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THE LIBRARY

OF

THE UNIVERSITY

OF CALIFORNIA

PRESENTED BY

PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND

MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID

I

t

See p. 314.

See p. 315.

CANINE PATHOLOGY;

OR,

A DESCRIPTION OF THE

DISEASES OF DOGS,

NOSOLOGICALLY ARRANGED,

WITH THEIR

CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND CURATIVE TREATMENT;

PRECEDED BY A SKETCH OF THE

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG;

PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS ON THE BREEDING, REARING, AND SALUTARY
TREATMENT OF THESE ANIMALS.

EOURTH EDITION.

REVISED, CORRECtED, AND ENLARGED.

By DELABERE BLAINE.

LONDON:

LONGMAN ORME, & CO.; WHITTAKER & CO.; SIMPKIN, MARSHALL,

& CO. ; SHERWOOD & CO. ; DUNCAN & MALCOLM ;

HOULSTON & STONEMAN ; AND H. RENSHAW.

1841.

Compton and Ritchie, Printeri, Middle Street, Cloth Fair.

CONTENTS.

PART THE FIRST.

THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG, p. 9.

Importance of the Dog, 9 — his Classification, 14 — Synoptical View of
M. Fred. Cuvier, 15 — his Divisions into Matins, 16 — Spaniels, 21 —
Dogues, 27 — Varieties resulting from these, 18-28 — the Dog an
original and distinct Species of his Genus, 29-35 — his Qualities, 35
—the Rationality of the Dog, 35-37.

PART THE SECOND.

THE BREEDING, REARING, AND NATURAL TREATMENT OF
THE DOG, p. 41.

The Reproductive System, generally, 41 — (testation, 44 — Systematic
Breeding of Dogs, 48-55 — the Rearing of Young Dogs, 62 — the
general Treatment of Dogs as preventive of Disease, 67 — Feeding,
67-75 — Lodging, 75 — Exercise, 78 — Condition, 79-81 — Assistant
Means of promoting Condition, as Alteratives, 82 — Emetics, 85 —
Purgatives, 86.

PART THE THIRD.

THE DISEASES OF THE DOG, p. 89.

General Treatment under Disease, 89 — Comparative Effects of Me-
dicinal Articles on Dogs, 90-91 — Mode of administering Medicines
to Dogs, 93 — Professional Attendance on, 96 — Diseases divided
into Classes, 97.

iV)350789

CLASS I.

CONTENTS.

Inflammation from Obstruc-

Important Febrile Affections 97
Symptomatic Fever 97

Sub- Class I.

INFLAMMATION OP MUCOUS MEM-
BRANES.

Specific Catarrhal Disease, or
Distemper 97-123

Inflammation of the Mucous
Coats of the Intestines.... 123

of the Bladder... 123

of the Air-Pas-
sages, or Cough 123

Sub-Class IL

Inflammation of the Brain, or
Phrenitis 124

Sub- Class III.

INFLAMMATORY APPECTIONS OF THE
THORACIC VISCERA.

Inflammation of the Lungs,

or Pneumonia 124

Laryngitis 126

Canine Asthma 127

Pleuritis 132

Sub-Class IV.

INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS OF THE
ABDOMINAL VISCERA.

Inflammation of the Stomach,
or Gastritis 132

of the Intestines,

or Enteritis 133

tion

134

Idiopathic 135

from morbid Bi-
liary Secretion 137

of the Liver, or

Hepatitis 138

of the Spleen, or

Splenitis 141

of the Bladder,

or Cystitis 141

Sub -Class V.

INFLAMMATION OF LIGAMENTOUS AND
APONEUROTIC EXPANSIONS.

Rheumatism 142

CLASS IL

SPASMODIC DISEASES.

Epilepsy 146

Chorea 149

Spasm, or Cramp and Con-
vulsion 149

Paralysis 150

Locked Jaw, or Tetanus 153

Spasmodic Colic 153

CLASS III.

DISEASES OF THE ALIMENTARY CANAL.

Gastritis — See Class 7, Sub-
class IV.
Enteritis — See Class 7, Sub-
Class IV.
Diarrhoea, or Profuse Purging 157
Obstruction or Costiveness 161
Colic, Spasmodic — See Class IL

CONTENTS.

Colic, Bilious — See Class /,
Sub- Class IV.

Intestinal Worms 162

Piles, or Haemorrhoids 165

Anal Fistulae 165

CLASS IV.

MORBID COLLECTIONS OP FLUID.

Dropsy, or Hydrops 166

of the Chest, or Hy-

drothorax 167

of the Belly, or As-
cites 168

of the Skin, or Ana-
sarca 171

CLASS V.

DISEASES OF GLANDS.

Canine Scirrhus and Cancer 172

Scirrhous Mammae 173

Bronchocele, or Goitre 175

Scirrhous Testicles 176

Canine Cancer 176

Cancers of the Vaginae and

Uterus 177

Diseased Mesenteries, or Ta-
bles Mesentericus 1 79

CLASS VL

DISEASES OF BONES.

Rickets, or Rachitis 180

Decayed Teeth 181

Anchylosis and Exostosis ... 182

CLASS vn.

CALCULAR CONCRETIONS.

Urinary Calculi 182

Vesical Calculi 182

CLASS vm.

POISONS.

Mineral .~ 185

Vegetable 189

Animal 192

Rabies, or Canine Mad-
• ness 192-260

CLASS IX.

EXTERNAL AND LOCAL INFLAMMA-
TIONS.

Wounds Generally 261

Visceral Wounds 262

Wounds of Bloodvessels 262

Fistulous Wounds 263

Ulcerou s Affections 263

Tumours 265

Polypus 266

Tumefied Feet 266

Hernial Tumours , 267

CLASS X.

DISEASES OF THE EYES.

Ophthalmia (Idiopathic) .... 267

of Distemper... 269

Cataract, or Opaque Lens... 270

Amaurosis, or Gutta Serena 270

Dropsy of the Eyeball 270

Ulceration of the Eyelids ... 271

CONTENTS.

CLASS XI.

DISEASES OP THE SKIN.

Mange, Chronic 272

Acute 274

Canker within the Ear 281

of the External Ear 284

Tumefied Flap of the Ear.... 285

Erysipelas 286

Vermin infesting the Skin ... 287

CLASS XII.

SURGICAL OPERATIONS ON DOGS.

Treatment of Fractures 288

of Dislocations... 290

Castration , 291

^Spaying 292

Canine Obstetrics, or the As-
sistance required in diffi-
cult Puppings 293

Cropping 295

Rounding and Tailing 296

Worming 297

Acupuncturation 307

Bleeding 308

Blistering 309

Clystering 310

Bathing 311

Cutting of Claws, and Scal-
ing of Tartared Teeth 313

PREFACE
TO THE FOURTH EDITION.

As by common consent I appear to be considered the
Father of Canine Pathology , it follows, of course, that it will
be expected of me as a parent that I should from time to
time be doing something for the child of my adoption. Not
to disappoint such expectations, this edition will be found to
present some important alterations and additions. The
anecdotical portion, as not necessarily connected with the
subject at large, has here given place to a more extended
inquiry into the animal himself, and to the introduction of
some canine diseases not noticed before. The matter of the
work is now divided into three parts. The first embraces
the Natural History of the Dog, with an Inquiry into his
primeval origin, and into the probable sources of his promi-
nent varieties. Tlie second part is, diQYoiQdi io a theoretical
and practical consideration of the System of Breeding and
Rearing these Animals, with their general Treatment, as our
subservients, and the means of keeping them in Health.
The third part comprehends their Diseases, when their
health has been attacked ; the alphabetical arrangement
of which, in former editions has given place in this to
such a methodical classification as, while it renders it not
less easy of reference to the amateur, will be more acceptable
to the professional reader, from the relative view it will
afford him of the various subjects thus congenerously
grouped. Not that what is now offered has any pretensions
to a strict nosological classification : on the contrary, it is
evident that the work must yet continue to be so framed

A

2 PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION.

as to prove a vade mecum to as many non-medical as medical
readers ; and for whom a rigorous application of nosology
would, therefore, be too technical. It may hereafter assume
a still more systematic dress : at present, festinatio tarda est
will probably apply ; and until circumstances allow or call
for it, attempting too much might be found to be a preventive
to the attaining of a little even. As regards the work gene-
rally, if my exertions should tend to alleviate the sufferings
of an animal whose utility and good qualities can nelver be
too highly estimated, 1 shall have accomplished an object
always dear to my heart: and here, probably, my address
ought to terminate ; but during the course of a long life, the
circumstances of having been so repeatedly changing from
one to the other of the seeming discordant pursuits of human
and brute surgery ; of army life, both military and medical ;
and of private life, as the country sportsman or the closeted
author ; have, I am aware, excited the curiosity of many,
and subjected me to the tax of great inconsistency of conduct,
and vacillation of purpose from others. Wishing, in common
with the rest of mankind, to stand well with the world, and
knowing that, however I may not be able entirely to rid
myself from these imputations, I may yet, by detailing the
principal circumstances which led to these constantly varying
pursuits, shew that they were less sought by ihoxi forced on
me ; and that by such apologetical statement I may at once
blunt censure and satisfy curiosity ; with which intentions
only I am induced further to intrude by the following state-
ment.

PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF THE AUTHOU.

i WAS educated with my maternal grandfather, a dignitary of
the cathedral of St. David's ; the bishop of the diocess becoming
my godfather, with an understanding that I was to be brought'
up to the church, under his auspices. Unfortunately, the prin-
ciples of my father, as a dissenting divine, frustrated these pros-
pects; and it was at length agreed between the two parents,
that I should be consigned to a less scholastic but more la*
borious profession, the ars mendendi, which first aberration laid
the foundation of all the subsequent ones ; for of all professions
that of a parish priest offers the fewest temptations to deviate
from a direct course. In consequence of this agreement, I was,
at the age of fourteen, placed with an eminent practitioner in
Buckinghamshire ; and at twenty-one was entered a pupil at the
Borough Hospitals, under the direct guidance of the ingenious
Dr. Haighton, where I remained nearly three years, the last of
which was passed under the roof of this friend of my family;
and to whom, during my stay, it was my study to discharge
some of my obligations, by actively employing myself in assist-
ing him in his physiological experiments, and in myself making
many of those particular dissections, and the whole of the draw-
ings designated to illustrate the re-union of divided nerves, and
the nature of the interposed substance, that gained him the prize
medal of the Royal Institution ; and which further led to the
discovery of the division of the facial nerves as a cure for tic
doloureujt;. About this time the public attention became en-
gaged in forming a national college for the systematic study of
brute medicine. One professor (M. St. Bel) had been already
engaged ; and there was yet wanting an assistant teacher of

A 2

4- PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF THE AUTHOR,

anatomy and demonstrator ; which being offered me, I accepted,
and by so doing a second important aberration from purposed
intentions was committed; but enthusiastically attached to ani-
mals as I was, as well as to natural history and comparative
anatomy, it was little to be wondered at, if a young man should
embrace a situation where his duties and his inclinations so well
accorded. It may also readily be supposed, that the time thus
passed would tend to divert my attention from my legitimate
profession of human medicine ; and although, after I left the
Veterinary College, I resumed it for a twelvemonth in Sussex,
yet I was again influenced, by strong temptations held out, to
enter on a course of public teaching of the veterinary art ; and
also to engage in the practice of it at Lewes, where I met with
much notice and encouragement. An improvident management
of my resources, however, forced me from hence ; and I once
more resumed human surgery in a regiment of militia, with
which I remained, until, at the recommendation of the late General
Gwynne, always a kind and zealous friend to me, I was appointed
to a surgeoncy in one of the troops of horse artillery, then stationed
at Woolwich, with which I remained nearly three years, extend-
ing my knowledge of human medicine by witnessing the judicious
management of the Woolwich Artillery Hospital, under the
direction of the late Dr. Rollo ; and as though the practice of
brute medicine was ever to unite itself with whatever other pur-
suits I might be engaged in, I was requested to add to my
duties the inspection of the extraordinary cases which might
occur among the invalid horses belonging to the establishment.
As may be supposed, my time spent here was neither idly,
unpleasantly, nor unprofitably employed ; but my relations be-
coming urgent with me to leave the army, and wholly con-
fine myself to human medical practice near them, I left the
Artillery, and made my debut as a surgeon in the neigh-
bourhood of Queen Square, London. Even here, however, the
latent spark, which had smouldered but was not extinguished,
again shewed itself by the employment of the hours that my

PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF THE AUTHOR 5

professional avocations left me in preparing and publishing,
the Anatomy of the Horse, in folio monthly numbers, with both
coloured and plain plates. Of this work it is certainly not too
much to say, that it was a spirited undertaking : it was also
thought so worthy of encouragement by that excellent character
and great lover of this animal, George the Third, that he was
pleased personally to urge my continuance of it, giving me,
at the same time, permission to dedicate it to him. Settled as I
now appeared to be, even yet a new aberration awaited me, fate
herself seeming to have ordained that I should not remain long in
one situation ; for the death of a near relative investing me with a
considerable property, I relinquished my professional pursuits,
and retired into the country, where the expences of a sporting
establishment in a few years forced on me the necessity of again
adopting a new course of life. In consequence, I first accepted
a commission in the North Gloucester Regiment of Militia, and
in it passed a campaign in Ireland during the rebellion ; but
after two years wasted in this manner, prudence dictating that it
was doing nothing towards my future welfare, on the announce-
ment of the expedition to the Helder, I offered my services to
the Medical Board, which were accepted, and I was provision-
ally appointed surgeon to the second battalion of the 40th re-
giment, with which I immediately embarked for Holland. As
this corps particularly distinguished itself, and bore the brunt of
several actions, my experience in my profession received consi-
derable additions ; but neither my prospects nor interests seemed
to be much brightened by my services, although a public ac-
knowledgment of them by the regiment, coupled with a request
for my continuance with it, was formally made to the Medical
Board ; but which availed little, for the system of favoritism of
the surgeon-general of that time made him, at the instance of Ge-
neral Cameron, then embarking for the West Indies, order me to
accompany him, although but three weeks returned from Holland.
Indignant at such treatment, I refused to go ; and thus any claim
of mine for active service in several regiments was, in one mo-

6 PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.

ment, cancelled. Some years after this, when in professional
attendance on the late excellent Duchess of York, her princely
consort admitted my active services on the Continent (for he had
often himself inspected my hospital regulations, with which he
always expressed himself as particularly well pleased), and most
kindly observed that they deserved a different treatment from the
Medical Board, but over which he had no controul. After this
throwing up of my commission, I did not immediately turn my
attention to any new pursuit, but remained some time in suspense,
at the instance of my kind friend and patron the late Lord
Craven, who also had himself left the 40th regiment, with some
expectation of obtaining the command of a rifle corps, and in
which he promised to procure me a commission, in case his interest
should fail to gain me the surgeoncy of it. I was, however, to
be again foiled, together with his lordship, who, instead of his medi-
tated appointment, was promoted to the rank of a district general ;
and I was consequently once more left to pursue my own fortune.
Being not altogether destitute, I was in no hurry at that moment
to risk a new run of ill luck ; but, on the contrary, quietly retired
into the north of England, where my days were occupied in
sketching, shooting, or fishing, and my evenings in arranging ma-
terials for the Fi7'st Edition of the Veterinary Outlines. But
as even such a course of study might not much advance my
fortune, it might open a door thereto. It did so, and I had no
reason eventually to repent my determination. In a professional
practice of human medicine it was certainly disheartening to re-
flect that I had lost some years in my start, and that my cotem-
poraries, from the advantage of early residence and locality, had
outstripped me in the race ; and that, the market being already
overstocked with human surgeons, I had numerous difliculties to
overcome, and additional time to waste, before I could hope to get
even into tolerable practice. I, however, removed to London,
where 1 some time lingered in uncertainty : but my Veterinary
Outlines, which I had in the meantime published, becoming
known, together with the public remembrance of what little no-

PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 7

toriety attached to my name as an early teacher at the Veterinary
College, almost insensibly, and certainly unexpectedly, drew me
into extensive correspondencies and a remunerative practice on
the diseases of horses, dogs, and domestic animals in general,
which, increasing daily, at length determined me to devote all my
future professional energies to these subjects. In this almost un-
beaten track I might hope to reap both fame and emolument ;
and although it might not appear so honourable a calling as that
of human medicine, it was at least a very useful one, and, under
all the foregoing circumstances, the most prudent one. The re-
solve was followed by a popular and extensive practice in the
British metropolis, during which I produced a succession of
veterinary publications, all of which have received the meed of
public approbation, by passing through several editions, and by
having been translated into several continental languages. Firmly
resolved no more to deviate from this settled line of practice
(which, although it was not that which it has ever been my wish
I had remained in, yet has proved a remunerating one to me, and
I hope not altogether a useless one to the public), I remained
engaged in it twenty years, although twice exposed, during that
time, to temptations of a profitable and flattering nature to trans-
late my professional services, first to India, and next to Russia.
To induce me to take the direction of a veterinary school in Peters-
burgh, Prince Gargarini was directed, when the crowned heads
were in England, to offer me the usual temptation of a title,
with a liberal pension. By declining these^ I hope I somewhat
reclaimed a character for consistency, if not for prudence and
wish for aggrandizement. For myself I have never repented the
step: the retirement I have some years enjoyed is still em-
ployed in editing new editions of my former works, or collecting
materials for others connected with the improvement of the per-
sons and treatment of our domestic animals. Thus, though hap-
pily not called on by want, my energies, my competence, and
my leisure, are yet devoted to the cause of humanity, and to that
course which chance forced mo into.

8 PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.

Little as this recital offers for boast or exultation, I shall,
without doubt, be taxed with egotism and vanity, by introducing
it. I have unquestionably personal motives in so doing ; but if
I know myself, they centre in the hope that thereby I may at
once satisfy all curiosity ; and that, wherever I may be, I may
stand confessed to the world with regard to what I have been,
and with regard to what 1 am, and ever mean to be. We have
every one of us a sphere of action of our own : mine is a humble
and limited one ; but the more narrow its limits, the more ne-
cessary is it that it should not be clouded by any doubts or
obscurities.

PART THE FIRST.

THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

The importance of the dog in the scale of animated nature
admits of no dispute, but, on the contrary, is forced on our con-
viction by many striking proofs ; among which the wide range
of his geographical distribution, which exceeds that of almost any
other scion of the zoological tree, stands prominent. Again, his
teachable character renders him not only interesting, but highly
useful also ; indeed so much so, that we can hardly persuade our-
selves that any country is fully blessed with Nature's gifts which
does not possess the dog ; and certainly none can deserve the
title of civilized, which, owning him, has not engaged him in a
close domestication : on the contrary, we have reason to believe
that it was one of the earliest efforts of associated man, to secure
to himself and fellow men the friendship and services of an animal
whose manners, in his wild state even, must have exhibited phy-
sical and intellectual powers which, in an eminent degree, qualified
him, when reclaimed, to become a watchful and effective guard
against the more predatory and ferocious brutes around ; a power-
ful assistant and ally in that further conquest which he (man)

10 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

would be naturally led to meditate over other animal races, as
well as a devoted and interesting companion. Indeed, his protec-
tion against the rapacity of other animals could hardly be ob-
tained by any other than this canine compact : neither is it too
much to assert, that but for this he could never have extended his
conquest over other brute races, or, having effected it, it would
have been utterly impossible to have maintained it. In great
truth, therefore, the subjugation and domestication of the dog may
be called the triumph of reason over nature ; and, as observed by
Baron Cuvier, it is the most complete, singular, and useful con-
quest man has ever made. Viewed in these several relations, our
inquiries concerning the dog necessarily embrace, first, his natural
history, properly so called ; and, secondly, his artificial history,
or the alterations effected in hion hy his domestication with
man.

The natural history of an animal is most satisfactorily com-
menced by inquiries into its direct origin ; and in this instance
it would bo. peculiarly gratifying to trace the source from whence
has been derived a race now so extensively diffused among us ;
and one that is become not more important by the value of its
services, than interesting by its amiable and companionable quali-
ties. But, unfortunately, we have to lament, that around the
descent of no quadruped does there hang so much obscurity as
about that of the dog ; and however reason and analogy may lead
us to conclude him an original animal, and however well con-
vinced the majority may be that he is so, yet the subject is so
beset with difficulties and contradictory appearances, that we can-
not wonder at the doubts which exist in the minds of others on
the subject. Some eminent naturalists have even doubted whe-
ther the dog be not wholly a factitious animal ; one not acknow-
ledged by the great Architect of Nature, but altogether com-
pounded from such spurious sources as the intermixture of various
nearly-allied animals. Others have allowed him a more direct
lineage, by confining his descent to one among those which com-
pos© the genus in which he is placed : thus, some have considered

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 1 1

his parentage derived from the wolf, and the comparison of the
anatomy between these two animals presents an argument of
some weight, and the more when, added to this, we take into the
account that the gestation of the wolf is, like the canina, sixty-
three days. The dingo has likewise been supposed a probable
source from whence the dog originated, but, in my opinion, not a
very likely one : some from the fox, others from the chactil or
jackal, and a few have regarded the hyena as his primogenitor.
(See Mr. Bell on this subject in his History of British Quad-
rupeds.) So infinitely varied are the scions of this great tree
become, that among those who, like myself, would be glad to ad-
vocate his claim to originality of formation, yet we are constrained
to admit the difficulty of concluding that all his varieties can have
sprung from one root. It is not easy to suppose that even the
powerful agencies of climate, food, and domestication, could have
operated diversities so striking and so multiplied ; but, on the
contrary, some maintain that he was originally formed in such
corresponding varieties as fitted him to inhabit the different
countries in which he was placed, and which opinion it is not easy
to controvert entirely. As regards the identity of the wolf and dog,
I confess that, though originally hostile to such opinion, I am not
equally so now. I would not willingly give up the opinion that
the dog, in his native character, is an original animal, and most
probably of one type ; but which type, yielding to the powerful
influences of change of temperature, of locality, of food, of treat-
ment, &c. has suffered vast alterations in its form and proportions,
but I would less willingly adhere to error. It may, it is true, be
asked whether the first dogs might not by intermixture with other
members of his genus have so diversified his kinds. The query is at
once curious and important, but at the same time it is one that I
am not ready to uphold, nor prepared to deny. But when we regard
attentively the effects produced by the powerful agencies already
hinted at, particularly that resulting from climate, and that brought
about by man when he assumes to himself the direction of the
sexual intercourse, I cannot but incline to think, that the varieties

12 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

of this animal, numerous and disproportionate as they are, might
result from these united causes of themselves. This subject is
not more interesting than intricate, and the more I examine it, the
less am I satisfied with my own inferences. In one point only am
I certain I am right, and that is, that the dog, let him be an
original or a compounded animal, deserves our admiration.

In the zoological arrangement of the great naturalist, Sir
Charles Linne, the Dog, Canis familiar is, is the first species of a
genus which comprehends animals whose exterior forms and
habits are considerably varied, but whose generic characters bear
a close resemblance to each other. The animals included are,
the Wolf, Can. lupus ; the Fox, Can. vulpes ; the Jackal, Can.
aureus ; and the Hyaena, Can. hycena. The generic characters
of this race are drawn from the number and the incisive formation
of the teeth. There are, in front, six pointed conical fore teeth
above and below, the laterals being more lobated and longer than
the others. The molar or grinding teeth are furnished with
pointed prominences, and in the intermediate space between the
incisor and molar teeth placed on each side, above and below, is
found a solitary incurvate tusk, from whence this tooth derives
its characteristic name of canine, wherever it is met with. The
specific characters, or those by which this great master distin-
guished the dog from the other members of the genus, are — the
head carinated or keel-shaped on the crown ; the lower lip hid by
the upper, indentated and naked at the sides ; tongue smooth ;
five rows of whiskers on the upper lip; nostrils turned outward,
into a crescent-shaped furrow ; upper margin of the ears reflected
and doubled posteriorly ; anterior margin three-lobed, with seven
or eight hairy warts on the face ; teats ten, six abdominal, four
pectoral ; feet subpalmated, toes furnished with curved claws, not
retractile. Of the wolf we have to remark, that the one be-
longing to Fred. M. Cuvier offered an example of the vast
power of man over even the most untractable of the beasts of the
field. It is well known that no spaniel was ever more attached
to a master than was this wolf to M. Cuvier, brother to the great

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 13

naturalist. This faithful animal bore one separation from him
with difficulty. Another was attempted, but this was more than
he could bear : he pined himself to death, a martyr to his attach-
ment.

Baron Cuvier's arrangement very properly excludes the hyaena
from the genus Canis, but it retains the other members of the Lin-
nsean arrangement. His canine generic characters are — three false
molars above, four below, and two tuberculous teeth behind each
carnivorous one. The first of these tuberculous teeth in the
upper row is very large. The upper carnivorous tooth has but a
single small tubercle within, but the lower one has its posterior
point altogether tuberculous. The canine tongue is soft. The
fore-feet have five toes, and the hinder four.

The specific characters of the dog are — his curved tail, and his
numerous variations as to size, form, colour, and the quantity and
quality of the hair. The dog indeed may be said to be, altogether,
the most complete, the most varied, and the most useful conquest
ever made by man. Almost every variety of canidae has become
our property : each individual is altogether devoted to his master,
assumes his manners, knows and defends his property, and remains
attached to him until death ; all which appears to proceed neither
from fear nor hope of reward, but solely from genuine attachment.
The swiftness, the strength, and the powers of scent in the dog
have, indeed, created for man a powerful ally against other ani-
mals, whose encroachments he w^atches with a jealous eye. He,
in fact, is the only animal which has followed man through every
region of the earth.

We have seen that some naturalists regard the dog as a species
of wolf, others as a fox, and some as a domesticated jackal, which
is evidently erroneous ; for such dogs as have become wild again
in desert islands do not resemble either of these species. The
truly wild dogs, and those also belonging to barbarous people, as
the inhabitants of New Holland, have straight ears, which would
lead us to the belief that the European races approximating most
to the original type are the dingo of New Holland, our shepherd's

14 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

dog and our wolf-dog. But the comparison of crania points to a
closer approximation in the mastiff 2i\\6i Danish dog : after which
come the hounds the pointevy and the terrier, which do not ma-
terially differ between themselves except in size and the propor-
tions of the limbs. The greyhound is altogether more lank, its
frontal sinuses also are small, and its scent but feeble. The shep-
herd's dog and the wolf-dog present the straight ears of the wild
dogs, but with a greater development of brain, which proceeds in-
creasing, wdth a proportionate degree of intelligence, in the harhet
and the spaniel. The bull-dog, on the other hand, is remarkable
for the shortness and strength of its jaws, as well as the vigour and
determination with which he retains his hold on the nose or lips of
the bull. The cerebral cavities of the bull-dog are very confined,
and consequently his intellect is not very extended. He is without
doubt an unnatural production, but is, nevertheless, a striking
proof of that power which man exercises over nature.

The dog is born with the eyes closed, and they remain so until
the tenth or twelfth day. His teeth begin to change in the fourth
month, and his growth terminates at two years of age. The fe-
male goes with young sixty-three days, and brings forth from six
to a dozen, or even more, young ones. The dog is erroneously
said to be old at five years, and that he seldom lives more than
twenty, which is true in the majority of instances ; but we have
seen more than one dog that had lived beyond twenty. We knew a
French dog which weighed less than four pounds, and which, as we
were told by its owner, had reached its twenty-third or twenty-
fourth year, we forget which. The vigilance, the bark, the sin-
gular mode of copulation of this animal, and his striking suscepti-
bility of a varied education, are universally known^.

' The illustrious naturalist, Cuvier, evinces some of the nationality which
marked Buffon in his reveries on the origin of the dog : nor can I agree with
him that the dog is old at five ; he is, on the contrary, then in his prime.
And by limiting the number of progeny to twelve, he is equally in error : I
took myself from a pregnant setter, after her death, sixteen young ones, within
a week of their expected birth.

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 1.5

The artificial history of the dog may with propriety commence
with the synopsis of the varieties into which he is branched out.
In the other species of the genus to which he belongs, this would
rather belong to their natural history ; but it must be considered,
that by far the greater number of the varieties of the dog have
been the result of circumstances not contemplated by nature : on
the contrary, many of them, we know, have arisen from the
direct agency of man himself, and the greater proportion are
wholly domesticated with him. The synoptical view of this
subject, taken by that eminent zoologist M. Frederic Cuvier
(a younger brother of the Baron), being now very generally fol-
lowed by our best naturalists, will furnish me with an order of
description slightly varying from that pursued in former editions,
but not, I believe, less demonstrative or interesting. Founded
on the construction of the various organs of the body, internal
as well as external, these illustrious brothers have reared their
systems on the most solid base ; employing principles which must
produce the best effects on zoology, by rescuing it from fabled re-
presentation, traditionary account, or purposed exaggeration. The
shape of the head, and the length of the jaws and muzzle, have
furnished him, as he conceives, with facilities in arranging the dog
varieties in the order of their approach to the parent stock, which
he does in three several groups: 1. Matins^; 2. Spaniels^; 3.
Dogues.

2 As regards the matins, considerable contradiction exists in the descrip-
tion of them by various authors ; much of which arises from considering this
dog as the fac- simile of our mastiff. On the contrary, it much more nearly
resembles the Australasian dog, except that it is taller and altogether more
lengthy in its limbs, and less coated. It is a dog of great speed, vast strength,
and is without doubt the same which Strabo notices as being so long and so
successfully used by the Iberian and Albanian people in their huntings. " It
may be remarked, that although a threefold division of canes venatisi was ac-
knowledged by the classic authors during the imperial government of Rome,
yet that, in Xenophon and the earlier Greek writers, we only trace a twofold
division into pugnaces, or dogs of force and strength, and sagaces, or dogs which
possessed some strength, some quickness, and much cunning ; such, for in-

16 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BOG.

1. MATINS.

" The anatomical characters of this group are — the head more
or less elongated ; the parietal bones insensibly approaching each
other; and the condyles of the lower jaw being placed in a hori-
zontal line with the molar or upper cheek teeth."

Var. A — Dog of New Holland, Canis fam. Austr. Desmarest ;

Dinga, Shaw*.
Var. B — French Matin, Can, fam. lanarius, Lin. ; Matin, BufFon^.

stance, as we see practised whenever we are out on sporting excursions.
Indeed, some doubt whether the greyhound type, as now cultivated among us,
was known in Greece in the days of the Socratic Xenophon, although we are
told that the most speedy of the canes laconici exhibited much strength,
length of limb, and angles so formed as to enable them to compete with almost
any animal but the most powerful and the most swift. Certain it is, that
dogs of such a type, although not so delicately formed, were used by the early
Britons as guards of their persons and their flocks. Thus much we do know,
but it is a matter of regret to the naturalist that we are so little acquainted
with the critical likenesses of these ancient pugnaces, sagaces, and celeres.

^ The Spaniel family is even more varied than the matins. The Alpine
spaniel is a dog of large dimensions. Indeed, so powerful are these dogs,
that they are employed as watch dogs to guard the sheep and cattle of moun-
tainous districts, as the Himalayan. A cut of the Alpine spaniel, which
may be seen in the Encyclopaedia of Rural Sports, p. 388, will shew him as
admirably framed to protect whatever is put under his care. The spaniel va-
rieties of Britain are also numerous : there are smooth and rough. The New-
foundland dog is undoubtedly of this family. The cocker, as he is called from
hunting woodcocks, pheasants, &c., is a more diminutive offset from the same
root, and is much admired for his beauty and hunting qualities.

"* M. F. Cuvier finds the head of this but half- reclaimed animal to resemble
that of the French matin, and his form to approximate to the shepherd's dog;
and hence he places it at the head of the list, as retaining most of the dis-
tinctive characters of the wild and original stock.

* A nationality not uncommon with the French has made their naturalists
attach wonderful importance to their matin, as the progenitor of most of our
large and valuable breeds. Pennant identifies it with the Irish greyhound,
which it somewhat resembles ; but it is not so tall, nor is its hair so wiry. It
is very common in France as a cattle dog and a general guard ; but in my

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 17

Var. C — Danish Dog, Can.fam. danicus^ Desm.; Grand Danois,
Buffon6,

own opinion it is, at least, not the genuine source from whence we derive o\ir
greyhounds. Still less is it connected in any way with either the bull-dog or
the mastiff of England ; but much more with the boar and wolf-hound. Sir
William Clayton observes, " The French matin is tall and slender for his
size, and resembles a half-bred greyhound." Mr. Wilson also says, " It ap-
peared to me a kind of lurcher ; and if I were to analyse its characters, I
would say it was an intermediate between the shepherd's dog and the grey-
hound." It may be added, that it is strong, courageous, and swift; yet not
deficient in the sense of smell, and was originally of a fawn colour, though I
believe it is now often varied. Buffon's fanciftil theories made this dog, which
in its origin he considers a native of temperate climes, to become the Danish
dog when carried to the north, and the greyhound when under the influence
of the south. It is evident he could not become the English greyhound by
this principle ; and, indeed, we have sufficient reason to believe we derive the
greyhound from a very different source, as will at once appear if the reader
will turn to the classic pages of Arrian, lately translated by a learned writer
under the name of a Graduate of Medicine. It is to be regretted that Mr.
Griffith did not lend his powerful aid to a more critical examination of the
sources of these several varieties. Original and valuable as are some of his
elucidations, he is lamentably meagre here, instead of a close investigation ;
he appears to conclude that the Molossian or Albanian dog, the French matin,
the Irish greyhound, with the Danish dog, and even the modem greyhound,
are but ramifications of each other. This is settling the matter concisely, but
certainly not satisfactorily. We know that the ancients were jealous of the
breeds of their dogs, and preserved them in purity with care ; nor should we
have received from them varieties so well defined as we find them, had their
inter-ramifications been thus diffused.

® Danish dog. Misconceptions arise, by either confounding this dog with
the Dalmatian, or otherwise from not considering the Dane in two distinct
varieties : 1 . The Great Dane, Le Grand Danois, Buffon, which is considered
as one of the largest dogs known. Marco Paolo must have inflated those
probably which he describes as having seen of the size of asses. They are
smooth coated, and appear to have been of a light fawn colour ; but are now
often seen brindled, or broadly spotted, or patched with a dingy brown on the
original ground. The dogs of Epirus, so famed for their strength and courage,
were of this kind. (Aristotle, lib. iii, c. 21. Pliny also notices them in terms
of admiration, lib. viii, c. 40.) It appears to have a near connexion with
the smooth varieties of the German boar-hound. 2. The Lesser Dane, Dal-

B

18 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

In this division are also included the Dhole or wild dog of the
East Indies, Can. Orientalis ; a South American wolf-like va-
riety ; and the celebrated Albanian dog, which is one of great size
and strength ; his body covered with long silky fur, with a bushy
tail. This variety is supposed to have furnished the Molassian dog.
Var. D — Greyhound, Can. grains, Lin.; LevrieVy Buff. Ge-
neral characters : long head, slender limbs, deep chest, narrow
waist, and great swiftness. It branches into the following sub-
varieties — a, Irish greyhound^ ; h, Scotch greyhound^ ; c, Rus-

matian, or Coach Dog, Le Braque de Bengal, BufFon, is a beautiful animal,
regularly spotted over his body with black or dark blue spots on a light ground.
In form he is between the hound and pointer, and without doubt might be
cultivated into the one or the other. Bewick is severe on BufFon, under the
idea of its incapacity of scenting game. But to give validity to his criticism,
he should have proved that it wanted the faculty, which I make no doubt was
as inherent in him as in any hound whatever. It had not been taught the
pursuit of game, and was therefore not impressed with the ardour. Had Bewick
confined his objection to the locality chosen by BufFon, that of Bengal, where
a dog of his markings is not common, he might have had reason.

' The Irish and Scotch greyhounds. Can. grains Hyhernicus, Ray, et Sco-
ticus, Fleming, do not differ very materially from each other ; the Irish grey-
hounds which I have seen were the largest. Both however, in all probability,
own the same origin and are of the same stamp with the German boar-hound
and wolf-hound, which, as is well known, are rough wire-haired dogs. Such
as I saw in Ireland were majestically large, and united considerable speed
with immense strength : they were of a light grey colour, with a mixure of
yellow or fawn-coloured tinting. A century back, the Irish wolf-dog, it is
said, was nearly four feet high. The Marquis of Sligo is among the few who
preserve this race, which he does at Westport, in the county of Mayo. The
Scottish greyhound, deer-dog, or ratche, is somewhat less in size than the
Irish ; at least such as I have seen more resemble a strong, coarse-wire-haired
true greyhound ; but which, probably, depends on the deterioration of inter-
mixture : for it is said that a few yet exist in the Highlands of nearly the same
proportions with those of Ireland. Captain Brown, in his interesting Biogra-
phical Sketches of Dogs, informs us that Capt. Macdonell, of Glengarry, a
gentleman remarked for his attachment to whatever characterizes the sports
and customs of former times, keeps up this breed ; and in order to preserve it
from degenerating by consanguineous origin, he crosses them with both the

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 19

sian greyhound^; c?, Italian greyhoundQ; e, Turkish grey-
hound*^; to which should be appended the smooth or mo-
dern greyhound, Leporariits, Fleming* i. The principal of

bloodhound from Cuba, and the shepherd's dog of the Pyrenees ; which latter
is distinguished for its size, beauty, and docility. Tlie Duke of Athol, if we
are rightly informed, encourages the breed of Scottish greyhounds we have
described. Sir Walter Scott's celebrated dog Maida was also of this breed,
and is said to have been a most noble animal. The boar-hound of Germany
is not, however, of necessity a rough-coated dog, for it is more than probable
that he derives his origin from the great Dane ; whereas the rough- coated
may be presumed to have drawn his from intermixture from some of the larger
northern varieties, as the Siberian, Esquimaux, &c.j all of which are guarded
with a thick curled coat

^ The Russian greyhound is not very unlike that of Scotland, and possesses
much agility. It remains to remark, that under whatever name this variety
passes, whether of boar-hound, or of Irish or Scotch greyhound, it is a dog of
some scenting powers, brave, gentle, and affectionate : when, therefore, natu-
ralists take on themselves to attach certain qualities, as vast courage, great
speed, and even great scenting powers, to this breed, they extend their quali-
ties beyond their just limits. It is true that the olden greyhound, of ex-
panded dimensions and wide-spread cerebral cavities, could scent the game he
pursued ; but when, in sporting phraseology, he has been drawn fine to in-
crease his speed, his scenting powers diminish, otherwise the balance of power
between the pursuer and the pursued would be destroyed, which equalization
in almost every instance may be seen in Nature's works.

^ The Italian greyhound is a pigmy variety, of elegant form, but timid,
sensitive, and tender in the extreme.

'*' The Turkish greyhound is even smaller, but less slender, and is fre-
quently naked.

'• The modern or smooth greyhound of our times and of our country ex-
hibits, in a wonderful manner, the power of cultivation. In early times this
dog in all probability hunted as well by scent as by sight ; and with such quali-
fications he must have proved very destructive to the larger kinds of game, as
deer, wild goats, foxes, &c. At least, such a dog was the gazehound, of whose
extraordinary powers in selecting and keeping his game in view we have many
accounts. But as the larger varieties of game became scarce, or was princi-
pally hunted by dogs in packs, so the use of the real greyhound became con-
fined to the taking of the hare. To do this, however, effectually, the arts of
cultivation and selection were called into practice, thereby to produce an in-
creased celerity of motion in the dog, by a corresponding alteration in the

B2

20 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

these dogs may be seen figured in our Encyclopcedia of Rural
Sports,

form of his body. The head was rendered flat and pointed, to offer less re-
sistance to the wind, and to subtract from its weight : the chest was consider-
ably deepened, somewhat at the expense of its general circular capacity, but
without wholly destroying its segmental flexure of rib ; by which respiration
could be increased, although both weight and resistance were decreased. The
abdomen became wonderfully contracted, and its intestinal contents so devoid
of all interstitial matter, as to offer little obstruction to the momentum of the
machine, and little obstacle to the dilatations of the diaphragm. The extre-
mities were at once fined and greatly extended, and their angles rendered ca-
pable of great extension by lengthening those portions which were principally
concerned in propelling the machine, and shortening those which operated
more in support than progression : thus it is with the greyhound, as with all
animals of great speed, that the knee and the hock are both placed by nature
very near the ground, dependent on the curtailment of the intervening por-
tions. The muscles of the back, loins, and thighs in the greyhound are sin-
gularly large ; and thus all these advantages of the bony mechanism can be
assisted by an increase of moving power. But, that this increase of velocity
gained might not destroy the equality between the pursuer and the pursued,
which is an invariable law in nature, it followed that the head becoming long
and pointed, occasioned such contraction of the frontal sinuses as to injure the
sense of acute smell, and to annul the power of following the game by scent ;
and the greyhound is therefore now forced to trust to his vision alone, which
at once brings him and his prey more on a par with each other. This cranial
alteration appears also to have some effect on the faculties of this dog, by les-
sening the aptitude to education, and confining the general intelligence ; but
it does not do it in the degree that some naturalists would imply.

The English greyhound is undoubtedly a dog of very ancient origin. Se-
venteen centuries ago he was well known, and even before that time was
cherished and applied to the coursing of hares. We should suppose that
few of our readers are totally unacquainted with the classic tales of the ancient
writers of notoriety, and consequently they cannot fail to remember the ac-
counts of the huntings which these worthies had been engaged in, and the
canine assistants they employed thereon. Of these huntings ^^ perforce" we
have some accounts ; in which, as may be supposed, large and very fierce dogs
were employed, because large and fierce animals formed the game hunted in
those times. But our present business lies with those animals which, if smaller
and much weaker, were nevertheless much swifter. Many partial notices, how-
ever, of the early huntings have reached us, handed down by one or other of

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG, 21

2. SPANIELS.

Anatomical character : " The head very moderately elongated ;
parietal bones not approaching each other above the temples, but

the lovers of the masculine venation of the olden times ; and consequently
the canes venatici of classical antiquity have been very ably depicted by some
of those who accompanied them, and pressed them forward to the attack of
the most powerful beasts of the field. It is, nevertheless, more than seventeen
centuries ago that the younger Xenophon (fired with admiration of the per-
formances, not of the mastiflT, the boar-hound, or other of the fierce assailants
of beasts of the field, but of those efiected solely with the ardour and speed of
the greyhound) wrote a Greek Treatise on Coursing, which remained imknown
to most others except those whose education enabled them to cultivate an in-
timate acquaintance with the classical elucidations of the Cynegeticus of the
renowned Greek author we have named. This ancient and most valuable
MS. has at length been rendered familiar to all classes of readers by the
laboxirs of an excellent classic, who, for the benefit of the less erudite courser,
has not only unfolded each page of the original Cynegeticus, but has greatly
enhanced the value of his translation by the additional notes he has appended
thereto.

In the Levant, we would observe, the greyhound is said to be very common ;
and in Turkey we have the authority of Mr. Dallaway for asserting that it is
equally so. This gentleman describes the greyhounds of that time as being
large and white, but that their tails were fantastically stained with red. In
Laconia they are, according to Mr. Hobhouse, also large, and their hair is
long. The long-haired greyhound is therefore by no means confined to
northern climates ; neither are long external coverings of hair among other
domestic animals uncommon in the warmest countries, as we see in the cats,
rabbits, and goats of Angora ; but the hair so seen, however long, possesses a
silky fineness of textvire, and does not retain animal heat as does the thick,
wiry hair of nortliern animals, with a matting of wool at the roots. The
greyhovmds of the east likewise, although delicately fine in their limbs, have
many of them long silk-like coats. The elegant animal called the Persian
greyhound, to the utmost lightness of form and smoothness of body adds the
peculiarity of having his ears, legs, and tail, befringed with very long fine
hair, like that of the setter or spaniel. In temperate climes, but particularly
in England, where the cultivation of the greyhound is carried to the highest
perfection, he presents the most symmetric model of an animal expressly
formed for great velocity. It is not a little remarkable that this dog, which
in the dark ages was but little noted, should in times much antecedent thereto

22 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

diverge and swell out so as to enlarge the forehead and the cerebral
cavitj'. This group includes some of the most useful and intelli-
gent dogs."

Var. E — Spaniel, Can.fam. extrarius, Lin. The name of the

spaniel race is derived from its (supposed) original country,

Spain.

The sub-varieties are — «, The smaller spaniel, with a small
round head, the ears and tail covered with long hair ; h, King
Charles's spaniel, Can. brevipiles, Lin,i2 ; c, La Pyrame^ Buff.;

have excited the greatest admiration. The erudite writer we have already
noted observes, that " there appears to have been a threefold distinction of
canes venatici, acknowledged by classic authors during the imperial govern-
ment of Rome. I do not mean (continues our author) that this classification
is ac«urately observed by all the cynegetical and popular authorities ; but it
may be traced, more or less clearly, in the writings of Grotius, Seneca, Arte-
midorus, Oppian, Claudian, and Julius Firmicus. The Faliscan also notes a
triple division,

" Canum quibus est audacia prceceps
Y ei\dindi\(\\xe sagax virtus ; viresque sequandi."

Arrian on Coursing.

For some other notices relating to this important variety of the canine race,
I would recommend the reader to a Treatise on Greyhounds, attributed to Sir
Wm. Clayton, a Baronet of sporting celebrity. In this elegant and classic
production will be found a fund of interesting and instructive matter relative
to the breeding, rearing, and treatment of these dogs. According to the mo-
desty of its author, it is besprinkled with " a few classical flowers;" but the
reader will find it a gay parterre, where literary and sporting subjects change
hands at every turn.

