparatively worthless; none are infallible cures. Many
of these preparations are made of the oilof tar, glycerin, and powdered
sulphur; to others are added prepared chalk; still others are formed of the
balsam peru and alcohol, generally in parts one to five; occasionally is
found one, the basis of which is naptha. All of these agents are active,
and efficient in many cases; in as many others their use, independent of
constitutional treatment, can accomplish but little.
Reviewing briefly the entire subject, we have in eczema a disease which
can be cured. The fact that it has existed for a long time renders the
prognosis more favorable, as in many cases the disease alone is to be com-
batted; not the morbid process which induced it.
In the earlier stages the soothing treatment is alone admissible. By it
the intensity of the disease is lessened, even if recovery does not result.
While the eruption is localized and confined, external causes very likely
induce it; on the other hand, when the eczema is more or less general, the
cause is internal, and there treatment must imperatively be addressed.
In all cases the object is to correct abuses, build up the system, improve
the general strength, and render the condition of the animal as near per-
fect as possible.
34 DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
SaARCOPTIC MANGE.
The sarcoptic mange is an artificial eczema occasioned in the dog by
two exciting causes; one the irritation of an insect infesting the skin
(Sarcoptes Canis); the other the scratching of the animal in consequence
of its presence.
This insect, the Acarus, an animal parasite, is maintained by the nour-
ishment it draws from the skin. The male acarus is much the smaller,
remains in short burrows or vesicles, while the female tunnels the skin in
long canals. The course of the latteris to seek a furrow on the surface, then
to attach itself, and by means of its jaws penetrate the outer skin or
cuticle, until it reachesthe deeper and softer layers where it finds its nour-
ishment. It continues to burrow, laying one egg after another and
blocking up the passage with them. A young acarus is developed from
the egg in about two weeks, and the number of eggs one insect lays is
near fifty. This production goes on continuously until the female dies,
which is generally in three or four months.
The young acari as soon as developed scamper over the surface, bore
quickly beneath, and occasion the most intolerable itching. Around the
furrows form first small pimples, which change to vesicles and pustules;
from them, bloody matter exudes, which dries and produces thick, dark
crusts.
The itching caused by the insécts on the surface of the superficial layers
of the skin incites scratching; the furrows are then opened and the acari
set free. The original eruption is destroyed, but eczema displaces it,
accompanied by the itching and irritation which invariably attends it;
then the disease increases in extent and intensity as it progresses.
Diagnosis. —By a careful study of the eruption a diagnosis ought easily
to be reached, and less difficulty will be experienced in the earlier than in
the later stages. The condition of the animal and manner of attack will
weigh somewhat, as eczema more commonly occurs in debilitated sub-
jects. If other dogsin the same kennel are similarly affected, it would
suggest contagion.
Vesicles in sarcoptic mange predominate over any other form of erup-
tion at first; they occur alone ‘and are not grouped together as in eczema;
again they are pointed, not flat or rounded like those of the last named
disease.
After eczema has been produced by scratching, the difficulty of diagnosis
is increased, but only slightly so, for new vesicles will constantly appear
on previously unaffected skin.
Treaiment.—While the exciting cause of sarcoptic mange is acari,
uncleanliness certainly exerts u predisposing influence, and this fact
SARCOPTIC MANGE. 136
should impress itself when treatment is undertaken. When satisfied a
dog has the disease under consideration, he should at once be removed
from his kennel, his bedding burned, and hot lime impregnated with car-
bolic acid be plentifully used in every part, crack, and crevice of the
building. This precautionary treatment should be renewed at intervals
of every few days until the animal has recovered.
Remedies without number have been recommended for the cure of sar-
coptic mange; those are the best which not only destroy the insects and
their eggs and cause the secondary eruptions to disappear, but as well cure
the eczema which the scratching of the animal has induced. Sulphur in
some form is the sovereign remedy, united with other agents as the con-
ditions indicate.
In commencing treatment it is well to thorough}y wash the entire body
in strong soap suds, rinsing carefully in luke warm water. The following
ointment should then be used freely, covering both the affected and unaf-
fected parts. —
R Potass. Carbonatis Zi
Sulphur Flor. 3 iij
Glycerine Zvi
Ft. Mist. Sig. External. ,
This preparation will immediately destroy the acari.
The balsam peru is another active agent in this disease, and may be used
with the sulphur as follows. —
BR Sulphur Flor.
Bals. Peru aa 333
Adepis ij
Ft. Ungt Sig. External.
This ointment should be applied three times a day for a week and then
washed off.
Liquid storax and lard one part to two, is a favorite mixture with some.
Naphthol is a very active agent and 1s commonly combined as follows.—
R Naphtholis 383
Sapo. Viridis 3 ij
Adepis 3 viij
Ft. Unet. Sig. External.
The entire body of the dog should be freely rubbed with this ointment
once daily for two or three days, and then thoroughly washed.
In some breeds of dogs the skin is easily irritated; for them, and for
house pets on which the use of ointments would be especially unpleasant
to their owners, a solution may be made as follows:—flowers of sulphur
136 | DISEASES OF THE SKIN
two pounds; unslacked lime one pound; water two gallons; boil down to
five quarts and filter, or allow it to stand until precipitated, and then pour
off for use the clear fluid. This should be applied freely to the entire body
and gently rubbed into the parts more affected.
Probably much less time than a week will be occupied in destroying the
acari; if eczema remains, appropriate treatment should be instituted as
advised elsewhere for that disease.
It should be remembered that while sarcoptic mange is purely a local
affection, in nowise dependent upon constitutional disturbances; yet the
annoyance caused by the itching, the loss of sleep, the effect upon the
nervous system, etc., willif persistent, very probably cause derangements,
which will in turn result in debility and an impairment of the general
health.