''•'King Charles II, it is known, was extremely fond of spaniels, two
varieties of which are seen in his several portraits, or in those of his fa-
vourites. One of these was small, of a black and white colour, with ears of an
extreme length ; the other was large and black, but the black was beautifully
relieved by tan markings, exactly similar to the markings of the black and tan
terrier : this breed the late Duke of Norfolk preserved with jealous care. That
amiable and excellent lady, the Princess Sophia of Gloucester, shewed me a
very fine specimen presented to her by that nobleman, after receiving a pro-
mise, guaranteed by her royal brother, that she was not to breed from it in a

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. " 23

d, The Maltese, BichoTif BuflF. ; e, The lion dog, Can. leoniniLs,
Lin. ; f, The Calabrian dog ; g^ The hunting spaniel or cocker,i^
which yields the setter, Can, index, Lin.^^ — Addenda, The New-
foundland dog^^; The Alpine spanieU^.

direct line. Another was shewn to me by the late Lady Castlereagh, received
after a similar restriction. Even the Duchess of York could not obtain one
but on the same terms, as she herself informed me.

'^ No dog presents such endless varieties as the Spaniel; all, however,
admit of two common divisions, into land and water spaniels : the latter are
derived from the northern, the former from the eastern dogs. Land Spaniels
are all characterized by a long silky coat ; and whether strong and muscular,
or slender and dimumtive, they are equally elegant and interesting. They are
proverbially faithful ; and to the sportsman they are highly important, from
their keen scent, and their attachment to the pursuit of game.

'* The Setter, it is probable, is principally derived from the spaniel, and not,
as has been supposed, from a mixture of spaniel and pointer. Robert Dudley,
Duke of Northumberland, is recorded as the first person who broke (to the
net) a setter (i. e. a spaniel), so called from its lying down before game until
a net was drawn over both dog and game. After this aptitude had been dis-
played, it is natural to suppose that the breed would be continued, and that
future cultivation has increased its size and powers. The setter retained the
nemie of spaniel until of late years ; and to this day he is called, in Ireland,
the English spaniel. Gay calls him the " creeping spaniel ;" Thomson, also,
has

How, in his mid career, the spaniel struck
Stiff by the tainted gale, with open nose
Outstretch'' d, S^c.

The old English setter is now scarce, and has given place to a breed of less
docility and subjection, but of enlarged size and increased speed : these are
mostly red, and are of Irish origin. The term Index, by which the setter has
been known, it is evident is not more appropriate : indeed, it is less so than
to the pointer.

*^ The Newfoundland dog, now so much cultivated among us, was, without
doubt, of Eastern origin, and was not, as we believe, indigenous to the country
he takes his name from ; on the contrary, we are inclined to regard him as
derived from a large dog of the spaniel type, certainly not native to the frigid
region of Newfoundland ; but that he had been planted there by some visitors
or settlers from warmer and more cultivated countries. These would be en-
coiuraged by the natives of Newfoundland, because their aptitude as beasts of

24- NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

Var. F — The Water Spaniel, Canis aquaticus, Lin. ; chien harhat,
BuflF.
Sub-varieties — a, small water spaniel, petit barbet, BufF. ; b,

draught were quickly observed and duly appreciated. Such, we have reason
to believe, was the history of the Newfoundland breed of dogs, so called in the
latter ages. English travellers to Newfoundland carried with them some of
our best water spaniels ; and in return they brought back the Newfoundland
dog as a valuable addition to our caninae. Nevertheless, in Newfoundland,
the breeding of this dog was only partially cultivated, notwithstanding his
beauty, his strength, and his excellent qualities. Indeed the rigors of the cli-
mate, and the difficulty of procuring food for it during some seasons of the year,
were unfavourable to both the production of numbers and to the full develop-
ment of the frame. The splendid animal we now see has been greatly in-
creased in size since its residence among us : we have cultivated it so as to
make it now an English breed, while in Newfoundland it is at present so
nearly extinct, that a gentleman relates, in No. 123 of the new series of the
Sporting Magazine, that he could not find a single dog of the kind in St.
John's. It is, therefore, a fallacy for naturalists to assert that the dog we
possess is the same with that which is " employed in their native districts in
place of the horse." Col. Hawker, however, alludes to two breeds of New-
foundland dogs. One was from Salvador, where they were in early request,
and the other from St. John's. The first he describes as a large bony rough-
haired animal, much used in drawing of wood in sledges, which his immense
strength enabled him to do with ease. The dog of St. John's, although
smaller, the Colonel describes as much the best sporting dog; he is also
darker in colour and more agile; his scenting powers are also greater; in
proof, one of them will pursue the track of the wounded bird a very great dis-
tance, with the utmost precision. The Poole gunners, therefore, possess
themselves of these dogs whenever they can ; their aptitude being so great,
and their breaking so complete, that they can from the first take them out as
retrievers among their poi«ters, so docile are they, and so excellently well
are they trained. Mr. Griffiths has much curtailed its dimensions, when he
gives the height as two feet at the shoulders. There is extant an engraving,
made from a portrait taken by Mr. Edwin Landseer, of one which at a year
old was six feet eight inches in length from the nose to the end of the tail, and
two feet seven inches in height at the shoulders, at which time he must have
had some inches to grow. I saw, some years ago, two of these dogs, in size
nearly equal to this, and of the usual colour, which is a tawny, between red
and yellow.

'^ The Alpine spaniel, or the dog of Mount St. Bernard, is a very noble

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 25

chien griffon, a dog between the water spaniel and the shepherd's
dog.

Var. G — The Hound, chien couyant, Buff. ; Can. sagax, Lin.
Essentially this is the same as the blood-hound. The older
varieties of the hound were all designated by the term Talbot,
which term is, however, now often applied to the blood-hound, he
being, with the exception of an occasional pack of harriers of
the old growth, the only hound left with heavy limb and long
pendulous ears. The sub-varieties are — The stag-hound, the
fox-hound, the harrier, and the beagle. — Addenda : the terrier^^

animal ; whether we regard his size, his strength, or his generous qualities.
Cuvier tells us that the monks of this district send out two of them to scour
the mountain in search of lost or wearied travellers ; one proceeds with a
warm cloak fastened on his back, the other with a basket tied round his neck,
containing a bottle of cordial. They are frequently of the most eminent use
in meeting the traveller in these snowy and dangerous regions, in time to lead
him to the convent. It is said that, in cases where a man has been found by
them in an exhausted state, perishing with cold and fatigue, they will lie close
to him, and afford warmth from their own bodies to assist his resuscitation."

'' The Terrier. It is by no means easy to trace the origin of this useful
and interesting race, which is branched out into endless varieties. In The
Farrier and Naturalist, No. 10, it is said " that the terrier's name appears
to be derived from his entering holes in the earth after his game, and from the
minute description given of him in Oppian' s poems, who lived in the days of
Severus, A.D. 194. It is certain, also, that the terrier has been long known
in this island, although it might not have been an original native. Lin-
naeus states that it was first introduced on the continent so late as the reign
of Frederic the First." We cannot, however, agree with what follows, — that
the terrier is probably the vertagus or tumbler of Raii, and some other writers,
which is, we believe, a very different variety ; nor am I aware that any of the
true terrier breed has discovered the smallest propensity to this stratagem.
The qualities of the terrier are to the full as diversified as his form : he may
be taught to do any thing that dogs do, and to assist in the pursuit of every
species of game ; but his instinctive propensities are directed to the destruc-
tion of what is called vermin, as badgers, polecats, rats, mice, &c. The rough
terriers are usually grey or white ; the predominant colour of the smooth
kind is jet black, with elegant tan markings. In proof of the versatility of
talent in this dog, we knew one which had been broke by a keeper to stand
steadily to game, but to pheasants more particularly.

26 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

in his varieties of rough Scotch terrier, black and tan terrier,
bull- terrier, with endless mixed breeds between these varieties.

Var. H — The Pointer, Can. avicularis, Lin. — As a sub-variety,
the text of Cuvier has a Dalmatian pointer, hraque de Bengaly
Buffon. I doubt the propriety of this enumeration, but I do it
with diffidence, from the weight of the authority. I am not
aware that any sporting dog, of the markings of the Dalmatian
which follows our carriages, is used in India. It is true there
is a small variety of pointer, spotted, brindled, or pied in the
colours of the Dalmatian ; but I do not know whether that has
ever reached India ; still less likely is it to be used as a sporting
dog.

Var. I — Turnspit, Can. f am, vertagus, Lin.

Var. K — Shepherd's dog, Can, fam. domesticus, Lin. ; Le chien
de BergeVy BufF.i^

'® Notwithstanding the great variations in size met with in the pasture or
shepherd's dog, in different countries of the globe (for he is probably the most
extensively diffused of the race), yet he every where preserves some personal
characteristics, which mark his adherence to the original type in a greater
degree than in any other breed over which man has so arbitrarily exercised his
dominion. One of these is, his quantity of covering, which is invariably
great, particularly about the neck. In temperate climates his coat is long and
shaggy ; in cold ones it is coarse, and crisped or waved in minute curls ; in
arid regions his hair is still long and shaggy, but it is fine. In Britain it is
remarkable that we have resemblances of all these varieties, as witnessed in the
large drovers' dogs which attend the beast markets ; the true shepherd's dog of
South Britain, and the sagacious colly of North Britain. The ears are never
entirely pendant in any of the race ; but in the British varieties, and many
others also, are half erected, or half pricked, as it is called. The colour is
also very generally grey, more or less dark. The natural tail of the British
breeds is bushy, somewhat pendant, and recurved, such as is seen in the
colly; but in England a custom has so long prevailed of cutting off the stern,
that many of these dogs are now actually born with less than half a tail; which
serves to shew how even the bony structure also, in other instances the most
permanent of the whole, bends to circumstances arbitrarily imposed, and con-
tinued with regularity. The visage of the shepherd's dog is more or less
pointed ; in the colly it is much so ; but in the large drover's dog of South
Britain it is much less : this latter dog is remarkable for seldom trotting or

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 27

Var. L — Wolf dog, Can. pornercuius, Lin.
Var. M — Siberian dog, Can. Sibericus, Lin.
Var. N — Esquimaux dog, Can.fam. borealis, Desmarest.
Var. O— The alco.

3. DOGUES.

Anat. Char. : " The muzzle more or loss shortened ; the skull
high ; the frontal sinuses considerable ; the condyle of the lower
jaw extending above the line of the upper cheek teeth. The cra-
nium is smaller in this group than in the two previous, owing to
the foi-mation of the head."

Tht MastitFPug, or supposed origin of the Bull Dog, p. 26.

walking, but on the contrary, he paces either fast or slow. The whole race
have the additamentary toe, or dew-claw so called. From the colly, of
little more than twelve inches in height, to the Apennine of nearly three feet,
one common character prevails among them, of fidelity, indefatigable industry,
and intelligence, with a deportment singularly grave throughout the race.
The origin of this dog is difficult to trace, particularly from the sources pointed
out by the naturalists of the last century ; yet if we direct our attention closely
to the siibject, we shall detect a very near resemblance between him and some
of those specimens derived from Australia and high northern latitudes, but
which, it may be observed, differ among themselves ; the dog used to prevent
the destructive attack of wolves on the rein-deer, and which drives them to the
fold, being, we are told, not the same with tliat used about the Mackenzie
river.

28 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

Var. P — Bull dog, Can. fam. molossuSy Lin. ; Le dogue. Buff.
Canis, pugn. prop.^'^ — Sub-variety, dog of Thibet.
"• Linnaeus appears to us to have fallen into error in naming this Molossus ;
but his error was less than that of BulFon, who considered the bull-dog to be
the parent of the mastiff. Had he reversed these suppositions, we should not
have so widely dissented from him ; he might also without any offence to pro-
bability have fallen in with the opinion of the late Sydenham Edwards, who to
much acquirement as a naturalist added a particular attachment to this dog.
He was of opinion that the bull-dog is derived from an accidental or designed
mixture between the large mastiff and the pug-dog (see figure), which was
then known as the Dutch, or small mastiff; and which, it must be observed,
is neither in Holland or Germany the artificial animal we rear, but, on the
contrary, as I have seen it there, is much larger and fiercer than our degene-
rate race : and it must be allowed, that a progeny derived from it in this form
by means of the mastiff, might soon be cultivated into the bull-dog. That
the origin of the bull- dog is wholly artificial is evident ; for such a dog could
not live in a state of nature ; and that he draws this artificial origin from
British cultivation, is equally so, from the degeneration which invariably takes
place when he is transported into distant countries. There is a brutal courage
about this dog, called forth on the slightest excitement, as an accidental noise,
&c., which particularly characterises the breed ; and his anatomical framing
altogether is eminently formed to retain the hold it takes of any thing, by the
recession of its nostrils, which do not thus interfere with respiration, as well as
by the power with which its masseter muscles can act on jaws whose place of
seizure are so little removed from the centre of motion. Mr. Griffith ob-
serves, ** The internal changes which determine the external characters of
this dog consist in a great development of the frontal sinuses, a development
which elevates the bones of the forehead above the nose, and which leads in
the same direction the cerebral cavity. But the most important change, and
that perhaps which causes all the others, although we cannot perceive the con-
nexion, is the diminution of the brain. The cerebral capacity of the bull-
dog is sensibly smaller than in any other race ; and it is, doubtless, to the de-
crease of the encephalon that we must attribute its inferiority to all others in
every thing relating to intelligence. The bull- dog is scarcely capable of any
education, and is fitted for nothing but combat and ferocity, which attributes
are exemplified in bull- baitings, where this ferocious animal, having fixed
himself on the under lip of the baited bull, savagely maintains hold spite of
every endeavour of the baited beast to dislodge him. This dog, like all other
races far removed from the primitive type, is difficult of reproduction : the
males are seldom amorous, and the females frequently miscarry. Their life, also,
is short, although their development is slow : they scarcely acquire maturity
under eighteen months, and at five or six years shew signs of decrepitude."

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 29

Var. Q — The Mastiff, Can. fam. Anglictis, Lin. ; Le dogue de
fort race, Buff.20

* Mr. Griffiths derives the mastiiF from the bull-dog, which appears to me
most erroneous, the latter being a dog of much later date. The mastiff is a
straight- limbed dog ; his lips are characteristically pendulous in a much greater
degree than the bull-dog, and he is never underhung, and seldom has dew-
claws, which are so common to some breeds of the bull-dog. His tail also is
longer, thicker, and less tapered, and seldom carried erect. BuiFon forgot the
antiquity of this dog when he attributed its origin to thebull-dog and the Irish
greyhound ; nor is it likely, considering the known tendency in the bull-dog to
degenerate, that he would be so extensively diffused, and so readily preserve
in this wide diffusion his hereditary form and qualities. Wherever he is met
with, he is nearly the same, whether it be in the Alps, in Poland, Sweden,
Italy, Spain, or the Levant. As he extends into warmer countries, however,
he becomes rather more slender ; thus the mastiffs of Cuba, in the Zoological
Gardens, approach the old Spanish pointer in figure. The breed of mastiffs
was, in " olden times," an important branch of British commerce ; and when
this island was under the Roman yoke these dogs were in such request, that
an officer was appointed, under the name of Procurator Synegii, to superintend
the breeding and transmitting them to the Roman amphitheatre. Strabo
tells us that these dogs have been trained to war, and were used by the Gauls
against their adversaries. As a guard, there is no dog whatever that can super-
sede the mastiff; but unfortunately the beauty of the Newfoundland dog has
almost done this, and the change has not been a fortunate one on the score
of trust. The mastiff is vigilant in the extreme, and no less cautious than
watchful : in prosecuting his duty, he is silent as a sentry ; and while there is
no danger he appears as monotonous and indifferent to all around him ; and
under such circumstances it is difficult to decide which of the two is most
like an automaton. But a suspicious footstep made with caution is instantly
heard, and as instantly but silently watched and attended to. An ill-looking
person is not molested, but is followed as far as the precincts of the guard ex-
tend ; and so long as nothing is touched, the intruder is safe ; but no longer.
Even then he is seldom injured; sometimes he is merely led out; and unless
resistance is offered, few lacerations have been received from this formidable
but generous beast. What would I not have given to have seen the one which
was fovmd standing over a robber who had broken into a yard at Islington !
The owner was called up by the watchman, who informed him that, " by the
bustle he heard in his yard, something was going on wrong there." It was the
brave mastiff who had seized the thief, had thrown him down, and had been
standing over him, it appeared, two or three hours : as long as the man remained
quiet, the dog did not even threaten ; but the moment he stirred only, a tre-

30 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

Var R — The Pug Dog, le doguin^ Buff.

Var. S — The Iceland Dog, Can.fam. Islandicus, Lin.

Var. T — Little Danish Dog, Can.fam. Islandicus, Lin.

Var. W — Bastard Pug, chien roquet^ BuflP.

Var, V — Can.fam. Britannicus^ Desmarest.

Var. X — Artois Dog, an extinct var. of the Can. fam. fricator of

Linnaeus.
Var. Y — Dog of Andalusia, sometimes called the dog of Cayenne.
Var. Z — Barbary Dog, Can. fam. JEgyptius, Lin. ; chien Turc^

Buff. Of this dog there are two varieties, one quite naked, the

other with a mane.

Notwithstanding these varieties, the dog presents certain canine
characteristics. Thus the tail of the dog always takes an arched
direction, and, as I believe, inclines to the left : whenever also any
white is present about the body, the tip of the tail is almost sure to
be of the same colour. Of the caninae, the dog alone has submitted
himself to perfect domestication ; and had there not been insuperable
objections to the others, the enterprise of man would undoubtedly
have enlisted them also. The bark of the dog has been adduced
as a proof of his individuality, but it must be allowed not to have
any great force, seeing that it is not invariably found in all ; on
the contrary, wild dogs are by travellers said to be almost mute ;
they may howl, but they do not often bark. I have already stated,
that, if I were forced to find a congener for the dog, it should be

mendous growl informed him he had better remain still. There are not many
Newfoundland dogs which would have exhibited this forbearance ; yet they are
also brave and generous, but, being more uncertain, are very inferior as direct
guards for important trusts. The mastiff seldom sleeps on his post, the New-
foundland dog does slumber; for he is a lively frolicsome creature, who is
much in action, even when chained up ; and therefore when night comes he
sleeps. The mastiff has been for ages employed as a guard ; and therefore, like
the watchman, during the day he reposes as a part of his nature and duty ;
neither has he any pleasure to pursue, but, like the shepherd's dog, all his
propensities merge within his business. I have somewhat dilated on this
matter, because I think the threatened extinction of the mastiff is an unfortu-
nate circumstance in commercial, rural, and domestic economy.

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. SI

the wolf. Much ambiguity, nevertheloss, still surrounds such .1 con-
clusion. The dog and wolf have intermixed, and have produced pro-
lific offspring ; yet when it is well known that in a state of nature the
utmost abhorrence to each other exists, I cannot admit that such
can be a frequent, although 1 am not able to deny its being an oc-
casional, source of some mixed breeds, but of the perpetuity of
which I am not informed. The real identity between these ani-
mals may be questioned by the angular form of the bony assem-
blage of the head of the wolf, the auditory portions of whose tem-
poral bones are placed higher and more anteriorly in the skull :
his orbitary fossae are also more inclined, his teeth are longer,
stronger, and present some differences in form ; his cubitus is
longer and more obliquely placed than the dog's, and his tail is
always pendulous.

The fox differs essentially from the dog, in being a solitary
nocturnal animal, mostly sleeping during the day. He never con-
gregates, not even in self-defence ; thus no traveller that we are
aware of has met with a pack of foxes. Another vulpine trait
marks him, which is not common to dogs. He is a nocturnal
animal, and his visual organs are adapted to see readily, when the
light would not be sufficient for the marauding purposes of stealth
and destruction in the dog. The fox, as is well known, has a sin-
gular conformation of the pupils which presents a linear opening
for the reception of the transmitted rays; his teeth also differ in
direction ; and though the intermixture between him and the dog
has been forced, it has been an unnatural one ; nature having in
them, as in wolves, marked their want of identity by a settled
general aversion. The character of the fox has none of the traits
of the dog ; no efforts have been able to wholly reclaim him : the
suspicious watchfulness and the sudden treachery of a predatory ani-
mal never wholly leave him. He is also, to a certain degree, like
the chacal, mephitic throughout his numerous varieties, and which
property is so purely vulpine, that it is not, I believe, imparted to
his bastard progeny. The modulations of voice of the fox, through-
out its variations, are totally unlike that of the dog : also he whines

32 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

continually. To the hyena as a parent of any variety of the dog,
although the notion is entertained by Pallas as the origin mastiflF, it
may be objected as most unlikely : the hyena is of a totally distinct
genus, and the union, if effected and productive, could not, by the
usual laws of nature, have become perpetuated. Guldenstaedt at-
tributes some of our dogs to the chacal or jackal, and details their
proofs of identity!. Pallas, too, is of a similar opinion ; and also
asserts, that the Kalmuc dogs are neither more nor less than
jackals^, and the remainder he appears to think are derived from
spurious sources'^. Mr. Wilson's opinion, however, seems to lead
to a supposition that the chacal may be regarded as the true wild
dog, and, as such, the true source probably of most of our domesti-
cated dogs. Fortunately for the claim of the dog to the honour of
an original and specific formation, this theory, otherwise very
specious from the great similarity of structure between the two
animals, loses its principal force, as is indeed admitted by Mr. W.,
when we reflect that this origin cannot apply to the wild dogs of
New Holland, nor to those of North and South America, where,
notwithstanding the assertions of Father Gili, Humboldt has clearly
proved the dog to have been known long before the first visits of
Europeans. In these countries, at least, we must look for another
origin for the dog ; which Pallas has fancifully but erroneously

' " Oderat anum alterius ; cohaeret copula junctus." — Nov. Comment. Pc-
trop. vol. XX, p. 450, tab. xi.

' Homini facillimse adsuescit nunquam, uti lupus et vulpes cicurati, infidi
animi signa edens, lususve cruentans ; canes non fugit sed ardentur appetit,
cum lisque colludit, ut plane nullum sit dubium cum iisdem generaturum si
tentetur experimentum. Vocem desiderii caninae simillimam habet ; homini
Cauda eodem modo abblanditur, et in dorsum provolvi atque manibus demul-
ceri amat. Ipse quoque ululatus ejus, cum latratu canum ejulabundo mag-
num habet analogiam. Ergo dubium vix esse puto, hominis speciem, in
eadem cum lupo aureo climate naturaliter inquilinam, antiquitus hujus catulis
cicuratis domesticos sibi educasse canes, quorum naturalis instinctus jam ho-
mini, quem feri non multum timent, amicus, et in venationem pronus erat. —
Spicil. Zool. fasc. xi,page l,note.

^ Memoir sur la Variation des Animaux. — Acta. Acad. Petrop. 1780.

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 33

supplied by deriving the larger tribes, as the mastiff, &c. from the
hyena, and the terrier from the fox.

As regards the identity of the dog with the jackal, there can,
I think, be but one opinion, when we consider the circumstances
of the limited geographical distribution of the latter animal. It
is well known that he is formed for warm regions only : in the
colder he never multiplies, wuth all the care man can bestow on
him ; and near the tropics no art can keep him alive. He is
physically designed for a high temperature, and cannot be natu-
ralized by art, like many other animals, to a cold one : it would
be most irrational, therefore, to suppose that he would be chosen
as the progenitor of an animal so widely diffused, north, east, west,
and south, as the dog. The dog, therefore, may lay claim to a
true originality of general character. But whether some of his
endless varieties may or may not have arisen from his own in-
termixture with nearly allied species, my limits will not allow me
to inquire further.

Both sacred and prophane history have united in deriving man
from Asia, where we also find some of the most valuable of his
domesticated animals, as goats, sheep, dogs, &c., still existing
in their primeval state. If man, therefore, found the means of
transporting himself over the face of the globe, it may be sup-
posed he would be accompanied by these his dependents ; and if
man himself owes his variations from what must have been his
original type to the interventions of climate, diversifications of
food, and altered habits, it is most rational to suppose similar
alterations might take place in the animals he fostered. But it
might be expected, as it is found to have happened, that among them
the varieties of form, colour, and properties, would be more nume-
rous and remarkable ; because, in addition to the effects of climate,
man assumed the direction of all their energies, the selection of
their food, and the regulation of their sexual intercourse. Even
climate alone is equal to produce wonderful changes on animal
bodies. In ourselves it begets the extremes of white and black in
the colour of our skins within the tropics ; while extra-tropical

C

S4 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

shades ranging between, mark the degrees of heat and cold.
Most of the animals of high northern latitudes become of a lighter
hue as winter approaches, from a similar principle of adaptation
with that which also increases the quantity of their clothing ; the
light colour preventing the natural heat of the body escaping by
the active radiation which occurs from bodies more darkly clad.
The alteration in the general texture of these coverings, by the
effect of climate, is no less remarkable than that produced on their
colours. In the sterile and inhospitable regions, where ice and
snow hold a stern dominion, the quadrupeds are furnished with
a short fleecy tegument, which is rendered still warmer by
either a long and shaggy, or a short and crisp surtout of strong
hair. The feathers of alpine water-fowl conceal an immense mass
of the warmest down underneath, while the land birds of these
regions are feathered down to the very claws. To further exem-
plify the effects of climate, observe how different are the clothings
of the thick-fleeced dog of Baffin's Bay and the naked dog of Bar-
bary ; the dense woolly covering of the European sheep, and the
thin hair of those inhabiting hot countries. Contrast the glossy
tunic of the Arabian stallion with the shaggy coat of the Shetland
pony ; and further, it may be observed, that where, for the pur-
poses of beauty, nature has bestowed on the beasts of arid climes
a long coat or covering, it is commonly observed to be one whose
thin and silky texture can neither absorb the solar rays nor con-
fine the animal heat : this may be seen in the lengthened fine hair
of the goats, cats, and rabbits of Angora, and other eastern
countries. Our domesticated animals are even under the in-
fluence of climate, and, as winter advances, they are seen to
change their thin fine hair for one of longer and thicker texture.
Our horses in autumn prepare for the coming season, and change
their fine summer coat for one thicker and longer ; but, under an
artificial climate produced by hot stables and extra clothing, by
losing the stimulus of necessity, they retain the same appearance
throughout the year. Neither are the coverings of the body the
only parts that are subject to the effect of climate ; the form and

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 35

bulk also are equally affected by its operations. By its powerful
agency, varieties the most disproportionate are produced. Com-
pare the eastern pigmy horse, scarcely thirty inches high, and
the diminutive ponies of Shetland ; compare these with the stately
coach and cart horses of England. Place together the gigantic
urus of Lithuania ; the monstrous bison of America, with his
shoulders surmounted by an enormous lump of flesh ; the mild
zebu of Africa ; the musk bull of Arctic regions ; the European
ox, and the dwarf bull of India, not higher than a young Eng-
lish calf; having so done, the extremes of size and dissimilitudes
of form and character will leave us in astonishment at the num-
ber and variety of Nature's w^orks. If we carry on the compari-
son to sheep and swine, we shall find the effects of climate as
apparent on them as on the horse and ox. In Africa, the sheep
are found swift, tall, gaunt, and even bold, with a pendulous
dewlap. In Turkey, they are seen with a fleshy rump entirely
disproportioned to the other parts. In Persia, this disproportion
is translated to the tail, which is said, in some instances, to weigh
fifteen or even twenty pounds. In Iceland, sheep are found with
three or more horns ; in Wallachia, with two only, but those are
long and spiral ; and in Kamtschatka they also have horns of an
enormous length, but without convolutions. In northern countries
the sheep are diminutive ; but in temperate climates they arrive
to a great size and weight. In swine, the variations, in size at
least, are "equally disproportionate. In England the hog has at-
tained to the following extraordinary proportions : length, three
yards eight inches; height, four feet and a half; weight, seven
hundred pounds. In China, on the contrary, he measures from
eighteen to twenty inches in height, and in some parts of India he
is still smaller. In Piedmont, swine are black ; in Bavaria, red ;
and in Normandy, white : and, as a further proof of the effect
of locality on them, it is observed, that the breeds originally re-
moved to Cuba are become twice as large as those first taken
there. Need we, therefore, seek for a varied parentage for the
dog, although a specimen is shewn in the Dresden Museum, that

C 2

36 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

at its death, which occurred when it was two years old, measured
only five inches and a half in length, the precise extent from
the comer of the eye to the tip of the nose of the great Saxon
boar-bound. Man himself has varied from two feet to eight and
a half in his height.

Domestication is no less an important agent in the alterations
it produces on those animals, because it subjects them to have
their food selected, their exertions forced or restricted, and
their temperature raised or diminished at the will of the owners.
Variations produced by these united means would offer to man
the temptation of perpetuating them, which he would do by re-
gulating the sexual intercourse, and propagating from such dupli-
cates only as approached a given form. In other instances an
accidental variation occurred, or a singular deformity was seized
on and propagated by future similar selections, until it became
permanent, and then it constituted a breed. To something of
this kind we owe the wry-legged terriers, so useful in the shooting
of rabbits. It is probable, also, that a crooked or rickety mastiff
offered the foundation for the bull-dog breed.

I have thus far principally treated of the form and varieties of
the dog : I would fain say something of his qualities also, that I
might thereby more effectually advocate his cause ; aijd that, by
exciting inquiry into his real character and virtues, I might
awaken a due consideration for him in the minds of those (of whom
there are but too many) who now regard him with indifference,
perhaps with contempt, or it may be with aversion. It is proba-
ble that such feelings arise, in many, less from the natural im-
pulses of the heart than from a mistaken opinion of the actual
rank that these animals ought to hold, by their services, their en-
dearing qualities, and the entertainment they afford. If it were
customary to consider the higher orders of brute animals in gene-
ral not as mere machines, endowed with instinctive faculties only
for the mere preservation of their existence and extension of their
species ; but, on the contrary, if they were universally regarded in
their true light, as beings highly intellectual, actuated by the noblest

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 37

passions, endued with memory and recollection, disposed to imita-
tion, profiting by experience, and acquiring skill from discipline
and instruction, then we might hope to see them properly estimated,
their importance acknowledged, and their treatment amended. The
properties here detailed are, in some degree, common to all ; but
in the dog they shine with a lustre that none but those who study
the animal can be aware of. We owe something also of the con-
tempt in which dogs are held to the figurative language derived
from eastern writings, both sacred and prophane. "You dog!"
is a common term of reproach used towards those, as well as by
those, who have not half the virtues of one ; yet in uninformed
and in unreflecting minds this metaphoric sarcasm serves to be-
get contempt, both for the original and the portrait. Our oldest
writers, with whom every thing vile and base is doglike, are full
of this imagery. Even the sacred writings, abounding in the
sublimest precepts of humanity, have added their share of obloquy
and reproach, which sinks deep in many minds, and begets a tra-
ditional contempt and ill-will towards one of the most deserving
animals of the brute creation. To combat these popular sources
of inhumanity, I have before observed, no means seem so well cal-
culated as to place the subject of our inquiry in his proper point
of view, which is not that of a mere instinctive machine, but that
of an intellectual being, and that of one who uses his mental and
bodily powers principally for the good of mankind.

For the rationality of the dog I am almost ashamed to contend,
the proofs are so numerous ; and yet there are those who deny it
him in the face of the ablest philosophers and metaphysicians, who
have clearly allowed him this distinction ; but the extent of his
reasoning powers has occasioned great diversity of opinion among
them also. Much, however, if not all, of this discordance has
arisen for want of a precise idea of that inherent property we
name instinct, under which general term it has been too common
with writers to include the phenomena of reason. It is foreign to
my present purpose, if it were within the reach of my ability, to
enter on a metaphysical inquiry into the faculty of reason. It

38 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

will be sufficient if 1 attempt to analyse the property of instinct :
in doing which, if 1 should be enabled to prove that innumerable
actions performed by dogs are not at all referrible to this quality,
I shall have compassed my object ; for if such actions are not m-
stinctive, they must be rational.

Instinct may be defined to be, that property in animals by
which such actions are performed as immediately tend to the pre-
servation of themselves and the propagation of their species. It
is a principle that may be considered as inherent in the organiza-
tion of an animal body, by which, without instruction, deliberation,
or experience, it is urged to do whatever is immediately necessary
for its self-preservation and the continuance of the species. It
develops itself (contrary to reason) in full perfection as soon as it
is wanted. The young chick pecks its own release from the
shell, and when disencumbered therefrom, it begins to gather
up its food, judiciously selecting it from extraneous matter. The
indigent and blind puppy, immediately on its entry into the
world, searches out the mammillary processes that yield its nutri-
ment, and adapts the surfaces of its little mouth to exhaust the
gland, with more dexterity than the most acute philosopher aided
by every mechanical principle could do. The operations of in-
stinct being directed to the preservation of existence and the
continuance of the species, it was necessarily given perfect^ or
these ends would not have been answered ; but as its operations
seem confined wholly to these great ends, so it is very limited in
its scale of action, and admits of little, if any, improvement. In
domestic as well as in unreclaimed animals, such actions as are
directed to the essential laws of fresei^vatio^i and propagation
remain always alike : the same general aptitudes, the same
dexterity in catering for their food, excluding their enemies, and
fostering their young, were as apparent two thousand years ago as
at the present day. The instinctive principle, as a purely pre-
servative one, was originally given to them perfect ; it therefore
required no extension, and it has received none.

If this definition of instinct should be considered correct

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG. 39

(which the more I consider the matter the more I am convinced
that it is so), it will require but little observation on any of the
higher orders of animals around us, but of quadrupeds particu-
larly, and of these the dog more especially, to force conviction
on our minds, that innumerable actions are daily performed by
them, all of which are totally unconnected with either of these
great instinctive principles. It must be, therefore, self-evident
that all such actions must be extra-instinctive, and the result of
rational operations of the brute mind. In the dog these intel-
lectual phenomena present themselves in infinite variety, and the
impulses whereby they are directed seem equally diversified. His
bravery is great, and it is admirably set ofi" by his mercy, which to
a conquered or to a lesser foe is often very remarkable. Most
faithful and disinterested, no temptation can make him desert his
master, or his property when especially entrusted to him. In the
exercise of these proofs of his fidelity, all danger is disregarded ;
even the pressing calls of cold and hunger are not sufficient to
make him abandon his duty. This is no exaggerated picture, but
a true portrait of the Dog as he is usually found ; and the very
few instances of darker shadowing, universally frail as we are our-
selves, ought not to lessen our due appreciation of the mass.
Such being the case, can we treat an animal of his w^orth with too
much consideration and kindness ? Are we not as well bound by
duty as by interest to foster him with care, to protect him from
harm, and to administer to his wants in sickness ; and yet is he in
general so treated ? On the contrary, is he not neglected by one
half of mankind ; and by more than a half of the remainder is he
not despised and ill-treated? Were it otherwise, pages written in
illustration of his history, on the cultivation of his varieties, and
the improvement of his talent, would be considered as honourable
offerings to society : neither would the human surgeon, in turning
aside from the higher duties of his profession to describe the nu-
merous diseases, and to detail successful methods of combating
them in him, as well as in the horse, be considered as having, in
the smallest degree, compromised either his professional or per-

40 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE DOG.

Bonal respectability. It ill accords with the boasted "march of
intellect," that the study and improvement of any branch of know-
ledge should do other than elevate the professor of it. " They
manage these things better in France." " Justly convinced, that
whatever is useful and humane is honourable also, this enlightened
nation encourages brute medicine to the utmost, by the erection
of colleges, the appointment of professors, and the granting of
diplomas to its students, who then move in honourable competi-
tion and association with the practitioners of the parent art.

PART THE SECOND.

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM;

OR THE BREEDING ANEf REARING OP DOGS, THEORETICALLY AND PRACTI-
CALLY CONSIDERED : WITH THE GENERAL TREATMENT OF THEM, BOTH AS
PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE OP DISEASE.

THE breeding and rearing of dogs are important considera-
tions to the rural economist, the sportsman, and the lover of use-
ful anmials : the subject is also intimately connected with their
medical treatment ; for there are particular diseases attendant on
both mother and offspring while in a state of mutual dependance on
each other. The reproduction of the animal form is brought
about in dogs by desires that are not constant, but which among
the wild breeds occur about once a year : in domesticated dogs, on
the contrary, as shelter and nourishment under the fostering care
of man are present at all times of the year, so the periods of their
oestrum, or heat, return at uncertain intervals of six, seven, or eight
months, as confinement or highly stimulating food may hasten the
sexual excitement*. In the larger kind of dogs, however, a yearly
breeding is mostly observed.

■* It has been attempted to bring on the sexual appetency or heat in bitches
by stiinulating injections, and it now and then succeeds : but as it is an un-
natural process, and as the constitutional sympathy cannot be supposed to be
so fiilly excited as to produce a general consent of parts, impregnation does
not always follow the intercourse, and, when it does, the progeny are sonietimes
aiFected by it, proving weak and unhealthy. I once saw a litter thus arti-
ficially urged into life, where every one was ricketty.

42 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

The heat or oestrum of bitches is the consequence of a sympa-
thetic action between all the organs concerned in generation, which
at these times become more highly susceptible and vascular, as is
shewn by tumefaction of the external parts, and a discharge from
the vulva. There are likewise strong marks of general excite-
ment throughout the body ; the plethoric and irritable state of
which is such, that those bitches that have been before subject to
fits are now peculiarly liable to them ; and convulsions often ap-
pear at this time in those that have not before been affected by
them. It is evident, therefore, that the precautions of cooling
food, judicious exercise, and opening medicines, are necessary at
these periods, for the young and delicate particularly ; and they
are still more so for such bitches as are intended to be debarred
from the dog ; for in these latter cases their excitement remains
long in action, when they are deprived of the satiety of sexual
intercourse.

Bitches should therefore he allowed to breed, nor is it good for
their health to prevent it ; for nature almost invariably punishes
extraordinary deviations from her established laws, of which the
reproductive system is one of the most important. Breeding,
therefore, is so much a healthy and necessary process, that
bitches prevented from it rarely remain unaffected by disease, and
more particularly those whose confined and luxurious lives espe-
cially require the aid of such outlets to the superabundance of
the system as are opened during the processes of breeding and
rearing of young. In such, barrenness is particularly hurtful,
and greatly assists in producing, sooner or later, enormous and
diseased collections of fat, either universal or partial. The partial
collections frequently shew themselves by a swelling on each side
of the loins, the consequence of a deposit of adipose substance
around each ovaria. In other cases, particularly where barren-
ness is occasional only, the mammae, or milk glands, become af-
fected with small indurations, which are apt eventually to end in
confirmed scirrhi or open ulcers. See SCIRRHOUS DISEASES OF
Glands, Class V. — A more immediate evil likewise often awaits

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 43

the preventing of the sexual intercourse, which is, a troublesome
accumulation of milk in the mammae or teats ; for the various or-
gans of generation have such a sympathetic connexion with each
other, that when females are denied the dog, still, when the cus-
tomary period of gestation or going with young has passed, milk
will nevertheless appear in the lactiferous glands. This some-
times occurs to a very considerable degree, and occasions much
heat and distention. It is more particularly observed in such
females as have already had young ones, and they invariably suf-
fer most in the future privation. In such cases, it is proper gently
to press out the milk daily, which will greatly relieve the animal ;
the teats should also be frequently bathed with a mixture of brandy
and vinegar a little weakened with water. Food should be given
sparingly, and that of a vegetable nature is best ; strong exercise
should also be encouraged, and an occasional dose of physic will
prove useful. The author of an elegant Treatise on Greyhounds
(whose opinion, as an observant sportsman and breeder, ought to
have due weight), remarks that where breeding has been always
prevented, he has never found any injurious eflfects whatever to
follow from it. It is undoubtedly true, and it accords with my
own experience, that the constitution having once been sub-
jected to the reproductive process, or, in other words, that it is
in those which have been once allowed to breed, that the injurious
consequences are most observed ; in every instance they are more
liable to suffer from the future deprivation of it than those in
whom the constitutional sympathies have never been fully excited
throughout the generative system. It may also be remarked, in
answer to the above statement, that sporting and other dogs ac-
customed to moderate feeding and regular exercise (which are
evidently those Sir W. C. draws his inferences from) will bear
this deprivation with much greater impunity than those that are
more confined and altogether more artificially treated. But as a
law in the animal economy, and as one applicable to the general state
and constitution of the dog, the reproduction of the species is a

44 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

necessary, a natural, and consequently a healthy process ; and the
theory is borne out by the fact ; for attentive observation, ex-
tended to all the varieties of the species^ will shew, that the suflFer-
ing of bitches to breed not only tends to keep them in health, but
that those which have been allowed to bring up numerous litters
have more invariably attained a great age than such as have been
debarred the intercourse. It may be added, that the same is ob-
served in the human, where the average of longevity among females
is decidedly in favour of the married, compared with the single.

Bitches in heat are very cunning, and often elude all but the
greatest vigilance in their attempts to escape in search of a mate ;
and thus, for want of due caution, may frustrate the hopes of their
owners in the desired breed ; and many others meet their death
by becoming lined by a dog so extremely disproportionate in size,
that the mothers are found unable to bring forth. When, there-
fore, a bitch has so escaped, it will be prudent immediately to
follow her ; not only to prevent the intercourse altogether, but to
guard against the brutal folly of boys and others, who, when it
has taken place, often throw cold water over the animals, or tear
them away from each other by violence. I have seen the parts of
the female actually suffer inversion from this: other injurious con-
sequences have also very frequently followed^. To the dog, like-
wise, it is no less hurtful, by fatally rupturing the bloodvessels of
the parts^, or by other lacerations.

* Brutal as is the practice of spaying in ordinary cases, it would be ad-
missible, in an instance where it was known that a very favourite and very
small bitch had copulated with a very large bony dog : for in such case, as
little risk would attend the operation of spaying, judiciously performed at a
proper time of the pregnancy, but extreme risk would be incurred by waiting
the natural time of bringing forth, so it would be very proper to have it done.
See Spaying, among the operations, Class XII.

" This retention of the male within the female parts, after the act has been
apparently completed, arises from a peculiarity of structure in both. In the
male, the corpora cavernosa have two large lateral protuberances, which,
when distended with blood, effectually retain the penis within the vagina of the

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 45

Impregnation takes place sometimes at the first copulation, in
others not until the second, third, or fourth ; and in some cases I
have known, from decided proofs, that impregnation did not
ensue until the seventh warding-. Dogs should be suffered, there-
fore, to remain together some days, to insure prolific intercourse.
This protracted period, however, applies more particularly to
pampered and tender dogs ; those which live less artificially, as
sporting and rural dogs, conceive usually at the second or third
warding. During gestation bitches do not appear to suffer much
derangement of system ; some, however, appear to be listless, nau-
seated, and averse to particular foods ; and most of them are more
thirsty at this than at other times. It is not easy to detect the
pregnancy of a bitch until the fourth or fifth week after warding ;
about which time the teats enlarge, the flanks fill, and the belly as-
sumes a fulness and rotundity unnatural to it at others. Towards
the seventh week, the belly becomes pendulous, and the future in-
crease is not so observable as the previous. In the last week of
pregnancy, the contents of the belly seem to incline backwards,
the vulva increases in size, and a slimy matter (to soften and lu-
bricate the parts) often issues. Pupping usually comes on the
sixty-second, sixty-third, or, at farthest, on the sixty-fourth day.
A quarter or half an hour, and sometimes a longer time, inter-
venes between the expulsion of each foetus. We have known a
solitary puppy appear on the seventieth day from the last inter-
course, and that in a case where superfoetation was improbable.
See Pupping. — During the pregnancy of bitches, particular care
should be taken to observe, and to remove, any appearance of mange
or other affections of the skin and surface : if this be neglected, the
progeny will be brought into the world with an hereditary taint
that no future endeavours can wholly eradicate.

Dogs are certainly capable of superfoetation ; that is, impreg-

female til] the venereal orgasm has entirely ceased. The clitoris of the fe-
male also partakes of a similar structure, and firmly retains the penis in coitu
by a protuberant ring which then closes firmly on it. The same structure is
apparent in all the canine congeners.

46 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

nation may take place at more than one warding, and that by dif-
ferent mates. The fact was long ago admitted by naturalists and
physiologists^: and from indisputable evidence we have, in several
instances, seen whelps of the same litter which bore evident marlcs
of different origin, and where the future disproportion in size and
character clearly evinced that more than one male was concerned
in the process.

Antecedent impressions received have often an effect on the
progeny, — Superfoetation is apt to be confounded with, or its
phenomena are sometimes accounted for by, another process, still
more curious and inexplicable, but which is wholly dependent on
the mother ; where imprintings which have been received by her
mind previous to her sexual intercourse are conveyed to the germs
within her, so as to stamp one or more of them with characteristic
traits of resemblance to the dog from which the impression was
taken, although of a totally different breed from the real father of
the progeny. In superfoetation, on the contrary, the size, form,
&c. of the additional progeny all fully betoken their origin. In
these instances of sympathetic deviation, the form, size, and cha-
racter of the whelps are principally the mother's but the colour
is more often the father's. It would appear that this mental im-
pression, which is perhaps usually raised at some period of oestrum,
always recurs at that period, and is so interwoven with the or-
ganization even, as to become a stamp or mould for some if not
all of her future progeny ; the existence of which curious anomaly in
the reproductive or breeding system is confirmed by acts of not
unfrequent occurrence. I had a pug bitch whose constant com-
panion was a small and almost white spaniel dog, of Lord Rivers'

' In the superfoetation of brutes, is there not reason to suppose that the
germ is contributed from each ovaria in succession ? or do the ova or germs
present themselves indiscriminately from both ? The interesting experiments
of Dr. Haighton, related in the Philosophical Transactions, 1797, p. 159,
and by Mr. Cruikshanks, ib. p. 197, tend to throw light on this curious sub-
ject Superfoetation seems extended also to the human ; instances of this are
recorded in Blumenbach's Institutions of Physiology, and in White's work
on the Regular Gradation of the Human Race.

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM 47

breed, of which she was very fond. When it became necessary
to separate her on account of her heat from this dog", and to con-
fine her with one of her own kind, she pined excessively; and
notwithstanding her situation, it was some time before she would
admit of the attentions of the pug dog placed with her. At
length, however, she was warded ; impregnation followed, and at
the usual period she brought forth five pug puppies, one of which
was perfectly whiter and, although rather more slender than the
others, was nevertheless a genuine pug. The spaniel was soon
afterwards given away, but the impression remained ; for at two
subsequent litters (which were all she had afterwards) she again
presented me with a white pug pup, which the fanciers know to
be a very rare occurrence^.

^ It is a curious fact, that each succeeding white puppy was less slender in
form than the preceding, though all were equally white ; which shewed, as
I have before stated, that this mental injfluence extends less perfectly to the
individual form, than to its external characters, particularly of colour, and
also that it lessens by time and absence. When, therefore, pups of com-
pletely different forms and kinds proceed from one litter, superfcetation has
occurred, and not mental influence. The Rev. R. Lascelles, in his Letters
on Sporting, p. 250, relates a case of a greyhound bitch, entrusted to the care
of a servant, which whelped one perfect greyhound and six complete curs : the
cvirs were the likeness of the dog she domesticated with in common ; the
single one resembled the greyhound she was taken to during her heat. There
is little reason therefore to doubt but that the bitch had been previously lined
by the cur, and the single greyhound pup was the effect of superfcetation. We
notice this to shew how easy a mistake between these two different causes may
occur, and how they may be distinguished. I was not fortunate enough to
rear either of my white puppies ; for one of which, at three months old, the
late Lord Kelly offered me fifteen guineas.

Lord Morton bred from a male quagga and a chestnut mare. The mare
was afterwards bred from by a black Arabian horse ; but still the progeny ex-
hibited, in colour and mane, a striking resemblance to the quagga. D. Giles,
Esq. had a sow of the black and white kind, which was bred from by a boar
of the wild breed, of a deep chestnut colour : the pigs produced by this inter-
course were duly mixed, the colour of the boar being in some very predomi-
nant The sow was afterwards bred from by two of Mr. Western's boars,
and in both instances chestnut marks were prevalent in the litter, which, in

48 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

The late Dr. Hugh Smith used to relate a similar instance
which occurred to a very favourite female setter that often followed
his carriage. On one occasion, when travelling in the country,
she became suddenly so enamoured of a mongrel that followed
her, that, to separate them, he was forced, or rather his anger
irritated him, to shoot the mongrel, and he then proceeded on his
journey. The image of this sudden favourite, however, still
haunted the bitch, and for some weeks after she pined excessive-
ly, and obstinately refused intercourse with any other dog. At
length she admitted the caresses of a well-bred setter ; but when
she whelped, the Doctor was mortified with the sight of a litter
which he perceived bore evident marks (particularly in colour) of
the favoured cur, and they were accordingly destroyed. The same
also occurred in all her future puppings ; invariably the breed was
tainted by the lasting impression made by the mongrel. It is,
therefore, evident that, to ensure a select breed, too much care
cannot be taken to render the choice of the male agreeable to the
female ; and also, where a female of a very valuable breed has
been long habituated to any favourite male companion, and which
it is not intended she should be allowed to breed by, that it is
advisable to separate them even before the oestrum or heat of
the bitch comes on, which will prevent the disappointment that
might otherwise occur.

Like begets like, is the dog-breeder's axiom ; and when the

other instances, had never presented any appearance of the kind. Phil. Trans.
1821. — The former cases tend to confirm what I have before remarked, that
the mental influence excited on these occasions extends less to the internal or-
ganization than to the external characters of colour and covering. The fol-
lowing will, however, shew, that impressions from terror may sink so deep as
to affect the organization also of the progeny. In the Linnaean Society of
London is found an account, by Mr. Milne, of a pregnant cat, his own pro-
perty, the end of whose tail was trodden on with so much violence, as, appa-
rently, to give the animal intense pain. When she kittened, five young ones
appeared, perfect in every other respect except the tail, which was in each
one of them distorted near the end, and enlarged into a cartilaginous knob.—
Linn. Tram., vol. ix, p. 323.

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 49

anomalies noticed do not interfere, the produce of a connexion
between dogs of a similar breed usually exhibit traits of individual
resemblance to each, united with the characteristic marks common
to the breed in general. Sportsmen incline to the opinion, that
the male pups are more strongly tinctured with the external form of
the father than of the mother, and vice versa ; but though instances
may occur to favour such conclusion, it is not a uniform occur-
rence. When the parents are of dififerent breeds9, the varying
outhnes of each are usually softened and blended in the progeny,
in nearly equal proportions'^. But this division of parental charac-
ter is not always equal : it sometimes happens that the more nota-
ble characteristics of form, size, and qualities, and even of sex,
are principally derived from the male parental. In others a stronger
similitude to the mother is apparent; and it now and then happens

^ When dogs of different breeds are brought together, the progeny are said
to be a cross. Thus, pointers are sometimes crossed with foxhounds, to in-
crease their speed and ardour. The effect of these crosses is retained to the
seventh or eighth generation : among turf sportsmen it is supposed to exist, in
horses, to the twentieth successive descendant.

'° These blendings of the individual character of each parent are illustrated
by hybridous animals. How easily traced, and yet how blended into a whole,
are the characters of the horse and ass, as observed in the hybrid mule ! These
hybridous productions also completely disprove the opinion some physiologists
have formed, that the male parent, in the procreative act, imparts nothing be-
yond the mere stimulus of life to the ovum or germ of the female ; for it
must be evident that the germ in the mare is naturally of the horse species ;
and did such germ merely receive the vivifying principle by the sexual in-
tercourse, it would be indifferent to the futiu-e produce whether the father
were a horse or an ass.

" Some physiologists (and among them Sir E. Home) have supposed that
the ovum or germ, previous to impregnation, is of no sex, but is so formed as to
be equally fitted to become a male or female foetus ; and that it is the process of
impregnation that marks the sex, and produces both male and female genera-
tive organs. However this opinion may seem to be supported by facts, and
although instances do occur that give reason to suppose that the male parent
has considerable influence in determining the sex, yet others arise to prove
the female to be equally concerned in this matter. It is true that some dogs,
some stallions, and some bulls, are remarked for begetting a greater number of

D

50 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

that these partiahties seem to be confined to a part of the progeny
only, or is divided between the parents. This is sometimes ob-
served when a breed is made between a pointer and setter, in which
case it has not unfrequently happened that a part of the litter has
produced nearly thorough-bred pointers, while the remainder have
proved well-bred setters.

Breeding hack^ as it is popularly called among sportsmen, is
not one of the least curious, nor one of the least important among
the phenomena which attend the reproductive system. If it were
not for the irregularities lately pointed out, which occasionally
occur by mental influence, we might be led to conclude that a
family character' was originally imprinted on the generative
organs, or that the ova or germs of the future race were formed
after one common hereditary mould ; for it is often observed, not
only among dogs, but among other domestic animals, and even in
man also, that their progeny bear a greater resemblance to the
grandam or grandfather than to their immediate parents. It
is evident that this is more likely to happen where a common
character has been preserved during successive generations, or,
in turf language, where the hlood has been kept jowr*?; which is

males than females; while others are the parents of more females than males.
In the Fhil. Trans. 1787, p. 344, mention is made of a gentleman who was
the youngest of forty sons, all produced in succession from three different
wives, by one father, in Ireland. But it is at the same time equally notorious,
that some bitches, let them breed by what dog they will, yet still have a plu-
rality of one sex. The same occurs in a much greater degree among other
domestic animals. Mr. Knight remarks on the equal aptitude in the female
in determining the sex: " In several species of domesticated animals (I believe
"in all), particular females are found to produce a majority of their offspring
" of the same sex ; and I have proved repeatedly, that, by dividing a herd of
" thirty cows into three equal parts, I could calculate with confidence upon a
** large majority of females from one part, of males from another, and upon
" nearly an equal number of males and females from the remainder. I fre-
" quently endeavoured to change the habits by changing the male, but without
"success." — Pliil. Trans. 1809, p. 397. In King's Langley church are the
effigies of seven successive daughters born to a man by his first wife, and of
seven sons born to him bv a second wife, in succession.

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 51

nothing more than an established variety being acted on in its
successive generations by the owner, in the direction of the
sexual intercourse, the selection of food, discipline of qualities,
and regulation of habits.

That we may not, however, attribute principles to nature which
are, perhaps, much under the influence of art, it will be prudent
to recollect, that, in a philosophical point of view, we have no
such thing as a fure breed among any of our domestic animals.
Our most boasted specimens are either altogether degenerates^-,

'* A more close examination of the subject will shew not only that oui- most
highly prized animals are degenerates, but that many of them are monstrosities.
Degeneracy, among naturalists, is a departure from originality and a state of
nature ; thus, philosophically, wild animals only can be considered as perfect.
But man, to gratify his artificial wants, has cultivated forms and properties in
them, which, however they may prove beneficial to himself, render the animals
subjected to such alterations unfitted for the purposes they were originally
destined for. What would become of some of our cultivated breeds of dogs,
were they turned loose in a wild country ? Could they even subsist in a state
of nature ? The high-bred greyhound's speed and vision united would fail in
the same circumstances; deprived, as he would find himself by cultivation, of
the means of following his prey through its various windings by scenting his
course. The pointer might stand, and his partners might hack him, until they
became together converted into monuments of devotion to an artificial excel-
lence which had converted them into a group of mummies : the pursuits of
their cultivated talent would infallibly starve them.

As promoters of the ease and comforts of mankind, every one yields the
well-merited honours that are distributed among our enterprising cattle breed-
ers ; but the philosopher, retired from the world, and the naturalist, con-
templating his subject freed from extraneous bearings, — they regard the
boasted excellencies of our domestic animals in general as monstrosities. The
majestic large breed of heavy* cart horses, cultivated to their present stature by
the luxuriant nature of the herbage in this and some other countries, would
be ill calculated to save themselves from beasts of prey by either flight or
active resistance : their immense weight would sink them in loose soils, that
their more agile originals would bound over with instinctive celerity ; and the
scanty herbage in nature's wilds would ill suffice their multiplied wants. With
the ox and sheep a constitutional, obesity is encouraged, until the fat and mus-
cular parts are totally disproportioned to the bony mass that is to support them,
which lessens, according to modern excellence, in an inverse proportion to its

D 2

52 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

or produced from congenital varieties ; the native and original
types are mostly unknown to us. In tracing the natural history
of the dog, we must feel convinced that what we call breeds are
but varieties which have been generated by various causes, as
climate, peculiarity in food, restraint, and domestication. Man,
active in promoting his own benefit, has watched these gradual
alterations, and has improved and extended them by aiding the
causes that tend to their production, and by future care has per-
petuated and made them permanently his own.

Many of the varieties among dogs and other domestic animals
are the effect of monstrosity, or have arisen from some anomaly
in the reproductive or breeding process. When these accidental
varieties have exhibited a peculiar organization or form which
could be applied to any useful or novel purpose, the objects have
been reared and afterwards bred from ; and when the singularity
has been observed in more than one of the same birth, it has been
easy to perpetuate it by breeding again from these congeners,
and confining the future intercourse to them. To these accidental
variations from general form and character among dogs we are
to attribute our most diminutive breeds, our pugs, bull-dogs, wry-
legged tarriers, and some others^^: our general breeds are, how-
necessities ; and, as though the degeneration was not sufficiently pursued, in
the polled breeds those original marks of distinction and safety, the horns,
also yield to the sacrifice. Even the finest edibles among our garden bulbs,
as the carrot, parsnep, &c. &c. are monstrosities, enlarged at the expense of
the stem and other parts : and the disproportionate magnitude of our fruit is at-
tributable to the monstrosity of the pericarp. It is not attempted to argue that
these are not actual advantages to mankind, nor to detract from the merit that
has introduced these acknowledged improvements ; it is merely suggested to
shew that misconception and mis- appropriation of terms often arise according
as the subject is viewed by the naturalist or the rural economist.

'' Among other domesticated animals, prominent instances present them-
selves of accidental variety. ' The solidungular breed of swine, with their un-t
divided feet, and the ancon or otter breed of sheep, described by Colonel
Humphries, in Phil. Trans, for 1813, part i, may be noticed in 'proof. These
sheep were derived from the accidental deformity of one American lamb, born
with legs most disproportionately short to the rest of his body, which de-

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 53

ever, rather the effect of slow cultivation than of sudden and ex-
traordinary production.

It has been before observed, that every variety or breed has a
tendency to degenerate, or travel backwards to something like the
original standard : this tendency is greatest in the accidental
varieties or breeds just hinted at, in which a few succeeding gene-
rations^^ is sufficient to destroy all appearances of variation from
the original ; but in breeds more nearly approaching the original,
as well as such as have been long established, it requires a much
longer time wholly to degenerate them. The tendency to resume
the original type is, however, inherent in all our domestic animals,
and in none more than the dog ; and judicious eflforts employed to
counteract this property form a principal part of the art of suc-
cessful breeding in rural economy.

Notorious varieties or breeds are, therefore, the consequence of
our attempts at the improvement of such races of dogs, or of any
other domestic animals, as exhibited a constitutional tendency to
a particular form or character, the properties of which are either

formity, added to great crookedness of the fore legs, rendered him unable
either to run or to break fences. With these qualities it was determined to at-
tempt a breed of this kind ; and, by confining the intercourse between him
and his futiure offspring, it succeeded, and the ancon or otter breed is now
established. The pure milk-white breeds which we witness now as permanent
among ferrets, rabbits, mice, &c. originally sprang from one accidental va-
riety of each. Man himself is not exempt from this departure from established
form and character, as we witness in the Albino, who presents the same
leuccethiopic constitutional characters in the deficiency of colouring matter, a
similar redness of iris and pupil, and consequently the same intolerance of
light, as the other white animals. There have been, and still exists, six-
fingered families : and Mr. Lawrence informs us that the thick lip, yet visible
in some noble Austrian families, was introduced by the marriage of the Em-
peror Maximilian with Mary of Burgundy. I have myself seen, in Sussex, a
breed of tailless cats.

" Lord Orford bred between a bull-dog and a. greyhoimd : in seven de-
scents all traces of the cross were lost in form; but he conjectured that he
had gained an acquisition of courage and determination. Probably an acci-
dental deformity might have disappeaied sooner.

54 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

known or expected to prove useful. Or they originate in the
a^doption of any accidental variety that may spring up in the way
lately described. Or a breed may be established by any deter-
minate form or quality, within certain limits, being previously fixed
on ; after this individuals are selected, perhaps not exactly similar,
but each of which having distinct points of resemblance to the de-
sired form, conjointly, the full end may be gained in their own
union and that of their affinities. In this way the most surprising
alterations in the animal character have been, and still may be,
brought about; and forms almost ideal have been, and still may be,
realized^^. A breed or variety being adopted and established, its
permanency must depend on the care bestowed not only in select-
ing proper individuals to propagate from, but also in the adoption
of such other circumstances as tend to preserve the animals them-
selves in that state the nearest approaching to what has been esta-
blished as the standard. These circumstances include choice of
situation, proper food, due exercise, with judicious restraint and
discipline. The aids we should lend to perpetuate a diminutive
race would be, close confinement, artificial heat^^, and sparing food.
Were our attempts directed to the external covering, artificial
warmth would render it thin and fine ; while, on the contrary, ex-
posure would thicken and probably lengthen it. If great size ex-
ists, and we wish to continue or increase it, we should allow but

'^ Among the experienced fanciers of the small yellow and white spaniels,
which much resemble those known by the name of the Marlborough breed,
this is particularly exemplified. These elegant animals are very common
among the Spitalfields weavers ; and to such a perfection have they brought
the art of breeding them, that it is affirmed they can insure, almost to a cer-
tainty, the requisite quantity of colour, the length of coat, its texture, and its
disposition to curl or to remain straight. The Herefordshire ox can be bred
to a white or a half white face ; and the horns of some breeds can be insured
to an inch. The colour of the game cock is arbitrarily imposed by the handler
and feeder ; and the experienced pigeon-fancier can breed to a feather.

'^ The French are said to give their diminutive breeds spirituous liquors
when they are young, to stop their growth : if it has this effect, it is because
artificial heat and a quickened circulation produce premature development of
the frame, and thus promote an early puberty.

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 55

one or two young to remain in a litter : we should not only feed
the mother liberally, but it would be proper early to accustom the
young to eat of animal food also ; adding to all these the free access
of air, ample room, and opportunity for full exercise. But, above
all, the permanency of a breed must depend on the judicious selec-
tion of individuals as parents, which, having the specified and defi-
nite form in the greatest degree, are enabled in their progeny to
perpetuate the same. This care, when long continued^ of confin-
ing to particular races or breeds the means of continuing their spe-
cies, constitutes what is termed pur iti/ of blood. Immense import-
ance is attached to this purity of blood, or lineal descent, amongst
the breeders of almost every kind of domestic animaU^. The
scientific sportsman acknowledges it, in its fullest degree, in the
genealogy of his dogs ; and experience teaches him that a certain
degree of perfection, once gained, can only be continued by suc-
cessive propagation from the blood or same stock.

In our selection of parents for multiplying a breed, a variety
of circumstances should necessarily engage our attention ; as,
whether we are continuing a race already established, improving
a defective one, or altogether forming a new variety. In either
case, but particularly in the two latter, one or two propagations
are not sufficient to enable us to judge of the merits or demerits
of the products : anomalies may occur, monstrosities appear, or our

" The care taken by the Arabs in preserving the breeds of their horses is
most remarkable. None but stallions of the finest form and purest blood are
allowed access to their mares, which is never done but in the presence of a
professional witness or public officer, who attests the fact, records the names,
and signs the pedigree of each. The Circassians distinguish the various races
of their horses by marks on the buttocks. When a noble mark is put on an
ignoble breed, the forgery is punished with death. Pallas's Travels in the
Southern Provinces of the Russian Empire, chap. 14. — In Persia, almost equal
ceremony takes place when a breed is undertaken between some of their most
highly-prized dogs. In England, stallions have been sold for 1000 guineas,
bulls for 300, and rams for the same. The celebrated Yorkshire greyhomid,
called Snowball, lined bitches at three guineas each. Such estimation is
purity of blood and regularity of descent held in.

56 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

dogs may breed back. It should likewise be always present to
us, that, in despite of all our care, and in face of the most favour-
able opportunities for selection, still perfect specimens to propa-
gate from are unattainable ; and as, therefore, we are necessarily
to expect defects, it should be our care to well examine that we
do not select our male and female parents with each the same
faulty form or property; for, however perfect they may be in
other respects, they are, in such a case, totally unfit to breed from
together. We may, for instance, suppose an otherwise eligible
pair of pointers of the purest blood, but that each, from early and
constant confinement, had contracted long, weak, spreading pha-
langes or toes, instead of a round, cat-like form of foot. By
choosing a mate for each of these whose feet were unusually small,
round, and firm, we might remedy this defect, and preserve their
excellencies ; but it would be only propagating deformity to breed
from them together. We can only expect to prove successful in
rearing a superior race of any domestic animal, when we make
our selection of parents with a careful reference to the merits and
defects in each, by balancing the one against the other, and by
thus combining their different properties. It is by inattention to
these circumstances that so many persons, after giving immense
prices for animals of particular stocks, have found themselves foiled
in their attempts at rearing any thing beyond mediocrity, which
animals under the judicious management of a Russell, a Coke, or
an Ellman, among cattle, or an Orford, a Meynell, a Rivers, or a
Topham, among dogs, would have produced unrivalled forms.

It is no less to be understood, that it is not the form only that
we can alter or bring into an hereditary line ; the aptitudes and
qualities may also be cultivated and made to descend in succession
equally with the external form. Temper, sagacity, and aptnesss
to receive instruction, are all hereditary, and are all equally to be
taken into the account by a breeder. Some breeds of pointers
require little breaking, but the first time they come on game they
exhibit the required properties with nearly the steadiness of an
old dog. A common fault is often committed by theoretical and

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 57

inexperienced breeders, which consists in cultivating- a particular
quality, or propagating a particular point of form ; while, at the
same time, losing sight of the integrity of purpose, they deteriorate
the aggregate. In this way fox-hounds may be bred to run near-
ly as fast as greyhounds, but it is at the expense of their scent,
their hardihood, and, I suspect, of their sagacity also. For it
cannot be too strongly inculcated on the mind of every breeder,
as an established law in the animal enonomy, that an extraordinary
degree of excellence existing in any set of organs, whether it be
natural or acquired, is almost invariably accompanied with a pri-
vation of the usual quantity of it in some other^^. This law is
fully exemplified in those animals where breeding is carried to
its greatest refinement ; or, in other words, where cultivation in
qualities or form, or both, weakens or destroys the instinctive
habits and original structure to such a degree as to make the sub-
jects of it inferior in their reproductive processes, both as breeders
and rearers of progeny ; and which appears to extend throughout
all our very high bred animals : among the feathered race it is
peculiarly remarkable. The higher any animal is bred, the more
artificially he becomes placed with regard to external circumstances,
till at length he requires constant care to obviate those contingen-
cies that would be unheeded by others.

Breeding In-and-in. — Among the practical and systematic
breeders of all domestic animals, and among none more than
those sportsmen who devote themselves to the improvement of the
dog^ a great diversity of opinion has always existed on the subject
of consanguineous breeding ; or of that between near relations
characterised by the term In-and-in. The conflicting authorities
on the subject are numerous, and it is more than probable that
they will remain so, until a long course of experiment is undertaken

" Without this compensating principle we might cultivate one race of ani-
mals to the total extinction of another. If the greyhound had not lost his
power of following his game by scenting it^ when his capabilities of overtaking
it by agility had been artificially increased to the wonderful perfection we now
find it, the breed of hares must inevitably have been destroyed.

58 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

by a society of scientific and observant breeders on various do-
mestic animals, for the express purpose of arriving at the truth
in this particular. A few soHtary or isolated facts can do little to
set the subject at rest : theory can only assist by philosophically
directing the inquiry aright : truth should be the ultimate object
of every pursuit, and, from whatever source it is obtained, it
should be embraced. I do not myself profess to have had much ^
experience as a practical breeder, but I have endeavoured by in-
quiry to profit by the experience of others ; and such inquiries
have not done much to make me favourable to a continued system
of consanguineous breeding. An occasional one I am ready to ad-
vocate for the following reasons : First, its convenience, and next
because it enables the owner to correct defective points in the
growth ; and where it fails in this it almost invariably may be
employed in improving the temper, the judgment, and other
mental qualities : but let us hear what the favourers of a continued
system of in-and-in breeding have to offer.

The first argument that presents itself in favour of multiplica-
tion from near relationship is, that the early human and brute
races must of necessity have been produced from the nearest
affinities ; and that it is unreasonable to suppose that Nature would
have set out on a principle tending to the immediate deterioration
of her works. This, however, has been called the mere argument
of necessity, and is said to apply only to the precise period when
there was no other connexion possible. I admit that this is an
argument of necessity, viewed with reference only to primitive
times; but it stands otherwise when we reflect that, for ages
after, consanguineous marriages were consummated among nations
of refinement, and to this day, among savage tribes particularly,
their reigning families and chiefs confine themselves to marriage
among lineal kindred^S; and yet in neither instance has any degene-

1^ The Egyptians are said to have allowed of the marriages of brothers to
sisters. The Athenians admitted the betrothing of brothers and sisters of the
half blood, if related by the father's side. The marriage of Abraham with his
sister assures us that it was practised among the Chaldeans ; and it may be

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 59

ration been observed. From a parity of reasoning, as we know
that an insuperable bar has been placed against propagation
among the several genera, by an instinctive aversion that the
specific forms might not be lost in hybridous productions ; so it
does not appear to be straining analogy too much to suppose that,
had ill eflfects followed from consanguineous intercourse, something
like this instinctive aversion would be manifested here also^o.
Neither does it appear, a priori^ easy to substantiate either moral
or physiological reasons why breeding among lineal kindred should
of necessity prove deteriorating to the future progeny, when no
family departure from the original type is apparent. The same
organization, the same constitutional sympathies, the same apti-
tudes, when not defective, would tend, under union, to produce a
perfect similitude : but facts are infinitely more to our purpose
than the most specious argvunents.

We are assured, that the Arab horses of high blood are
usually bred in-and-in ; and we know that no pepple in existence

remarked, that, when this island was conquered by Caesar, a peculiar system of
cohabitation prevailed. — Uxores habent deni duodenique inter se commvmes,
et maxime fratres cum fratribus, parentesque cum liberis ; sed si qui s\mt ex
his nati, eorum habentur liberi, quo primum^ vurgo quaeque deducta est; —
Paley^s Nat. Hist.

■ ^ It may be argued, that such aversion is manifested in the political restric-
tions relative to consanguineous marriages among enlightened nations. That
such prohibitions were necessary from moral and political necessity is evident;
for, by extending the social compact to marriages without the family pale,
knowledge and the arts were extended, improved, and became a common pro-
perty ; wealth was diffused, communities were enlarged, and social interests
joined those who before were in opposition to each other; and, above all,
the demoralizing and depopulating effects of an early departure from chastity,
which imreserved family communication led to, was prevented. It is, how-
ever, clear, from history aad from phUosc^hical investigation, that such
aversion is neither instinctive nor necessary, but an acquired regulation of
passion, implanted by education, and made general by refinement Sir W.
C — N observes that, according to Varro, this aversion has really occurred even
in animals, — Equus matrem ut saliret adduci non posset, De Re Rustica, lib.
iii, c. 5 ; but the ingenious Baronet candidly acknowledges that subsequent
experience has not justified the assertion.

60 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

are equally observant of the purity of lineal descent among these
animals as they are ; and as these horses have maintained their
high character for ages, it forms a strong presumption in favour
of this system. Mr. Bakewell, whose name will ever rank high as
a breeder of cattle, reared his valuable stock wholly from con-
sanguinity : in fact, his important improvements were all founded
on this intercourse among kindred, or their affinities. Mr. Mey-
nell, who was no less celebrated as an experimentalist in the
breeding of sporting dogs, propagated the whole of his celebrated
fox-hounds in this manner.

I have already stated, that numerous and powerful opponents
exist to the system of in-and-in breeding, whose opinions ought
to have their due influence when considering the question^. Sir
John Sebright, who has been long known as a practical breeder
and scientific experimentalist, has given us his opinions on the
subject, in a letter on The Art of Improving the Breeds of Do-
mestic Animals ; and as great importance is justly attributed to
his opinions, as there detailed, I shall, in candour, quote so much
as is necessary to shew the drift of his arguments. He says, " If
" a breed cannot be improved, or even continued in the degree
" of perfection at which it has already arrived, but by breeding
"from individuals so selected as to correct each others defects,
" and by a judicious combination of their diflferent properties (a
" position that I believe will not be denied), it follows that ani-
" mals must degenerate by being long bred from the same family,
" without the intermixture of any other blood, or from being what
"is technically called bred in-and-in." Against the contrary
opinion, as held by Bakewell, the ingenious Baronet thus reasons :
— " No one can deny the ability of Mr. Bakewell in the art of
" which he may fairly be said to have been the inventor ; but the

' The principal arguments, in my own mind, against this mode of increase
are, that hereditary diseases, which in some hreeds are considerable, are, by
this means, perpetuated and probably increased : and also, that when breeding
by relationship is a settled practice, the accidental defects are too apt to be
passed over unobserved.

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 61

** mystery with which he is well known to have carried on every
** part of his business, and the various means which he employed
*' to mislead the public, induce me not to give that weight to his
** assertions, which I should do to his real opinion, could it have
" been ascertained." To Mr. MeynelFs opinion of the same tend-
ency he replies — " Mr. Meynell's fox-hounds are quoted as an
" instance of the success of this practice (i. e. the in-and-in J ;
" but, on speaking to that gentleman upon the subject, I found
" that he did not attach the meaning that I do to the term in-and-
*' in. He said, that he frequently bred from the father and the
*' daughter, and the mother and the son. This is not what I con-
" sider as breeding in-and-in ; for the daughter is only half of the
" same blood as the father, and will probably partake in a great
" degree of the properties of the mother."

Sir J. S. also, in another part of his letter, states some im-
portant facts on the matter in these words : — " I have tried many
" experiments by breeding in-and-in upon dogs, fowls, and pigeons :
*'the dogs became, from strong spaniels, weak and diminutive lap-
*' dogs ; the fowls became long in the legs, small in the body, and
"bad breeders."

Sir W. C N, in his Treatise on Greyhounds, is also, in

some degree, unfavourable to breeding a-kin. He says, "If
" continued for some litters a manifest inferiority of size, and a
" deficiency of bone will soon be visible, as well as a want of
" courage and bottom ; though the beauty of the form, with the
" exception of the size, may not be diminished."

Button argues on the same side : — " Ce qu'il y a de singulier,
" c'est qu'il semble que le modele du beau et du bon soit disperse
*' par toute la terre, et que dans chaque climat il n'en reside qu'une
" portion qui degenere toujours, a moins qu'on ne la reunisse avec
" une autre portion prise an loin ; en sort que pour avoir de bon
"grain, de belles fleurs, &c. &c. il faut en echanger les grains
" et de ne jamais semer dans le meme terrein qui les a produits ; et
" de meme, pour avoir de beaux chevaux, de bons chiens, &c. &c.
"il faut donner aux femelles du pays des males Strangers, et

62 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.

" reciproquement aux males du pays des femelles etrangeres; sans
" cela les grains, les fleurs, les animaux degenerent, ou plutot
" prennent uni si fort teinture du climat, que la raatiere domine
" sur la forme, et semble I'abatardir, I'empreinte reste, mais defi-
" guree par tons les traits, qui ne lui sont pas essentiels. En
"melant au contraire les races, et surtout en les renouvelant
" toujours par les races Etrangeres, la forme semble se perfectionner,
" et la nature se relever et donner tout ce quelle produit de meil-
" leur." Buffbn Hist. Nat. tom. iv, p. 216.— Mr. Beckford, in his
Thoughts on Hunting, appears equally averse to consanguineous
canine breeding. " A very famous sportsman has told me, that
"he frequently breeds from brothers and sisters. As I should be
" very unwilling to urge any thing in opposition to such authority,
" you had better try it ; and if it succeeds in hounds, it is more, I
" believe, than it usually does in other animals."

It remains to add, that many practical breeders of inferior note
are averse to propagating in succession from near relationship by
blood, as brother and sister, father and daughter, &c. &c. ; but
many allow even the benefit of relationship in a more remote de-
gree. This is particularly the case with some rearers of game
fowls, who are favourable to breeding from the third remove,
which they call a nick. From all which discrepancy of opinion
may be gained, that the subject is at present somewhat pro-
blematical; and that the opposition to it, if not altogether un-
founded, has, nevertheless, not yet received such an accumulation
of striking and incontrovertible facts as to force conviction.
One thing it is but just to state, which is, that breeding in-and-in
among dogs, which is the point more immediately connected with
our present inquiry, seems to have more opponents than it has in
the multiplication of any other domestic race of animals. Whe-
ther it be, that dogs, from their habits of close intimacy with us,
aflford more opportunities of close observation, or whether there
be really an inherent aptitude in them unfavourable to propa-
gation from near affinities, is not agreed on generally ; but the
prejudice deserves to be fully canvassed by a series of experi-

THE REARING OF YOUNG DOGS. 63

ments and observations having for their object the truth, and
that only.

THE REARING OF YOUNG DOGS.

To procure the whelping of dogs in the spring is undoubtedly
desirable in kennels where many dogs are reared ; and in such it
is usual to encourage heat^ as it is called, in the females by liberal
feeding, &c., so that the young thus early produced may benefit
by the genial warmth of the summer, and expand their limbs by
exercise in the open air more freely. The number of young that
are brought forth at a birth varies from one to twelve : instances
have occurred where sixteen have been whelped, and I once re-
moved the same number from a dead setter : five, six, and seven,
are common numbers^. How many it is proper for the mother
to rear, must depend on circumstances : one that is very strong
and healthy may, with full feeding, bring up five : but when the
breed is valuable, and great size and strength are required, four,
or even three, are more proper ; among the delicate breeds no
more should ever be allowed. If a foster mother is procured 'for
the supernumerary pups, she should, if possible, be of the same
breed with themselves ; for from the experience I have had in this
particular, I am strongly inclined to believe that the qualities of a
foster mother are, in some degree, transferred with the milk ; and
when the breeds are distinct, this must be very prejudicial, I
am also borne out in this opinion by the testimony of other

observant sportsmen"^. Constitutional diseases may be likewise

ft

' Albertus relates his knowledge of a mastiff bitch which littered the vast
number of fifty young ones at three consecutive parturitions ; viz., nineteen
at the first, eighteen at the second, and thirteen at the last.

^ The learned author of A Treatise on Greyhounds introduces some quo-
tations to shew that this effect had not escaped the attention of the antients.
Columella, lib. vii, c. 12, has the following remarks on it: — "Nee nimquam
** los quorum generosam volumus indolem conservare, patiemur alienae nutricis
" uberibus educari, quoniam semper lac et spiritus maternus longe magis in-
" genii atque incrementa corporis augeut." Similar observations occur in Xe-
nephon. de Venat. 987 ; Oppian. Venat. i, 442 ; Cynosophium, &c.

64 THE REARING OF YOUNG DOGS.

gained by this means*. At times some difficulty is experienced
in getting a foster parent to nurture strange young; in which
case it is usual to sprinkle them with the milk of the bitch they
are to be put to : but when even this will not avail, the removal
of her own young will commonly excite the feelings of maternity
towards the stranger : the former plan is, however, commonly suf-
ficient, acting as it does on a similar principle with that by which
shepherds succeed, who, when a ewe dies, take her lamb, and,
having found a ewe with a dead one, the dead lamb's skin is
stripped off by them, and sewed around the living lamb, who is
then received by the foster parent as her own. Most animal in-
stincts connected with the reproductive system are conducted by
means of smelling.

Puppies are born blind, and remain so for many days ; their
ears are also impervious. Eyesight and hearing would have been
useless to animals so indigent, and which, in a state of nature,
were intended to remain buried the first weeks of their existence
in holes and dark caverns. These organs only develope them-
selves when their owners begin to be sensible of their wants : the
lids unclose by degrees, and then exhibit a membranaceous cover-
ing, or rather a thickened state of the conjunctive tunic ; but which
gradually becoming absorbed, presents ultimately a perfect eye.
At this early age, the whole skin presents a beautiful pink tinge,
which disappears by degrees, and gives place to a clear white in
most parts of the body ; while the rete mucosum of such parts as
are intended to exhibit a dark hue, as the roof of the mouth, paws,
nose, &c., at the same lime assumes its intended colour. The
upper milk or temporary teeth, both cutting and grinding, appear
first, and are tolerably complete at a month old ; the others appear
later, by which arrangement the teats of the mother do not suffer:

* I was acquainted with a very fine child with diseased eyelids, who was the
only one thus affected out of a large family ; she was likewise tlie only one put
out to nurse. The woman who suckled her had a large family also, and most
of her children have the same affection: I have likewise traced diseases in dogs,
and habits also, to the source of foster parentage.

THE REARING OF YOUNG DOGS. 65

the milk teeth give phice to the permanent set at six or seven
months. The testes do not descend into the scrotum till the third,
fourth, or fifth week, but they may be felt a week previously within
the abdomen, on each side of the penis. Dogs are often born
with supernumerary claws, among sportsmen called dew claws :
some of these have a corresponding metacarpal or metatarsal bone,
others are appendant only to the integuments. In either case
they should be taken off early. — See Operations,

When many young of a litter are preserved, they should be
early accustomed to lap : milk which has been boiled and slightly
sweetened is proper ; when given raw it is apt to purge, and
sweetening it, makes it more nearly resemble the mother's milk.
Meat, also, cut fine may be early given, as it will materially save
the mother, and benefit the progeny also: clean litter, free
access of air, and room for exercise, are essentials to their well
doing. Young dogs should be early accustomed to restraint, with
a chain and collar ; otherwise, when they are accidentally tied up
it is apt to occasion great alarm : I have seen fits follow this.
Confinement, however, under any circumstance, should be only
occasional, and never long continued : thousands are rendered
weak, ricketty, and have their feet spread out into thin narrow
phalanges, by close and early confinement.

Young dogs are liable to several diseases that are peculiar to
this stage of their existence. One of the most fatal of these is of
a tabid nature, and appears principally confined to some breeds,
particularly to terriers, pugs, the smaller kinds of spaniels, and
others of the diminutive races ; and more especially to such as
live luxuriously, and are closely confined. Among these, certain
individuals at each littering present young, either already diseased,
or with such a tendency to it, that the complaint alluded to soon
makes its appearance, and with greater certainty when they have
to combat with bad air, confined situation, and want of sufficient
nutriment. — See Diseases of Glands, Class V.

Worms are very common in young dogs, perhaps few are

E

66 THE REARING OF YOUNG DOGS.

without them ; whenever, therefore, puppies have fits, irregular
bowels, violent and unnatural appetite, and a general unhealthy
appearance, worms may be suspected as the cause. — Rickets
also are very injurious to some of them, particularly among the
breeds that are closely confined, as in cities and large manufactu-
ring towns. See Diseases of Bones, Class VI. Young dogs are
also liable to a peculiar spasmodic afi*ection of the bowels. I
have seen it epidemic among them. See Spasmodic Colicy
Class II.

The age of dogs. — These animals do not, like horses and
cattle, present any exact criterion of their age ; nevertheless,
attention to the following appearances will assist us in determining
the matter. At about four years, the front teeth lose their points,
and each of them presents a flattened surface, which increases as
the age advances ; they likewise lose their whiteness. In dogs
fed much on bones, and in those who ^^fetch and carry" these
teeth sufl^er very much, and are sometimes broken out, while the
dog is yet young. The holders, or tusks, are also blunted by the
same causes. At seven or eight, the hair about the eyes becomes
slightly grey. Gradually, likewise, a greyish tint extends over
the face ; but it is not till ten, eleven, or twelve years, that the
eyes lose their lustre : when become dim, general decay proceeds
rapidly, though the life of some dogs is extended to fifteen, sixteen,
or seventeen years ; and I have seen a mother and son vigorous at
twenty and twenty-one years old. Although such instances as
the latter must be considered as rare, yet even these have been
exceeded, if I might depend on my authority ; for I once saw a small
French dog, which I was assured had reached his twenty-fourth
year, and which, at the time I saw him, was still vigorous and
lively. I am not aware that much difference exists between the
various breeds, as to the age they arrive at : spaniels, however, I
have observed are usually long lived ; while terriers, on the con-
trary, I have seldom observed very old. The usual life of the dog
may be considered as ranging between twelve and fifteen years :

GENERAL TREATMENT. 67

domestication has tended, in some degree, to curtail the period,
but not so much as might be expected^, considering the powerful
operation of artificial habits.

THE GENERAL TREATMENT OF DOGS AS
PREVENTIVE OF DISEASE.

The prevention of disease, it is evident, is an important con-
sideration ; and, as such, it may with propriety precede the cure.
To guard against the loss of health, we must carefully regulate
the essential habits of life of the animals we domesticate. Thus,
with our dogs, we attend to their feeding, housing, cleanliness,
and exercise. We must also examine their condition, on which
both their ordinary health, and their capabihty for such services
as we require of them, will much depend.

The feeding of dogs. — This is necessarily an object of im-
portance, not only as regards the wants of the animal, but also as
respects the different quantities and qualities of food under dif-
ferent circumstances. A great error is committed when we feed
our dogs on one scale: suih as giving the dog that has slept
through the day the same quantity as is set before the pointer
that has been hunting incessantly four or five hours. In quality,
likewise, equal error is committed : the latter of these dogs would
digest, with readiness and benefit to his constitutiona][ wants, a
pound or two of horse-flesh ; but the former would be injured by
such treatment, and would be more appropriately fed with meal or
potatoes mixed with milk or pot-liquor. It is no less curious than

^ Buffon calculates the length of life in the dog from the time of his growth
" La duree de la vie est dans le chien, comnie dans les autres animaux, pro'-
" portionelle au temps de I'accroissement ; il est environ deux ans a, croitre, ils
vit aussi sept fois deux ans." — Buffon^ Hist. Nat., torn, v, 223.

^lian considers fourteen years as the natural period of life in dogs. — ^lian
de Nat. Animal., lib. iv, c. 4L

Some of the ancients have stated that a diiFerence exists in the duration of
life between the sexes, but experience justifies no such distinction. — Arrianus
de Venatione, c. 32.

E 2

68 FEEDING OF DOGS.

tnie, that the want of food and the excess of it should both pro-
duce the same disease ; for it is very seldom that a dog is badly
fed for a considerable length of time, but that he contracts mange ;
and it is also as seldom that a dog is long permitted to eat to ex-
cess, without becoming mangy also. However, if the same clean-
liness and care were to be observed in both cases, the lean dog
would have the least of it, and his mange would also prove much
the most easy of cure^.

^ To feed judiciously, the physiology of digestion should be understood.
All the juices of the body, and indeed all the solids likewise, are furnished
from the blood. These juices are in a continual state of waste, and the solids
are in a continual state of wear ; both of which (i. e. the waste and the wear)
take place in proportion to the exertion used. There must, therefore, exist
some means of recruiting this waste of the fluids, and some means of repairing
this wear of the solids. Nature has intended that these ends should be brought
about by food, consisting of solid and fluid substances; which, being masticated
and broken down into small masses by the teeth, and mixed with the saliva, are
rendered fit to be acted on when received into the stomach, where they meet
with a strong solvent agent, called gastric fluid ; by mixing with which they
become animalized, and, in fact, wholly altered. In a complete pultaceous
mass, called chyme, it is passed into the bowels, where there are little vessels
that strain and suck up such fluid parts as are fitted for nourishing the body,
and pass it forwards in very minute streams into glands, called mesenteric.
These glands empty their contents, then called chyle, into one common
receptacle, from whence the chylous fluid is poured into the heart to form blood.
The blood therefore is constantly recnxited from this source ; and from this
description it will naturally suggest itself, that when food is withheld, the blood
must waste ; and when this is the case, the fluids of the body must naturally
decrease, and the solids must wear fast. On the contrary, when food is taken
in too great quantities, the blood will, in that case, become too rich, and be
generated in too large quantities ; and, as the solids are limited in their growth,
so some, or all, the fluids of the body will be formed from the superabundant
blood in too large proportions. The moisture that goes to the skin will pro-
bably become acrid, and form a disease called mange : the sebaceous glands of
the ear, instead of forming wax, will pour out blood or matter, then called
canker ; or the unnecessary quantity will flow to the teats, where, if it is not
the time of pregnancy, it will form a spurious secretion and induration. When
these evils do not immediately siiccced, the superabundant blood expends
itself in secreting an inordinate quantity of the oily fluid called fat, the effects
of which are detailed under Excessive Fatness.

FEEDING OF DOGS. 69

What is the best food for dogs ? An examination of this
animal must end in determining that he is neither wholly car-
nivorous nor wholly herbivorous, but of a mixed kind ; intended
to take in as well vegetable as animal matter, and formed to
receive nourishment from either. He is furnished with sharp
cutting teeth for tearing flesh, and he has also tolerably broad
surfaces on other of his teeth, capable of grinding farinaceous
substances: his stomach and intestines likewise hold a middle
place between tho^e of the carnivorous and herbivorous tribes.
At the same time, both his dental and his digestive organs
appear rather more adapted to the mastication and assimilation of
animal than vegetable matter ; to which also his habits and par-
tialities evidently tend. He is by nature predacious, and intended
to live on other animals ; the stronger he hunts in troops, the
weaker he conquers singly. Yet still it is clear that his organs
fit him, when necessary, for receiving nutriment from vegetable
matter also, and we likewise see that he voluntarily seeks it, pro-
bably as a necessary mixture, to prevent that tendency to putridity
which too great a quantity of animal food begets. It is a
received opinion among many sportsmen, that flesh-feeding injures
the scent ; but it cannot do it naturally ; for the fox, one of the
caninaB, which is known to be by choice wholly carnivorous,
principally lives by the exquisite sensibility of his olfactory organs.
If the eating of flesh really have such an eflFect on sporting dogs,
it can only do so, when it has been taken in such quantities as to
vitiate the secretions of the body ; and in this way the pituitary
mucous secretions of the nasal sinuses may themselves become
somewhat tainted.

A mixture of both animal and vegetable substances is therefore
the most proper general food for dogs, and that which best agrees
with the analogies of their nature ; but the proportions of each are
best determined, by the exertions of the body. For, as animal
food affords most nutriment, so when the bodily exertions are
great, as in sporting dogs, then flesh is the best food. On the
contrary, when bulk without much nutriment is required, as for

70 FEEDING OF DOGS.

such as are much confined and do litttle, then vegetable matter is
best adapted to their wants. This subject appears to be one of
very general interest ; for no questions have been more frequently
asked the author of these pages, than — What kind of food is the
best for dogs, and what quantity of it ? It is difficult to prescribe
generally a precise quantity — some dogs require even naturally
more than others; and, for the same reasons, it is not easy to
give general directions with regard to the quality and kind also.
If, however, the rationale of nutrition be attended to, and the
above principles kept in mind, the owners will find no difficulty in
deciding when one or the other kind is proper, or when a mixture
of both is to be preferred.

Many opinions prevail on the subject of horse-Jlesh as food for
dogs ; its qualities being as strenuously supported by some as they
are condemned by others. The proper mode of considering the
matter is to regard it as a strong and actively nutritious food, very
fit for dogs who undergo great exercise; to such it never proves
hurtful : but where it is given to those who have little exercise, it
may prove too nutritious, and may probably produce a foul stinking
coat and itching skin. Much diversity of opinion prevails also as
to whether it is better to be given raw or dressed. In a state of na-
ture, it is evident that dogs live entirely on raw food, and principally
on flesh ; and there is no doubt that this best fits them for very
active exercise, and endues them with the most vigour and durabi-
lity. The raw flesh of animals appears particularly to increase the
courage and ferocity ; and where these qualities are requisite, this
mode of feeding will undoubtedly tend thereto, and therefore is
the best food for hounds ; and of the varieties of flesh, that of the
horse is the best ; and it may therefore be considered as proper
for sporting dogs, as greyhounds, foxhounds, and harriers, in the
height of the season of their employ : for pointers,' setters, and
spaniels, in very hard and constant work, it is equally good ; but
with moderate work, I have found mixed food preferable, obedience
and sagacity being here more wanted than ferocity. When there-
fore, raw meat, as horse-flesh, can be procured sweet and fresh, it

FEEDING OF DOGS. 71

not only increases the animal ardour, but it will go the farthest of
any in point of economy, by nourishing most. When it is at all
putrid, dressing considerably restores it ; although we have not
observed any ill effects follow its being eaten in a putrid state.