FOLLICULAR MANGE.
In this form of mange the hair follicles are first the seat of the disease;
the skin and subcutaneous tissues are afterwards involved by the inflam-
mation. The affection is contagious but far less so than sarcoptic mange
and its occurrence is more infrequent among dogs.
Causation. —While the disease is often communicated by immediate
contact, certain conditions favor this form of parasite. Lack of cleanli-
ness, damp kennels, improper food, and general neglect are baneful
influences which predispose to the disorder. The spontaneous origin is
however yet to be decided.
Sympioms.—The hair follicles first become inflamed, and the ellis in
proximity is infiltrated, hot, red, and tumefied; afew pimples or papules
are then to be detected. The hairs from the affected follicles soon fall out,
an exudation into the sacs occurs which becomes purulent, and pustules
result. The pustules which are flat and run together, soon discharge their
contents and scabs are formed. These harden, crack open, and bleed
slightly. The eruption extends rapidly and soon the disease can be traced
in its varying stages.
Theanimal becomesexceedingly repulsive, not only inappearance, but
emits a very offensive odor.
Pain rather than itching is characteristic of the eruption. The disease
may attack any portion of the body, but it usually appears first on the head.
The appetite is rarely lessened. As the disease progresses, loss of weight,
debility, and impoverishment of the general system results.
Diagnosis. —When the eruption first appears a diagnosis is byno means
easy, still the hot, tumefied condition of the skin, and absence of itching
FOLLICULAR MANGE. 137
ought to reasonably exclude eczema and sarcoptic mange, the diseases
with which follicular mange is liable to be confounded. The rapid prog-
ress of the affection, the peculiar appearance of the pustules, the crusts,
and the offensive odor are diagnostic points strongly indicative. The
microscope if used will remove all doubts.
Prognosis. —Follicular mange is a curable disease, but the treatment
must be persevered in foralong time even after recovery appears com-
plete, to destroy all trace of the parasitic elements, which might possibly
remain on the skin and hairs and again become active. In avery severe
case probably from six to eight months must elapse before a cure can be
accomplished. The hair will eventually be nearly if not entirely renewed.
Lreaimen?. — Follicular mange being solely a local affection, only rem-
edies which act locally are needed unless symptoms of general disturbance
demand constitutional treatment.
As advised in sarcoptic mange the kennel must be completely renovated.
After thoroughly bathing the animal, using freely carbolic soap, the hair
should be clipped and then shaved closely, exposing unaffected skin a safe
distance from the eruption.
If the disease can be detected before crusts are formed, painting with
the balsam peru three or four times a day would possibly be sufficient.
Such good fortune in making an early diagnosis few will experience, and
other treatment will be more often found essential.
When the crusts have formed it will be necessary to remove them, to
favor the action of the remedies applied. The animal should be rubbed
with linseed oil or common lard, a large quantity being used in the opera-
tion. The crusts will loosen in from twelve to twenty four hours. The
animal should again be washed,using the domestic soft soap,and rinsing
well finally.
If a house pet is under treatment and ointments are objected to, either
of the following washes may be used and applied freely: sulphurous
acid one part to six of water; carbolic acid two drachms, to water one
pint; balsam peru one part, alcohol six parts; the lime and sulphur solu-
tion advised in sarcoptic mange is often efficacious.
Carbolic acid and Canada balsam is a preparation, which if judiciously
used is most admirable; the acid enters the pustules striking at the very
-root of the disease; the parasite is destroyed, and the balsam lessens the
irritation. If the patches of eruption are but few,the remedy may be
applied in equal parts by penciling each pustule with a camel’s hair brush,
every two or three days or even every day. When the eruption is exten-
sive, a few patches can be touched each day until all have been acted
upon. While this treatment is being pursued, an ointment of creasote, a
remedy highly endorsed by many, can be used combined with other
188 DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
agents as follows.—
R Creasoti Zi
Ungt. Hydrarg. Nit. 3ij
Sulphuris Bi
Adepis 3vi
Ft. Ungt. Sig. Apply quite freely to the diseased parts.
The proportion of carbolic acid to the Canada balsam might be lessened,
say one to eight, and used more freely, but its efficacy would be impaired,
and the stronger solution ought to be safely used without danger of absorp-
tion, as it needs merely a trace applied to the centre of each pustule.
PRURIGO.
Prurigo is a disease of the skin, manifesting itself by slightly reddish,
very itchy papules of about the size of a pin head. This eruption may
appear differing little or none in color from the surrounding skin, and be
seen with difficulty; but to the touch it is obvious, as the finger passes
over the region affected, the papules as minute elevations cause the sur-
face to feel rough and uneven. The intense itching induces scratching; the
papules are laid bare, and are succeeded by blood-red crusts of about the
same size. Thecause of prurigo can only be conjectured. Various specula-
tions have been advanced; thus, certain kinds of food, worms, kidney dis-
orders, debility, poverty of blood are said to exert predisposing influences.
The disease is chronic, and at times exceedingly obstinate. Its duration
and curability are uncertain. In young animals the affection often yields
very readily, butin old dogs with worn out systems, it is almost incurable.
In the treatment it is important to correct any disorders, and apply con-
stitutional remedies as indicated. Local applications are of benefit in
many cases.
When the disease attacks puppies, frequent washing, using the sapo
viridis, and afterwards an ointment of sulphur and lard, is often sufficient.
If the itching is uncontrollable the following may be freely applied. —
R Tr. Opii ra
Creasoti gttxv
Adepis 3 lij
Ft. Ungt, Sig. External.
In some cases the oil of tar and glycerin, one part to four, will be useful,
or the tar and sulphur ointment recommended in eczema.