Carrots^ parsneps^ cabbages, and, indeed, all vegetable matter,
will feed dogs sufficiently well for the purposes of existence ; and
if either milk or good pot-liquor be added, they will form a nutri-
tious diet. It is, however, prudent here to introduce one very
necessary caution, which is, — that the broth or liquor in which
salted meat has been boiled should never be used for this purpose.
Most dogs who have been confined on ship-board during a long
voyage contract an obstinate species of mange, wholly owing to
their being fed on salt pot-liquor. This is not sufficiently attended
to among sportsmen ; and their servants are very apt to give the
liquor in which salt pork and bacon have been boiled, with other
brine, to the great injury of the animals. Greaves, or the refuse
of the matter from which tallow has been pressed, is with many
persons a favourite food, because it is a convenient one ; and, when
mixed with a sufficient quantity of vegetable matter, it makes a
hearty meal for large dogs, or such as live without doors, and are
subjected to much exercise. I should, however, never make use
of greaves myself, when any of the before-mentioned articles could
be procured. The inhabitants of cities and great towns often find
it extremely inconvenient to find food for large dogs, particularly
when there are many to feed. The following plan is peculiarly
adapted for such situations ; and, by this means a wholesome, nu-
tritious, and cheap food may be conveniently obtained. It consists
of the tripe or paunches of sheep, which, being thoroughly cleaned,
are to be boiled half an hour, or forty minutes, in a moderate
quantity of water. When taken from the water, they should be
hung up to cool, and the boiling liquor they came out of should be
poured on bread raspings : those of French bread being the best.

The quantity of raspings should be so regulated, that, when
soaked and cold, the mess may be of the consistence of an ordinary
pudding before boiling. The paunches being also cold, but not

72 FEEDING OF DOGS.

before, should be cut into fine pieces, and mixed with the soaked
raspings : when raspings cannot be procured, meal or biscuit may
be substituted. The mixture, it is evident, may be made to con-
tain more or less animal matter, by increasing or lessening the
proportion of paunch, or other kinds of meat may be substituted ;
but the author is disposed to think that tripe is at once nutritious
and innocent, and tends little to make a dog foul and gross. When
likewise it is intended or wished to make the mixture more en-
ticing, the offal or intestines of chickens and other fowl may be ob-
tained from the poulterers, and boiled with the tripe. Of all sub-
stances in general use, except horse-flesh, the entrails of chickens
is that most eagerly sought after by dogs ; and it is one which
fattens them faster than any other. For the convenience of per-
sons resident in London, it should be noticed, that the venders of
ready dressed sheep heads sell the trimmings as dogs' food, and
they form an excellent one.

Sportsmen in the country who are averse to flesh-feeding, or
cannot always procure it, use various articles for the purpose : it
is likewise very often, in retired situations, a difficult matter to
find proper substances for this purpose. In some kennels a mix-
ture of meal and milk is used, and dogs will thrive on it during the
season they do not hunt ; but when they are strongly exercised,
and hunt several days in the week, this food is not sufficiently
nutritious. All the meals of wheat, barley, oats, and rye, are used
for dog-food ; but it is no difficult matter at once to decide, that
wheat -meal, when it can be procured, is to be preferred ; for it is
much less likely to produce mange and a heated skin than the
others. Biscuits are in very common use : the damaged sea-bis-
cuit is often employed ; but of late. Smith's dog-bread has taken
the lead with many sportsmen, and is good, being known to be a
compound of the different meals.

Barleymeal and oatmeal are very commonly used, and either is
sufficiently nutritious when mixed with milk or broth ; but they
have certainly some tendency to produce a red itching skin when
constantly used ; for which reason a portion of potatoes should be

FEEDING OF DOGS. 73

mixed with them. Potatoes, even without meal, will be found to
form a good food for dogs which are not wanted for very active
exertion : they are cooling, and, when mixed with milk or butter-
milk, are sufficiently nutritious for all common purposes, and form
in this way an economical and wholesome food : if they are not re-
lished alone, a small proportion of greaves or other fatty matter,
may be added, which will make them palatable. When circrnn-
stances render it absolutely necessary to feed principally on either
barley or oat meal, the heating effects may be also greatly obviated
by mixing it with buttermilk. In all cases likewise of eruptive
affection, as mange, canker, &c., buttermilk will be found to pos-
sess something of a curative as well as preventive quality.

In the feeding of favourites, much error is frequently com-
mitted ; for their tastes being consulted, they are too apt to be
wholly fed on flesh, and this in great quantities too. In such
cases, although the evil is acknowledged, yet it is alleged that the
animals will not eat any other food ; it is, however, always in the
power of those who feed them to bring them to live on vegetables
entirely even if it be desired ; but it requires, in some cases, con-
siderable determination and perseverance. If the usual quantity
of meat a dog eats be minced extremely fine, and a small portion
of mashed potatoes be mixed with it, it will not be possible for him
to separate the animal from the vegetable portion : if he refuses
to eat the mixture, let it remain until hunger obliges him to do it.
At each meal, a very small additional quantity of potatoes may be
added ; and this practice, if persisted in, will bring him at last to
live almost wholly on potatoes, or any other vegetable that may be
selected. In a medical point of view, a vegetable diet is often very
important. In many cases a complete change of food forms the
very best alterative ; and, in others, it is a most excellent auxiliary
to the curative treatment which is to be adopted. The cases that
require a change from an animal to a vegetable diet are frequent :
all eruptive diseases ; all fat and plethoric dogs ; all coughs, de-
pendent on congestion or repletion ; and various other inflamma-

74 FEEDING OF DOGS.

tory tendencies, render such change essentially necessary to the
health of the dog.

At what time of the day dogs ought to he fed, is frequently
likewise a matter of consideration, and difference of opinion is en-
gendered ; but is most likely to be settled aright, by considering
it on the principles already touched on. In a state of nature, even
a daily meal among dogs must be very precarious ; for, in some
situations, vegetable food cannot be obtained, and then the hunting
down of other animals, or the meeting with the ofFal or refuse of
what may have been hunted by others, must be the principal sup-
port. For this reason, Nature has kindly and wisely fitted a dog
with a stomach that digests his food, particularly of the animal
kind, very slowly ; so that a full meal of flesh is not digested in
less than twenty-four hours. Those, therefore, who feed their
dogs on animal matter never need to do it more than once a day ;
nor do dogs require to be fed oftener if meal be given, when the
quantity is sufficient. But is must be remembered that, under a
life of confinement and art, where all the functions are weakened,
as they must of necessity be in those dogs who are petted and in-
dulged, it is better to feed them in smaller quantities twice a day.
If fed once only, they become heavy and sleepy, and lose much of
their vivacity. This may elicit an observation, that hard-worked
dogs, as soon as fed, should be shut up, to encourage sleep. Diges-
tion goes on better sleeping than waking ; and more nutriment is
obtained from the food in this way than when an animal is suffered
to run about after eating.

It may be also not improper to notice the unnecessary fear that
many persons encourage relative to the giving of bones to dogs.
Except from those of fish, or the legs and wings of poultry, which
break into splinters, and may choak, I never remember having
seen a dog injured by a bone ; but I have great reason to think
that the stomachs of these animals would be often benefitted by
the action of the bones : and also, that although the teeth are
thought to be broken by them (and now and then, though but sel-

HOUSING OF DOGS. 75

dom, they may be), yet that the evil is more than counter-ba-
lanced by the mechanical action of the bones cleaning away the
tartar that otherwise accumulates around them. No fear need be
entertained of their occasioning obstruction ; the power of their
gastric juices is equal to the total solution of the largest bones thev
can take down. I have seen a pointer of my own swallow the
shank bone of a leg of mutton, which he was unable, from its size
and strength to break. I am of opinion that bones are a healthy
addition to their food, and certainly from their soluble qualities
they are very nutritive. The stomach of the dog is as complete a
digester of bones as the iron screwed pot apparatus of Count
Rumford.

THE HOUSING OF DOGS.

This subject will occupy but little of my time, as I would hope
there are not many persons who would be inhuman enough to turn
an unoffending and faithful animal out without shelter during the
cold and damp of our nights^. Too many, however, err on the
other hand, by placing their dogs in close confined boxes or
houses, without sufficient ventilation. A wicker basket is the best

' In charity, I would believe, that when persons do turn their dog out to
sleep in the open air, they conclude him to be naturally a nocturnal anima\
and that therefore such exposure is natural to him ; but they are totally in
error: and even had he been so in his aboriginal state, yet artificial habits
and close domestication have so altered his nature, as to render him unfitted
to cope with cold and moisture without pain and danger. The dog, however,
really is not by natiure a nocturnal animal, like the fox, whose predacious
habits in search of fowls when at roost make night the especial season of his
prowlings ; and to which end nature has furnished him with a structural pecu-
liarity in his organs of vision, totally diflferent to that of the dog. The eye of
the fox presents a pupil like that of the cat, likewise a nocturnal animal, the
contractions of which are not circular, like those of the dog, or our own, but
are linear, and capable of extreme dilatation and contraction. The dog having
no such apparatus, was evidently intended to sleep during the night ; and as
in a state of nature he could furnish himself with a cavern, surely his master
ought to supply him with some shelter : if with a kennel, let the opening
incline to one side.

76 WASHING OF DOGS.

covering for most pet dogs, except Italian greyhounds and the
naked Barbary dog, which may be further protected by a wooden
house, or by a coverlet. Dogs sleeping without doors should have
the use of a kennel well closed from rain and wind ; but, of course,
open in front, provided such front is not opposed to driving rain,
snow, &c. I would not even mention such minute matters, but
that I know some well-meaning persons err from want of thought
more than from want of humanity. The sportsman may assure
himself, that the comfort of a sheltered, and even soft and warm
bed of straw, are as necessary, not only to the comfort but to the
health also of his dog on his return from the fatigues of the chase,
as the feather-bed and its coverings are to himself. The same
stiffness, the same rheumatic pains and incapacity of ready motion,
await the dog as his master, if these protections are not enjoyed by
both. The kennels of our best hunting establishments are usually
excellently adapted to give sufficient warmth with sufficient venti-
lation ; but it is of much importance, where hounds sleep on
benches, that no direct draught of air be allowed to drive over
them.

WASHING OF DOGS.

There are few sources more productive of disease to dogs than
a wanting of general cleanliness in the air they breathe, and in the
state of all those matters they are in communication with, as their
beds, &c., and particularly in the state of their hides. Dogs con-
fined together in a close unventilated situation beget coughs, which
often end in permanent asthma : if young, they become tabid ; if
adults, mangy or dropsical. The acrid fumes from their own
bodies, when in close confinement, and more particularly from
their urine, stimulate the eyes, and produce diseased eyelids. It
is also assistant to health, that confined dogs should have their
hides rubbed every day with a hair cloth, or a wisp of straw : this
dislodges the furfuraceous matter of the skin, and prevents its ad-
hesion, which forms the first step to mange ; it also assists general
circulation, and stands in the stead of exercise. This practice of

WASHING OF DOGS. 77

rubbing would prove an excellent substitute for washing in many
cases, particularly where water proves injurious, which it some-
times does to delicate dogs.

Washing of dogs is, under some circumstances, a very neces-
sary practice, and, when judiciously managed, is salutary also : but
when otherwise, it is productive of more mischief than persons are
aware of. There is not a more fertile source of disease to dogs
than suffering their coats to remain wet after washing or bathing.
In the first place, it subjects those who are unused to it to colds,
distemper, inflammations, or asthma ; and in those to whom the
practice is common, it is scarcely less pernicious ; for, though it
may not occasion immediate disease, it nevertheless, in the end,
frequently produces canker or mange. It may be observed, as a
proof of this, that dogs who often go into the water are seldom
without some affection of this kind. Canker, particularly, is al-
most confined to dogs who swim much, or who are washed often,
without being properly dried afterwards : it should, therefore, be
most attentively observed, when dogs are washed, that they are
also carefully dried after it. Very small dogs, for this purpose,
may be wrapped up in a blanket : large dogs, after being well
rubbed, may be permitted to run into a stable among clean straw,
which is a very excellent means of drying them, and, from its
warmth, a very safe one. It should also be remembered, that, in
ascertaining the proper warmth of the water for the washing of
dogs, the heat which appears trifling to the hand of a servant
always used to dabbling in suds will scald an animal unused to any
thing but cold water. Washing should not be repeated oftener
than once a week, even with the best care, for it certainly pro-
motes mange and canker. Rubbing the skin with a flannel and
dry bran is better. In slight rednesses of the skin, washing with
common gin will often remove them. In similar cases, yellow soap
well rubbed in. and then completely washed off, is also a good
practice. But however hurtful a too frequent system of water
washing may be to healthy dogs, to diseased ones both hot and
cold bathing are of the greatest service. — See Bathing, Class XIV.

78

EXERCISE.

The want of due exercise is the cause of nearly one half of the
diseases of dogs : and the ill effects of this deprivation are very
often heightened by inordinate feeding also. It should be remem-
bered, that a dog is an animal of prey, destined, in a state of nature,
to hunt for his food, and to sacrifice to his appetite lesser and
weaker animals, whose exertions to excape must keep him in a con-
tinual habit of most active exercise. Wild dogs, therefore, proba-
bly do not get a regular and full meal twice in a week : how great,
therefore, must be the difference, when they are either shut up in
a warm room twenty-two out of twenty-four hours ; or are, perhaps,
fastened by the necks for many months together, without any other
exercise than what the length of their chain allows them I In such
cases, if they have plenty of air, and are moderately fed, the want
of exercise shews itself by mange or canker : if the repletion does
not escape by this outlet, then the effects become apparent by an
enormous increase of fat, which usually ends in asthma and dropsy.

Nothing affords a stronger conviction of the necessity of exer-
cise to animals than their natural love of play, which was given as
a principal means of preserving health. In cities and great towns,
it is a very excellent plan to teach puppies to play with a ball ; by
which means they will exercise themselves very well in wet weather,
or when they cannot be taken out ; and, when early taught it, will
continue through life attached to the exertion : such as will not
amuse themselves in this way, may yet all be taught to fetch and
carry. A very mistaken opinion prevails, that because a dog
is turned into a yard or court an hour, or half an hour, he ex-
ercises himself; on the contrary, in general he regards this as a
punishment, and sits shivering at the door the whole time. Dogs
are more disposed to take exercise in company than alone ; emula-
tion induces them to run and frolic with each other ; it is prudent,
therefore, to allow every favourite a companion. For sporting
dogs, constant exercise is also essentially necessary : when taken
up for the season, if they are close kennelled, it is very common

EXERCISE OF DOGS. . 79

when they are agam wanted, to find them fat, out of wind, and
easily fatigued ; for not only is the habit of exertion lost, but the
muscles of the body have actually become lessened and weakened
by the inactivity. Exercise improves the wind, by taking up the
surrounding fat from the heart and chest ; thus allowing the lungs
to expand more freely. Fits are a very common consequence of
confinement without regular exercise ; and it is very usual for a
dog, particularly a sporting one, which has been closely and long
shut up, on gaining his liberty, to experience a violent fit : the same
also occurs to dogs after long voyages.

Exercise should, therefore, be allowed to every dog ; and as this
should be done in proportion to his other habits, to lay down any
general rule on this head is nearly impossible : for such as are very
fat, it should not be violent, but it should be long continued ; when
too violent, it is apt to produce epilepsy or asthma. Sporting dogs
require gallops, to fit them for their work, and to give them wind ;
and for this purpose they should be taught to follow a horse.
Lesser dogs, and all that are at other times confined, require at
least two hours' exercise every day. Whenever circumstances ab-
solutely preclude exercise, the only preventive to the evils threat-
ened by the deprivation, is a lessening of their food, and that it be
principally composed of vegetables ; alterative medicines, as laxa-
tives and emetics, should also be administered.

CONDITION.

The terai condition, as applied to dogs, is correspondent with
the same term as used among horses ; and is intended to charac-
terise a healthy external appearance, united with a capability, from
full wind and perfect vigour, to go through all the exercises re-
quired of them. It is, therefore, evident, that condition is of ma-
terial consequence to sportsmen ; indeed, it is of infinitely more
importance than is generally imagined. What would be thought
of that sporting character who should enter his horse for racing
without any previous training ? And how much chance would he

80 CONDITION.

be presumed to have, even " to save his distance^" without this
precaution ? Is it not equally reasonable to suppose that pointers,
setters, spaniels, and more than all, greyhounds, require training ;
or, in other words to be in full condition also ? It is notorious,
that pointers, setters, and spaniels, if they are what is termedybw/
in their coats never have their scent in perfection. It must be
equally evident that, unless they are "m wind^" they cannot range
with speed and durability ; and without some previous training, it
is impossible they should be so. Those persons, therefore, who
expect superior exertion from their dogs in the field, would do well
to prepare them by a previous attention to their condition. In
greyhounds, intended either for matches or for simple coursing, it
is evident that this is absolutely necessary to insure success. In
simple coursing, they are pitted against an animal very nearly
equal in speed to themselves, and always in condition by its habits.
If, therefore, a dog of acknowledged goodness is beaten by a hare,
especially at the beginning of the season, it is ten to one but the
condition of the dog is at fault. It is self-evident that perfect con-
dition must be more than equally important in coursing matches ;
where a dog has two competitors to beat, the hare and the other dog.
The m^anner of getting dogs into condition is very simple, and
either consists in reducing the animal from too full and soft a state
to one of firmness and less bulk ; or it consists in raising a lean and
reduced dog to lustiness, hardness, and vigour. Some sportsmen
prefer the one state, and some the other to begin upon. If a dog
be fat, his treatment must be entered on by physic and sufficient
exercise, but not by too great a privation of food ; and it must
be particularly observed, that his doses of physic be mild, but more
in number. The exercise should be at first gradual and slow, but
long continued ; and at last it should be increased to nearly what
he will be accustomed to when hunting. If there be the least foul-
ness (i. e. if the secretions of the skin are impure) apparent in the
habit, besides physic and exercise, alteratives should be given also :
these medicines immediately follow the subject of condition. Some
sportsmen regularly dress their dogs, before the hunting season,

EXCESSIVE FATNESS. 81

with sulphur, even though no breaking out appears, and I by no
means think the practice a bad one. Others curry or brush their
dogs, whether any skin affection appears or not ; and, to greyhounds,
it is a very proper means of keeping up the equiUbrium of the
circulation, and of promoting muscular elasticity. When a lean
dog is to be got into condition, less physic is necessary ; but good
flesh feeding, plenty of exercise, and a due administration of alter-
atives, are principally to be resorted to : nevertheless, one or two
doses of very mild physic will here also promote the condition and
even assist the accumulation of flesh.

EXCESSIVE FATNESS.

Among the various defects in condition, obesity, or an over-
loading of the adipose matter or fat of the body, is one of the
most common. A proper plumpness of appearance denotes health ;
but when the animal oil becomes inordinately disproportionate to
the other parts of the body, it proves a source of numerous dis-
eases. The natural tendency of dogs to become fat is consider-
able, for any dog may be made so by moderate feeding only, with
little exercise. Provided the accumulation has been quick, the
dog may be reduced to his former state without prejudice ; but,
when a dog gradually accumulates much fat from over-feeding and
confinement, then the accumulation itself becomes so completely a
disease, that even exercise and abstinence will not always wholly
reduce him ; for the formation of the adipose substance is so
habitual a work of the constitution, that, however little food the
animal takes, short of starvation, that little goes to the formation
of animal oil. The truth of this may be known by the notorious
fact, that many fat dogs eat but very little.

There are, therefore, two sources of obesity ; one is ot^er-
f ceding ; the other is want of exercise : and when, as is very fre-
quently the case, both causes happen to meet in the same subject,
then the accumulation is certain. When dogs are over-fed, what-
ever is taken into the body more than the general secretions re-

F

82 EXCESSIVE FATNESS.

quire, is either converted into fat, or forms some other unusual
secretion ; as a purulent flow from the ears in canker, or scabs on
the skin in mange. Exercise increases all the usual secretions ;
hence, under strong exercise, more nutriment is required; and
thus, in such cases, full feeding does not produce fat ; but, even
in full exercise, provided some of the usual secretions are stopped,
though the others may be in full force, yet an inordinate quantity
of animal oil is apt to form : thus spayed bitches and castrated
dogs usually become fat, however they may work, because in them
the sexual secretions are inert.

Fat more readily accumulates in middle-aged and old dogs than
in the young ; and the adeps of old dogs is more hurtful to them
than that of the young ; the reason of which appears to be, that
all aged animals have their fat placed more inwardly, while in the
younger ones it is found more upon the surface of the body. A
state of excessive fatness is an almost certain forerunner of asthma.
It is also the parent of mange, canker, and other eruptive diseases ;
and not unfrequently it occasions epilepsy, from the pressure it
produces on the vessels of the head and chest. I have also seen
an excessive deposition of fat within the chest, particularly around
the heart and large vessels, which has terminated by a rupture of
one or the other of them.

ALTERATIVES.

These various states of want of condition require the use of
alteratives : there are also many states in which, although there
appears no very serious disease, yet a sufficient remove from health
exists to make some alteration in the constitution necessary.
When this is the case, the end may, in general, be attained by
these remedies. An actual disease may also exist, whose removal
can be best effected by a slow but uniform change, to be wrought
in the constitution by what are, from this circumstance, termed
alteratives. Hence excessive fatness, chronic cough, fits, glandular
swellings, mange, &c. &c, are best attacked by these slow but sure

ALTERATIVES, 83

Various substances are used as alteratives ; as antimonials, and
the different preparations of mercury, iron, and tin. The nitrate
of potash (nitre), the supertartrate of potash (cream of tartar J,
aloes, salines, &c. &c. &c., are excellent alteratives. Tartarized
antimony (emetic tartar) often proves a very useful alterative in
the chronic asthmatic cough to which dogs are subject, given as
an emetic once or twice a week, in doses of one grain to three.
Antimonial powder, or James's Powder, may also be given with
benefit as an alterative in similar cases. Crude antimony is often
found useful in the diseases of the skin ; but it is unfortunately
very uncertain in its operation : that is, some dogs will bear a
considerable quantity, while others cannot even take a small one
without violent sickness : the usual dose is from half a scruple to
half a drachm. Nitrate of potash (nitre) is a very useful alter-
ative to dogs, for hot itching humours and redness of the skin, in
doses of four grains to ten. The supertartrate of potash (cream
of tartar) may be so given likewise with benefit in larger doses,
in the same cases : all the preparations of mercury, though excel-
lent alteratives, require great caution when frequently repeated,
or regularly given ; for dogs are easily salivated, and salivation
produces very hurtful effects on them.

Dogs when fully salivated lose their teeth very early, and their
breath continues ofl*ensive through life. The whole of the feline
tribe are also easily affected by mercury. I was requested to
inspect the very large lion that so long graced Pidcock's Menage-
rie. It may be remembered by many, that this noble animal's
tongue constantly hung without his mouth ; which arose from his
having been injudiciously salivated many years before by a mer-
curial preparation applied by the keeper for the cure of mange.
The submuriate of mercury (calomel) is, likewise, very irregular
in its action on dogs ; I have seen eight grains fail to open the
bowels of even a small one, while, on the contrary, I have been
called to a pointer, fatally poisoned by ten grains. It forms, how-
ever, a useful auxiliary to purgatives, in doses of three or four
grains ; and as it not unfrequently acts on the stomach, so it may

2 F

84 ALTERATIVES.

be used with advantage as an emetic in some cases, particularly in
conjunction with tartarized antimony (tartar emetic). When,
therefore, a purgative is brought up again, in which calomel was
a component part, it may be suspected to arise from this source,
and if it is necessary to repeat the purge, the mercurial should be
omitted.

The various preparations of iron form excellent alteratives in
some cases of weakness, particularly of the stomach and bowels,
for which affections they act best when united with the aromatic
bitters. Sulphur is the alterative remedy in the most general use
of any ; but its properties in this respect are much overrated. It
is a very common practice to put a roll of brimstone into the pans
from whence dogs drink their water : the impregnation of which,
by means of the sulphur, is expected to keep the animals in health :
but so completely insoluble in water is brimstone in this state, that
a roll of it so kept would not lose ten grains of its weight in ten
years, nor would it become in the least altered in its quality. Sul-
phur in powder, or flower of brimstone, as it is termed, is, how-
ever, more active ; but even in this form it often passes through
the bowels nearly unchanged : it proves, in other instances, slightly
purgative. In one disease, however, it seldom fails to do good, even
unaccompanied by any thing besides, which is the piles, to which
complaint many dogs are very subject. In conjunction with other
alteratives of the cooling, cleansing kind, it proves also useful in
mangy eruptions, canker, &c. ; and I am disposed to think, that one
part of supertartrate of potash (cream of tartar^, with two parts of
sulphur, forms the best alterative that can be given in these cases.
Externally applied, the benefits of sulphur are much more appa-
rent, and are too well known to need enumeration. Alteratives
are, therefore, of universal application, as they are both preventive
and remedial; they prevent the accumulation of fat and other
matters, as the milk in the teats of bitches, foulness in the skin,
congestions in the chest, &c. As remedies, they are adapted to
all diseases of long standing, by their gradual action.

85

Emetics.

Among the various alteratives, none are more salutary to dogs
than emetics : vomition appears almost a natural act in dogs ; at
least it is one that they voluntarily excite, by eating emetic vege-
tables, as the long wild grass, so hurtful to pastures. Dogs, in
common with all quadrupeds who eat animal matter, are subject to
irregular digestion and a train of symptoms that we denominate
bilious. In the canine species these are particularly prevalent ;
and dogs appear to be instinctively taught to relieve themselves by
an emetic of their own choosing, the triticum repens, or dog-grass,
which they take frequently. It is ev^ident, therefore, that such as
are much confined, and those which inhabit large cities, must suffer
in their health from the want of this usual evacuation. To re-
medy this, when circumstances wholly prevent their reaching this
grass, some of it might be brought to them, either gathered, or
the roots of it might be placed in pots for their use : in fact, it is
sold in Covent Garden for the express purpose. In default of
this, a mild occasional vomit, of tartarized antimony (emetic tar-
tar), or calomel, will become a very proper method of imitating
this natural evacuation of the dog ; and will tend much to keep
such in health as are subjected to heating food, confined air, and
little exercise. Emetic tartar may be readily given as a ball ; or
it will sometimes be voluntary taken in a little milk or broth, or
between small slices of meat, or with butter; in quantity from
one grain to three : a very large and strong dog might require
four grains. Calomel also, from a grain and a half to four
grains, forms a very useful and cleansing emetic, acting, as it
usually does, upon both the stomach and bowels. These articles
may also be mixed in equal proportions, and of the mixture from
a grain and a half, as the smallest dose, to four, five, or six grains
as a full one, may be given with benefit in any affection where both
these intentions are to be fulfilled : in pure febrile cases, it may be
prudent to trust to the tartarized antimony alone ; an antimonial
emetic being peculiarly called for in these cases by the power it

86 LAXATIVES AND PURGATIVES.

possesses of lessening the action of the heart and arteries. Com-
mon salt is also a ready domestic puke for dogs: the half of a
small tea- spoonful being sufficient for one of a diminutive size ; a
tea-spoonful for a larger ; and a tea-spoonful and a half for the
largest : but it is apt to act violently, and is, therefore, not to be
recommended for such as are tender or delicate ; many such hav-
ing been destroyed by it. Greater objections even may be made
to Turpith mineral and crude antimony ; to both of which, how-
ever, sportsmen are apt to be very much attached, but without any
good reason, for both are very violent in their action : crude an-
timony is also uncertain. No possible good can be derived from
these drastics, except, Othello lilie, the poor dogs which take them
are afterwards to be loved " for the dangers they have passed."
Many are killed outright by them, and many more would share the
same fate, were it not that their poisonous emetic qualities are such
as often to cause them to be rejected by the stomach almost im-
mediately they are taken. It may be proper to observe, that where
calomel, or any of the heavy metallic substances are given to dogs,
it should not be done in liquids ; for, by falling to the bottom of
the vessel, they escape being taken. Mixed up with butter, or
enclosed between two thin slices of meat, dogs may often be de-
ceived to take medicines without force, particularly when the mat-
ter mixed is tossed to them ; by which they catch it without smell-
ing it : for so keen is their scenting quality, that otherwise, they
will be very apt to detect the attempted deception ; and some will
even be timid for a long time afterwards of receiving any thing
offered by the hands.

Laxatives and Purgatives.

These evacuants are both preventive and curative of disease :
they are valuable alteratives, and active immediate agents in acute
affections. By opening the bowels, we remove a frequent cause of
irritation to the system ; and a very considerable source of skin af-
fections also ; for whatever is taken up superfluously by the system
is apt to find itself an outlet there. We thereby likewise prevent

LAXATIVES AND PURGATIVES. 87

pulmonary congestion, and deposits of fat, which would obstruct
the visceral functions. Laxatives are good preventives against
that habitual costiveness common to dogs and all other carnivo-
rous animals : such, therefore, as are flesh-fed should have this
tendency obviated by laxatives ; and the best which offers itself is
a portion of vegetable matter with their flesh food: potatoes, or
even greens, can always be procured, and will answer the purpose.
This is the more necessary, for costiveness sometimes occasions
fatal obstructions ; and a costive habit brings on fistulae, and also
affords encouragement to the breeding of worms. — Medicinal lax-
atives are numerous. Epsom salts (sulphate of magnesia), dose
one drachm to two; castor oil, two drachms to four; syrup of
buckthorn, the same quantity; will either of them answer this end,
the quantities being increased if those mentioned are not found
sufficient : but as these directions are intended to meet the tender
pet of the drawing-room, as well as the strong inhabitant of the
kennel, so it is prudent to specify the minor dose : more may be
added, but it is too late to subtract when too much has been given.
Purgatives may be made by increasing the doses of any of the
laxatives. Jalap is not a bad purgative to dogs, but it is uncertain,
some being little affected by it ; rhubarb is equally so ; senna I
have no experience of; gamboge is very drastic; calomel is an
excellent auxiliary to other purgatives on some occasions ; but
given alone it is apt to deceive, by proving more emetic than pur-
gative : neither will the stomach or bowels bear a sufficient quan-
tity without producing much derangement in the system, as violent
vomiting, tenesmus, and sometimes sudden salivation. Aloes form
the safest general purge to dogs ; and such are the peculiarities of
the canine bowels, that while a man can take with impunity as
much calomel as would kill two large dogs, a moderate sized dog
will take a quantity of aloes sufficient to destroy two stout men.
The smallest dog can take fifteen or twenty grains ; half a drachm
is seldom too much, but the smaller dose had better be tried first :
medium sized dogs usually require a drachm, and some large dogs
have taken more than two drachms : I have given three to a strong

88 LAXATIVES AND PURGATIVES.

Newfoundland dog without extreme catharsis ; but, as before ob-
served, dogs differ much in their different habits, and it is there-
fore most prudent to begin with a dose too small than too large ;
hundreds of dogs are every year destroyed by temerity in this par-
ticular. Whenever a purgative is administered, let the dog have
some vegetable food, if possible, a day or two previously ; an active
catharic, given soon after a full meal of flesh or bones, might
destroy by hurrying the undigested food into the intestines, where
it might form such an impacted and obstructing mass as could not
be overcome ; it is prudent to place before the dog some broth,
milk, &c., to assist purgation. Let me warn sportsmen who are
putting their dogs through a course of physic, for hunting or
coursing purposes, to be aware, that it is not the inordinate strength
of the dose which does good; on the contrary, violent physic often
defeats its own purpose : it is a mild and repeated emptying of the
bowels which unloads the system at large, and at once strengthens
the solids and purifies the fluids.

PART THE THIRD,

THE DISEASES OF DOGS.

GENERAL TREATMENT OF DOGS UNDER DISEASE.

I SHALL commence the subject with making some observa-
tions on the diseases of dogs generally ; and with offering some
practical directions applicable to the principal of them. The dog
I have already shewn to be partially an omnivorous animal*
Man is decidedly omnivorous, and, as might be expected, a great
likeness exists between their organs of assimilation, which extends
itself into their diseases also, the human and canine maladies run-
ning a remarkable parallel together. This similarity of disease
does not, however, equally extend to all the domestic animals
around us. The sequine and human diseases have numerous dis-
similarities; the bovine still more, and consequently the diseases
of the dog must be studied distinctly from the other branches of
veterinary inquiry ; to which circumstance we must attribute the
lamentable state of canine pathology until now. The human prac-
titioner, from this striking similitude of disease, might often safely
and beneficially prescribe for the dog, while the veterinarian is
precluded by the specialities alluded to. Unfortunately, however,
the one has often thought the matter beneath him, while the other
found it above him ; and thus, between the two, the poor dog has
been too often neglected. The time is, however, arrived when
this valuable servant of man will find succour in his hour of need :
these pages, I believe, have done something for him : he has a
warm and able friend in the humane and ingenious veterinarian,
Mr. Youatt (see the end of this article). Nor will the medical
treatment of the dog hereafter fail to form a part of the course of
instruction in the St. Pancras Institution.

90 GENERAL TREATMENT.

It is likewise no less true than curious, that not only do the ma-
ladies of the canine race very nearly resemble those of the human
species, in cause, appearance, and effect ; but the similarity is ex-
tended to the number and variety of them also, as may be seen by
a reference to the nosological catalogue, where many complaints
may be found that have no existence among other domestic animals.
These affinities will, however, cease to excite wonder when we
consider that, in addition to the complexity of structure in dogs,
their complete domestication has subjected them to lives wholly ar-
tificial, and, in many instances, to habits the most unhealthy. It
is not, however, in every case, that these analogies would enable
the human practitioner to judge of, or prescribe for, the diseases
of the dog : on the contrary, in many instances, the most acute
physician and the most able veterinarian would be equally at a loss
without a previous acquaintance with canine pathology. Among
other sources of difficulty to both, the canine specific diseases may
be quoted, which are neither met with in the human or in the or-
dinary veterinary practice : another important deviation from the
line of both practices arises from the very different effects that
some of the remedies employed by both would have when adminis-
tered to the dog. Fifteen grains of emetic tartar would probably
destroy any dog ; five hundred could be given to a horse without
injury.

Ten grains of calomel, though a full dose, is by no means a
destructive one to a human subject; yet I have seen a large
pointer killed by this quantity, which had been ordered by an emi-
nent surgeon : even three or four grains will often puke violently,
and twice the quantity will often fail to purge : twenty times the
quantity would fail to do one or the other in the horse. On the
other hand, three drachms of aloes which would probably prove
fatal to nine human persons out of ten, might be taken by some
large dogs with impunity. A dog could take, without any de-
rangement, a dose of opium which would destroy a man ; on the
contrary, the quantity of nux vomica, or crowfig, that would de-
stroy the largest dog, would fail to destroy a man. A very small

OF DOGS UNDER DISEASE. 91

quantity of oil of turpentine will kill a dog ; when in human prac-
tice, a considerable dose is frequently given as a vermifuge'*.
Between the eflfects produced by many medicinal articles on the
stomachs of other domestic animals, and that of the dog, a still
more marked distinction, or at least a more universal one, exists.
Without knowing better, one might be misled by the accounts we
read and hear from sportsmen of the monstrous doses they give
of some medicines : the fact is, the stomach rejects it at once, — a
dog is soon vomited, and thus is not destroyed ; give him half the
quantity, and it would kill, because it might not be immediately
rejected. It will therefore be evident, that neither the human
physician nor the veterinary practitioner can be equal to a suc-
cessful medical practice on dogs, without much attention to the
subject, and much experience in it. It adds to our difficulty in
collecting the diagnostic signs of disease, that our patient, like the
human infant, cannot speak ; with dogs, nothing but very long
habit of observation of these appearances in a vast number of cases,
united with a natural quickness of perception, can enable the prac-

® The critic should beware sometimes when he wields the lash, for fear the
stroke may recoil. When this work first appeared, and was reviewed, great siir-
prise was expressed, because I had made so palpable an omission, as not to insert
oil of turpentine as a vermifuge for the dog. Perhaps the reviewer was the
same gentleman noticed by Mr. Youatt, in The Veterinarian, vol. ii, p. 11, who
gave one or two drachms of it to a stout spaniel for tape- worm, which destroyed
him instantly. In a late sporting work of great volume, we find it also recom-
mended to give half a pint of linseed oil and two drachms of oil of turpentine
as a ^* sovereign remedy''' for worms. It would be no easy matter to get the
quantity down, and the quality of the turpentine would in all probability kill :
the same work recommends, as a cure for fits, from two to eight grains of
tartar emetic. Very few dogs would survive the taking of the larger dose. I
saw a large and valuable dog destroyed by ten grains, given at the instance of
a veterinary surgeon even. It is much to be regretted, that gentlemen and
authors are so ready to ofier medical instructions on matters they know nothing
about There is certainly no more reason why the most finished sportsman
should be able to prescribe for the diseases of horses or dogs, than that the
valets who attend on them, or the barber who shaves them, should understand
their diseases.

92 GENERAL TREATMENT

titioner, in very many cases, to arrive at a just conclusion. The
symptomatology of canine disease is necessarily diffused through
the manifestations of the individual ailment. As in the human, and
other brute subjects, we examine the state of the circulation by
the pulse9, and by the ratio of respiration. We also observe the
state of the excretions when in our power, and we attentively re-
gard by the eye and the touch every part of the body ; by which
we often gain much information that the fears or the patience of
the animal might conceal. We ought also to examine the eyes and
tongue, the one as indicatory of both inflammation and hepatic ef-
fusion, and the other, of aff'ection of the alimentary canal : nothing
is to be done without experience, and a professed and particular
attention to the subject. When, also, the existing disease has been
ascertained, and the appropriate treatment has been determined on,
still another difiiculty often presents itself; which is, how to ad-

^ The pulse of the dog may be felt by the heart, and at various points of
both the fore and hind legs, but particularly at the inner side of the protube-
rant callosity of the carpus or knee. The range of pulsation between a very
large and a very small dog is not less than 20 ; thus, if 100 be taken as the
usual nmnber of the first, and 120 for the latter, whatever is found to much
exceed this, may be usually laid to the account of an inflammatory state. It
must, however, be observed, that from the greater irritability of lesser animals
compared with the larger, and the extreme quickness of their circulation, the
motions of the heart and arteries do not present such exact criteria of health
and disease as they 'do in the horse and other large animals. Nevertheless, the
action of the heart, and the pulsations of the larger arteries, may be felt with
propriety in many cases, and will serve as some guide to ascertain the degree
of excitement. The pulsations will not only be increased in quickness, but
they will present a vibratory feel in violent inflammatory affections. In in-
flammations of the lungs they will be very quick and small, but will increase
in fulness as the blood flows during bleeding. Something like the same will
occur, but not in an equal degree, in inflammations of the stomach and bowels
also. As the pulsatory motions, therefore, are not so distinct in the dog as
they are in larger animals, so, in general, the state of the breathing, which, in
most cases is regulated by the circulation, may be principally attended to as
a mark of greater or less inflammatory action. When a dog, therefore, pants
violently, his circulation, or in other words his pulse, may be considered as
quickened.

OF DOGS UNDER DISEASE. 93

minister the remedy. Now and then, dogs prove very refractory,
and no small degree of force is necessary to get any medicine down.
In general cases, however, a slight degree of dexterity will accom-
plish the purpose, the particulars of which are detailed below'".

Dogs under disease are very tender animals, and require very
great attention and care to insure their recovery : it is, however,
too common with many persons to neglect them under these cir-
cumstances ; and if they are placed in a cold room, or an out-house,
with stale or broken victuals and water placed before them, it is
frequently all the attention they experience : unless, perhaps, to
all this may be added, something of doubtful efficacy as a remedy,

*° The best method of administering remedies. — Place the dog, if of moderate
size only, upright, on his hind legs, between the knees of a seated person,
with his back inwards (a very small dog may be taken altogether into the lap,
and a very large one the giver may bestride). Apply a napkin round his
shoulders, bringing it forwards over the fore legs, by which he is secured from
resisting. The mouth being now forced open by the pressure of the fore
finger and thumb upon the lips of the upper jaw, the medicine can be conve-
niently introduced with the other hand, and passed sufficiently far into the
throat to ensure its not being returned. The mouth should now be closed,
and it should be kept so, until the matter given has been seen to pass down.
When the animal is too strong to be managed by one person, another assist-
ant is requisite to hold open the mouth ; which, if the subject is very refrac-
tory, is best effected by a strong piece of tape applied behind the holders or
fangs of each jaw. The difference between giving liquid and solid medicines
is not considerable. A hall or holtis should be passed completely over the root
of the tongue, and dexterously pushed some way backwards and downwards.
When a liquid remedy is given, if the quantity is more than can be swallowed
at one effort, it should be removed from the mouth between each deglutition, or
the dog may be strangled. The head should also be completely secured, and
a little elevated, to prevent the hquid remedy from again running out. Balls
of a soft consistence, and those composed of nauseous ingredients, should be
wrapped in silver, or other thin paper, and greased, or they may occasion so
much disgust as to be returned. Medicines wholly without taste, as mercu-
rials, antimonials, &c. may be frequently given in the food ; but sometimes a
considerable inconvenience attends this, which is, that if the deception is dis-
covered by the dog, he will obstinately reftise his food for some time afterwards.
The purging salts may also be sometimes given in food, being mistaken by
the animal for the sapid effect produced by common salt.

94 GENERAL TREATMENT

But when we consider how very tender many of these animals are
rendered by confinement and artificial habits, it will be clear that,
under sickness, they must require peculiar care and attention.
Warmth seems particularly congenial to the feelings of sick dogs,
and is often of more consequence to their recovery than is ima-
gined : many of their diseases degenerate into convulsions when
they themselves are exposed to cold. Cleanliness of every kind,
and a change of their litter or bed particularly, is very grateful to
them in many cases of putridity, as in distemper, &c. Complaints
purely inflammatory, it is evident, must be treated by abstinence ;
but, in all others, the weakness present must be combatted by nu-
tritious aliment.

It is not sufiicient, as is often imagined, that food, particularly
of the common kind, be merely placed before a sick dog. In
many such cases, the appetite wholly fails : and, if even the animal
could eat, the stomach would not at this time digest hard meat,
or any of the common matters usually given to dogs. In these
instances, nourishment is best received from strong broths, gravy,
jelly, or gruel ; or, perhaps, best of all, from thick gruel and a
strong animal jelly, mixed ; for I have always remarked, that no
simple liquid will afford equal nutriment with one thickened with
flour or other meal. Sick dogs are also very fanciful, and often
require enticing to eat by the same arts we use towards children.
Fresh meat of any kind, but very lightly broiled, will sometimes
tempt them. At others, pork in particular is highly relished;
while, in some cases, raw meat alone will be takenii. But in al-
most all cases, if the slightest inclination for food remains, horse-
flesh, lightly dressed, will be found irresistible, so great is their
preference for this food. The extreme fickleness. of their appetite,
when sick, makes it necessary that every kind of edible should be
tried, as that which is voluntarily taken will always digest more

" Sir Astley Cooper instituted a course of experiments to determine the
degree of solubility, by digestion, in various meats within the stomach of dogs ;
when the result was greatly in favour of the digestible properties of bacon and
pork.

OF DOGS UNDER DISEASE. 95

readily than that which is forcibly given ; still bearing in mind,
that as support is essential, particularly in all illnesses of long con-
tinuance, so, when food is obstinately refused, nourishment should
be forced down. In cases requiring active cordials, ale may be
mixed with gruel or gravy : wine is seldom advisable, from its dis-
position to inflame the bowels. I have, however, now and then
used it with benefit in highly putrid cases of distemper ; in which
instances forced-meat balls also prove both nutritious and cordial.

The intensity of mental feeling in the dog is at all times great,
but under disease it appears double ; and although it may, to a
superficial observer, look like an affectation of tenderness, it is a
very necessary caution to observe, that at these times their minds
should be soothed by every means in the power of those around
them. Harshness of manner and unkind treatment, in many in-
stances, very evidently aggravate their complaints : under some
diseases, their irritability of mind is particularly apparent ; of which
distemper is a very prominent example. I have several times wit-
nessed an angry word spoken to an healthy dog produce instant
convulsions in a distempered one who happened to be near ; and
the fits that come on spontaneously in distemper almost instantly
leave the dog by soothing notice, so open are they to mental im-
pressions. Joy and surprise will also often prove equally injurious
to them when they are very weak.

Even among those who conceive themselves minutely acquainted
with dogs (and who probably are so with the sporting kinds, and
with such as lead more natural lives in the open air of the country,
with the advantages of moderate feeding and due exercise) there
will be many who will regard these extreme cautions as unneces-
sary. The number and variety of the diseases quoted will also
probably excite their surprise ; and, unaware of the existence even
of many of them, they will be apt to consider the diversity of symp-
tomatic appearances described, the cautions insisted on, and the
minuteness of detail in the medical treatment, as in a great degree
superfluous : but a little further inquiry will satisfy such, that no
animals can differ more widely than the dogs they are accustomed

96 PROFESSIONAL ATTENDANCE, &C.

to, and those that are born, bred, and perhaps constantly reside
in cities, towns, or other close situations. These instructions are
necessarily confined to no one meridian : as well as the more
healthy country animal, they embrace also the pet, and pampered
favourite, that is perhaps immured twenty-three out of the twenty-
four hours in a hot drawing or bed-room, breathing the same con-
fined air, eating the same luxurious food, and exercising in the
same easy carriage, with his owner. A life so wholly artificial
alters the mental and bodily properties to such a degree, of such
as are subjected to it, that their constitutional tendency to disease
is almost as great as that of those they belong to : under disease
their irritability is nearly equal, the diversities of their symp-
toms alike numerous ; and, consequently, they require every por-
tion of that caution and attention I have prescribed to insure their
recovery.

PROFESSIONAL ATTENDANCE AND ADVICE FOR DOGS.

I PRESUME I hardly need to further inform the proprietors of
dogs, that no written instructions can meet every case ; the varia-
tions in disease, the anomalies attending the symptoms accompany-
ing it, and the impropriety of giving even the most accredited re-
medies in particular cases, all require the judgment of a medical
practitioner. Neither, I presume, is it necessary, after what has
been observed on the peculiarities of the canine constitution, to
insist much on the little certainty of deriving benefit from even
professional attendance, unless such professional attendant should
have made the diseases of dogs an object of particular inquiry.
Fortunately for the race, Mr. Youatt, who first studied under me,
and who has since far outstripped his master, for some years pur-
sued the practice which I had established in Nassau Street ; but
this interfering with his public lectures both at home and abroad,
he relinquished it to Mr. Ainslie, a veterinary surgeon of whom
report speaks well, and who lately resided in the same house in
Nassau Street, Middlesex Hospital, so long occupied by ourselves

INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS. 97

and Mr. Youatt ; and although personally unknown to me, his re-
putation stands high among veterinarians, and I should recommend
that he be applied to on all canine ailments.

CLASS I.

phlegmasia:, or important inflammatory affections.

Idiopathic or Primary Fever is not very apparent in the dog,
although our present knowledge will not allow us to deny its
occasional existence. We are, however, certain, that if it ever
does exist in its simple and uncombined state, it does not often
remain so ; but is usually, in its early stage, translated to some
individual organ, or set of organs, and then runs its course as
symptomatic fever, which is by no means uncommon in the dog :
on the contrary, prominent instances are offered us in the fever
of distemper, and in the fever of rabies ; in both of which there
is evidently, throughout the system generally, a state of diffused
inflammatory action : and although both of these partake of the
nature of specific affections, yet the anomalous symptoms of each
are such as to render it difficult to fix their original seat of attack,
or to establish their true characters.

Sub-Class I.

inflammation of mucous membranes.

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

The Distemper, as characterizing an individual disease, though
a very absurd and indefinite term, is become so conventional, that
it is not easy to rid our descriptions of it. It is thought to have
gained this name from the same source that we derived the disease
itself, the French ; with whom it is called La Maladie, It is,
however, possible that it was called distemper after the epidemic
catarrh of horses, which being a common complaint long known

G

98 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER,

by that name, and in some respects not unlike it, might readily
occasion it to be so called. This scourge to the canine race, now
so general, does not appear to have been known a century ago^^;
and throughout the European continent it was, until lately, described
rather as an occasional epidemic which visits the different countries
every three or four years, than as a settled constitutional guest
among dogs, like the glanders of horses, or the measles or hooping
cough in the human^^. Our continental neighbours appear to have
transmitted it to England : and here also it seems first to have
appeared rather under the type of an accidental epidemic, but is
now become, by some morbid combinations, a permanent disease,
to which every individual of the canine race has a strong inherent

'* In opposition to this late appearance of the distemper, it has been con-
jectured that it was not unknown to the ancients, and was called the Angina,
being one of three diseases to which dogs, according to them, were liable ;
Madness and Podagra forming the other two. But an attentive examination
of the symptoms, as detailed by Aristotle, ISAmn, and such other ancient authors
as have left us their observations on the canine race, will clearly shew that the
distemper, as it is known among us, was unknown to them. Their angina
appears to have been an accidental epidemic, which confined its attacks almost
wholly to the throat, producing imposthumes, like those of quinsy in the
human ; but the grand characteristic, of primary and continued discharge
from the nasal mucous membranes, is wholly unnoticed. — See JElian de Nat.
Animal, lib. iv, c. 40 ; Aristotle Hist. Animal, lib. viii, c. 22, &c. &c.

'^ In the Grand Encyclopidie MSthodique the disease is thus described :
" II c'est jette, il y a quelque annees, une maladie epid6mique sur les chiens
dans toute I'Europe; il en est mort une grand partie sans que Ton put
trouver de remade au mal." — Livraison LIX Chasses. In the Diet. Vet.
of H. D'Arboval we also read, *' Selon quelques personnes, il n'y a pas long-
temps que Ton connatt cette maladie en Europe, et ce serait seulement vers
le milieu du sifecle dormir qu'elle s'y serait manifest^e ; quelque auteurs pre-
tendent meme qu'elle a 6te importee d'Angleterre en France en 1769 ; ce-
pendant on se rappelle qu'au mois de Mars iTl-i, on I'a vue regner comme
epizootiquement dans nos provinces m6ridionales, avec complication d'angine
gangr<5neuse. Peut-etre a-t-on confondu, et est-ce en Angleterre qu'elle s'est
introduite vers le milieu du sidcle dernier, aprfes y avoir 6t6 apport6e du con-
tinent, oii elle aurait pu exister depuis bien plus long-temps ? C'est du moins
ce qu' Edouard Jenner semble laisser entrevoir."

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 99

liability. That we imported it, is evident from the circumstance,
that the earliest notices we have of it in EngUsh sporting works
are subsequent to its announcement in the pages of similar conti-
nental publications ; and though a few among their writers aflFect
to attribute it to British origin, the best informed think otherwise.
It is a disease of the most Protean character, assuming very dif-
ferent appearances, and exhibiting such anomalous symptoms, as
to render it extremely difficult to define ; and until, by a long and
diversified series of experiences, we have been able to separate its
true pathognomonic from its occasional symptomatic phenomena,
it is in vain to expect it. The few writers who have noticed it
among ourselves oiFer full proof how little is really known of it^* :
and with our neighbours, the French, the discordances in opinion
relative to it are more than equal to our own ; numerous as have
been the individuals among them who have made it an object of
inquiry. Mons. Hurtrel D'Arboval, the best veterinary gleaner
the continental field produces, bears me out in this assertion^^

^* Dr. Darwin, it is true, characterized it as a debilitating catarrh ; but it
is evident he took a very superficial view of its whole nature and consequences,
when he considered the only treatment necessary was, that the air should be
allowed to pass freely over the ulcerated surfaces of the nose. If the Schnei-
derian membranes were the sole seat of the disease, there might be some show
of pathological reasoning in this ; but as an early participation is made either
with the lungs, the intestines, or the brain, from which it derives some of its
strongest characters, so it is evident the rationale of Dr. Darwin falls to the
ground. The further absurdity of directing that distempered dogs should be
allowed to drink from a stream, that the contagious mucus of the nostrils,
having escaped one passage, may not again enter another, and thus re-poison
the dog, also proves his erroneous views of it. The philanthropy of Dr. Jenner
induced him to turn his attention to the same subject, in hopes to ward off its
consequences by vaccination ; in consequence of which he has drawn an out-
line (in vol. 1 oi Med. and Chirurg. Tracts) of a disease which is, as well ob-
served by Mr. Youatt, "made up of distemper and rabies, and unlike both."

15 "Plusieurs auteurs I'ont en outre consider^e comme une espece de
gourme, comme une maladie depuratoire, comme le r^sultat d'une crise salu-
taire qui d^barrasse la nature, et on I'a comparee a la gourme des solip^des, et a
la petite- v6role de I'esp^ce humaine. On araeme essaye I'inoculation pour la
rendre plus b6nignc, et des m6decins, entre autres Sacco, ont et6, jusqu'a avan-

G 2

100 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

Notwitlistanding the fixed and permanent character the disease has
now assumed, it still occasionally rages in an epidemical form also,
and is most prevalent in the spring, summer, and autumn. It is
very common for it to attack young hounds on their return from
their walks in the spring. In fact, any considerable change ope-
rates on the excitability of the young dog, and distemper ensues.
In the summer and autumnal attacks diarrhoea is a marked symp-
tom, and a fatal one. The mucous membrane thereby becomes
inflamed, and hurries off the dog. It is likewise endemial, and at-
tacks the dogs of a particular district, leaving others comparatively
free. When it shews itself as an epidemic, its versatility of cha-
racter in different seasons is often remarkable. I have seen it ac-

cer qu'en inoculant la vaccine on empeche le d6veloppement de I'afFection, s'ap-
puyant a cet egard sur ce qu'elle affecte plus particuliferement le jeunes chiens,
sur ce que les chiens kg€s en ont 6t6 atteints dans leur jeunesse, sur ce qu'elle
ou se manifeste qu'une seule fois das les mfeme individus, et sur se que ceux
qui ne I'ont pas en peuvent la contracter parcequ'elle est contagieuse ; mais il
ne faut pas en conclure qu'elle soit particuliere aux jeunes chiens. On I'a
aussi compar6e au croup des enfans, sans indiquer les rapports qui peuvent ou
non exister entre ces deux 6tats maladifs. Arquinet a reconnu la maladie des
chiens k Pizenas au moins de Juillet 1787, et il ce plaignalt alors des grand ra-
vages qu'elle faissait aux environs depuis une vingtaine d'annees Chabert, I'a vue
trfes repandvxe aux environs de Paris dans les annees 1799 et 1800. Assez
generalement commune h Lyon et aux environs, elle y a reyne pendant les
fet^s 1818 et 1819 sur un grand nombre de sujets, et Ton s'est assure, k cette
fepoque, que la chaleur de I'atmosphfere lui avait communique un caractfere de
malignite rare. On la traite frequemment aux ecoles veterinaires." — Diet.
Vet. H. D'Arhoval, art. Maladie.

In a former edition of this work, I expressed a doubt whether the other
species of the canine genus were liable to this disease. The above author,
however, asserts, but without stating his authority, that it has been seen in the
cat, the wolf, and the fox : the cat certainly is occasionally subject to a viru-
lent coryza ; but I am not aware that the affection bears the other specific
characters of the complaint, as its obstinate and fatal diarrhoea, and liability to
be translated to the nervous system, and its contagious nature. Neither am
I at all aware that it has ever been seen in the fox: there is a vulpine mange,
without doubt; but whether a specific catarrh exists also, is not, I believe, known
among us.

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 101

companied with marked biliary affection in every dog attacked that
season : many of the cases of that period had also a pustular erup-
tion. I have seen it also make its appearance, in a few instances
during one particular period, by a phlegmonous tumour of some
part of the body, but principally of the head. In the summer of
1805, many of the distempered subjects were attacked with a pe-
culiar and painful spasmodic colic, which neither constipated nor
relaxed the bowels, but, after continmng acute two or three days,
usually terminated fatally. In the few cases which ended favour-
ably, active purgatives of calomel and aloes appeared beneficial.
It may also be remarked, that this is not occasional only, but that,
whenever distemper rages as an epidemic, it commonly assumes
some particular characteristic type, without its usual versatility of
symptoms. One year the disease will be marked by an obstinate
diarrhoea ; another, for the more than usual tendency to epilepsy
and spasm ; while in a third, a malignant putrid type will sweep
off most of those affected.

Causes, — Constitutional liability may be reckoned as a princi-
pal among th^se ; and it is so inherent in the canine constitution,
that very few escape it altogether, the predisposition alone being
itself sufficient to generate it, although it is probably more fre-
quently assisted by some occasional cause, as cold, &c. Conta-
gion is another fruitful source of it ; and however a few persons
may doubt the contagious nature of distemper, those who have
taken the pains to examine the matter are as convinced of it
as the force of facts can make them. Dogs living out of doors
principally, and -which are thereby rendered healthy and hardy,
will sometimes bear up against the predisposition for a long
period, and some as long as they live ; but such even, if they
become exposed either to the eflSiuvia, or to the contact of the
morbid secretions on a mucous or an ulcerated surface, very seldom
escape it. In many cases, the slightest appUcation of it, or even
being exposed to the air impregnated with the exhalations from a
distempered dog for a few minutes, is sufficient for the purpose.
As it is communicable by the contact of the diseased catarrhal se-

102 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

cretion, it may be supposed that purposed inoculation with the pus
or matter of distemper readily introduces it into the system, and
such is the fact. Nevertheless, at times the constitution is not
open to receive the contagion ; and not only will inoculation fail to
produce it, but also constant communication, and every other means
whereby it might be supposed communicable, proves equally so. At
some future time, however, the disease will be readily produced in
the same dog by apparently less active agencies. The occasional
causes are numerous : whatever tends to produce debility in the
system is a grand one ; thus distemper frequently follows other
diseases, as pneumonic attacks : the confinement and treatment
>vhich bad mange requires are observed to produce it also ; and the
tabid and rickety very rarely escape it in its severest form^^. Cold
accidentally applied, as washing without drying afterwards, or
throwing a puppy or young dog into the water, has often brought
it on ; forcing such an one to sleep exposed, does the same.
Sudden haemorrhages, and an immediate change from a full to a
low diet, or an unusual day's fatigue, are each of them causes that
I have seen produce distemper^^.

•^ Mr. Youatt observes the same also. " When (he says) I see a puppy
with mange, and that peculiar disease in which the skin becomes corrugated,
and more especially if it be a spaniel, and pot-bellied or ricketty, I generally
say I can cure the mange, but that the dog will soon after die of distemper ;
and it so happens in three cases out of four." — Veterinarian, vol. iii, p. 76.

'■^ The French entertain an opinion that feeding dogs on animal food is
productive of distemper. At the Parisian Veterinary School the whelps of a
bitch were divided; one half were fed on raw meat, and the other half on soup
and vegetables. Of the first division each contracted the distemper ; of the
latter, one only became affected, and that slightly, which circumstance was
thought confirmatory of the opinion ; but it is not difficult to prove that this
conclusion is neither consistent with reason nor fact. We know dogs to be
naturally carnivorous ; and it is not reasonable to suppose that feeding them
after the method which nature pointed out would render them more obnoxious
to disease. It is likewise in direct contradiction to our experience, because
nothing so tends to keep off' distemper as flesh feeding and high condition.
I have invariably observed that the fattest puppies bore up longest against the
disease, and weathered it best when it did arrive.

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 103

The period of its attack follows the same uncertainty as marks
its other phenomena. I have known it to aflfect puppies of a few
weeks old, where it might be supposed that the constitutional pre-
disposition alone could have produced it: this occurs particularly
to the diminutive breeds, as pugs, very small spaniels, pigmy ter-
riers, Italian greyhounds, and other minute varieties; in which
cases it is almost invariably fatal. It more commonly, however,
makes its appearance between six and twelve months : among
country dogs it is protracted to the period of full growth often ; but
no age is exempt from it, and it is not uncommon to see it in three,
four, or five year old dogs, with which it usually proves extremely
severe. Neither is its attack confined to once ; it will now and
then appear not only a second but a third time even, an instance
of which fell under ray own notice, where I was assured by a lady
of great respectability, that a very favourite dog, then very ill of
the disease, had been twice before attacked with the same, with in-
tervals of two years between each attack, the first of which was, if
my memory serves me aright, in France, the second in India, and
at last we ourselves witnessed that the cruel complaint carried oflF
this faithful companion of an affectionate mistress in London. The
dogs used in rural economy, and indeed yard dogs, do not often
suflfer by it with equal virulence ; but wherever man has interfered
in forcing an artificial breed, and in maintaining and perfecting a
degree of forced excellence, there the disease is almost always
severe. It is thus that it is so fatal to high-bred hounds, pointers,
setters, and spaniels ; and to terriers and greyhounds it is even
more so. Mr. Youatt observes, that few dogs imported into this
country as exotics do well with it ; thus the greater part of the
northern dogs brought by Captain Parry were carried ofi" by it
within a twelvemonth. Some breeds possess an hereditary tend-
ency to have it worse than others of the same kind: litter after
litter of some sporting strains will hardly yield more than one or
two survivors. In such case, I would advise the breeder to cross
the race, or to altogether try a new one.

Symptoms. — These are marked throughout with such variety.

104 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

that it is not easy to set before the reader any strictly diagnostic
sig-n or signs : even the nasal discharge, so common to the com-
plaint, does not always appear until the distemper has made
some progress; and sometimes also in the midst of its most
fatal course the discharge is arrested; convulsions follow, and
death closes the scene. Nevertheless there are certain symptoms
of distemper usually present in most of its cases. One of the
earliest of these is a short, dry, husky cough, which is followed by
a lessening of the appetite, of the flesh, strength, and spirits: the
coat also begins to stare, and the eyes to wink in a full light, as
though painfully affected by it : they also, if observed in the morn-
ing, exhibit the remains of a little hardened mucus, which may be
seen adhering to the inner corner of each, while a general cloudi-
ness of the cornea steals over its surface : the nose also is be-
dewed with a watery discharge, greater or less, as the membranous
linings of the orbits and nasal cavities are more or less inflamed,
in which state the discharge may sometimes remain for two or
three weeks without much alteration ; it eventually, however, in-
creases, and changes from a limpid watery fluid to a muco-puru-
lent one, which flows down the face from the inner corner of each
eye ; and, as the disease becomes more intense, it frequently glues
up the lids during the night, and blinds the dog, until his own
efl'orts have opened them. The nasal discharge, which is first
thin and watery, becomes muco-purulent, and next one of direct
pus, by which his nose is no less closed up each morning, by the
viscid exudation, than his eyes. As the intensity of the mucous
inflammation extends, the cough also, which was at first a slight
huskiness of expiratory effort only (or perhaps hardly existed at
all, for in some cases but little cough attends the early stages),
increases to a distressing, harsh-sounding, and frequent attempt at
forcing something up from the throat, by an effort that appears
compounded of coughing and vomiting. To these appearances
are usually added, wasting, weakness, listlessness, and lessening of
the appetite also.

Thus far the symptoms detailed bespeak a true catarrhal affec-

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 105

tion, in the popular and usual acceptation of the term ; by which
is understood, an inflammation of the air-passages productive of
defluxion. But as the true etymology of catarrh extends to in-
flammation of the mucous surfaces of the body generally, and as
distemper deserves the full extent of signification, we shall now
have to follow it as it extends itself over the one or the other of
these mucous surfaces principally, or as it diffuses itself universally
through the whole : dependent on which election, are the various
types which the future progress of the disease assumes.

The transmission of the affection to the brain or its meninges^
we are led to suppose, takes place not only by the epileptic symp-
toms of some cases, or the chorea and paralysis of others; but
even more certainly by the morbid appearances which present
themselves after death. However, whether this occurs by conti-
nuity of substance, or by metastasis, we are not aware ; although
analogically it may be supposed to be by the former, in which case
the inflammation may shape its course from the orbitary fossae, or
it may follow the more likely tract of the pituitary sinuses. It is
not, however, unlikely, that in some few cases a true metastasis
does occur ; for we occasionally have a very sudden attack of epi-
lepsy, without any of those premonitory symptoms which usually
predict, with malign certainty, the distempered fits ; and there is
more reason to conclude this, for a single fit, not followed up by
another, particularly when it appears early in the complaint, is
often not injurious ; and therefore we may suppose it the conse-
quence of a sudden metastasis, which as quickly returns to its ori-
ginal seat. In the ophthalmia and acute founder of horses, and in
the gout of the human subject, these rapid transitions of disease
are not uncommon.

Our knowledge of cerebral aflfections is very confined ; but we
have reason to suppose that the nature of morbid attacks on the
sensorium and its dependencies are varied like those of other
organs. Probably also much may depend on the immediate por-
tion affected, as whether it be the cerebral substance or its matrices :
nor is it, therefore, unreasonable to conclude, that to this it is

106 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

owing that the nervous affections which accompany the disease are
of such different complexions. The early listlessness, the general
prostration of strength apparent in all, unquestionably spring from
the want of due administration of healthy nervous energy ; but
the phenomena that are here hinted at are the consequence of a
morbid energy, that is sometimes partial ; in which case it is pos-
sible that the spinal brain is principally affected : sometimes it is
total, when we may conclude that the cranial brain is the seat of
attack. Under this view, we are not surprised to observe in some
distempered cases that the nervous weakness is confined to the
loins and hinder extremities ; and, while the dog is strong and
active in his fore parts, the debility of the hinder makes him totter,
and almost drag the remainder of his body after him. Again, at
other times, this paralytic affection is more universal, and affects
all the limbs, and occasionally the head likewise ; when the poor
brute reels about as though he were drunk. Neither of these
paralytic states, provided they are not followed up by more active
symptoms, are of necessity or certainty fatal, but, on the contrary,
often prove temporary only. In some cases, the nervous affection,
instead of being paralytic, is one of true chorea, or St. Vitus's
dance : a convulsive twitching attacks sometimes the head, some-
times one limb, less frequently is it universal from the first, but it
often becomes so, doubling up the animal into the most extraor-
dinary contortions. If these spasms increase in intensity, they
will affect him as well when he lies down as when he stands, and
asleep as well as awake : in this case he dies a miserable death
from sensorial and muscular exhaustion. This affection, however,
is likewise not necessarily fatal in itself; for although it may ac-
company the complaint throughout, it will often slowly disappear :
but unfortunately it is too apt to end in fatal convulsions ; and
when it does not do this, it sometimes continues through life. —
See Chorea, Class II.

The symptomatic epilepsy of distemper, or fits, may often be
predicted with tolerable certainty one, two, or three days before
they come on, when, if judicious means are resorted to, they may

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 107
be often averted ; but, having once occurred, and the first fit being
followed up by another within two or three days, it is very seldom
indeed that any hope is left. The precursory s}naiptoms are such
as betoken a highly increased though morbid energy in the sen-
sorium. From an emaciated, weak, and spiritless state, the dog
becomes cheerful and alert ; his dim and watery, or purulent, eyes
become clear, and sparkle with animation ; and if attentively viewed,
the pupil towards its bottom presents an internal reddening of a
fiery aspect; the nasal discharge, likewise, frequently either lessens,
or is wholly suspended, and a momentary check to the accom-
panying diarrhoea occurs sometimes also. How far these latter
circumstances are in any way concerned in producing the epilepsy
may be with some a matter of doubt ; but the sudden cessation of
these morbid discharges can be readily accounted for by the in-
crease of the nervous power, which gives, for a time, new life to
the diseased parts : and this view appears ftiost correct, for as the
symptomatic tokens of morbid energy precede the stoppage of the
discharge, or are at least coeval with it, it would be placing effect
before cause to conclude otherwise. It is worthy of remark, that
the more active symptoms of the epileptic attack are often pre-
ceded by a series of spasmodic irritations : thus it is very common
that for a day, and sometimes for two or three days previously,
there may be observed a convulsive twitching of the eyelids, or of
the lips or face, which increases to a quivering of the lower jaw,
such as we often witness in dogs eagerly watching the food pre-
paring for them, or when expecting any wished for object, as the
going out of the sportsman who has been harnessing for the field
in September. Here again the symptoms just noticed are iden-
tified with excitement of the nervous energy. These spasmodic
irritations, however trifling at first, it may be observed, soon in-
crease to a direct convulsive champing of the whole mouth, as
though something unpleasant in it was attempted to be got rid of:
during this action, the poor animal stands distressed, though some-
what unconscious. The sensorial excitability is now arrived at
such a height as to be readily acted on by trifling accidental cir-

108 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER,
cumstances ; thus an angry word spoken to the dog, a sharp rebuke
to another, or the sight of one in a fit, will be often sufficient to
bring one on him also. It is by an observance of this effect that
we are likewise able to understand why fondling or encouraging a
dog under these primary attacks will shorten the duration, and
sometimes stop the fit altogether ; and also we learn why the sudden
stimulus brought on by dashing cold water in the face will often
do the same ; which practice should, therefore, always be resorted
to on these occasions. When the epileptic fits, however, have
gained their full hold on the dog, these means usually fail. A
partial or total mental alienation now takes place : when total, the
poor brute is often perfectly phrenitic ; he waters and dungs un-
consciously, he tears up the ground, bites every thing around him,
and not unfrequently himself also. When the fit is over, he shakes
himself, and looks and acts as usual, unless the attacks have been
very violent and long continued, when they leave him greatly ex-
hausted and dispirited. The second, third, or fourth day from the
first appearance of these violent JltSy particularly when they recur
every hour or two, commonly closes the scene, the animal being
worn down by the additional strength and increased frequency of
each succeeding spasm. It is during one of these fits that a dog
is apt to be sacrificed under a suspicion of madness ; but the sud-
denness of the seizure ought to inform the looker-on of the total
impossibility of its being rabies, which is always, in the worst cases,
marked with some recollection, some knowledge, and which never
exhibits the indiscriminate fury which characterizes epilepsy. See
Rabiesy Class VIII. In another form of these epileptic fits, the dog
is seen to walk round and round, his steps usually directed to one
side only, with measured and solemn pace, but in general wholly
unconscious to every thing around. This is not a very frequent
form of the nervous afi'ection ; but I have seen several instances
of it, all of which proved fatal. These cases may be considered
to arise from a partial attack on the brain, principally directed to
one side of it.

Pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, is also another state

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 109

which the specific catarrhal disease assumes, which it may be sup-
posed to do by passing- through the larynx into the bronchia ; the
attack on which is shewn by symptoms of quickened breathing,
with a short and more sonorous cough : if the inflammation ex-
tends, and direct pneumonia is the consequence, unless it be very
timely put a stop to, it will carry the dog oflF. — See Pneumonia,
Class I, Sub-Class III ; where the symptoms and treatment are
detailed.

The abdominal viscera, but more particularly the intestines, are
oftentimes also very violently attacked in distemper. As regards
the bowels, they are now and then affected very early in the com-
plaint ; but when the catarrhal affection is fully developed, with its
usual marks of lassitude, thirst, disinclination for food, shivering,
and creeping to the fire or to some sheltered corner, with great
discharge from the nose and eyes, it is then more usual for the
intestines to become the subject of attack. Dogs brought up very
hardily, and exposed much to the open air, and to a high and dry at-
mosphere, may escape diarrhoea altogether ; but of the very young
and delicate breeds, and indeed of all such as are more artificially
treated, and are confined in cities and towns, the majority have,
first, diarrhoea, or simple excitement of the muscular contractions
of the bowels, which hurries on the contents in liquid and unas-
similated discharges of the aliment ; and next follows the more
serious affection of the intestinal mucous membranes, when the
discharges change to a brown or lead-coloured mucus ; and in
these cases, when real faeces are evacuated, blood usually accom-
panies them, or it follows them in a few distinct drops. These
appearances betoken an ulcerative state of the intestinal canal,
and much danger is present: when more mucus and blood is passed
than faecal matter, and the fetor is extreme, the case may be con-
sidered hopeless.

The pustular and yellow appearances of distemper. — Pro-
tracted cases of distemper are sometimes accompanied by a pus-
tular eruption which extends over the surface of the chest and
belly, and peels off in scales : but this integumental determination

110 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

seldom affords any relief, and such cases almost invariably termi-
nate fatally. This state is also sometimes accompanied with an
hepatic aflFection of a very fatal character, which has been called
among sportsmen the yellow disease^ from its tinging every part
of the surface of the body with a yellow hue ; the urine also is of
a deep yellow, the consequence of some morbid translation of the
inflammation to the secreting vessels of the liver. Mr. Youatt
has found this state most frequent in the hound and greyhound ;
he also has observed it particularly where there is little catarrhal
exudation from the nose, which I believe is the case, although I
have also seen it accompanied by a profuse discharge : but it has
then been in instances where the disease has run its course under
what I shall next proceed to notice.

The virulent and putrid type of distemper ^ which I have ob-
served more common in very hot weather than in any other,
although occasionally it occurs at all times, is often a sequel to
either the catarrhal, pneumonic, or hepatic states ; and itself rages
as an epidemic form of the disease, assuming all the characteristics
of typhus gravior, or malignant fever. These cases are accom-
panied by great debility, rapid emaciation, and total loss of appetite ;
the nasal discharge is great, foetid, and bloody ; bespeaking exten-
sive ulceration of the nasal membranes, which sometimes is so
deep as to occasion haemorrhage from the part : while excoriation
of the lips and cheeks follows the contact of the sanies which pours
from the eyes, and even the ears also, in some cases : the gums
bleed, the tongue is covered with a dark crust, sometimes is ul-
cerated, and the whole body emits a peculiar cadaverous smell.
Stools are frequently passing, which resemble a mixture of mucus,
blood, and putrid bile ; and the wretched animal trails out a mi-
serable existence, commensurate with the severity of his complaint,
his own strength, or the means made use of to combat it: thus in
some cases it lasts a few days, and in others it is protracted to two
or three weeks even, before he finally sinks.

Post-mortem appearances, — These, as may be supposed, vary
with the quantum of attack made on individual parts of the body.

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER, 111

The morbid anatomy of the heady if we commence with the
pituitary membrane, betrays, in every instance, diseased appear-
ances, and mostly the whole extent of it, from the nasal fossae to
the frontal sinuses : the sethmoid cells and turbinated cavities are
in the first stages very highly injected, in the next suffused with
pus, and in the last ulcerated, the degrees of which are, however,
not always in the exact ratio of the symptomatic appearances,
but nevertheless correspond in some degree thereto. Within the
cranium, when violent epileptic fits have accompanied the disease,
the membranes of the brain are usually found highly charged with
blood ; and when these have continued an unusual length of time,
I have thought I discovered some softening of the cerebral sub-
stance itself. Mr. Youatt has found the base of the brain highly
injected, and there is often an increase of the serous fluid. The
spinal brain presents also phenomena in its morbid anatomy worthy
of notice : when the paraplegia, or paralytic weakness of the hinder
extremities, has been a marked feature of the complaint, the sheath
of the spinal rope has been found more highly vascular, and suf-
fused with an undue quantity of serum. 1 am also disposed to
believe, from my own observations, that the tendency to universal
paralysis often draws its origin from a morbid increase of the fluid
of the ventricles of the cranial brain.

77ie 7norbid appearances in the thoracic viscera, in pneumonic
cases, are often considerable, from their commencement in the
larynx, along the trachea, and throughout its bronchial ramifica-
tions, which present imflaramatory marks, and muco-purulent
secretion in abundance. When pneumonia has been very active,
coagulable lymph is sometimes found to be thrown out into the
air-cells, congesting the lungs ; at others, suppuration takes place,
and minute, or in some cases larger, vomicae are found. Less fre-
quently adhesions are met with between the costal and pulmonic
pleurae, which occur in protracted cases ; but serous efi'usion is not
uncommon. The heart I have found gorged with blood in some
of these cases, the pericardium inflamed, and its fluid increased in
quantity.

112 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

The diseased marks of the abdominal viscera vary as follow :
the stomach is not often much altered ; sometimes, however, the
villous surface is somewhat injected, particularly towards the py-
loric extremity. The intestines usually bear their full proportion
of morbid characters, being often inflamed throughout, and occa-
sionally are contracted in portions, particularly the ileum ; while
the colon is often beset with dark patches, and the rectum with
ulcerated spots, when the diarrhoea has been violent and long con-
tinued^s. The rest of the chylopoietic viscera, in bad cases,
partake more or less of the morbid influence, particularly the liver,
which I have sometimes seen much paler than natural, softer in
texture also, and, as it were, macerated ; in other cases I have
seen it grumous, surcharged with blood, with its biliary duct and
sac engorged with an hepatic secretion, as foetid and decomposed
as the matter of the stools themselves ; in fact, the animal mass
throughout, in the malignant cases I have noticed, presents a state
of complete putrid solution.

Prognosis. — To form a decisive opinion of the result of any
case of distemper, and at almost any period of the complaint, is
very difficult ; and I would strongly recommend the veterinary
practitioner never to speak confidently with regard to either a
fortunate or unfortunate result, however flattering or however
adverse the appearances may be. Very young dogs seldom live,
puppies of a few weeks old almost never : the difference in these
respects, however, between dogs brought up in a state of hardi-
hood and those petted and artificially treated, as well as between
those living in the country and those residing in cities, is very
great, and should influence the prognostic much. I have already
shewn that difi^erent varieties have it worse than others, and that

'^ Mr. Youatt observes on the state of the intestines, "thatif^//py have been
chiefly attacked, we have intense inflammation of the mucous membrane, and,
generally speaking, the small intestines are almost filled with worms. If the
dog has gradually wasted away, we have contraction of the whole canal,
including even the stomach, and sometimes considerable enlargement of the
mesenteric glands." The value of these remarks, in a practical point of view,
I need not point out.

SPECIFIC CATAHRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 113

some breeds of the same variety possess a particular aptitude to
fall under its attacks. The appearance of one fit very early in
the complaint is not alarming ; but if it be more advanced, it is
truly so ; and when followed up by a second and a third, the case is
nearly hopeless. When the eyes soon after the appearance of the
disease betray a great impatience of light, and look red within, the
dog will have it severely, and the extreme quantity of nasal dis-
charge which follows will be apt to wear him down ; if it becomes
bloody, it will be still more likely to do so. When the catarrh
degenerates into pneumonia, if it is at all intense, it is not often
successfully combated. The diarrhoea commonly attendant on the
complaint is very apt to prove so obstinate as to reduce the animal
strength beyond the powers of the constitution to restore, even
without the weight of the specific disease attached to it: when
therefore the diarrhoea continues to resist medical aid, and is attended
with tenesmus and bloody purulent stools, it will generally prove
fatal. The breaking out of a pustular eruption, and a yellow tinge
pervading the surface of the body, are usually precursors of death.
The spasmodic twitchings which sometimes accompany the com-
plaint, if constant and violent, expend the vital energies fast, and
usually end fatally : this event may be almost certainly predicted,
if the animal loses flesh fast under them ; but let them be as violent
as they may, and indeed whatever other unfavourable appearances
may occur, if the dog continues to gain flesh, the chances are that
he will recover.

T%e treatment of distemper must necessarily vary considerably,
according to the nature of the attack made, as well as the age, con-
stitution, &c. of the object of it. It is somewhat singular, that
while the very best practitioners so often fail in their treatment of
the complaint, we seldom meet with a sportsman or breeder of
dogs, but who (according to his own account) can readily cure
it, " being in possession of what he fondly flatters himself to be an
infallible remedy for it." I once thought a remedy of my own
discovery almost so : but a lengthened experience shewed it was
far from infallible, and I suspect that most of these infallibles are

H

114 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

no better : it happens however with these discoverers, that, under
the exhibition of some medicine (having met with two or three
successful cases which would perhaps have done well without any
medicament), this has been afterw^ards considered as the grand
specific. But continued experience leads us to a conclusion, that
although many different remedies are useful, according as one or
other form of the disease prevails ; yet that there is not, and I be-
lieve cannot be, a specific for this protean disorder. As most
cases of distemper commence by cough or slight defluxion from
the nose and eyes, with a failing in the ordinary appetite and
spirits, and a gradual losing of flesh, an emetic is the first remedy;
it clears the stomach and bowels, and sympathetically lessens the
inflammatory action going on. Should the pulse or the state of
breathing, or the violence of the cough, indicate any determina-
tion to the lungs, bleed by all means, to the amount of from three
ounces to five or six, according to size, age, &c., particularly if
the dog be in good case and moderately strong. The bowels
should also be opened by a laxative ; but if it is not found ne-
cessary to bleed, then substitute a mild purge for the laxative ;
unless the dog is either very young, the breed very tender, or there
is much emaciation : in that case merely open the bowels by the
laxative.

As an emetic, either tartarised antimony (emetic tartar) or
calomel may be used ; sometimes one and sometimes the other are
to be preferred : when there is any disposition to purging already
observed, give the tartar emetic only, in the form and quantity
directed under Emetics (p. 85). In other cases, let the puke bo
made of equal parts of calomel and tartarised antimony, from half
a grain to a grain and a half of each ; or even two grains of each
will not be too much for a full grown dog of the largest breeds.
Mr. Youatt, with much judgment, prefers this form of vomit, on
the grounds that it proves a laxative as well as a puke ; and, as
before observed, if there is not already any tendency to looseness,
it is the preferable one. The articles used on these occasions by
sportsmen, as Turpith mineral and crude antimony, are highly ob-

SPECIFrC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 115

jectionable, on grounds stated in the general directions relative to
emetics (p. 86). Salt also should only be used for the purpose
when the articles already prescribed are not within reach. The
early insertion of a seton should depend on circumstances : if that
state of impatience of light noticed in the symptoms presents itself,
and the pupils look red within, and the cough is harsh, dry, and
frequent by all means insert one as soon as possible ; but if,
on the contrary, the discharge is become purulent and profuse,
and particularly if the dog be not strong, but is losing flesh daily,
by no means do so ; the indiscriminate use of setons in distemper
is calculated to do much harm. The same may be said oi purga-
tives, of which I would again remark, that while the dog is full
and his inflammatory symptoms run high, two or three moderate
purges are proper; see this subject at p. 86. Costiyeness must,
in all cases, be avoided ; but it is best combated by laxatives, exr
cept in the very early stages, when, as observed, a purgative is ad-
missible and highly proper; for unloading the bowels, like un-
loading the stomach, will tend greatly to lessen irritation and reduce
the inflammatory action of the heart and arteries : but at the same
time that, under these views, they are valuable agents, we must
not lose sight of the diarrhoea which is so fatal a symptom of the
disease, and which too free a use of them might tend to bring on.
These primary depleting means having been carried into effect,
proceed with the following : —

Antimonial powder .2, 3, or 4 graips

Nitrate of potash (nitre) 5, 10, or 15 grains

Powdered ipecacuanha 2, 3, or 4 grains.

Make into a ball with the minor, medium, or major quantities, ac-
cording to the size and age of the dog, and give two or three times
a-day, as the symptoms are more or less urgent; diminishing the
quantities if they occasion sickness. When the cough is very dis-
tressing, by which pneumonic symptoms may be apprehended, add
to each dose of these medicines from half a grain to a grain of di-
gitalis (foxglove). Should nothing new in the symptoms occur, it

H 2

116 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

would be prudent every third or fourth day to repeat the emetic,
and to keep the bowels open also ; but now more than ever avoid
active purgation^S. Should the disease take on still more active
symptoms of pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, which will
be known by the quick laborious breathing, the head being ele-
vated, and the dog remaining in a sitting position instead of lying
down, however fatigued, then follow the directions given under
the head pneumonia, Class I, Sub- Class III.

Diarrhcea^ or looseness, is one of the most obstinate and fatal
accompaniments that attends distemper : it sometimes commences
with it, and is then suffered to go unchecked, from a supposition
that the complaint may be thus carried off ; but it should never be
allowed to go unrestrained for more than two days ; and not even
that time, if the disease be at all advanced, or the dog at all ema-
ciated ; otherwise he will be speedily brought so low as to be past
recovery. In very young dogs, worms will often greatly aggravate
the diarrhoea, and the malign symptoms in general. If any such
appearances occur, or any suspicions arise that such is the case,
treat as ordered under the head WormSi Class III ; and then pro-
ceed with the most effective means of combating the flux, as de-
tailed under Diarrhoea, Class III.

The epileptic Jits of distemper are the most formidable of all
the various types under which the disease rages. It occasionally
commences by a fit, which should be instantly attacked by an active
emetic, and that should be followed by a purgative ; in which case
it often happens that no more appear ~o. But when a fit occurs in

'' It was in this stage of the complaint that I used to experience such bene-
ficial effects from the distemper remedy I shall yet have to hint at. That it
acted in many cases as a specific, is most certain ; for without any sensible
effect the disease was suddenly arrested, and this so frequently, that I then
placed much confidence in its general efficacy.

^ I have observed that one, or even two, violent fits appearing thus early
in the complaint, are not always followed by others, nor by any greater seve-
rity of symptoms than usual. Is such a fit at all similar to what sometimes
precedes eruptive human complaints ? I have also derived much benefit from

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 117

a more advanced stage of the disease, another will be almost sure
to follow, unless such an impression can be made as to cause a
counteraction. If a close observation is carried on, the symptoms
noted will enable the treatment to take the start of the attack.
First give an active emetic, and then follow that up by a brisk pur-
gative. Mr. Youatt recommends a full dose of calomel united with
opium : insert a seton in the neck, smearing the tape with blister-
ing ointment. Should repeated attacks succeed, give the follow-
ing to a medium sized dog every two hours, and half the quantity
to a small one, in a spoonful of ale : —

JEiher 1 drachm

Tincture of Opium half a drachm

Camphor 6 grains

Spirit of Hartshorn 1 drachm.

Place the patient in a very warm bath, and retain him there twenty
minutes, keeping him also both warm and moist some hours after-
wards, by means of wrapping in flannel and placing before a fire :
avoid irritation, force nourishment, and endeavour to shorten every
fit, by sprinkling cold water in the face, and likewise by soothing
language and manner, which have often the happiest effect in lessen-
ing the force and duration of the convulsion. If these means
should fortunately succeed, continue to keep the animal quiet both
in temper and person, and particularly refrain from allowing active
exercise, which is very apt to bring on a recurrence of the fits.
See more on this subject in the article Epilepsy, Class II.

The chorea of distemper is hardly less to be dreaded than the
epilepsy ; for if it is not so immediately fatal, it yet frequently leaves
the dog helpless and useless for life. As soon, therefore, as there
is any appearance of spasmodic twitchings, if the dog be not much
emaciated, or the nasal discharge -very great, insert a seton ; sti-
mulate the spine every day ; push a cordial tonic plan of medi-

a judicious use of digitalis or foxglove. I gave every two hours from ten to
twenty drops of the tincture, according to the size and strength of my patient.
As few remedies act so powerfully in lessening sensorial irritation as this, I
would recommend a judicious and cautious trial of it.

H8 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

tines ; with liberal feeding, and an occasional warm bath. See
Chorea, Class II.

The debilitating stage of distemper. — I left off the continuous
treatment of the disease, after I had pursued it to its sequel as A
phlegmonous affection. Active catarrhal inflammation leaves it
when the purulent secretion is fully established, that is, when pus
flows abundantly from the nose and eyes ; after which, whatever
of fever remains is either of the symptomatic or the hectic type,
unless active pneumonic or hepatic affection supervene. It ap-
peared to me, that when I had pursued the treatment of this disease
thus far, it was convenient to stop, and introduce such occasional
states as are apt to intervene between the first and second stages ;
as pneumonia, diarrhoea, epilepsy, chorea, &c. These being noticed,
I shall now return, and continue the treatment of the true muco-
purulent catarrhal affection : which having been attacked, as di-
rected, by depletion, and such other means as tend to combat the
acute inflammatory state, must now be as actively pursued by other
means ; or a direct asthenic state, or one of diminished vital ac-
tion, will take the place of that where there had been too much.
The means hinted at are the judicious and liberal use of tonics^
and which may with propriety be varied to meet the different com-
plexions that the disease is still likely to assume. One of these is the
continued discharge from the nose and eyes, with harassing cough,
debility, and emaciation ; which state I have found to be most ad-
vantageously treated by what, in old-fashioned language, might be
called a demulcent tonic^ : —

' Among these tonics, none are more efficacious than liberal feeding on the
most nutritious and tempting food, which should be offered to the dog fre-
quently, but not in cloying quantities. When the natural appetite fails, the
animal may yet be often tempted by morsels selected by the hand of one he
is accustomed to : but when even enticement fails to excite the effort to take
food, then the dog must be forced with rich gravies, or gruel with ale and
spices ; not in large quantities at a time, which will probably be returned from
the stomach, but in smaller and more frequently repeated dosings. Meat balls
may also l)e forced down, even if liquid nutriment is returned.

- There is a fashion in our medical opinions, as well as in others. Mr.

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 119

Disulphate of Quina ^ a drachm

Chamomile flowers, ditto 3 drachms

Balsam of Peru IJ drachm

Camphor 1 scruple.

Mix with conserve of roses into twelve, nine, or six balls, ac-
cording to the size of the dog, and give one every four or six hours.
Should the purulent flow become foetid and bloody, add to the
medicinal mass, cascarilla bark two drachms, powdered opium
three grains. I profess myself not to have made much use of
cantharides or Spanish flies, as a means of checking the inordinate
catarrhal discharge ; but I would nevertheless recommend that a
trial should be made of them, when it did not appear to give way
to the usual treatment, after the following manner : —

Cantharides, finely powdered 4 grains

Gum arable ditto 1 drachm

Opium ditto 1 grain

Chamomile flowers ditto 1 drachm.

Make into twelve, nine, or six balls, and give one night and
morning, pushing it to three times a-day, if no amendment takes
place.

Youatt doubts the eificacy of gum resins and balsams; and such is my reli-
ance on his judgment, that had he said he was convinced of their inefficacy
from his own experience, I should, notwithstanding the benefit I may fancy I
have seen attend their use, have even doubted myself; but when he observes,
"that they are beginning to get into disrepute in the practice of human medi-
cine," and when he appears to give this as the principal grounds of his objec-
tion to them, I may still maintain my opinion of their worth. Neither would
their inertness in man necessarily prove them so in the diseases of the dog :
we should fail to excite vomition in ourselves by any moderate quantity of
calomel ; or to excite sleep in the dog by any dose of opium. But these in-
gredients are most active in both these instances to the adverse subjects. I
would, therefore, recommend them to the trial of the practitioner ; and as long
as they appear to do good, to continue them, but no longer. One thing in
their favour is, that for years the compound tincture of Benjamin, known as
the Friar^s Balsam, was a medicine in high repute in some kennels, where
nothing beside was ever given. It formed also a nostrum of public sale and
estimation, from experience in its eflficacy.

120 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

The malignant type of the disease will be found very difficult
to contend with ; it is not, however, altogether hopeless, but it can
be only successfully combated by prompt and unwearied attention.
I would recommend the following for trial : —

Powdered catechu 1 ^ drachm

Quinine 1 scruple

Powdered opium 3 grains

Powdered ginger 1 drachm.

Mix with conserve of roses into eight, six, or four balls, and give
one three times a- day, if the case appears desperate. This form
is peculiarly adapted to those cases combined with obstinate diar-
rhoea, in which, while we are checking that by common astringents,
we are losing ground by the hectic fever ; but by using this we
are fulfilling both intentions at the same time. It is also evident
that we must vary our curative endeavours to prevent the septic
or putrid tendency: if, therefore, the above should disagree or
seem to fail in arresting the disease, either of the following mix-
tures may be tried ; beginning with the first, and changing it for
the second if it should produce purging, or not sit easy on the
stomach, or if benefit does not follow its administration. Under
either of these circumstances, the second may also be afterwards
changed for the third. Should the price of the quinine be objected
to in the prescription for the balls, substitute carbonate of iron,
two drachms ; if in the liquid mixture, supply its place by two
drachms of each of the Peruvian and cascarilla barks ; but if hu-
manity be consulted, it will say, try the quinine.

Acetated water of ammonia ( Mindererus' s spirit) 4 ounces

Quinine 1 scruple

Tincture of opium 1 drachm

Powdered catechu 2 drachms :

Or,

Yeast 2 ounces

Decoction of bark 2 ounces

Powdered catechu 2 drachms

J*o\vdered opium 10 grains :

SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER. 121

Or,

Spirit of nitrous tetlier half an ounce

Camphor lialf a drachm

Aromatic confection 2 drachms

Chamomile infusion 4 ounces

Powdered catechu 2 drachms

Give of either, one, two, three, or four table-spoonfuls, according
to the size of the dog-, every three or four hours : and if the
diarrhoea should be thought any bar to the administration, in-
crease the opiate to forty drops with each dose, but continue the
medicine, if possible, alone ; if not, alternate it with the remedies
detailed under DiarrhQea^ Class III. If, however, every remedy
only increases the alvine flux, then all but astringents must be
discontinued ; for every other means must give place to attempts
at restraining this most fatal state, even to the continuance of the
antiseptic and astringent plans together, if they be found wholly
incompatible with the state of the bowels.

Cleanliness is very desirable in every stage of distemper, but
in the putrid type it is essentially necessary, as well to the reco-
very as to the comfort of the animal : the free access of pure air
is also indispensable, and the removal of every thing Ukely to har-
bour putrid exhalations is highly proper : the litter should be con-
stantly changed, or, if any other bedding be used, it should be
washed and dried, or replaced by other. The apartment, kennel,
&c., should be cleansed of the putrid effluvia by the use of either
the chloride of soda or lime, according to the directions accom-
panying those valuable disinfectants ; and which, either of them,
particularly the latter, is able to do to admiration : the former is
also even more useful in another point of view. I have noticed
the phagedenic ulcers which are apt to break out over the face,
nose, mouth, &c., and of the malignant tumours which form in
the submaxillary glands, and sometimes in the parotid also; or, in
other words, that break out at the side of the head, and in the
angle of the jaws. These take on often a gangrenous appearance.

122 SPECIFIC CATARRHAL DISEASE, OR DISTEMPER.

spread over the face, offer a most offensive putrid discharge, and
by their irritation greatly aggravate the dangers and sufferings of
the animal. These ulcerations, even when extending fast, by
being bathed with a solution of the chloride of soda properly di-
luted, are in most cases brought into a healing state, and in all are
deprived of their malignancy, prevented from multiplying, and
rendered inoffensive.

I have hitherto offered no directions on the subject of the oph-
thalmia, which is so liable, in this virulent kind of distemper, to
attack either one or both eyes with such an intensity of inflam-
mation, that abscess forms on the surface of the cornea, usually
about the centre of the pupil ; the ulceration of which sometimes
makes its way through the coats, lets out the aqueous humour, and
substitutes around its edges fungoid masses : in fact, such apparent
havock takes place, that all hope of recovery would seem at an
end : yet, surprising as it may seem, this apparently irreparable
disorganization is so completely removed, and the true organization
so restored, that no traces of the injury remain afterwards. — See
Ophthalmia, Class X.

Vaccination and inoculation with the matter of distemper have
been both practised, one for the prevention, the other for the mi-
tigation of the disease. Vaccination so performed, is a proof of
the gullibility of the public, and readiness to believe what is wished,
particularly when it comes from a popular source, and where it
would be unfashionable to disbelieve. My early experiments con-
vinced me of its total inefficacy as a preventive of distemper; but
so positive were the assertions to the contrary, that I spoke diffi •
dently. Dr. Jenner had lent his name to the error, and I make
no doubt he believed what he asserted ; but he had not waited the
proof. Vaccination, it is now sufficiently ascertained, neither
exempts dogs from the distemper, nor does it appear at all to miti-
gate its severity ; for I have seen a sufficient number of dogs which
had been vaccinated afterwards die of distemper. Inoculation
liilh the matter of distemper is equally ineffectual in mitigating

INFLAMMATION OF THE AIR-PASSAGES, OR COUGH. 123

the complaint, even when it is borrowed from the mildest forms :
on the contrary, many dogs, which have taken the disease by
inoculation have had it with peculiar severity, and others have
sunk under it.

INFLAMMATION OF THE MUCOUS COATS OF THE
INTESTINES.

Dysentery, as an idiopathic affection in dogs, is very rare ;
but an irritation productive of morbid and inordinate mucous dis-
charge is produced by various causes. A principal one is the con-
sequence of long-continued diarrhoea common to distemper, as so
lately shewn. — See also Diarrhoea^ Class III. Another is the
result of bilious inflammation. — See Enteritis^ Class I, Sub-
Class IV. A third cause is the introduction of poisons. — See
Class VIII. Super-purgation will bring it on, as noticed with
Enteritis and Diarrhoea : the presence of worms will likewise occa-
sion it. — See Wormsy Class IV.

Inflammation of the Mucous Coats of the Bladder.-
See Cystitis^ Class I, Sub-Class IV.

INFLAMMATION OF THE AIR-PASSAGES, OR COUGH.

Idiopathic catarrh will sometimes attack dogs, producing the
same sjinptoms as a common cold usually does with us ; as de-
fluxion from the nose and eyes, with cough and slight symptoms
of fever. The treatment proper will be an emetic; mild doses of
antimonial powder (from two grains to five), moderate feeding,
open bowels, and no exposure to wet or cold.

Symptomatic coughs are of several kinds, as that of distemper,
of asthma, of pneumonia or inflamed lungs, and of worms. — Sec
these several affections in the Index*

124 INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN AND LUNGS.

Sub-Class II.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN (PHRENITIS).

Symptomatic phrenitis only is found in the canine catalogue ;
but of this there are some varieties, dependent principally on the
diseases which they are accompaniments to. The epilepsy of dis-
temper is an instance of cerebral inflammation, known as well by
post-mortem examinations as by the consequences : at the same
time it may be urged, that the phrenitic symptoms are seldom of
sufficiently long continuance to assure us that the inflammatory
state is not conjoined with some other irritations : I shall leave
this to the judgment of those who are disposed to study the de-
scription of distemper. — Rabies in a few instances produces some
decisive violence, and some mental alienation in the dog, as we
know by his attack on men and brutes that he has been acquainted
with, and also by the morbid appearances which present themselves
after death. — The epilepsy attendant on wormsy and that which
attacks dogs after long confinement, are probably compounded of
a spasmodic attack on the sensorium and of determination of blood
to it : in both cases there are some phrenitic symptoms occasionally
present. — See these several subjects in the body of the work,

Sub-Class III.
INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS OF THE THORACIC VISCERA.

PNEUMONIA, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.

Pneumonia is not an unfrequent complaint among dogs, and
in some years it rages in an epidemic form, when it destroys num-
bers ; in other cases it may be directly traced to the action of cold
on the body. I have seen it brought on, in a great number of
instances, by the cruel practice of clipping or shearing rough
dogs in cold weather. Throwing dogs into the water, and after-
wards neglecting to dry them, is also not an uncommon cause :
shutting a dog out for the night houseless ; in fact, any unusual

PNEUMONIA, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 125

exposure to cold may occasion it. In many instances it is brought
on by distemper. The epidemic pneumonia has usually proved
rapid in its progress, and very fatal : at all times also it is to be
dreaded, for in most instances it arrives at such a height, before it
attracts sufficient notice, as to baffle all attempts at reducing the
inflammation. During one of the periods in which it raged in an
epidemic form (a warm mild spring), few of those attacked sur-
vived beyond the third day, about which time most of them were
suffocated by the serous effusion poured into the chest. This,
though a frequent mode of its termination in general cases, is not
the only fatal one ; for I have seen it also destroy by congestion
within the substance of the lungs. It yields, however, to a prompt
and judicious treatment, sufficiently often to make every effort
worth the trial. Inflammation of the lungs shews itself by a quick
laborious respiration ; the heart beats in a very rapid but oppressed
manner. The head is held up to enable the dog to breathe more
freely ; he also prefers sitting to lying down, for the same reasons ;
which circumstances alone are diagnostic of the disease. Con-
siderable moisture distils from the nose, which, like the ears and
paws, is in general extremely and unnaturally cold. A short
quick cough is often present, but not invariably so.

The cure should be begun by bleeding, and that very largely ;
but it must be particularly remembered, that it ought only to be
attempted early in the complaint : if it is performed after the second
day, the dog commonly dies under the operation. This circum-
stance should never be forgotten by a practitioner who may happen
to be called in, the recollection of which may save him much mor-
tification and disgrace. The first bleeding, if early attempted, may
prove useful, provided it is a full and copious one. For method
and quantity, see Operations. The whole chest should likewise
be immediately blistered between the fore legs, and behind the
elbows, first removing the hair, and finishing by covering the parts
with a cloth carefully secured. If blistering ointment is not at
hand, oil of turpentine, with flour of mustard, well rubbed in, and
repeated at intervals of two or three hours, will do nearly as well.

126 LARYNGITIS.

Give a purgative, throw up a clyster also, and in two hours com-
mence with the following : —

Powdered foxglove (digitalis) 12 grains^

Tartar emetic 3 grains

Nitre 1 drachm.

Mix, and divide into six, nine, or twelve powders, or form into
balls, and give one every two or three hours : but if there should
be much cough present, then substitute the following ; —

Tinctm-e of foxglove 1 drachm

Tartarised antimony (tartar emetic) , . 3 grains

Nitrated potash (nitre) 1 dracjim

Oxymel 2 ounces.

Give from a tea to a dessert-spoonful of this mixture every two or
three hours : should either of these medicines act as a vomit, mo-
derate the dose. It is peculiarly requisite also to keep the dog in
a cool temperature, and, provided his skin is screened from the
access of cold, it is no matter how cool the air he breathes may be.
If amendment should not be apparent in four hours, the bleeding
may be repeated and the blistering likewise. But if, in spite of
these renewed applications, the nose and mouth continue intensely
cold, the head remains elevated, and the motion of the heart indis-
tinct, a fatal termination may be expected.

LARYNGITIS.

Inflammation of the larynx sometimes attacks dogs. We con-
sider it not unlikely to result from hastily swallowing something,
either in itself caustic, or otherwise of a scalding heat : a wasp or
bee snapped up hastily, might, by stinging the fauces, produce it.
Without doubt also other causes may occasion it ; but it cannot be
regarded otherwise than as a rare affection. The affected dog is

3 In the administration of digitalis, the pulse should be frequently examined :
it is desirable that this active remedy should be administered vigorously until
the pulse is found to intermit; after which time it should be less actively pur-
sued, for fear of carrying the enervating effect too far.

CANINE ASTHMA. 127

usually found with his lower jaw removed from the upper, allow-
ing a distinct view of the back of the mouth, and of the fauces
also ; which has, in more instances than one, given occasion to
consider it as a case of rabies ; and the poor dog has been destroy-
ed, without any medical relief being attempted. A well described
case fell under the notice of that ingenious veterinarian Mr, Cherry,
in IS^^, which appears in No. 32 of the Farrier and Naturalist.
He says, " I found the dog v.ith his mouth wide open, and a quantity
of frothy saliva about it. There was no difhculty in seeing the
back part of the mouth and fauces, which exhibited strong symp-
toms of violent inflammation. The muscles connected wilh the
lower jaw had lost their power, the mouth was easily closed by a
stick, or the hand put under the chin ; but so soon as this support
was withdrawn, the jaw again dropped, and the mouth remained
wide open without the dog having power to close it. When food
or slop was put into his mmith closed, he could swallow, but not
otherwise ; he was dull, and manifested uneasiness ; the breathing
was hurried, and the pulse quick ; but he was sensible, and danger
from biting was quite out of the question. I at once decided on
treating him by depletion, and accordingly bled freely from the
jugular vein, giving at the same time aperient medicine, and keep-
ing up the action of the bowels by frequently repeating it. The
food was principally oatmeal gruel given warm, and the dog was
enabled to take it by his friend the cook, and her assistant the
€oach»nan, both of whom were assiduous and expert nurses, closing
the mouth sufficiently to allow of his swallowing what was taken
into it. With this treatment amendment was soon manifes'ted, and
in fifteen days from its commencement medicine was no longer ne-
cessary ; the muscles of the lower jaw gradually recovered their
tone, and the dog was alive and healthy not long ago.'*

CANINE ASTHMA,

Whatever difference there may be between the human asthma,
considered as a spasmodic affection, aggravated by paroxysms, and
that of our present subject, which I consider as more allied to

128 CANINE ASTHMA.

morbid alteration resulting from slow inflammation, yet in its lead-
ing symptoms it so nearly resembles that type of the disease called
the aerial or dry human asthma, as to allow of the application of
this popular term. The inhabitants of country towns and villages
can form no just idea of the prevalence and destructive nature of
this disease in cities and confined neighbourhoods, where it is a
most common complaint. It derives its origin from the artificial
mode of life forced on pet and fancy dogs, whose close confine-
ment and over feeding lead to an extraordinary accumulation of
fat ; and according to the degree in which these predisposing causes
have been applied, the disease appears earlier or later in life. In
some it comes on at three or four years old ; in others, rather less
artificially treated, it may not appear till seven or eight : but sooner
or later, most dogs confined in close situations, deprived of exer-
cise, and fed with heating and luxurious food, become subjected to
it, and as certainly have their lives shortened by it.

The disease is usually very insidious in its attack, commencing
by a slight cough, which returns at uncertain intervals, and is
therefore hardly noticed. Gradually, however, the cough becomes
more frequent and troublesome, and assumes its peculiar harsh,
dry, and sonorous character ; and is then often mistaken for a
bone in the throat, or for sponge having been designedly given.
It becomes now excited by every change of temperature, food, or
position ; until at length it is almost incessant, and even the sleep
is interrupted by it : the breathing becomes also affected ; some-
times it is very laborious and painful. The irritation of the cough
frequently excites nausea and sickness, but nothing is brought up
except a little frothy mucus from the bronchial passages, where its
presence forms the source of the irritation. When the disease is
formed, its further progress is quicker or slower as the exciting
causes are continued or discontinued ; the modes also by which it
produces its fatal termination are not always the same.

In some cases, the irritation of the cough and the accompany-
ing hectic emaciates and wears down the animal ; in others, the
pulmonary congestion stops respiration, and kills by a sudden

CANINE ASTHMA. 129

suffocation ; or the obstruction the blood meets with in its passage
through the heart occasions accumulation in the head, and con-
vulsive fits are the precursors of death. Now and then a rupture
of the heart or of some large bloodvessels suddenly destroys : but
by far the most common termination of the complaint is in dropsy,
or serous collections within the chest or belly, or both, but most
frequently of the latter. In these cases, the limbs and external
parts of the body waste, but the belly increases in its size ; the legs
also swell ; the hair stares; the breathing becomes very laborious ;
and, in the end, suffocation ensues.

The morbid appearances^ on dissection, are by no means uni-
form, but in every instance they are considerable, particularly
within the chest. Adhesions sometimes first attract our notice;
next the substance of the lungs, which is occasionally emphyse-
matous from ruptured air-cells, and they slightly crepitate under
the touch. I have also found a muco-purulent extravasation
within the air-cells ; but the appearance most common to thera
has been, a total change of their natural structure into a granular
bluish mass. In some instances, a morbid translation of the ex-
ternal fat was found to have taken place from without, inwards ;
by which the diaphragm, large vessels, and the interstitial mem-
branes of the chest, becoming obstructed and overcharged with
adipose substance, the respiratory functions were at length totally
suspended. The abdominal viscera are often but little affected ;
occasionally, however, the mesenteric glands are enlarged, and the
liver almost without any bile ; and still more frequently the spleen
particularly has been found greatly enlarged and diseased. — See
Splenitis, Chronic,

The cure of the disease is always a matter of much uncertainty,
and unless it be attempted in the first stages, and before visceral
injury has proceeded too far, the chances of complete recovery are
but small ; yet we may often palliate the symptoms. Artificial
habits, particularly those of want of air and exercise, with super-
abundance of food, being in nine cases out of ten the cause, it is
evident, that without these are in future rigorously and judiciously

1

130 CANINE ASTHMA.

attended to, medicine will avail little. It is unfortunate that the
accumulation of fat is, in some dogs, so much a disease, that even
a very small quantity of food will fatten ; but even that quantity
must, however, be still further reduced, so as to produce its ab-
sorption ; or it will be in vain to hope for amendment : means to
effect which are detailed under the head Feeding, An airy place
ought to be allowed the animal to sleep in ; but, above all, regular
and judicious exercise must be given ; not violent, but gentle and
long continued. The lessening of the accumulated fat will be
materially assisted by a regular exhibition of purgatives once or
twice a-week. Bleeding now and then gives a temporary relief ;
and in the incipient stages, when there is any suspicion of inflam-
matory action going on in the air vessels, it is proper ; but in the
advanced stages it seldom does much good.

•Of the various remedial plans I have pursued, none have ap-
peared more uniformly beneficial than a course of emetics, steadily
persisted in twice a-week : see Emetics^ p. 85. In the intermediate
days alteratives were administered, with the occasional use of a
purgative, provided the dog was strong, fat, and plethoric ; other-
wise this was dispensed with : but it should be remembered, that
this remedial plan must be uniformly and long continued to ensure
permanent benefit. The alterative is as follows : —

Calomel (submuriate of mercury) half a grain

Nitre (nitrate of potash) 5 grains

Cream of tartar ( supertartrate of potash) . ... 10 grains
Antimonial powder 2 grains. — Mix,

This may be given either as a powder, or it may be made into a
ball with honey; the dose being repeated one or twice a-day,
according to the urgency of the case ; the quantities may be also
lessened or increased, according to the effect produced ; the recipe
is intended for a dog of middling size. On the morning that the
emetic is given, the alterative should be omitted ; and where the
alterative is repeated night and morning, it will be prudent to watch
the mouth, that salivation may not unexpectedly come on. If this

CANINE ASTHMA. 131

should happen, discontinue the medicine for some days. Where
also the calomel has been found to disagree, I have substituted the
following alterative with benefit : —

Nitre (nitrate of potash) 3 grains

Tartar emetic (tartarized antimony) . . a quarter or half of a grain
Powdered foxglove (digitalis) half or a whole grain. — Mix.

This may be given as the other, and alternated with the emetic
also, watching the effects of the foxglove, through the medium of
the pulse, that they may not be too violent.

In some cases of long standing, where the attendant cough has
been very harsh, noisy, and distressing, I have added ten, twenty,
or thirty drops of tincture of opium (laudanurn), or the eighth,
sixth, or the fourth part of a grain of opium, to each alterative
with advantage. In other instances the cough has been best
allayed by an evening opiate of double the strength before pre-
scribed. I have, now and then, experienced benefit also from the
use of the balsamic gums, which may be all tried, therefore, in ob-
stinate cases. Thus relief has been obtained from the following,
given every morning : —

Powdered squill a whole or half a grain

Gum ammoniacum, powdered 5 grains

Balsam Peru 3 grains

Benzoic acid 1 grain

Anisated balsam of sulphur to form a ball.
Or,

Inspissated juice of the white garden lettuce . . half a drachm

Tincture or balsam of Tolu 1 drachm

Powdered gum arable and extract of liquorice 1 ounce each
Make into balls, and give one night and morning.

I have also found the underwritten to mitigate the severity of
several cases, and it deserves a trial : —

Extract of cicuta half a drachm

Extract of hyoscyamus 10 grains

Powdered digitalis a scruple

Conserve of roses to make 10, 8, or € balls, according to the size
of the dog ;

I 2

132 INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES.

of which one may be given night and morning ; increasing the dose
if it occasions no disturbance in the system. Mr. Youatt has, I
believe, found benefit in asthmatic cases from the exhibition of
prussic acid: but the powerful nature of this remedy requires
professional assistance when it is administered.

INFLAMMATION OF THE PLEURA IN DOGS (PLEURITIS).

Pleurisy, although not very common in dogs, is yet sufficiently
so to deserve our notice. Mr. Youatt observes, that " he scarcely
recollects a case of chest afi'ection which did not ultimately become
connected with, or terminated in, pleurisy. This disease shews
itself by the extreme tenderness of the sides ; by almost constant
twitchings, accompanied with suppressed painful cough, which the
dog bears with much impatience." He also assures us that an ex-
ploration of the chest by auscultation is usually very satisfactory
in pleuritic cases. He places the dog alternately on his chest, his
back, or his side, which enables him to ascertain to a certainty the
extent to which effusion exists in the thoracic cavity. Here too,
I am sorry to say, that paracentesis has rarely succeeded, and pro-
bably its failure is in some measure to be attributed to the late
period at which it was attempted. The mode of treatment differs
little from that of pneumonia. In several cases, however, when I
have been assured of incipient hydrothorax, balls composed of di-
gitalis, tartrate of iron, and a small portion of calomel, have caused
the speedy absorption of the fluid." See Veterinarian, vol. vi,
p. 294.

Sub-Class IV.

INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMINAL VISCERA.

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH (GASTRITIS.)

The stomach is less frequently affected with idiopathic inflam-
mation than the bowels ; it is, however, now and then the seat of
primary inflammation, and it often becomes affected when the

INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. 133

bowels are so. In idopathic gastritis, the sickness is incessant and
most distressing ; the thirst is unquenchable, and whatever is taken
in is immediately thrown up again. There is also very great dis-
tress in tjie countenance, but the dog evinces less disposition to
hide himself than in simple bowel affection: the mouth slavers,
and is hot and cold by turns. The disease, when violent, is seldom
relieved, even by any treatment ; but when it does admit of cure,
it is done by bleeding early and largely, both by the neck, and
by leeches to the region of the stomach. The warm bath should
be used ; injections should be repeatedly administered : the chest
should be blistered also ; but nothing ought to be given by the
mouth. The stomach is likewise liable to inflammation from poi-
sonous substances ; a very marked and peculiar one results from
rabies. The medical treatment of these varieties is detailed under
the head Poisons.

INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES (ENTERITIS).

The intestines of dogs are very irritable, and extremely subject
to inflammation ; and the phlegmasiae affecting them are of various
kinds, according to the operatin* cause. Distemper is the cause
of a variety that shews itself by a continued diarrhoea. Dogs are
very liable to rheumatism ; but it is no less true than curious, that
a dog never has acute and seldom chronic rheumatism either, that is
not accompanied, more or less, with inflammation of his bowels :
this connexion of diseases is, however, as far as my experience goes,
confined to the dog alone. In many cases the bowels are the im-
mediate and principal seat of the rheumatism, which is productive
of a peculiar enteritis, easily distinguished by those conversant
with the diseases of dogs, and as further noticed below. Poisons
produce a most fatal inflammation in the bowels of dogs ; the
effects of which are treated on under the head Poisons.

Among the various inflammatory affections, four kinds are pe-
culiarly common to the intestines of dogs. Thcjirst is that which

134 INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES.

is brought on by rheumatism, as already explained. - See Rhew
niatism.

Inflamed bowels, from costiveness, forms the second kind, and
is a very common occurrence. Dogs will bear costweness for
many days before inflammation comes on ; but when it has com-
menced it is not easily removed. This kind is known by the
gradual manner in which it attacks, and by its being at first un-
accompanied by any very active symptoms. The dog appears dull,
dishkes to move, and hides himself ; his belly is hot, and sore also :
the constipation is sometimes so complete, that nothing at all comes
from him ; at others a few drops of faeces are strained out at every
effort, which is apt to make the observer suppose that the dog is
not bound, but, on the contrary, purged ; he is, therefore, led to
neglect the principal means of relief. In the inflammation arising
from costiveness, the sickness of stomach is not at first so distress-
ing, nor is the dog so extremely anxious for water, as he is when
it arises from a cold taken, or when it comes on spontaneously.
The obstruction that exists is commonly situated far back in the
larger bowels, so that, by introducing the finger into the funda-
ment, a quantity of hardened excrement may frequently be felt.
This occurs so often, that, whenever costiveness is even suspected,
the dog should be examined, by passing the fore-finger up the anus.

Obstructions may, however, exist in any portion of the intes-
tinal track. I have in my possession a portion of jejunum, in the
centre of which intestine is a cork, that had been brutally forced
down the throat. Needles and pins form fatal obstructions some-
times, by getting across the bowels. I have also known a splinter
of a chicken-bone imbed itself in the substance of one of the in -
testines, and form an insurmountable stoppage. Intussusception
also now and then occurs, in which one portion of bowel gets
folded within another from spasm, and thus forms a complete in-
terruption to the passage of the faeces.

Whenever we can ascertain by the anus that the obstruction
consists of a simple accumulation of hardened excrement within
the rectum, it is evident that purging medicines by the mouth can

INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. 135

do little good, but may do a great deal of harm, by forcing the
impacted contents into a more solid mass. The hardened matter
should be carefully broken and separated by the finger, or by a
forceps, or the handle of a spoon ; and it may then be brought
away piecemeal. If this cannot be effected, or the faecal mass be
situated completely without our reach, clysters should be constantly
kept up the intestines ; that is, as soon as one comes away another
ought to be thrown up. The dog should also be put into a warm
bath frequently, which often proves the most effectual means of
removing obstinate costiveness. Medicines by the mouth are not
to be neglected, particularly where the obstruction does not exist
within the reach of the finger ; on the contrary, a large dose of
castor oil may be first tried, which, if it fails to open the bowels,
should give place to stronger means. From three to six or eight
grains of calomel may be mixed with from half a drachm to one or
two drachms of aloes, according to the size and strength of the
dog. If the stomach should reject the first dose, add a quarter of
a grain of opium to the second ; or a dose of Epsom salts dissolved
in broth may be tried. Fortunately for medicine, we have now a
purgative so subtle and minute, that even a drop put on the tongue
proves a powerful laxative. The croton oil acts as powerfully on
dogs as on the human subject, and therefore in these cases should
be tried. Repeat the purge, whatever it may be, every three or
four hours, until it operates.

In the third inflammation ( enteritis ) , or that which comes on
spontaneously from irritation or from the efiect of cold, the early
symptoms are more acute ; great heat, thirst, panting, and restless-
ness, are apparent even from the first attack. The stomach is in-
cessantly sick, and throws off all its contents, mixed oftentimes
with biliary matter, and all food is refused, but water is sometimes
sought for with anxiety. The belly is extremely hot, and painful
to the touch ; the eyes are red, and the mouth and nose are alter-
nately hot and cold. The animal frequently lies on his stomach,
expresses great anxiety in his countenance, and the pulse is ex-
tremely quick but small. Enteritis may be distinguished from

136 INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES.

Bpasmodic colic by the extreme tenderness and heat in the bowels,
which are peculiarly apparent in the inflammatory state.

Under these circumstances, the dog should be early and freely
bled. From three to six or eight ounces may be taken away, ac-
cording to the size and strength of the animal, A laxative of
castor oil, or of Epsom salts, should next be administered ; but
unless the bowels are obstinately bound, and have been so for
several days, nothing drastic should be given by the mouth, as it
would only heighten the inflammatory symptoms. The animal
should be bathed in hot water every three or four hours : when
that is found too troublesome from his size or other circumstances,
the belly may be steeped in hot water, or it may be fomented with
hot flannels ; but one or the other must by no means be omitted.
Clysters of castor oil, with mutton broth, should be frequently
thrown up, till evacuation is procured ; and when the case is des-
perate, the belly may also be rubbed with oil of turpentine be-
tween the bathings, or it may be covered with a blister ; or a mustard
poultice may be applied. No food should be given, and cold water
should be removed ; but the dog may be drenched with mutton
broth. In case the vomiting continues obstinate, with every dose
of castor oil, and with every drench of mutton broth, give from ten
to twenty drops of laudanum : if the animal becomes paralytic in
his lower extremities, if the sickness proves incessant, and the
mouth and ears become cold and pale, mortification is at hand.
Enteritis, or red colic, is not always accompanied with costiveness ;
in some there is very little ; and in a few cases the bowels are
even lax : but, in the greater number of instances, costiveness to a
certain degree is present ; for, even when it did not exist previous
to the attack, it is pretty sure to be brought on by it : an effectual
laxative is, therefore, premised early in the complaint. If the dog
be very delicate, this primary laxative may be castor oil ; but when
that is not at hand, or fails in its operation, I have used mild doses
of Epsom salts with advantage; and, in some instances, these
have remained on the stomach when castor oil has been rejected,
— See Costiveness.

INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. 137

Bilious inflammation of the bowels forms the fourth kind of
intestinal inflammation ; originating, as I suspect, in some affec-
tion of the liver, which alters its secreting qualities, and makes
it, instead of engendering a healthy bile, secrete one of a black
noxious kind, which, as soon as it passes into the bowels, irritates
and inflames them most highly. This species of enteritis may be
distinguished from the other kinds, by the early vomiting of a black
or yellow foetid matter, and likewise by the bilious evacuations.
Poisonous substances will, however, sometimes produce similar
appearances in the stools ; caution is therefore requisite in deciding
between the two, as the treatment for the one and that for the other
(see Poisons J should be somewhat difierent. In the inflamma-
tions arising from mineral poisons, the vomitings are incessant,
and usually frothy and streaked with blood ; the mouth swells, and
emits an ofi^ensive odour ; and the stools are more bloody and less
tinged with dark bile. This inflammation may be distinguished
from the bilious by the thirst, which is insatiable under the action
of poison.

Bilious inflammation is not a very untractable complaint when
judiciously managed. When the purgings are already considerable,
nothing stronger than castor oil, with some opium, should be
given ; but this should never be neglected : if even the evacuations
are frequent, profuse, and bloody, a mild dose, with forty or fifty
drops of laudanum, is proper at first. When the evacuations by
the bowels are very trifling, a mild mercurial purge should not be
neglected, which I have sometimes found of the greatest service ;

Submuriate of qucksilver (calomel) 12 grains

Aloes 3 drachms

Opium 1 grain.

Make into four, six, or eight balls, according to the size of the
dog, and give one every four or five hours till relief is obtained.
It will be prudent to give clysters of mutton broth, and also to
force some down the throat : and when the sickness is very obsti-

1S8 INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES,

nate, adding to it twenty or thirty drops of laudanum. The warm
bath, or fomentations, should be likewise made use of, in case the
belly feels hot and tense.

When, however, the bilious purging is very great, and has
existed some time, in addition to the quantity evacuated, the
stools are found to be tinged with blood. Here no laxatives
should be used, but, on the contrary, the following should be
given :

Powdered columba 1 drachm

Powdered chalk 1 drachm

Powdered gum arable 1 drachm

Powdered opium ; 1 grain

Mix, and divide into three, five, or seven balls, according to the
size of the dog, and give one every three or four hours : throw up
also starch clysters. The distressing sickness that sometimes ac-
companies these aggravated cases, and the bloody evacuations like-
wise, render it very difficult to distinguish them from those that
occur from the administration of mineral poisons, without a minute
attention to circumstances already detailed. The sickness is,
however, best relieved in all of them by the powder of columba,
with laudanum, given in moderate but frequent doses, as from ten
to fifteen grains of the powder, and from fifteen to twenty-five
drops of the opiate.

INFLAMED LIVER (HEPATITIS).

The hepatic organ in dogs is subject to two inflammations; one
rapid and acute, the other slow and chronic.

Acute inflammation of the liver is not a very frequent disease,
but I have occasionally met with it. It may be brought on by
cold, and shews itself by dulness, restlessness, panting, and unusual
inclination to drink. There is also present, in some cases, frequent
sickness ; but it is seldom of that distressing kind which accom-
panies inflammation of the stomach or bowels. Hepatitis may be

INFLAMED LIVER. 139

distinguished from peripneumony, or inflamed lungs, by the absence
of an intense coldness of the nose and mouth ; neither is there a
watery exudation from them, as in pneumonia ; nor is the head
held up to facilitate breathing. From inflamed bowels it may be
distinguished, by the general symptoms being, although not very
unhke, yet less severe, with less prostration of strength ; neither
is the region of the belly so hot and tense, although I have ob-
served the right side considerably enlarged, and tender to the touch
in some cases. On the second day of the inflammation, the urine
becomes of a deep yellow : the skin appears Kkewise universally
tinged, but the coverings of the eyes and mouth particularly so.

This disease is sometimes attended with purging, but much
oftener with constipation. When active purging is present, the
complaint usually degenerates into the bilious, or fourth kind of
inflammation of the bowels. — See Inflamed Bowels. In most in-
stances it proves fatal, unless attended to sufficiently early ; and
such a termination is at hand when the sickness becomes frequent,
when the limbs appear paralytic, and the mouth is pale as well as
cold.

The proper treatment of hepatitis consists in early and plentiful
bleeding; a stimulating or blistering application applied to the
belly, particularly towards the right side, with opening medicines ;
and, if circumstances should prevent the application of any sti-
mulant to the region of the liver, the dog should be put into warm
water twice or thrice during the day. After the bowels have been
well opened, give the following, every three or four hours : —

Powdered foxglove 8 grains

Antimonial powder 16 grains

Nitrated potash (nitre) in powder '. 1 drachm.

Mix, and divide into seven, nine, or twelve powders ; or make into
as many balls, according to the size of the dog. If, under this
treatment, amendment does not become apparent, repeat the bleed-
ing, and stimulate the skin more actively.

Chronic inflammation of the liver arises sometimes spontane-
ously, and is idiopathic. In other cases it is brought on by the

140 INFLAMED LIVER.

agency of other aflFections. Long continued or inveterate mange
will tend to produce disease in the liver. In some cases of dis-
temper, also, a dull inflammatory action of the liver occurs, and
which is almost always accompanied with a pustular eruption over
the belly. The skin is also commonly tinged with a biliary suffu-
sion ; but the urine is invariably impregnated with a very large
quantity of bile ; and occasionally the eyes and skin are tinged
with yellow.

There is also present dulness, wasting, a staring coat, and very
often a tumour may be felt in the right side of the belly. From
the unhealthy appearance of the hair, this disease is often mistaken
for worms ; but it may be distinguished by the want of the vora-
city of appetite which characterises worms, and also by the general
and constant dulness of manner : sometimes it is connected with
chronic splenitis, and also with asthma.

The treatment of this disease should be commenced by a mer-
curial purge, after which give, night and morning, one of the fol-
lowing balls : —

Subrauriate of quicksilver (calomel) 20 grains

Antimonial powder 30 grains

Powdered myrrh 2 drachms

Powdered gentian 2 drachms

Aloes 2 drachms.

Mix with any adhesive matter, and divide into fifteen, twenty, or
twenty-five balls, according to the size of the dog.

Mercurial ointment 1 ounce

Blistering ointment 2 drachms.

Ointment of yellow wax 1 ounce.

Rub into the region of the liver a small portion of this ointment
(the size of a nutmeg) once every day. Pursue this treatment
some time, carefully watching the mouth, to guard against sud-
den and violent salivation. A moderate soreness of the mouth is,
however, to be encouraged and kept up : nor have I ever suc-
ceeded in removing the complaint without it.

141

INFLAMMATION OF THE SPLEEN (SPLENITIS).

Acute inflammation of the spleen^ although there is no reason
to doubt its existence, I have not seen more than once or twice at
the most ; but chronic inflammation of this organ is I believe by
no means uncommon, having myself seen several instances, and I
know of one at the present moment in a Newfoundland dog, the
property of a friend : at least, from former cases which fell under
my observation, I conclude it so, and am pretty certain I am not de-
ceived. This dog had been subject to great confinement, not being
loosened from his chain for weeks together. He was received by
my friend with an unthrifty looking coat, but gorged with flesh :
the mischief, however, was done, and soon began to shew itself;
he became emaciated, while the left side of the abdomen remained
hard and protruded ; he continued to husk, and to have irregular
loose stools. These, in essential particulars, were the symptoms
exhibited in this instance during his life. After his death, indeed,
an examination of the body presented a mass of indurated and
disorganized thoracic contents. The heart also was much en-
larged ; and the spleen likewise. Indeed, the whole of the abdo-
minal contents were more or less indurated and swollen ; and
whenever a dog has been unthrifty in his coat, and irregular in his
evacuations, I have almost invariably found that both the liver
and spleen of the animal were thus diseased, particularly the latter:
but whether this was a cause or a consequence it was dijSicult to
determine.

INFLAMED BLADDER (CYSTITIS).

This is not a very common complaint among dogs, nevertheless
it now and then occurs: in the year 1810 there was an epidemic
prevalent, in which the bladder was in almost every instance very
much inflamed ; and in many of the cases which occurred it was
exclusively so. Cystitis shews itself by a very frequent pulse,
great restlessness, and panting: in some instances the urine is

142 RHEUMATISM.

evacuated by frequent drops, tinged with blood ; in others there is
a total stoppage of it. The belly appears hot, swelled, and is very
tender to the touch, particularly between the hind legs.

The animal affected should be liberally bled, and have opening
medicines ; clysters and the warm bath are also to be resorted to,
and frequently repeated. Diuretics are improper, but antimonials,
as antimonial powder, or small repeated doses of emetic tartar, are
by no means to be neglected. Where the warm bath is not con-
venient, warm fomentations may be properly substituted. Leeches
may also be applied.

Sub-Class V.

INFLAMMATION OF LIGAMENTOUS AND APONEUROTIC
EXPANSIONS.

RHEUMATISM.
There is no disease, except distemper and mange, to which
dogs are so liable, as to a rheumatic affection of some part or other
of the body. Rheumatism presents almost as many varieties in
dogs as it does in man ; and it has some peculiarities that are ob-
served in the dog only. One very extraordinary one is, that
rheumatism never exists in a dog without its affecting the bowels ;
that is, whatever part of the body becomes rheumatic, either an
active rheumatic inflammation will be found to exist in the bowels
also, or they will be attacked with a painful torpor : and, in either
case, costiveness will be commonly present. The most usual form
of this complaint is one which is very similar to the human lum-
bago. In this case a dog is, in general, seized with a partial or
total loss of the use of his hind legs; his back, particularly about
the lokis, appears tender and painful to the touch. He screams
on being moved ; his belly is hot, very painful, and very sensible
to pressure. The nose is hot also, the mouth dry, and the pulse
considerably increased in frequency. Sometimes the paralysis is
not confined wholly to the hinder legs, but the fore legs are partly,
or completely, paralysed, and helpless also. It seldom attacks the

RHEUMATISM. 143

smaller joints, but confines itself to the trunk and upper portions
of the extremities : neither does it wander, as the human rheu-
matism, from place to place, but usually remains where it first
attacked.

A certain prognostic of the termination of this acute type of
the complaint is very difficult to form ; for, in some cases, the
limbs recover themselves very speedily, in others more slowly :
while, not unfrequently, the paralysis remains through life, and
when confined to the hinder extremities, the animal drags them
after him as long as he lives, or he gets the habit of carrying them
completely from the ground by the strength of his fore quarters.
When the paralysis is universal, the chance of perfect recovery is
less than when it is partial ; though, from this also, dogs do now
and then recover by active and judicious medical treatment. It is
to be remarked, however, that too often, although the general
health may be established, yet some weakness will remain in the
loins and extremities : but more particularly it may be regarded as
a rule, from which there are few deviations, that, when a dog has
once had rheumatism, he will be extremely liable to it again on the
access of cold.

There is a singular variety of rheumatism that seems to be com-
bined with a spasmodic affection, which peculiarly affects the neck,
occasioning swelling, stiffness, and extreme tenderness of the part.
Sometimes also it affects, at the same time, one or both fore legs,
and is then called chest founder ; but even here the attack on
such distant parts appears to be more symptomatic than idiopathic,
for the bowels are always affected, and it happens invariably, that,
when they are relieved, the violence of the complaint is always mi-
tigated in the limbs or neck*. I have not found any one kind of
dog to be naturally more prone to rheumatic affections than an-
other, all seem alike subject to them ; but those become most so
that live most artificially, and such as are usually kept warm, but
become accidentally exposed to wet or cold. The spring produces

* See a note on this subject appended to Spasmodic Colic, Class II.

I** RHEUMATISM.

more instances of this disease than any other time of the year,
probably from the prevalence of easterly winds at that season^.

The treatment of canine rheumatism should be as follows : —
In every instance the bowels must be particularly and promptly
attended to ; and in no way does this indication seem better effected
than by first placing the animal in warm water, and keeping him
there for a quarter of an hour, at the same time rubbing him well
over the affected parts. When taken out, wipe him dry ; wrap
him well up in a blanket, and place him within the warmth of a
fire : first, however, giving him the following : —

Tincture of opium 20 drops

Vitriolic aether 30 drops

Castor oil 1 ounce.

This quantity is proper for a middling sized dog, and may be
increased or diminished in strength at pleasure : should it not be
found to operate as a laxative, a clyster should be likewise admi-
nistered ; and, in default of that acting also, give the following
ball, increasing or diminishing its size and strength according to
circumstances : —

Submuriate of mercury (calomel) 4 grains

Powdered opium a quarter of a grain

Oil of peppermint 1 drop

Aloes 1 drachm.

Make into a .ball with lard or butter, which give ; and, if neces-
sary, repeat every four hours till the bowels are perfectly open,
and keep them gently so by mild aperients for several days after,
or until amendment takes place. The affected parts must also be
embrocated two or three times a- day with either of the following: —

* Dogs, particularly such as are closely domesticated, become peculiarly
open to atmospheric impressions. Any sudden change of weather, especially
from a dry to a moist state, may be seen in the depressed countenance and
listless manner of many of them. Many othei-s cannot be exposed to an
easterly wind, for a quarter of an hour even, without becoming affected with
rheumatism.

RHEUMATISM. 145

Oil of turpentine 2 ounces

Liquid carbonate of ammonia (spirit of hartshorn) . . 2 ounces

Tincture of opium (laudanum) 2 drachms

Olive oil 2 ounces :

Or,

Cajeput oil .- one part

Soap liniment (opodeldoc) two parts. Mix

The warm bath should be repeated at intervals of one or two
days, according to the quickness or tardiness of the amendment ;
moderate feeding only should be allowed. Sometimes food is al-
together refused ; more frequently the animal is as willing to eat
as at other times ; and it is not uncommon, in some of these cases,
from a morbid sympathy of the stomach and bowels, for him to
be more than usually voracious. When the paralysis occasioned
by rheumatism continues to deprive the limbs of their mobihty, I
have experienced some good effect from electricity, in others from
mercurial frictions, and in some cases from blisters along the
spine : where the hinder limbs only have been paralytic, a very
large pitch plaister, applied over the whole loins, reaching to the
tail, as well as covering the upper parts of the thighs, and worn
for two months, or even longer, has been of great service. I have
experienced benefit also from the cold bath ; but the warm bath,
though a most admirable remedy during the rheumatic attack, I
have never found to give any relief to the future paralysis. Fi-
nally, when all these have altogether failed, I would advise a trial
of the tonic plan recommended for Chorea ; and as a last resource
acupuncturation might be tried, which see among the Ope7'ations*

146

CLASS II.

SPASMODIC DISEASES.

EPILEPSY.
Epileptic Jits are of frequent occurrence in dogs, and may, like
those in ourselves, be considered both idiopathic and sympathetic ;
or, in other words, they appear constitutional at some times, the
result probably of particular organization, and at others are caused
by accidental irritations, as worms, metastasis in distemper, &c.
Blows on the head have made dogs subject to occasional attacks
of epilepsy ; and the nervous susceptibility of some is such, that
any unusual excitement, whether of joy or fear, will bring it on.
Sporting dogs, particularly such as are what is called very high
bred, in which the mental irritability is artificially increased, are
often the subjects of it when ranging in the pursuit of game, and
particularly such as have been previously confined much, from
the unprepared state of the brain to bear the unusual quan-
tity of blood determined to it. In some dogs, the mere plethora
of the constitution, or the fat accumulated, are sufficient to produce
an attack ; and such, without other excitement, if made to travel
an unaccustomed distance behind a horse or carriage, particularly
at a quick pace, fall into a fit, and from doing it unobserved are
frequently lost. Fear will often occasion an epileptic attack in
young dogs, or in dogs of any age, if previously debilitated by
illness. Worms are a very common cause of epilepsy in young
dogs; and teething in puppies. Distemper also ushers in its
attack sometimes by a fit of this kind, in which case it is not an
unfavourable symptom ; on the contrary, when epileptic fits occur
during the progress of the disease, they commonly destroy the
patient. The epilepsy of distemper may be readily distinguished
from the other varieties by the attendant symptoms of that disease
being present, as well as by the full detail of its peculiarities of
attjuck under that head (p. 116).

EPILEPST. 147

The treatment of epilepsy must be preceded by an inquiry into
its probable cause. Where close confinement and accumulation
of much flesh may be supposed the principal agents, let the dog
be bled, purged, moderately fed, and regularly but not violently
exercised. Where a natural irritability, as in the high-bred sport-
ing varieties, appears the cause of the excitability, it should be
moderated by accustoming them to a more uniform and full supply
of the objects occasioning it, with a habit of regular exercise,
whether wanted for sporting purposes or not : thus, for a valuable
setter belonging to a gentleman, which seldom went to the field
without an epileptic attack, I recommended his being taken into a
country more plentifully supplied with game than his neighbour-
hood afforded : the consequence of which was, that though, for a
few days after his removal, he had fits more frequently than ever,
yet they gradually lessened, and at length wholly left him. Where
repletion and want of condition appear the principal causes, lower
the system by bleeding, purging, and occasional emetics, as detailed
under the General Treatment of Dogs (p. 67). A seton is also
a valuable remedy, and, whenever fits have become habitual, insert
one, and keep it open some months.

An epileptic fit can often be stopped by cold water thrown over
the head and body ; and whenever a fit has occurred, the dog
should have a brisk purge, as costiveness is not an unfrequent
cause ; and this is the more prudent, because, should it arise from
any other source, the treatment is equally proper. Such an oc-
currence ought also to be followed by an examination of the stools,
and by looking for other signs of worms, which are often the oc-
casion of it. See Worms, Class III.

The epilepsy of hitches when suckling is of a different kind to
that I have been treating of, being wholly asthenic, and consequent
to the attempt of the mother to furnish a greater number of young
than the constitutional state of the animal is equal to^. It occurs

* Without consideration, some might say, How then do dogs in a state of
nature survive these hazards ? to which may be replied, Let Nature alone, and
she will provide for her own children ; interfere with her, and she leaves the onus

k2

14-8 EPILEPSY.

principally among fancy and highly-petted dogs, whose irritability
of constitution is thus increased by their artificial habits : occa-
sionally, however, it occurs with others less confined and pampered,
where the owners are anxious to save several of a litter, or are
forgetful to supply the necessary extra nutriment. The appear-
ance of these fits is made at uncertain periods of lactation, as the
constitution begins to sympathise extremely, sooner or later, with
the unnatural call made on it. The mother may go on well for
weeks even ; suddenly, however, she will be seized with convul-
sions, which will follow each other with rapidity, and carry her off:
the cause of which is seldom suspected, but it almost always arises
from debility thus brought on. The mother should always, there-
fore, be allowed to suckle as many puppies only as her constitu-
tional powers are equal to ; but to specify the precise number is to-
tally impossible, as some can bring up five or six with more ease
than others can rear three. Strong healthy bitches, that have
before brought up young, may rear four or five : delicate ones are
sufficiently burthened with three, many can only bear two.

The treatment is to be commenced by an immediate removal of
the puppies : one or two may be put to her for half an hour, morn-
ing and evening ; or if she is distressed at their loss, and has much
milk left, one may remain with her ; but unless the majority are

with you. In a state of nature the caninae breed but once in the year, and never
have more, 1 believe, than five or six at a birth. Cultivation and domestica-
tion have so altered their habits, that our dogs breed three times in two years,
and some five times in three years, and have six, ei^ht, and occasionally many
more whelps at a birth. We have also decreased their powers of supplying
these extra wants, by the very same means we have increased their generative
powers, by making them artificial instead of natural animals. I have had
many occasions of proving, that this artificial cultivation weakens their re-
sources under disease, and under other accidental circumstances, as breeding,
&c. Nature thus punishes the deviations from her established rules ; and as
this frequent gestation and unusual rearing of extra numerous progeny is of
man's own work, he must oppose art to art, by destroying as many of the young
as may be supposed beyond the powers of the mother to rear ; and also of giving
her extra support to nourish the remainder.

EPILEPSY. 149

taken away, she cannot be saved. As an internal remedy employ
the following: —

Sulphuric aether 1 drachm

Tincture of opium {laudanum) ^ . . 1 drachm

Strong ale 2 ounces. Mix.

Give from a dessert to two table-spoonfuls of this mixture, accord-
ing to the size and strength of the patient, repeating the dose
every two or three hours. Force down also some nutritious
matter, solid or liquid, as diet ; and, as soon as the animal will eat,
let the food be of the very best kind, and in sufficient quantities.
But let the warm bath be resorted to before all.

The true idiopathic epilepsy, or that which becomes habitual
without a known or accidental cause (or even that which is occa-
sioned from accidental causes), should it resist the preventive
means already directed, must be combatted by antispasmodics and
tonics : commence the treatment, however, by the following, where
the dog is strong, and in full condition ; if otherwise, proceed with
the next recipe : —

Calomel (suhmuriate of quicksilver) 8 grains

Carbonate of iron half a drachm

Extract of hemlock (cicuta) 1 scruple.

Mix with conserve of roses, palm oil, &c. &c.; sufficient to form
twelve, nine, or six balls, of which give one every morning. Should
these not mitigate the attacks, try the following : —

Nitrate of silver (lunar caustic), finely powdered . . 2 grains

Spider's web, called cobweb 5 grains

Conserve of roses sufficient for balls.

Make into nine, twelve, or fifteen balls, according to the size of
the dog ; of which give one every morning.

CHOREA, SPASM, CONVULSION, AND PARALYSIS.

Chorea, known in the human subject as St. Vitus's dance, is a
peculiar modification, or compound of spasm and paralysis. We
have sufficient reasons for considering the whole of these as arising

150 CHOREA, SPASM, CONVULSION, AND PARALYSIS.

from certain morbid affections or states of the brain ; though post-
mortem examinations have often failed to detect any structural al-
teration there ; and when such do occur, some might be led to at-
tribute them to the force of the symptoms ; or, in other words, as
an effect rather than a cause. Chorea is sometimes general, as is
seen in some states of distemper, when the animal is universally
affected with muscular spasmodic contractions from head to foot,
as well sleeping as waking : every limb is alternately flexed and
straightened, as though the poor brute was in constant and fatiguing
exercise ; while his cries and moans bespeak his sufferings, and he
dies worn out by the irritation and exhaustion produced, earlier or
later, as his own strength or the degree of the disease operate for
or against him.

Chorea is, however, more frequently partial, and these con-
vulsive twitchings are confined sometimes to the head and neck,
which are bowed continually ; occasionally only a part of the face
is so convulsed ; in others the fore quarters are principally aflfected,
being drawn down with distressing regularity. Now and then
it is in the hinder quarters, and sometimes in one limb only ; but
wherever it exists it seldom affords any respite. In this state a
dog will continue, particularly when it is the consequence of dis-
temper, for a longer or shorter period ; and oftentimes it remains
through life, rendering the objects of it useless as sporting dogs,
guards, &c. Chorea may be the consequence of other irritations
besides distemper, as worms, injuries received on the head, and
debilitating diseases ; but the distemper is the most frequent cause.

The treatment is usually of the tonic kind, although in the more
early stages it may not be imprudent to act on supposition that
some revulsive means, directed to the sensorium, might be useful.
In such case, a seton might be applied, or a blister to the back of
the head ; or the spine may be stimulated ; but it is rare, when
the disease has continued some time, that these means are at-
tended with benefit. We may however, expect more from tonic
remedies, as liberal feeding, pure air, the cold bath, frictions,
with the following ; —

CHOREA, SPASM, CONVULSION, AND PARALYSIS. 151

Nitrate of silver, ground very fine 3 grains

Carbonate of iron, powdered 2 drachms

Gentian ditto 3 drachms

Conserve of roses sufficient to make twelve, nine, or six balls,

of which, give one every night ; and if the medicine is well borne
on the stomach, give it both night and morning. It is the practice
at the Royal Veterinary School of Lyons to treat dogs in this
complaint with the gum asafoetida, dissolved in vinegar, both by
the mouth and by clysters ; and the accounts are very favourable
with regard to it, if it be sufficiently long continued, but most so
in those cases where there is neither paralysis nor marasmus.
Other tonic formulae may also be used, in which the sulphate of
iron, sulphate of zinc, quinine, very minute doses of the strychnine,
as one-eighth of a grain, may any of them enter. It is not,
however, improbable that the disease will baffle every attempt at
cure.

Spasm differs from chorea, principally in its being an irregular
motion rather of the internal than the external muscular fibre :
when very violent and diffused, it degenerates into what is popu-
larly understood by convulsions, in which way it is that partial
spasm, particularly chorea, ends : thus the twitchings which affect
the limbs in distemper, when, instead of lessening they increase
daily, usually end by one universal convulsive attack, which de-
stroys -the animal. Dogs are very subject to spasm from a variety
of occasional causes ; it is also the usual accompaniment of several
idiopathic diseases. Rheumatism produces spasmodic affections
of the bowels, and often likewise of the neck, fore extremities, &c.
In rabies, spasmodic contractions are very common. Spasmodic
colic is not unfrequent in dogs ; it also affects the bowels of pup-
pies in a very particular manner sometimes. — See Colic.

Cramp, which is the familiar term among sporstmen for spasm,
occasionally seizes the limbs suddenly, attacking first one and
then the other. Tetanus, or locked jaw, is also a spasmodic affection.

The best external antispasmodics are warm the bath, with close
confinement in flannel afterwards. In some cases, an extraordinary

152 CHOREA, SPASM, CONVULSIOIS, AND PARALYSIS,
degree of warmth, in whatever way applied, has proved useful,
with volatile embrocations applied to the pained parts. Internally
the following may be given : —

iEther 20 to 60 drops

Tincture of opium (laudanum) 20 to 60 drops

Camphor 3 to 6 grains

Mix these together, and give in a table- spoonful of ale or of wine
and water, according to the urgency of the symptoms. No fear
need be apprehended from an over-dose of opium ; for in these
cases analogy between the human and brute should not be allowed
to guide the exhibition ; a dog will bear five times the quantity of
opium that a human person could. When spasm affects the bowels,
sometimes much benefit arises from clysters with a drachm of
laudanum in each. See Colic, Spasmodic, — Warm bathing, as
before noticed, should never be omitted as a remedy in general
spasm ; but, in some cases of long-continued spasmodic affection,
more purely paralytic, as in the twitchings arising from distemper,
tonic remedies, with cold bathing, are more proper. Extensive
bleeding has very often relieved some occasional spasms ; and other
cases of longer standing have been benefitted by the treatment
detailed under the head Epileipsy,

Paralysis is probably the consequence of a diminution of sen-
sorial excitement, by which a total or partial loss of motive power
is experienced in certain parts of the body : in extreme cases it
may be general ; it is usually, however, local. Rabies is a very
common cause of paralysis of the jaws and muscles of the throat,
loins, and hinder extremities: sometimes an universal paralytic
weakness is also diffused over the frame in rabid dogs. Distem-
per is very commonly attended with some paralysis of the hinder
parts and sometimes of the head and fore legs ; now and then it is
mildly but universally diff'used. A frequent source of paralysis is
rheumatism, which see (p 142).

The treatment must vary according to the cause producing the
affection. General warmth, with stimulating applications to the

TETANUS, OR LOCKED JAW. 153

affected parts, is proper for most early cases : when long con-
tinued, the cold bath proves often most efficacious ; but still, dur-
ing the intervening time, the body should be kept warm. As a
general remedy in rheumatic paralysis, an extensive pitch plaister
deserves an immediate trial. Blisters and electricity are some-
times useful. For local injuries, a seton opposite the injured part
often proves beneficial. Electricity is worthy of attention. Acu-
puncturation, both in chorea and in paralysis, is deserving of trial.
The process is detailed with Operations, Class XII.

TETANUS, OR LOCKED JAW.

It is remarkable, that although dogs are very subject to various
spasmodic affections, yet to that called tetanus, or locked-jaw, they
are so little so, that I never met with more than three cases of it
among many thousands of diseased dogs. These are, however, suf-
ficient to establish the susceptibility of the dog to the complaint.
Two of these cases were idiopath ic, one being apparently occa-
sioned by exposure to cold air all night : in the other, the cause
was obscure. The third was of that kind called symptomatic, and
arose from external injury done to one of the feet. In each of
these cases the convulsive spasm was extreme, and the rigidity
universal but not intense. In one case the jaw was only partially
locked. Both warm and cold bathings were tried ; large doses of
opium and camphor were given by the mouth, and thrown up in
clysters also. The spine of one was blistered. Stimulating
frictions were applied to all, but in neither case with any salutary
efiect.

SPASMODIC COLIC.

Among the spasmodic afifections of dogs, those attacking the
bowels are particularly deserving of notice, from their singularity,
importance, and variety. In all violent colics there is probably
some spasmodic constriction ; and thus the cohc of worms ; that

154 SPASMODIC COLIC.

resulting from acrid poisons, particularly of lead ; or from consti-
pation ; or from bilious inflammation, invariably present appear-
ances of some spasmodic action on the canal. There is also the
spasmodic colic of rheumatism (p. 142), which is of so peculiar a
nature as hardly to allow us to conclude whether it be a cause or
an effect, by the circumstance that no relief from the rheumatic or
spasmodic symptoms, which affect the head, neck, or limbs, can be
obtained, until the bowels are relieved of their contents.

The true spasmodic colic in dogs is violent in its symptoms,
obstinate in character, and very often fatal in termination. I was
apt formerly to attribute these cases to the presence of worms,
and I am still inclined to think that these animals, particularly the
tape worm, will now and then occasion similar symptoms ; but the
generality of cases may be considered as arising from an irritation
sui generis. Certain appearances also might beget a suspicion,
that the head, in these instances, was the sole seat of the com-
plaint : but however the head may be connected with the disease,
the nervous affection is spent on the intestinal tissues ; and the
bowels are the ostensible seat of the morbid attack", which is

' If reference be made to the article Distemper, and if the physiological
hints there thrown out on the connexions between the brain, as the seat of
sensorial and motive power, be looked over, it will be an introduction to what
is to follow : which I would premise by observing, that although in a work at
first intended as a popular vade mecum on a new branch of the ars medendi,
I was somewhat obliged to fix the description of a disease where we could best
identify it by its consequences ; yet it does not follow, that as we proceed we
may not be allowed to enlarge our sphere of reasoning, and direct our inquiries
rather beyond the plain matter of fact. Under this view, with our extended
knowledge of the phenomena of nervous distribution, and the intimate con-
nexion of all diseases of increased action (and spasm may be but a morbid
modification of such action) with the brain, as so admirably entered into by Dr.
Clutterbuck, are we warranted in indulging in a suspicion that this particular
variety of colic, and that also described with rheumatism, as a rheumatic
spasm of the neck and bowels, may be rather symptoms of idiopathic affection
of the brain than of the parts we detect the consequences in ? In the affection
imder our immediate consideration, the symptoms give strong indication of a
direct attack on the scnsorium itself; but in pursuing the disease, either as to

SPASMODIC COLIC. 155

of a peculiar spasmodic nature, and commonly attended with a
slight degree of inflammation.

The symptoms are dulness, loss of appetite ; th« nose is hot, but
the forehead particularly so ; with some panting, and much rest-
lessness. In some cases, there are appearances of acute occasional
pain ; in others there is seen but little ; but in all there is a parti-
cular stupor, and a very remarkable inclination to run round in a
circle, and that always in the same direction. The sight seems
affected, and sometimes the senses are wholly lost at others, al-
though the stupor is considerable, yet the faculties are not totally
obscured. In other cases, paralysis comes on, and the head be-
comes drawn to one side ; and I have always observed it to incline
to the same side that, while capable of moving, the dog turned
upon. The limbs also participate in these extreme cases, and be-
come contracted likewise. It is necessary to observe, that lead
received into the stomach will also produce all these symptoms
occasionally.

The duration of the complaint is various. It sometimes destroys
in a few days, while some cases linger two or even three weeks ;
but eventually five out of every six attacked with it, die. On
dissection, slight marks only of inflammation usually appear ; and
now and then intussusception is present ; but in all, portions of
the bowels in a contracted state are met with, while portions again
seem larger than usual, and are flabby and unnaturally relaxed, as
though they had lost all their tone by the disease. The most
attentive dissection of the head, in these cases, has never detected
any morbid appearances there, except, in one or two instances, a
slight increase of vascularity. The aff'ection of it, therefore,

the consequence of a fortunate termination, which seems always the result of
applications to the intestinal track, and also the absence of morbid phenomena
of any extent in post-mortem examinations of the brain, the probabilities seem
to incline to the idiopathic seat being within the bowels themselves ; always
bearing in mind, that the first reason is the most cogent of the two ; for the
absence of cerebral marks of disease is no proof of morbid action not having
gone on. The matter is worthy of all the observation and all the consideration
of the veterinarian.

1,56 SPASMODIC GOLIC.

during the progress of the complaint, must be considered as purely
symptomatic, and as not at all referrible to any specific affection
of the sensorium itself; and although the head feels hot during
the disease, the eyes are flushed, and great pain appears in it, from
the pressure that is always made by the animal against the hand,
when it is held to it ; and the sense of pleasure that is manifested
when the forehead is rubbed yet direct medical applications
to the head, as fomentations, blisters, and leeches, have always
failed to give any relief; while the only remedies that have suc-
ceeded have been such as were applied immediately to the bowels.
The treatment I have found most successful consisted in early
and active evacuations, as

Castor oil half an ounce

Oil of peppermint 1 drop

Tincture of opium 20 drops.

If this should fail to relieve the bowels in half an hour, repeat it ;
and in an hour or two from this second exhibition, if no stool has
been procured, and real costiveness had been previously present,
give aloes half a drachm to a drachm, or a drachm and a half,
according to the size of the dog. Aperient clysters must also be
thrown up, and often repeated, until the bowels are sufficiently
evacuated. During the course of that part of the treatment di-
rected to opening the bowels, the spasmodic constrictions can be
attended to at the same time also, by bathing in water sufficiently
warm. Frictions with some spirituous mixture to the belly, as
gin, or olive oil two parts and oil of turpentine one part. When
the bowels are emptied, then give the following : —

iEther half a drachm to a drachm

Tincture of opium ditto

Camphor 3 to 6 grains

Castor oil 3 to 5 drachms.

I add castor oil to the antispasmodic mixture, from a confidence in
its being a valuable agent in quieting the irritation, as well as in
overcoming the obstruction : but if diarrhoea have already come
on, then it should be omitted. Anodyne clysters must also be

1

DIARRHCEA, OR PROFUSE PURGING. 157

thrown up after the bowels have been opened ; the warm bath,
Hkewise, and stimulating frictions should be continued, at short
intervals, until the case is hopeless or mitigated.

The occasional and epidemic spasmodic colic of puppies,
though essentially the same with that we have described, deserves
a separate notice, because it sometimes rages in an epidemial form ;
and also because it appears more directly an intestinal attack;
the head not being aflfected either with vertigo or stupor: its
spasms take place at intervals, occasioning loud cries while they
last. The treatment, however active and judicious, is seldom
successful ; but that which has seemed the most efficacious has
been mercurial purgatives ; as calomel one grain, aloes a scruple,
opium a quarter of a grain : make into a ball, and give every two
hours, until the bowels are open. A young dog of some strength
and size should have a double dose ; a Newfoundland, a treble one.
Warm bath, stimulating frictions, and clysters, are equally proper
here as in the preceding.

CLASS III.

DISEASES OF THE ALIMENTARY CANAL.

Gastritis. — See Class I, Sub-Class IV.
Enteritis See Ditto, Ditto.

DIARRHCEA, OR PROFUSE PURGING.
Dogs are subject, under various morbid affections, to looseness
of bowels ; it is one of the most common and obstinate symptoms
in distemper ; and in that complaint the evacuations are of a very
variable quantity, colour, and consistence; sometimes glairy, at
others thin and watery ; often frothy, pale, and in small quantity ;
now lead-coloured, and then bloody. In bilious purging they are
yellow or black ; and when worms exist, they change frequently,

158 l>iARRH(EA, OR PROFUSE PURGING.

but usually have some glair, and are often frothy also. When
diarrhoea continues for many days, the rectum becomes inflamed
and slightly ulcerated within the fundament, by which a constant
irritation and tenesmus are kept up ; and the poor animal, feeling
as though he wanted to evacuate, is continually trying to bring
something away. On observing this, persons are frequently led
into error ; for, under a supposition that there exists actual cos-
tiveness at the time, they give purging medicines, which greatly
aggravate the complaint, and frequently destroy the dog. When
the diarrhoea is considerable, there is always violent thirst, and
cold water is sought after with great eagerness ; but which in-
creases the evil, and, therefore, should be removed, and broth or
rice-water should be substituted in its room. When diarrhoea has
continued many days, particularly in the malignant distemper, it
often takes on something of a dysenteric appearance, from the
mucous surface of the intestines becoming inflamed, and throwing
off their mucous secretion in great quantities with every motion.

The cure of diarrhcea must depend on the light in which we
are led to consider it ; whether as a disease of itself, or as merely
the symptom of some other existing disease. For instance, a
bilious purging, which comes on suddenly with violent vomiting,
is best removed by evacuants to carry off the vitiated bile from the
bowels. In the looseness occasioned by worms also, purgatives or
other vermifuges should be made use of to remove the cause, and
not astringents, which would merely apply to the effect. But
when diarrhoea appears an idiopathic affection, that is, as a diseased
action of the bowels themselves, and also when it is produced by
distemper, it should in either case be immediately checked, or it
may produce such weakness and emaciation as will destroy the dog.
In the distemper it is particularly necessary to check the looseness
very early ; for when it is continued beyond the third or fourth
day, its invariable effect is to destroy the appetite, after which, of
course, the weakness increases in a double degree.

The remedies employed, when diarrhoea is a primary complaint,
are generally either of an absorbent or an astringent nature : but

DIARRHCEA, OR PROFUSE PURGING. 159

a long experience enables me to state, that the loosenesses or
scourings of dogs are best combatted by a proper mixture of both
these. In the purging which accompanies distemper, however,
the disease frequently proves very obstinate, and even baffles every
endeavour to remove it. Suet, boiled in milk, has been long a
favourite domestic remedy, and in slight cases is equal to the cure.
Alum-whey has also proved useful, but more frequently as an in-
jection, than by the mouth. Great benefit has also been experi-
enced from an infusion of the inner rind of the barberiy, parti-
cularly when the evacuations have been glairy and mucus-like.
In cases where there has been an appearance of much bile in the
stools, and the dog has been strong, I have found it prudent some-
times to premise an emetic of ipecacuanha, after which either of
the following recipes may be used with advantage. In point of
efficacy they are to be ranked, according to my experience, in the
order in which they stand.

No. 1. Powdered opium 5 grains

Powdered catechu 2 drachms

Powdered gum arable 2 drachms

Prepared chalk 2 drachms

Powdered ginger half a drachm.

Make into twelve, nine, or six balls, with conserve of roses, and
give one, twice, thrice, or even four times a- day, according to the
urgency of the symptoms, &c. &c.

No. 2. Powdered myrrh 1 drachm

Powdered ipecacuanha 1 scruple

Powdered opium 3 grains

Prepared chalk 2 drachms

Carbonate of iron 1 drachm.

Mix, prepare, and give as above.

No. 3. Magnesia 1 drachm

Powdered alum 2 scruples

Powdered calumba 1 drachm

Powdered gum arable 2 drachms.

Mix with six ounces of boiled starch, and give a dessert or a table-

160 DIARRHCEA, OR PROFUSE PURGING.

spoonful every four, six, or eight hours. In very obstinate cases
try the following : —

No. 4. Powdered resin 3 drachms

Powdered opium 6 grains

Powdered chalk 2 drachms

Powdered alum 1 drachm.

Conserve of roses sufficient for balls :

Form into four, six, or eight balls, according to the size of the
dog, of which give one every two or three hours.

It is necessary to be aware that the action of astringents is
varied and uncertain. In one case one remedy only will prove
successful, and in another a very diflFerent one will alone do good.
But in the looseness that accompanies distemper, it may be ob-
served as a general rule, that absorbent astringents succeed best.
In some very desperate cases of diarrhoea, when all other means
have failed, I have derived great benefit from astringent clysters ;
and this so frequently, that I would, in all such instances, strongly
recommend their adoption. From the benefit that is frequently
experienced from their use, and from the tenesmus and appear-
ance of the stools, in which a drop or two of blood is squeezed out
at the last expulsive effort, we might judge that the rectum, or
sometimes the colon, is, in many cases, the principal seat of the
complaint, and post-mortem examinations shew this to be actually
the case.

Astringent clysters may be composed of alum whey, which is
nothing more than milk curdled with alum. Suet, boiled in milk,
is also an excellent clyster for the purpose. Boiled starch is like-
wise a valuable astringent clyster, and, perhaps, is the very best
that can be used, if the powder No. 1 be added to it. In diarrhoea,
it is of the greatest consequence that the strength should be sup-
ported by liberal but judicious feeding ; and it must not be for-
gotten that, when the appetite ceases, starch, with gravy, should
be forced down in small quantities, but often. The animals
affected with this complaint should be kept very quiet and warm,
both which parts of the treatment must be carefully attended to.

COSTIVENESS. 161

In some instances I have witnessed the good effects of a daily
warm bath. I have also observed, where the diarrhoea of distem-
per has existed in a dog who had been before closely confined, that
removing him into a more free and pure atmosphere has tended
greatly to check the disease.

COSTIVENESS.

Dogs, as carnivorous animals, have naturally a constipated
habit which is increased, in many cases, by the bones they receive
as food, and which, when given in great quantities, aggravate the
natural torpor of their bowels, particularly where they cannot re-
lieve themselves by a natural evacuant in the dog-grass.

Costiveness is productive of numerous evils; it increases the
disposition to mange and other diseased secretions. It also pro-
duces indigestion, encourages worms, makes the breath foetid, and
blackens the teeth : but it is principally to be avoided from the
danger, that the contents of the bowels may accumulate and bring
on iuflammation. — See Injiamed Bowels. Whenever a dog has
been costive three days, and one or two moderate aperients have
failed of opening the bowels, it is not prudent to push the means
of relief farther by more violent purgatives ; for this would be apt
to hurry the contents of the intestinal canal into one mass, whose
resistance being too great for the bowels to overcome, inflamma-
tion follows. Mild aperients may be continued, but clysters are
principally to be depended upon. — See Clysters. In such cases,
the introduction of the clyster pipe will often detect a hardened
mass of excrement. If the action of the pipe, or the operation of
the liquid, should not break this down ; it is absolutely necessary
to introduce the "finger, or, in a very small dog, a lesser apparatus,
and mechanically to divide the mass and bring it away. The re-
currence of costiveness is best prevented by vegetable food and
exercise : but when vegetable food disagrees, or is obstinately re-
fused, boiled liver often proves a good means of counteracting the
complaint. — See Feeding.

162 INTESTINAL WORMS.

Colic, Inflammatory See Class I, Sub-Class lY.

Colic, Spasmodic— See Class II.

INTESTINAL WORMS.

Of those worms which appear indigenous to the intestines of
the dog, the tcenia^ or tape worm, from its flat figure, is the most
prejudicial, and the most difficult to remove. I have known four
or five hundred joints (each a distinct animal) passed by a dog,
whose united length would encircle his body many times. Some-
times they become coiled up into a ball, which thus forms an impe-
netrable obstruction within the intestines, and destroys the dog.

The tereS'i or long cylindrical worms, resembling earthworms
in figure, but of a whitish colour, are the most common to dogs ;
and, when existing in great numbers, particularly in puppies and
young ones, sometimes prove fatal by the convulsions they occa-
sion. In distemper they greatly aggravate the symptoms ; so
much so, that to destroy them, frequently cures the dog. The
natural situation of these worms is within the intestines, but they
sometimes crawl from them into the stomach, and are then brought
up by the sickness they occasion.

The ascarideSi or small thread-worms, likewise occasionally
infest dogs, residing principally within the rectum. They produce
an intolerable itching in the parts behind, to relieve which, those
troubled with them are seen continually drawing the fundament
along the ground. Except by the irritation occasioned, which
may weaken when it is excessive, they do not appear to do much
internal injury. The constitution of some dogs appears particularly
favourable to the generation of worms ; for destroy them as often
as you will, they soon return again. Puppies, during every stage
of their growth, are very liable to them : in many, the increase of
the body appears checked by their ravages. The entozoa family
of worms, fortunately, are not very frequently found in dogs ; but,

INTESTINAL WORMS. " 163

nevertheless, when they are there, they are capable of doing infi-
nite mischief, by their attack on the air passages throughout, and
even penetrating to the heart itself. — Worms of the ascaris mar-
ginata kind affect the stomach and intestines of young dogs, and
cause much mischief; but of the passages, none suffer so many
attacks as the nasal cavities. Ozena is a very frequent scourge ;
for old dogs have the Schneiderian membrane often painfully af-
fected by the discharge they occasion.

The presence of worms, when they exist in considerable num-
bers, is easily detected ; for such a dog has usually a slight cough,
his coat stares, he eats voraciously, yet seldom fattens : his evacu-
ations prove also a most unequivocal symptom; for they are, in
such cases, peculiarly irregular, being at one time loose and slimy,
and at another more hard and dry than natural. The belly like-
wise is often tense and enlarged. When very young dogs have
worms, the first that pass are seldom noticed, for they seem to
affect the health but little; but gradually, as they increase, purg-
ing becomes more frequent ; and the animal, though lively, be-
comes emaciated ; his appetite is often irregular, his nose hot and
dry, and bis breath foetid. The growth likewise appears stationary,
and in this way, it is very common for him to continue, till a fit
or two carries him off, or he dies tabid. In adult dogs, worms are
less fatal, though, from the obstructions they form, they sometimes
kill them likewise ; and they always occasion a rough unhealthy
coat, with a hot nose and foetid breath : and in both the young and
the full grown, they occasionally produce epileptic fits. It does
not follow, because no worms are seen to pass away, that one who
exhibits the other symptoms of them has none ; neither, when they
are not seen, does it follow even that none pass ; for, if they re-
main long in the intestines after they are dead, they become di-
gested like other animal matter.

The treatment of worm cases in dogs has been like that of the
human, and the remedies employed have been intended either to
destroy the worms within the body, or otherwise to drive them
mechanically, as it were, out of the bowels by active purgatives i

L 2

le* INTESTINAL WORMS.

but, as these latter means were violent (for, without the very
mucus of the bowels, as well as the faeces, were expelled, no benefit
was derived from them), so the remedy, in many instances, be-
came worse than the disease. Many substances have, therefore,
been tried, in hopes of destroying these animals within the body ;
and it is evident, that any thing that could certainly do this would
be most important, as it would obviate the necessity of having re-
course to the violent purgative means heretofore employed.

For this purpose, substances which present small spiculi, or
points, have been found the best adapted for the destruction of
worms, by abrading their external or internal surfaces, and that
without, in the slightest degree, injuring the patient. Among
huntsmen and gamekeepers, glass, very finely powdered, is a very
favourite remedy. An old man of this description, in Bucking-
hamshire, was famed for worm killing in dogs, and his only means
used was glass finely powdered, and given as a ball. Mr. Youatt
also recommends the same. If this should be objected to, from
what I know to be a groundless fear, that it is dangerous, try the
following : —

Cowhage (dolichos pruriens, Linn) half a drachm

Tin filings or iron, made with a very fine file, . 4 drachms.

Form into four, six, or eight balls, and give one every morning ;
after which, a mercurial purgative will be proper. I have occa-
sionally succeeded, in very obstinate worm cases, by moderate daily
doses of Epsom salts. Ascarides are best destroyed by soap or
aloetic clysters. The tape worm is not unfrequently removed by
mercurial purges ; but a still more certain remedy for this noxious
guest is such doses of oil of turpentine as a dog could take safely,
remembering that dogs bear very little of it : to some, however, it
proves much less hurtful than to others. A small dog might be
tried with half a drachm given night and morning, mixed with the
yolk of an egg^ for a few days : a larger two scruples, and the
largest a drachm, beginning always with a very small dose, and in-
creasing it, if it produce no disturbance.

PILES— FISTUL.E IN THE ANUS. 165

PILES.

Dogs are very subject to piles, but the symptoms by which the
complaint shews itself are by no means known as such, although
they are not very dissimilar to the human haemorrhoids. The
complaint is brought on by confinement, heat, and heating food ;
and shews itself by a sore red protruded anus, which the dog ag-
gravates by dragging it on the floor : it is likewise frequently the
eflFect of costiveness. The tenesmus occasioned by diarrhoea may
readily be mistaken for piles, from the anus appearing red and
sore : and it is evident that in such a case, to effect a cure the
looseness must be restrained, and the sore anus may be anointed
with the ointment directed below, omitting the tar. The habitual
piles will be greatly relieved by the use of the follovsdng ointment: —

Sugar of lead 6 grains

Tar half a drachm

Elder ointment, or fine lard 3 drachms

Mix, and anoint the fundament with it two or three times a-day.
To correct the habit towards the disease, feed moderately on cool-
ing food, exercise sufficiently, and, as long as the disposition to it
is considerable, give daily one of the following powders : —

Nitrated po". ash ('weVrgj, powdered. .. . half a drachm
Milk of sulphm- 3 drachms

Divide into nine, twelve, or fifteen doses.

FISTULA IN THE ANUS.

This is not a very uncommon complaint in dogs, and is derived
from constitutional aptitude, as a carnivorous animal, to the for-
mation of faeces so hard, and so difficult of evacuation as often to
abrade the rectum, and produce inflammation and ulceration : this
sometimes has ended in leaving a fistulous opening in the cellular
substance which surrounds it, and which usually makes its way

166 DROPSY.

outwards. A mere external fistula, or external opening by the
side of the anus, not communicating with the rectum, may, in ge-
neral, be cured by any mild stimulant daily inserted to the "bottom :
but an internal one, by which is meant a fistulous communication
between the rectum and the external opening, which buries itself
into the cellular tissues around it, will usually require an operation
for its cure. A probe-pointed bistoury must be passed up the fis-
tulous orifice, while a finger of the unemployed hand is introduced
within the rectum, which will guide the section to be made. By
this means the fistulous cavity formed in the cellular substance,
and that existing in the rectum, are to be laid into one, by dividing
it down, from its utmost extent to the verge of the anus. When
a true fistulous opening exists, but not communicating with the in-
testine (which is very seldom the case in the dog), the point of the
bistoury, when it has been passed up to the limits of the external
wound, must be forced through the intestine and then carried
downward. It must, however, be remarked, that when this latter
fistula is the consequence of external violence, it should not be so
treated until fully tried by stimulants ; to which, as before observed,
it will comriionly yield without an operation. The section being
made, introduce lint dipped in the compound tincture of benjamin
between the edges of the wound, and into the sinuous hollow ;
keeping the body during the cure gently open.

CLASS IV.

MORBID COLLECTIONS OF FLUID.

DROPSY (HYDROPS)

Is by no means uncommon in canine pathology. Dogs are most
subject to ascites, or dropsy of the belly. In the next degree of
frequency they have hydrothorax, or dropsy of the chest ; less fre-
quently they have encysted dropsy ; and least of all are they sub-

DROPSY. 167

ject to anasarca, or dropsy of the skin, unless when accompanied
by ascites. The former is usually the consequence of some other
chronic aflFection, as asthma, tabies, &c. : neglected mange has also
produced it, but more frequently it is followed by ascites. Acute
hydrothorax commonly succeeds to active inflammation of the lungs ;
in which cases, about the third day from the pneumonic attack, the
water begins to be formed within the cavity of the chest, and in-
creases so as to suffocate the animal in a few hours. — See Inflamed
Lungs.

Dropsy of the chest may be known to exist by the extreme un-
easiness the dog shews when he lies down, and by his attempts,
under such circumstances, to elevate his head. The chest will
also appear full and swollen, and the water within may be gene-
rally heard on motion. The beating of the heart will likewise af-
ford a decided characteristic of the complaint; for the hand, placed
on one side of the chest, will be affected with a kind of thrill, very
different from the usual sensation presented by the beating of the
heart of a healthy dog.

The cure may be attempted by the means recommended for
ventral dropsy ; but I have hitherto found the disease fatal in every
acute case, without exception. In both the chronic and acute it
may not be amiss to try the effects of paracentesis, or the opera-
tion of letting out the dropsical accumulation, which will afford the
only chance : in the chronic hydrothorax I have prolonged life, even
some weeks, by this means ; but as the cause which had operated
in producing it had injured the constitution beyond repair, so I
never established a perfect cure.

The operation of paracentesis thoracis, or puncturing the
chest, though not quite so simple as letting off water from the belly,
yet it is neither a complex nor a dangerous one, if only a moderate
portion of caution be used. Make an opening through the integu-
ments, by means of a lancet, near the anterior edge of the eighth
or ninth rib, about the termination of the bony portion of the rib
into its cartilaginous addition, which will be readily detected by the
touch. Previous to making the opening, draw the skin a little to

168 DROPSY.

one side, to ensure a ready closing of the cavity against the entrance
of the external air. Carefully introduce a small trochar, rather
upward and backward, so far only as just to penetrate the plein*a,
which will be known by a gush of fluid : now withdraw the trochar
and push the canula a little forward, to evacuate the fluid efl^ectu-
ally. If both cavities are found dropsical, open the other side also;
which done, close the opening or openings with adhesive plaister,
and bandage over it.

DROPSY OF THE BELLY (ASCITES).

This is not an uncommon disease with dogs ; and a prodigious
quantity of water is sometimes accumulated within the abdomen.
The causes of the disease are various. Among the most common
are long continued asthma ; a diseased state, of either the liver or
spleen ; tabies mesentericus ; and old, virulent, and wholly neglect-
ed skin affections, particularly mange. The serous accumulation
is sometimes slow, at others very rapid ; and the symptoms that
precede the attack are, of course, as various as the causes that
produce it. In some cases the forerunner is a harsh cough ; in
other instances nothing is observed but a ravenous appetite^ ; and
the dog, although he may eat an additional quantity, yet he will
waste" in flesh. Gradually, however, his belly begins to swell, and
grows round, hard, and shining. The breathing becomes quick
and laborious, and he lies down with difficulty ; he drinks much ;
and, though in the early stages he may eat heartily, yet, as the
disease advances, his appetite fails, and, sooner or later, he be-
comes suffocated from the impediment to the free action of the
lungs.

Dropsy cf the belly may be distinguished, from fat by the par-
ticular tumour that the belly forms, which, in dropsy, hangs pen-
dulous, while, at the same time, the back bone sticks up, and the

8 In these cases it is more than probable that the mesenteric glands have
taken on disease: when dropsy is the consequence of diseased liver, the appe-
tite is not usually so ravenous.

DROPSY OF THE BELLY. 169

hips appear prominent through the skin : the hair stares also, and
the feel of the coat is peculiarly harsh. It may be distinguished
from pregnancy by the teats, which always enlarge as gestation
advances ; neither has the impregnated belly, however full, that
tight tense feel, nor the shining appearance, observed in dropsy :
there may be also foetal inequalities distinguished in it ; and when
pregnancy is at all advanced, the young may be felt to move.
The most unequivocal mode, however, of detecting the presence
of water is by the touch. If the right hand be laid on one side
of the belly, and the other side is gently struck with the left, an
undulating motion will be perceived, exactly similar to what would
be felt by placing one hand on a bladder of water, and striking it
with the other.

Treatment of ascites, or dropsy of the helly. — The medical
treatment, in these cases, is seldom attended with success, because
the complaint itself is seldom primary, but the consequence of
some other destructive chronic affection, which has probably already
committed fatal ravages on the constitution. Now and then, how-
ever, I have seen attacks of ascites apparently not preceded by
either of these affections ; and in these I have sometimes succeeded
in obtaining an evacuation of the water, and in preventing a re-
currence of it also. But such instances are so inferior in point of
number to the others, th^t, in general terms, ventral dropsy may
be described as a most fatal disease.

Paracentesis abdominis, or tapping, holds out the most rational
hope. I have repeatedly tapped dogs ; from some of which I have
drawn off many quarts of fluid, sometimes of a gelatinous consist-
ence, at others simply serous and thin. In some cases I have re-
peated the operation two or three times, which has tended to
prolong life; but eventually the same fate awaited the greater
number. The operation of tapping a dog does not differ in any
respect from the same process in the human. A trochar is the
most proper instrument for the purpose, but the operation may be
performed by a lancet, and the puncture should be made directly
in the linea alba, or median line of the belly, about midway be-

170 DROPSY OF THE BELLY.

tween the pubis and umbilicus, or navel ; by which no important
vessel, nor any thickness of muscle, will be endangered. If a
trochar is used, make the puncture at once ; but take care that it
does no more than penetrate the cavity. Should a lancet be
employed, do the same ; but in this case, a quill having both ends
perforate should form a canula after the puncture. The evacua-
tion of all the water may be proceeded on at once without fear ;
the animal will express no uneasiness nor faintness ; but will con-
duct himself as though nothing had happened. A bandage mode-
rately tight should be applied round the belly, and retained there
many days, or even weeks, to assist the absorbents by its pressure.
I have also tried various other means for the evacuation of the
water, but they have seldom afforded any permanent benefit. In
a very few instances only, diuretics have produced a salutary and
durable eflfect : of which class I have found the digitalis, or fox-
glove, the very best. Now and then, however, other medicaments
of this kind have succeeded when this has failed. I shall, there-
fore detail such recipes as appear best suited to the case, observing
that, with regard to the foxglove, it is most certain in its effects as
a diuretic, as well in the canine as the human species, when it
neither occasions sickness nor purging. The dose should, there-
fore, be always so regulated as to avoid these effects : —

No. I. — Powdered foxglove 12 grains

Antimonial powder 15 grains

Nitrated potash (nitre) 1 drachm.

Mix, and divide into nine, twelve, or fifteen parcels, one of which
give night and morning.

No. 2. — Powdered foxglove 9 grains

Powdered squills 12 grains

Supertartrate of potash (cream of tartar) 2 drachms.

Mix, divide, and give as No. 1.

No. 3. — Oxymel of squills 1 ounce

Infusion of tobacco (as directed) half an ounce

Spirits of nitrous aether (sweet spirit of nitre). . . half an ounce

Tincture of opium half a drachm

Infusion of chamomile 2 ounces.

DROPSY OF THE SKIN. 171

Mix, and give from two tea-spoonfuls, to a large table- spoonful,
night and morning. The tobacco infusion may be made by
pouring two ounces of boiling water on a drachm of tobacco.

I have, in some instances, combined calomel with the other re-
medies to the amount of half a grain, or a grain, night and
morning ; and this apparently with benefit. I have also tried the
effect of strong mercurial purges twice a week, in cases where
diurectic medicines failed of relieving. Friction and the wai*m
bath have been also used, but without apparent advantages. In
the few dropsies wherein diuretics succeeded, active stomachic
tonics followed their use : in some instances they accompanied them.
Nor should these be omitted where tapping is employed, as the only
means likely to prevent the belly from again filling.

DROPSY OF THE SKIN (ANASARCA).

As before observed, this complaint very seldom occurs, unless
as an accompaniment of ascites. I have, however, now and then
seen it, and, in most of the cases, it was in old dogs, who had
laboured under some previous debility. In such instances, when
any remaining stamina affords a chance for recovery, the treatment
recommended for dropsy of the belly may be resorted to : very
small punctures may also be made in the distended skin.

Hydrocephalus internus, or dropsy of the brain, can hardly be
said to belong to the canine nosology ; but on turning to the de-
scription of epilepsy, it will be seen, that morbid anatomy has
. shewn a diseased increase of the serous fluid of the cerebral cavity
to be no uncommon circumstance.

Hydrorachitis, or dropsy of the spine, by reference to former
articles, will be found to exist without its congenital character, and
that, perhaps more often than we at present suppose.

^ In one case, one part of oil turpentine, with t^vo parts of olive oil rubbed
into the belly night and morning, appeared to excite absorption ; but it must
be noticed, that the turpentine was also given at the same time internally, to
the amount of thirty drops twice a-day.

172 DROPSY OF THE SKIN.

-Encysted Dropsy. — An accumulation either of serum, or of
a fatty or gelatinous matter, within a particular sac, is thus called.
The dropsy of the ovaria is by much the most frequent of this
kind, and, to a certain extent, is very common in bitches ; but it is
in these general cases more an accumulation of fat than serosity.
I have, however, seen instances of true ovarial dropsy of the
hydatid kind, which all terminated fatally, although they proved
very slow in their progress : they are to be detected by the swelling
being less universally diffused, and having obscure undulation.
The tumours may also be often traced to have commenced on one
side only ; sometimes it continues to occupy more of one side than
the other : the enlargement, probably, first appeared in the loins,
and did not extend downwards until it gravitated there by its
weight. The treatment of these cases must be the same with that
of ascites ; but I never saw but one which did terminate favoura-
bly, and in that I discharged the fluid contents by a trochar
effectually: in others, this mode failed, and even hastened the
death.

Hydatids, independent of the ovaries, likewise now and then
form a species of dropsy in other parts. I have seen them in the
liver, the lungs, the spleen, and the brain.

Dropsy of the eye-hall is sometimes seen either idiopathic or
traumatic. — ^ee Diseases of the Eyes ^

CLASS V.

DISEASES OF GLANDS.

CANINE SCIRRHUS AND CANCER.

SciRRHUS in the human subject is considered as the primary
stage of cancer ; but dogs, though very subject to tumefactions
which present much of the character of human scirrhus, and which
degenerate into obstinate and increasing ulceration, yet do not
often present an equal likeness of the human cancer. The canine
scirrhus, likewise, is not wholly like that of our own ; for, instead

CANCER. 173

of exhibiting various strata of morbid matter, the innermost of
which is the most condensed, there are seen, in the canine tumours
of this kind, appearances more resembling a collection of glands,
or of firm hydatids ; each of which exhibits on a section of it, a
distinct diseased process. Scirrhous indurations appear to arise
from the same causes that tend to the production of mange ;
namely? a superabundance of the secretions of some parts, the
effect of a general fulness of habit striving to relieve itself. These
tumours are, therefore, most frequent among dogs which are hotly
kept, over-fed, and suffer much confinement.

Scirrhous mammce. — The lactiferous glands are very usually
the seat of scirrhous tumours, particularly among those bitches
who have not been allowed to breed ; especially when plethoric,
and when their exertions and their feeding bear no proportion to
each other. The origin of these tumours may be very frequently
dated from an inflammation in the mammae, from retained milk
when the pups have died ; or from the coagulating of that milk
which forms, by sympathy, about the period a bitch would have
pupped, provided she had been allowed to breed. A small nucleus,
or kernel, not larger often than a pea, is first felt within the gland,
which sometimes increases fast ; at others it enlarges very slowly,
appearing to give little uneasiness, until its weight makes it prove
troublesome. If the tumour is not dispersed in this state, sooner
or later, one or more small shinirfg vesicles form on its surface,
which ulcerating, ooze out an ichor or glairy fluid, but seldom
produce a healthy pus. The first opening often heals up, but
others follow ; and, in the end, two or three, or more, appear at
the same time, which, breaking in different parts, are soon licked
into one sore by the animal ; and although the ulceration does not
spread rapidly, or put on the virulence of human carcinomatous
ulcerations, it seldom heals afterwards, but, at length, wears down
the animal by the continued discharge. While the tumour is ex-
ternally whole, and is throughout indurated, without hydatid-like
vesicles, it may be, now and then, dispersed by the frequent ap-
plication of active discutients, as

174 CANCER.

Muriate of ammonia (crude sal ammoniac) .... 1 ounce
Acetic acid (vinegar) 4 ounces.

Bathe with this three or four times a-day. Brandy and water, or
vinegar, or common salt and water, are also good discutients. In
some cases, the repeated application of leeches will be found bene-
ficial. In others, the means recommended for the cure of bron-
chocele may be tried, with the addition of sarsaparilla. During
the attempts at discussing these tumours, a repetition of the causes
producing them should be carefully avoided, such as a sympathetic
repletion of the teats from coagulated milk, and the obstruction
to its passing off, by depriving them too early of their young ; but
particularly by avoiding whatever tends to produce repletion, as
confinement, over-feeding, &c. &c.

As, however, all means at dispersing these tumours are very
apt to fail, and ulceration almost invariably occurs, it follows that
extirpation, or the cutting of them out, is the remedy usually ne-
cessary to be resorted to for their complete removal. This ope-
ration may be safely performed, in every instance, with only
common precautions : out of innumerable cases on which I have
operated I never lost one. It is, however, in general, prudent to
let the tumour increase till, by its weight, it becomes pendulous,
and detached from the abdominal muscles, when it may be dis-
sected out without any danger of opening the peritoneum, or of
wounding large arterial branches. In dividing the integuments,
care should be taken to destroy but little of their surface, except
such as may be actually diseased ; for, by detaching the tumour
neatly from its coverings by a careful dissection, and by leaving
some sound integument, the wound much sooner closes, and the
cicatrix which follows is necessarily smaller, and less corrugated.
As the excision proceeds, the bloodvessels should be taken up ;
and, when the tumour is removed, two or three stitches should be
introduced into the opposite edges of the skin to bring them to-
gether ; by which the cure will be considerably expedited. These
stitches, however, ulcerate out in three or four days ; but they
usually have, by this time, performed their ofiSce, and the remain-

BRONCHOCELE. 175

irjg wound will require only common dressing, with the addition of
bandages sufficient to prevent the dog from interrupting the heal-
ing by her nose and tongue.

Wens and scirrhous tumours are not confined to the teats
only ; nor are dogs without them, as well as bitches. There is
scarcely a part of the body but what I have seen these wen-like
enlargements on ; the treatment of which in nowise differs from
the plans already laid down.

BRONCHOCELE, OR GOITRE.

Bronchocele is a steatomatous swelling of the glands of the
throat, apparently of the thyroid, and is a very common complaint
among dogs. Pugs, barbets, and French pointers are peculiarly
liable to it. In the human species, this disease is most common
to the inhabitants of mountainous countries. But in dogs it does
not appear endemial, and is more confined to some particular
breeds. Other dogs, as terriers, spaniels, &c., sometimes, how-
ever, have it ; but it is not frequent in these, and in the larger
tribes it is very seldom seen. The swelling comes on generally
while very young, and continues to enlarge to a certain size ;
after which it usually remains stationary, seldom increasing to
such a degree as to prove fatal. It is, however, troublesome, and
in some measure hurtful, from the pressure it occasions on the sur-'
rounding parts.

The treatment is not difficult, nor usually unsuccessful, when
early adopted. Friction is of much benefit. Internally, one of
the following balls should be given every day ; in bad cases, twice
a-day :—

Burnt sponge 1 drachm

Nitrated potash (nitre) half a drachm.

Make into six, nine, or twelve balls, according to size, &c.

Mild mercurial ointment half an ounce

Blistering ointment half an ounce.

Mix, and rub the swellings once a-day with a portion equal to a

176 SCIRRHOUS TESTICLES— CANCER.

hazel nut, or a walnut, according to the size of the dog; first
clipping away the hair, and, after the application, wrapping up
the neck with a bandage, to prevent the ointment from being
rubbed oflF. During the use of this application, the mouth should
be examined now and then, to guard against the sudden attack
of salivation. Should this treatment fail to remove the tumour,
recourse may be had to the new remedy Iodine, which has proved
so successful in the human goitre, and in a few cases of goitre in
the dog also it has been exhibited with some success ; but its ex-
treme potency of action requires that it should be given only under
the immediate superintendence of one well acquainted with its
qualities.

SCIRRHOUS TESTICLES. '

The testicles in dogs are sometimes also the seat of scirrhous
induration. In such cases, one or both of these glands become
hard, painful, and rather tender, with a shining fulness of the
scrotum : occasionally ulceration takes place, but it is rare. If
the tumour does not readily give way to the application of the ac-
tive discutieuts that are recommended for the mammary scirrhi of
bitches, try the effect of a regular administration of burnt sponge,
as recommended under bronchocele. In some cases, mercurial
frictions have succeeded ; but, in default of these, proceed, with-
out delay, to castrate, to prevent the disease from extending up
the spermatic chord. — See Castration,

CANCER.

I HAVE already stated that the virulence of the human car-
cinomatous ulceration is commonly wanting in what I call the
canine cancer ; for though spreading and incurable, as regards
its locality, yet it seldom extends beyond the precincts of the
gland it is seated in ; and if it ever makes further inroads, they
are slow, and not marked with constitutional derangement for a
long time : are seldom, if ever, translated to tlie lungs ; and do

CANCER. 177

not appear to give, those lancinating pains felt by the human
victim. Still there are characters in it, which make the term ap-
plicable ; and now and then also, more virulent features mark its
progress. I have likewise occamonalJy seen the ulcerous affection
called canker in the ear, when of long standing, take on the true
carcinomatous character, and extend rapidly over the muscles of
the face, till, having destroyed one eye, and commenced its attack
on the throat and tongue, the animal was destroyed. I have also
seen cancer in its most malignant form in cats ; first attacking the
mammae or teats, and then spreading over the abdominal muscles
and surrounding parts.

Cancers of the vagina and uterus are by no means uncommon,
and are sometimes occasioned by the foolish practice of exciting
premature oestrum by stimulating injections ; but more frequently
by a brutality often exercised towards dogs, of dashing them with
cold water, or forcibly separating them during copulation. Can-
cer sometimes attacks the labiae, at others the inner surface of the
vulva, and sometimes extends to the uterus ; but, in either case,
it presents a fungous excrescence, of a deep red or of a more livid
colour, with ulcerated uneven edges, while bloody ichor constantly
distils from the surface. In the very few cases where I have seen
animals suffered to live to the extent of the complaint, the fatal
termination has been slow but certain : gradually, the morbid se-
cretion of the part united with the irritation ; but principally the
former has worn down the animal.

When cancerous ulcerations have taken place in these or in
other parts, I have seldom succeeded in restoring a healthy action,
or of promoting a cure otherwise than by excision. Now and
then, however, I have experienced benefit from the use of the
bruised leaves of the hemlock as a poultice daily : with balls com-
posed of one, two, or three grains of extract of hemlock (according
to the size and strength of the dog), and ten, fifteen, or twenty
grains of burnt sponge in each, repeated once or twice a-day, as
the health would bear them. Extirpation is, however, the most
eligible remedy, and may be, in most cases, practised with safety

M

178 GLEET.

either by an experienced surgeon or veterinarian. When cancer
is purely glandular, its circumscribed form will then simplify the
operation, and no difficulty will be found in detaching the whole
morbid substance j but when the affection has attacked the muscu-
lar, cellular, or superficial parts, as the face, parietes of the abdo-
men, scrotum, vulva, or uterus, then the utmost caution is requisite
that every diseased portion should be removed. It must also be
taken into the account, that although, in the canine cancer, ulcer-
ation does not often reappear in the immediate spot when the
operation has been judiciously performed, yet, when the constitution
has long been affected with this ulcerative action, it is very apt to
shew itself in some neighbouring part soon after.

GLEET IN DOGS.

This affection is not found so frequent among our dogs as it ap-
pears to be in those of France. M. Renault, of the Alfort veteri-
nary school, describes it as occurring there very often, and usually
imder the same form as with us. It presents a purulent discharge
from the prepuce, which, nevertheless, does not appear to affect
the health in general cases. We have, however, seen it more
virulent, when, having ulcerated both the penis and prepuce, it
deranges the health. It is to be observed, that it is not commu-
nicable by inoculation. It cannot, therefore, be considered as a
morbid virus : yet as it irritates the subjects who are affected with
it, it demands our attention. Various means are used to stop this
morbid secretion. Injections have been thrown up the sheath, and
washes also have been employed of various kinds. Moiroud gives
the following as having proved very successful as an injection,
when most other medicaments have failed : —

Bichloride of mercury {corrosive sublimate) 3iss

Alcohol Jiij

Distilled water lb v.

Dilute this still more in the commencement of the treatment by
an additional proportion of water. Should this not succeed, employ
other astringent washes.

179

TABIES MESENTERICUS.

A tabid state of young dogs has already been touched on in the
rearing of puppies : it is born with some, and acquired by others.
Some breeds, particularly pugs and terriers, are singularly liable
to it ; dependent often on the attempts that have been made to
breed them very small, or to a particular ^^ fancy ,' i. e. to a cer-
tain form or colour. In these cases it appears hereditary, and is
disseminated through the whole stock : it may also be produced
after birth by close confinement, bad air, and the want of a due
supply of healthy milk, or other nutritious food when that is dried
up. The objects of it present a stinted growth, bowed legs, with
the elbows directed outwards, coat staring, the belly pendulous,
and a countenance of peculiar sharpness and sagacity. When it
proves fatal, the mesenteric glands are found diseased, enlarged,
aud impervious to the transmission of chyle : morbid marks like-
wise are not unfrequent in the liver : the intestines also are often
filled with worms, but which are frequently more a consequence
than a cause ; sometimes, however, they appear to occasion the
disease.

The medical treatment, when worms are the cause, should com-
mence by destroying them ; when otherwise, act according to cir-
cumstances : if the milk of the mother be suspected, change it, or
give cows' milk boiled with flour and sugar, with minced meat.
Use the cold bath ; allow wholesome air and exercise ; use frictions
to the body, give a mild mercurial aperient every third day, and
on the intermediate ones a tonic ball of carbonate of iron, gum
myrrh, and gentian. This disease is sometimes combined with
rickets, which see in the next class*

M 2

180

CLASS VI.

DISEASES OF BONES.

RICKETS (RACHITIS).

Rickets is very like to tabies in all its causes, and also in some
of its appearances and effects : it is common to the same breeds,
and is both occasional and hereditary. It is occasional when it
meets with the circumstances of confinement, bad air, filth, and
unwholesome food, or the milk of an unhealthy mother. Many
whelps are horn with the predisposition among the fancy breeds
in the confined parts of great cities andjarge towns, particularly
pugs and the smaller sort of bull dogs : there is also a breed of
wry-legged terriers that without doubt originated in ricketty spe-
cimens which were afterwards cultivated for particular purposes,
as for rabbit-hunting, &c. The affection often appears soon after
birth ; and shews itself by the slow development of the body, ex-
cept in the head, belly, and joints, all of which enlarge at the ex-
pense of the rest of the parts : particularly it attacks all the joints
of the extremities ; these swell into protuberances, probably from
a sympathy in the constitution to make up, by bulk, what the
bones want in ponderosity, but which is not effected ; for, deprived
of their earthy solidifying principles, they yield to the superin-
cumbent weight, and the cylindrical ones particularly become
crooked. Cleanliness, good air, free exercise, and wholesome
food, will commonly prevent it in the future breeds of such dogs
as have shewn a disposition to it. As a cure, an invigorating diet
added to these, with the occasional use of tonic bitters if the appe-
tite fails, or the digestion should appear defective, will answer the
intention.

Unconsolidated fracture, — The phosphate of Hme, or osseous
matter which should form the callus of bones, in some cases i<?
never deposited between their fractured ends, and a mere cartila-
ginous union remains. It is evident this is, in fact, a disease of

DECAYED AND TARTARED TEETH. 181

the same nature, and probably originates in the same causes, with
rachitis ; and if our instances were sufficiently multiplied, we should
find this proved by fact. — For the treatment, see Fractures and
Dislocations,

DECAYED AND TARTARED TEETH.

Sportsmen and persons living in the country, who are habi-
tuated only to healthy dogs, will smile at such a head line ; but were
they in London, or other large cities and towns, where dogs are
petted and immured in hot apartments night and day ; where also
they are gorged with the richest food, and are not exercised but
in a carriage ; and withal are probably descended from a long
lineage of parentage equally unnaturally treated, they would see
sufficient of these eflFects of an imperfect digestion, to make them
aware that this article is perfectly in place; and the remarks
which follow are in unison with the general intention of these
pages, to let nothing pass unnoticed which a long and critical
attention to the habits and diseases of these animals renders ne-
cessary to be guarded against and remedied. In the dogs I have
described, nothing is more common to find than carious teeth,
insuflFerably foetid ; others displaced, preventing mastication ; or an
immense accumulation of tartar which covers them, erodes the
gums, and makes the animal excessively offensive to all around
him. The veterinarian will often be called on to remedy these
evils : the decayed teeth he must remove, and the displaced ones
also ; the tartaric deposit he must likewise completely scale oflF
with proper dental instruments ; for the accumulation is not only
most unpleasant to the owners, but injurious to the dogs, by its
septic tendency, and its invariably ending in the destruction of the
teeth. The ulcerations are best removed by touching them with a
mixture of a proper strength, made from the solution of the chloride
of soda with water : by the use of this, these ulcers will quickly
heal ; and the continuance of it will do much to remove the re-
maining foetor, and stop the further deposit of tartar, particularly

182 URINARY CALCULI.

if coupled with a corresponding improvement in the general treat-
ment of the animal.

ANCHYLOSIS AND EXOSTOSIS.

Stiff joints, splints, and spavins, occasionally enter the kennel
as well as the stable ; and when not too far advanced in the ossi-
fying process, may sometimes be checked by a blister repeatedly
applied ; at each application covering the part well up, and carefully
muzzling the dog. — See blistering, Class XII.

CLASS VII.

CALCULAR CONCRETIONS.

There is hardly any cavity of the body of the dog in which
calcareous matter has not been found ; as in the brain, in most of
the glands, and in the intestines, where, occasionally, considerable
masses have been detected, some of which had formed themselves
a sac by distention of the intestinal coats. A case of this kind ap-
pears in The Veterinarian, vol. iii, where a calculus was found
encysted within the parietes of the ileum.

URINARY CALCULI.

These are not very common in dogs, but, however, they do
exist ; and nearly the whole pelvis of the kidney in one case was
found to be occupied by a calculus : much pain had been suffered,
much emaciation was present, and whenever the poor beast urined,
blood and mucus were passed with the fluid. We hardly need add
that death closed the scene.

VESICAL CALCULI, OR STONE IN THE BLADDER.

This is a more common complaint than the last : I have myself
met with several instances ; and I have not less than forty or fifty
small calculi by me, which I took from a Newfoundland dog, after

VESICAL CALCULI, OR STONE IN THE BLADDER. 183

his death, occasioned by the obstruction to the passage of the
urine by means of these stones. Death had already happened be-
fore I was called in, or probably relief might have been afforded
by an operation ; but the symptoms had been, constant difficulty
in his urinary evacuations, until one of the number of calculi had
entered the urethra, and had so blocked up the urinary flow
that mortification ensued. When a small calculus obstructs the
urethra, and can be felt, it may be attempted to be forced forwards
through the urethra to the point of the penis, from whence it may
be extracted by a pair of forceps : if it cannot be so moved, it
may be cut down upon and removed with safety. But when one
or more stones are within the bladder, we must attempt lithotomy,
after having fully satisfied ourselves of their existence there by
the introduction of the sound : to do which it must be remem-
bered that the urethra of the dog, in passing from the bladder,
proceeds nearly in a direct line backwards ; and then, making an
acute angle, it passes again forwards to the bladder. It must be,
therefore, evident that, when it becomes necessary to introduce a
catheter, sound, or bougie, it must first be passed up the penis to
the extremity of this angle : the point of the instrument must then
be cut down upon, and from this opening the instrument can be
readily passed forwards into the bladder. The examination made,
and a stone detected, it may, if a very small one, be attempted to
be pushed forward by means of a finger passed up the anus into
the urethra ; but as this could be practicable only where the dog
happened to be a large one, it is most probable that nothing short
of the operation of lithotomy would succeed. To this end, the
sound being introduced, pass a very small gorget, or otherwise a
bistoury, along its groove into the bladder, to effect an opening
sufficient to admit of the introduction of a fine pair of forceps, by
which the stone may be laid hold of and extracted.

184

CLASS VIII.

POISONS, MINERAL, VEGETABLE, AND ANIMAL.

Poison^ though a very popular term, is yet, in some respects,
a vague and indefinite one ; as substances that are most noxious
and destructive to one class of animals are perfectly harmless to
others. Henbane Qiyoscyamus niger^ Linn.), which is eaten with
impunity by horses, oxen, goats, and swine, proves most baneful
to the canine genus. Opium, on the contrary, may be taken in
considerable quantities, by dogs, without serious injury ; but it
rarely fails to prove fatal to the human subject. The phellandrium
aquaticum kills horses, while oxen eat it without harm ; and the
hedgehog, we are told, will devour cantharides with impunity in
large quantities. Poisons have, therefore, been divided into re-
lative and common, or such as are hurtful only to particular
classes of animals, and those which prove destructive to all, as
the several oxides of mercury, arsenic, and copper ; the concen-
trated acids, &c. &c.

Dogs are not unfrequently poisoned either by accident or de-
sign ; and as the circumstance it sometimes discovered in time for
relief to be afforded, so a knowledge of counter-poisons, and of
the general treatment proper on such occasions, form material
branches of canine pathology ; and as also, when no relief can be
obtained, it is still very desirable for the ends of justice (when
wilful poisoning is suspected), to be enabled to establish the fact
of administering, and of the nature of the subject administered ;
so an acquaintance with the various substances commonly em-
ployed for this purpose, the symptoms produced by them, and the
appearances that the parts acted on present after death, are neces-
sary portions of the canine medical practice.

The hmits of the present work will necessarily confine me to
noticing such articles only as, by their popularity, are most likely
to be made use of purposely to destroy, and such as chance may.

MINERAL POISONS. 185

with some probability, throw in the way of the animals themselves.
Those who wish for further information relative to the effects pro-
duced on dogs by various poisonous agents, may consult Abbe
Fontana, Orfila, Mr. Brodie, &c. &c., who have sacrificed more
dogs in experimental inquiry than humanity dares to think of,
though science might demand it.

Mineral Poisons.

Corrosive sublimate, or oxymuriate of quicksilver, is a most
deadly and unmanageable poison to dogs, in doses as small even
as five or six grains. Its effects are observed soon after it is taken,
by the distress of the animal, by his frequent retchings, insatiable
thirst, panting, and anxiety for a cool situation. The mouth be-
comes swollen ; if the dose has been large, it appears ulcerated
also, and emits a very foetid odour, which circumstance forms a
very strong characteristic both with regard to the animal's having
been poisoned, and also to the article employed for the purpose.
As the symptoms advance, the retchings are tinged with blood ;
the stools become liquid and bloody also ; the heart beats faintly,
but with rapidity: the extremities become cold; violent trembhngs,
paralysis, or convulsions follow, and death relieves the sufferer.
On examination of the body afterwards, the whole alimentary
canal, beginning at the mouth and proceeding backw^ards, exhibits
marks of the corrosive nature of the matter taken. The stomach,
on being opened, will appear covered with highly inflamed patches,
and the villous folds of its inner and rugose surface will present
gangrenous and ulcerated spots, and a ready separation of the
mucous from the muscular coat, with blood often suffused between
them; which circumstances only take place when a most acrid
poison has been swallowed. The intestines also shew appearances
of great inflammation, particularly of their inner surface, which
will be found sprinkled with gangrenous specks, and, moreover,
frequently filled with a thick bloody mucus. Such are the usual
morbid appearances : but, satisfactorily to detect the presence of
a poison, and the immediate nature of it, some of the liquid con-

186 MINERAL POISONS.

tents of the stomach and bowels, both before and after death,
should be saved, and undergo a rigid chemical analysis. In ge-
neral cases, the addition of potash to some of these liquid contents
will occasion a light yellow precipitate when corrosive sublimate
has been the poisonous agent^^; but a practical chemist will employ
many other tests.

The medical treatment to be pursued in these cases consists
in both endeavouring to envelope and to neutralize the acrid
matter : the former may be attempted by means of a glairy fluid,
for which purpose the whites of eggs have proved the most
effectual remedies, beaten into a liquid, given in large quantities,
and repeated as often as they have been ejected : when these are
not immediately at hand, milk may be substituted. Mild clysters
should also be thrown up. When the stomach is somewhat ap-
peased, give an opiate and castor oil. Large doses of soap, dissolved
in water, have been recommended as a counter-poison to corrosive
minerals, or their preparations, and, in the absence of eggs, should
be tried.

Arsenic. — This powerful oxide is often given to dogs, and not
unfrequently they find it for themselves in a state of mixture with
other matters placed to poison rats. The eflfects produced by it
resemble those occasioned by corrosive sublimate, except that,
although they prove equally fatal, they are not apparently so in-
tense. The mouth, likewise, is not usually affected in an equal
degree by this poison as by the other. Dissection, also, detects
similar morbid appearances to those above detailed ; but, unless
a very large dose has been taken, there is not such complete lesion
of the coats of the stomach and intestines, but the gangrenous
spots and the excess of inflammation are fully sufficient to detect
the disorganizing action of a mineral poison. Instead of sub-

'° A ready, although not a very humane, mode of detecting the presence of
poisonous matter, is to give to fowls, birds, or any small animal, some of the
early ejected contents of the stomach of the dog to which poison has been
supposed to be given; but this ought never to be attempted, unless the ends
of justice inipcratively demanded it, and no tests could be procured.

MINERAL POISONS. 187

jecting the liquid contents of the stomach and bowels to the action
of potash, as directed when corrosive sublimate is looked for, it is
usual to detect arsenic by applying the blue ammoniacal sulphate
of copper, which will produce a lively green if arsenic is present.
A red hot iron will also occasion these contents to give out a
garlic-like smell under similar circumstances.

The treatment proper, in cases of arsenical poisoning, is to give
sugar dissolved in milk, in considerable quantities, until it may be
supposed that all the poison is evacuated from the stomach, when
a similar treatment is to be pursued to that before recommended.

Verdigris. — The rust of copper is often taken by dogs, from
the careless practice of leaving acidulous remains of food in
copper vessels. The effects produced are not unlike those already
detailed, but less violent ; neither are the appearances after death
dissimilar, except that the ulceration and gangrenous spots are less
strongly marked. The presence of copper may be detected by
prussiate of potash, which occasions a reddish precipitate in the
liquid contents of the stomach and bowels when added thereto.

The treatment in nowise differs from that detailed in mercurial
poisonings.

Lead. — I have occasionally seen dogs fatally poisoned by drink-
ing water from leaden vessels, or by lapping the water left in the
hollows of the lead coverings of areas, &c. The same occurs
likewise from the licking of paint, which they may have acci-
dentally smeared themselves with ; and it is to be observed, that
a smaller quantity of lead in this way is sufficient to prove fatal
than would be supposed. The symptoms produced are vertigo,
violent griping pains, vomiting, with purging stools in some cases,
and costiveness in others : towards the close of fatal cases, para-
lysis and spasmodic twitchings take place. On dissection of these
bodies, there is seldom observed any lesion of the coats of either
the stomach or bowels ; but the inflammation is intense, and ap-
pears usually in patches. I have also not unfrequently met with
intussusception.

The treatment is to be commenced by an active purgative, as
sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts). Should this be rejected,

188 MINERAL rOlSONS.

a ball with calomel and aloes, and a quarter of a grain of opium,
may be substituted, and may be repeated until the bowels are
perfectly cleared out. The body should be afterwards kept so-
luble by castor oil ; for I have always observed that a costive
habit from paralytic torpor of the bowels remains some time after
the action of lead.

Quicksilver. — When mercurial ointment is rubbed on dogs,
without muzzling or covering them, it is very common for them
to lick themselves, and to become, by* this means, fatally poisoned.
In such cases the stomach is usually but slightly affected, but a
diarrhoea of great violence follows, attended with bloody stools,
the consequence of ulceration in the bowels. In these cases, com-
mence the treatment by giving a mixture of castor oil and white
of eggs, in equal parts, sufficient to remove the offending matter ;
proceed next to wash off all the remaining ointment, and then give
opiates and astringents. — See Looseness.

From this detail of appearances produced by the more active
mineral poisons, both before and after death (which are all drawn
from numerous and well-defined cases that too frequently came
under my notice), it will be apparent, that it is not difficult to dis-
criminate between the inflammatory symptoms brought on by their
agency, particularly when full doses have been given, from those
inflammations occasioned by cold or other causes. When caustic
mineral salts or acids have been taken, the symptoms are always
more urgent, the progress more rapid, and the pain and distress
greater than when inflammation has proceeded from other sources.
The foetor from the mouth, and the bloody vomitings and stools,
are also strong characteristics of acrid poisons in the living patient:
those to be gained after death are the inflammation and gangre-
nous state of the alimentary canal; but more particularly the ul-
cerated state of the stomachal and bowels, and the early tendency

" It is not very unusual for the solvent power of the gastric juice to erode
through the coats of the stomach ; but, in such case, the opening is one
simple and determinate one only, and always situate at that part where the gra-
vity of the gastric fluid has placed it particularly in contact with the stomach,
and in no other.

VEGETABLE POISONS. 189

in the whole body to become putrid and decomposed. The foetor
that comes from the diseased parts is likewise peculiar in these
cases, being more than usually pungent and lasting ; so much so,
that I have distinguished it three months afterwards from the
instruments, dress, and other articles used during the examination
of the body : fortunately this can now be immediately removed
by the chloride of lime.

Vegetable Poisons.

Opium. — In a former edition of the CANINE PATHOLOGY, I

stated that, as far as my experience went, opium was not delete-
rious to dogs when received into the stomach ; for that very large
doses of the solid mass were invariably returned from the stomach,
and that smaller, though yet considerable ones, produced but
little derangement of the system. Orfila, however, w^hose expe-
rience has been purchased by the sacrifice of whole hecatombs of
dogs, asserts that opium will kill, although he acknowledges (and
which corroborates my former remarks on it) that it is so variable
in its effects, that he has often given very considerable doses with-
out at all injuring the animal. When it does prove fatally dele-
terious, the symptoms detailed by him are convulsive efforts of all
the muscular parts, succeeded by dejection and universal paralysis.
On dissection, little appearance of inflammation is visible in the
digestive organs, but there is more of it in the lungs. Orfila like-
wise observes (which fully agrees with my experience), that the
narcotic eflfect of opium is not apparent in the dog, even by a con-
siderable dose taken into the stomach ; but it is a curious fact,
that introduced either into the bloodvessels by injection, or into
the intestines per ano, it exerts its narcotic influence fully.

Vomic nut) or crowfig f Sbychnos nux vomica, Linn.) — This
berry, or rather seed of a berry, is a native of the East Indies,
and is a violent narcotic poison to many animals : to others it
proves not equally noxious ; but it does not appear wholly inno-
cent to any. It possesses great power, but is very unequal in its
action, not onlv on different animals, but also on the same animal

190 VEGETABLE POISONS.

at different times, and under diflFerent circumstances. It is a
common but a very erroneous prejudice, that it proves poisonous
to such animals only as are bom blind. It is a deadly agent, not
only to the whole of the canine and feline genera, but it destroys
hares, rabbits, horses, asses, and most birds. It is irregularly
deleterious to man, fifteen grains having proved fatal to one, and
a whole nut or seed has failed to injure another. Leuriero relates,
that a horse died in four hours from a drachm only. Five or six
grains are sufficient to kill a rabbit or hare. I destroyed a very
large rabid Newfoundland dog in five minutes and a half by a
drachm of it, which was given in butter. Half a drachm was given
to another, of middling size, which destroyed him in twenty-eight
minutes; and twelve grains proved fatal to a smaller one in twenty-
five minutes. A watery extract is more quick, as well as more
certain, in its action, a few grains of which seldom fails to kill in
a few minutes, if given in solution: it acts less speedily when
given in the form of pills. But as it is, under all circumstances,
not uniform in its action, so I cannot, as formerly, recommend it
as a safe agent to depend on for the destruction of a dog. When
it is actually necessary to destroy one of these valuable animals,
humanity dictates that it should be done speedily, and in such a
way as will prolong the sufferings as little as possible, and a note
appended to the end of this article will point out one in unison
with these views. It is, however, sufficiently deleterious to make
it very commonly resorted to on such occasions by malicious per-
sons ; particularly as it can be easily procured, under pretence of
destroying vermin of various kinds. Like opium, the nux vomica
fails to produce any of its soporific effects on dogs, when intro-
duced into the stomach ; but it occasions violent tetanic convul-
sions, laborious respirations, and general torpor, and it thus kills
by robbing the nervous system of its energy ; and that so speedily,
that its presence is not easily detected by any morbid appearances
brought on : neither are any means, unless immediately resorted
to, sufficient to restrain its consequences. An emetic should be
given within a minute or two after the exhibition of the poison ;

VEGETABLE POISONS. 191

and this should be followed by a large teaspoonful of mustard, to
give a reasonable chance of success.

Angustura pseudo ferruginijea, — A false species of Angustura
has entered into the shops of many druggists, and has occasioned
considerable mischief. Some years ago, I unfortunately destroyed
a very favourite dog by giving him, as a tonic remedy, this spu-
rious article, which had been furnished me by my druggist, as the
genuine Angustura bark. This deleterious article, although it is
decided by Humboldt to be nowise related to the Angustura tribe,
has yet been very generally diffused, and used as a substitute for
the true bark^^,

Prussia acid. — In its highly concentrated state, this acid (which,
it is fortunate, is extremely difficult to obtain, and still more so to
preserve) is so active, that one, or, at the most, two drops applied
within the eye, nose, or on the tongue, are sufficient to destroy
life in a minute or two. It is to the presence of this acid that
many vegetable substances, particularly all bitter kernels, owe
their deleterious properties. The lauro cerasus, or cherry laurel,
used in cooking, for the kernel-like flavour it gives under distilla-
tion, yields a water that proves poisonous to dogs. The essential
oils of the cherry laurel, and of bitter almonds, are both so
strongly impregnated with prussic acid, that a very few drops
given to the largest dog prove immediately fatal^^. An extract

*2 L. A. Planch, a French apothecary, has accurately described the article
in a memoir, entitled Notice Chimique sur les Angusturas des Commerce.

*^ It is not unfrequently a subject of inquiry, how it may be possible to de-
stroy a dog with least pain to himself, and least shock to the feelings of his
owner. Although shooting and hanging are not, in themselves, painful
deaths, yet the violence necessarily committed is revolting to one's feelings.
It is both selfish and imprudent to familiarize the minds of servants to these
acts. Whenever, therefore, cases arise (and many such do occur) where it
would be infinitely more humane to destroy an animal than to prolong a mi-
serable existence, and when the more usual modes are objected to on account
of the violence and force necessary, either of these essential oils dropped on
the tongue, or a very small ball made from the extract, will extinguish life
almost instantaneously, and without pain.

192 RABIES CAN IN A, OR CANINE MADNESS.

also, made from either of these articles, speedily kills in a small
dose. The effects produced by all these are nearly similar : taken
into the stomach, they destroy by at once paralyzing the senso-
rium : introduced immediately into the bloodvessels, most of them
exert a narcotic influence, but are no less certainly fatal. An
emetic immediately administered, and followed up by active spicy
stimulants, as mustard, pepper, &c., mixed with vinegar, afford
the best chances of arresting the baleful effects of these potent
articles.

The Woorara, Lamas, Ticunas, Faha sancti ignatli, Upas
antiar, and Upas tiente, are vegetable poisons, indigenous to
southern and eastern climes, and by far more potent and deadly
than our most noxious articles. Prepared with much art and care, .
these extracts retain their poisonous qualities a great length of
time ; and the smallest puncture made with the finest instrument,
as a sharp dart or arrow, embued with a solution of either of these
extracts, proves fatal, in some instances, within a minute. Mr.
Brodie has detailed some experiments made by him with these
poisons on dogs, which shew their dreadful activity. Mons. de la
Condamine's experiments at Paris are still more frightful pictures
of their potency.

RABIES CANINA, OR CANINE MADNESS.

History of Rabies.

The popular term of madness among dogs has, of late years,
given place to the more classical one of rabies; but a slight view
only of the subject is sufficient to shew, that this disease yet wants
a name more strictly descriptive of its nature and character^'* than

'* The term rabies is, however, but a revival of its original name. Pliny
calls the disease rahidus canis, and canis rablosa is familiar in Horace, as well
as in other ancient authors: but we have weightier objections to such nomi-
nation ; for if madness be incorrect as depicting a state of wild delirium, un-
governable fury, and mental alienation, which never fully exist in the very
worst cases, and are present only in shadow in the majority of them ; then

RABIES CANINA, OK CANINE MADNESS. 193

any of those in general use. The complaint itself is, unquestion-
ably, one of great antiquity ; for we have authentic accounts of it
for more than 2000 years. It is described both by Aristotle and

rabies as significant of unqualified rage, fierceness, and promptitude to do
mischief {Iracundc et ruble se facere aliquid, Cicero), must be equally so.
Hydropliohia, by which the canine rabies has been sometimes called, is even
more uncharacteristic ; in fact, it is a complete misnomer ; because a repug-
nance to water, or dread of it, either taken inwardly or when outwardly ap-
plied, forms no pathognomonic symptom here, but, on the contrary, may be
considered as almost uniformly absent. I now say almost, because although
I myself, out of some hundred cases, never saw a single instance, Mr. Youatt
informs us, that he has seen one or two rabid dogs that manifested a marked
aversion to water. Anomalies will occur even in diseases which are noted for
the pathognomonic character of their symptoms. Neither has it a full claim
to be retained for the human malady : for hydrophobia is by no means inva-
riably present in it ; and if it were, it must have an adjunct to give it precision,
seeing that a dread of water is a symptom common to several other diseases
also, as hysteria, gastritis, angina, &c. Were it likewise peculiar to this
complaint alone, and did it invariably mark and accompany every case, it must
even then be objectionable ; for water is not alone the dreaded object ; and it
can be only considered as a type of every thing liquid : for not only does every
thing of this nature produce equal horror, but also whatever can, by a forced
analogy, recal fluids to the recollection, does the same. This circumstance
has, therefore, occasioned hygrophobia to be proposed as a substitute for
hydropJiobia. Caelius Aurelianus informs us, that some of the old writers
called it aerophobia, from the effect which the motion of the air even produces :
and others, determined to foil all criticism, have named it patitephobia, or a
dread of every thing. Dr. Parry has proposed rabies contagiosa as a substi-
tute for hydrophobia ; but if he meant to apply it as a new term, he was in
error ; for Jos. de Aromatarius published a treatise De Rabie Contagiosa, at
Frankfort, in 1626. Rabies, however, equally exhibits an unfaithful picture
of the irritability of the human character under the disease as of that of the
dog : neither can we yield our suffrages to the adjunct contagiosa ; for the
best writers are not yet agreed on the extent of its contagious character, nor
of the animals capable of propagating it. The term of cynanthropia, by
which it has also been called, from a morbid supposition in the mind of the
patient that he was personally identified with the dog, needs no comment ; but
in my own opinion there are less objections to cynolyssa, provided that }vTff»
may be critically translated into torment from the bite of a venemous animal,
which is said to be the case.

N

194 RABIES CANINA,

Diascorides. Other of the ancients likewise notice it^^, — History
has continued to furnish us with numerous traces of it, particularly
in Europe, where it seems sometimes to have raged with epidemic
fury, and at others to have been but little knowni7. In 1500,
Spain was ravaged by it. In 1604 it was very common in Paris^^ ;
and 100 years after this, Germany became the theatre of this
dreadful scourge among its wolves as well as dogs. Historians
of every age have left short but frightful records of its dreadful
visitations. Boerhaave may, perhaps, be considered the first who,
by attentive observation, threw much light on canine madness^^.
In England, little had appeared worthy of notice before the account
presented by Mr. Meynell. This celebrated sportsman published
his memoir in the tenth volume of the Medical Commentaries ;
and if his account of canine madness does not exactly coincide with
future representations drawn from a wider field of observation, it
nevertheless characterizes the disease with considerable precision ;
and, at the time it was written, was calculated to do infinite good,
by banishing some dangerous and erroneous opinions relative to it.
In 1806, rabies among dogs became very common in England,
and abounded in the vicinity of London, where, during the next
year, it increased to such a degree, that a day seldom passed
without my being consulted on one or more cases of it ; sometimes
I have seen three, four, or five a-day, for weeks together. In the

'* Aristotle is, however, said to be the first writer who alludes to it. {Hist.
Animal., lib. 7, cap. 22). But his opinion, that it was not communicable to
man, shews that it was in his time but ill understood. Some doubt also seems
to be entertained, whether Hippocrates, in his Coaca Pranotiones, intended
to describe the rabid malady, when he says " Phrenetici parum bibentes,
strepitum valdfe precipientes, tremuli aut convulsi."

" Not that I apprehend the rabid malady ever arises spontaneously ; but
that sometimes the inoculation of it takes place under circumstances parti-
cularly favourable to its rise and future propagation, as will be hereafter ex-
plained.

'^ Journal de Henri IV, tome iii, p. 221.

^^ Aphorism 1 1 35, where, although some error is apparent, yet much truth
also appears.

OR CANINE MADNESS. 195

two following years it continued to rage also : after which, for
several subsequent years, it was less prevalent ; but it never be-
came apparently extinct or rare as before. In 1820 it was again
observed to be on the increase, and for three or four years con-
tinued alarmingly common, when it again moderated for a few
following seasons ; but since 1 828 its ravages have exceeded even
its former bounds. Of these latter visitations I have been a more
quiet spectator ; but of those which occurred between 1 805 and
1820, I was a very active one. The publicity which attached to
my attention to the diseases of dogs occasioned constant reference
to me on the subject, and threw such opportunities in my way of
observing this dire malady in all its varieties in both man and
beast, as had probably, at that time, never before fallen to the lot
of any individual whatever^**. These opportunities, I believe, I did
not neglect ; it was a field so little trodden, that the few truths
which had sprung up were choaked by error ; and the importance
of the subject at that time was such, that it became imperative on
those whose experience enabled them to do it to set the subject in
its true light, and to divest it of many gross and serious mistakes
that hung about it ; and which none but those whose opportunities
of observation were great, and whose inclination to profit by them
was also considerable, could do. Towards the close, therefore, of
1807, I placed before the public, in a Domestic Treatise on
Horses and Dogs, a detailed account of rabies ; and soon after,
being requested to furnish an account of it also for the Cyclopaedia
of Dr. Rees, a condensed form of it was there inserted.

It becomes not me to say further of these accounts ; but others
have said of them, that they furnished the most faithful picture of

^ Since that time, the opportunities of Mr. Youatt have been even much
greater than my own, uniting, as he was enabled to do, what he saw with me
with what he has subsequently seen ; and how well he has profitted by them,
the valuable papers he has written on the subject, now condensed into a
pamphlet, published by Messrs. Longman and Co., will testify : and to which
I would, by all means, refer the interested or inquisitive reader ; taking myself
this opportunity of expressing my obligations to the same source, for an ex-
tension of my mvn views of the matter, and for many valuable facts also.

N 2

196 RABIES CANTNA,

tlie disease that had, at that period, ever appeared*. I would
hope therefore, that, in the present detail, as much has been added
on the subject to each several edition of the work, and to none
more than the present, that what follows will be found to more

• The alarming prevalence of rabies at the periods alluded to produced in-
numerable papers, tracts, and even volumes, on the subject, of which there
were but few that did not borrow something from one or other of the above
sources. Of these writers some had the candour to own the obligation ; others
contented themselves with adopting and then offering as their own as much as
suited their purpose : while one or two have even affected to dispute the cor-
rectness of my views, apparently less from a legitimate search after truth, than
to favour the different opinions they had formed of the subject. Among those
who omitted any such notice, I must quote Dr. Gilman, who, in his justly
admired Prize Dissertation, may without hesitation be said to have borrowed
much from me. Dr. Parry even observes of it, " that the symptoms of rabies
were evidently taken from the article Dog, in Rees's Cyclopaedia, or at least
from the same source." Rabies Contagiosa, pp. 170-1. Dr. Gilman had ready
access to the author of that article, and he found him, when they met at the
house of Mr. Boyd (a gentleman whose hand had been lacerated by a rabid
dog), most ready to afford him every information on the subject, and to lend
him the work quoted. If in any way I assisted in the great cause of humanity
(and humanity itself was concerned in the production of so valuable a work as
that of Dr. Gilman), I am gratified; and had the ingenious author acknow-
ledged the debt, it would not, I hope, have detracted from his fame, while it
would have been creditable to his candour. I would also appeal to Mr. Lisp-
conib, and to a few others, whether they did not find me always ready to fur-
nish them with all the information they sought for ; but I never saw or heard of
any one of them afterwards. They are welcome to the information they gained j
but this is not my plan : on the contrary, it is my pride never, knowingly, to
have committed a literary theft, by becoming a plagiarist : when I differed,
I have endeavoured to express my dissent with candour ; and where I have
borrowed, I have owned the obligation : and of this I am assured, that there
is full as much of sound policy as honest principle in the practice. Silence,
however, is charity, compared with a method pursued by some authors of
abusing whatever they cannot confute. Of this unfair practice the Treatise
on Rabies Contagiosa, or Caiiine Hydrophobia ! I by the late Dr. Parry, of Bath,
is an instance. Dr. P., to establish an untenable theory of his own, endeavours
either to make the statements of others bend to the views he has taken, or
otherwise attempts to throw discredit on such as he finds too stubborn for his
purpose. From observation made on three hydrophobous cases only, and on

OR CANINE MADNESS. 197

amply elucidate former opinions, correct erroneous or doubtful
positions, and to collate new and illustrative facts.

The necessity of a precise and clear knowledge of this direful

but one or two rabid ones, he affects to disprove the vast mass of testimony
oJSered by other observant and distinguished professional characters during
the last century ; affirming, that by all of them the disease, in both the human
and brute subjects, has been equally mistaken in cause, appearance, and ef-
fect The facts which the unlimited opportunities aiForded to myself and
Mr. Youatt, enabled us to lay before the public, militated much against these
new views of Dr. Parry : and as the general credence given to our statements,
and the weight which was at that time attached to our opinions, would naturally
offer some hindrance to their progress, it became, therefore, a great point
with him to throw a disparaging shade over our writings in particular ; and
the consequence was, that they were neither examined with candour nor
contradicted with courtesy. On the contrary, to produce an appearance of
discordance and opposition between their several parts, he selected detached
and remote passages, and placed them continuously, purposely to give them
the appearance of a contradictory whole ; in which way it is evident that the
most perspicuous writer that ever put pen to paper might be betrayed into the
most glaring seeming inconsistencies. This dogmatic denial of palpable and
well-known facts is of little consequence to us, comparatively with the ex-
treme danger of reviving one of the most injurious errors which the barbarism
of former times had retained in some writings, and in some prejudices : but
had not Dr. P. maintained that the rabid dog dreaded water as much as the
hydrophobous man, he was fearful he should not establish his favourite theory,
that the human and brute malady are wholly the same in cause, appearance, and
effect. "Laryngeal spasm" is, with Dr. P., the foundation of both diseases;
and as the hydrophobic symptom is one resulting from this spasm in the
human subject, hydrophobia must necessarily be present in the dog also ; and to
establish the doctrine he denies testimonies the most numerous, credible, and
even then very generally established. Without a marked instance in which
this laryngeal spasm was present in the dog, he pronounces every canine case,
in which there is not a manifest dread of water, to be spurious ; and, in fact,
any disease but rabies. However, in the total absence of facts, nothing
remained but to resort to arguments ; and of what nature Dr. P.'s were, may
be gained from the following specimen, which does not stand alone in futility.
*' How, if no dread of liquids exists in mad dogs, came the disease to be called,
in all ages, hydrophobia ?" — Rab. Contag. p. 145. To which it may be replied,
in the first place, Has it been so called in all ages ? Has it not been already
shewn that the ancients had other and more appropriate designations for it ?

198 RABIES CAISINA,

malady cannot but be evident, when we consider its present pre-
valence, and how difficult it has boen to eradicate from the public
mind the errors and prejudices with which the consideration of it

Is it not also equally true, that as experience and observation led us to distin-
guish between the pathognomonic signs as they appeared in the human and brute
constitution, the names applied to the two diseases became effectually disjoined ?
Neither in the obscurity of the last century, or the more early periods, was
canine madness so called, when specifically noticed. It was only so nominated
cursorily, and in common parlance, by persons not even pretending to scientific
discrimination in general, or conversant with the complaint in particular.
Et s'il etoit possible de soulever le voile dont le temps a convert la science
des medecins grecs, nous verrions probablement qu'ils n'ont point confondu
I'hydrophobie simple avec la rage, puisqu'ils les designoient par deux expres-
sions tres-exactes, hydrophobia, horreur de I'eau; et eijnolysson, rage du chien.
— Trait, de la Rage, par Mons. Trolliet, p. 267. It may be added, also, that we
have innumerable instances of names borrowed from the human and applied
to the brute, and vice versa, from an ideal resemblance ; although the designa-
tion might be essentially as completely a misnomer as the present. Towards
Mr. Youatt, Dr. P. acted with even a greater want of urbanity ; for an intimacy
in early life of Dr. Parry with Mr. Youatt's father might have lessened the
severity, even if it could not ward oflT the justness, of his criticism. Yet, with a
feeling that does Mr. Youatt infinite credit, his retort is thus mildly couched :
— "Let this uncandid review, and gross mis-statement of some cases published
by me fifteen years ago, be now forgotten. The wound rankled for awhile,
and the more so, as inflicted by the friend and fellow- student of my father.
He now sleeps in peace. He was a scientific practitioner and a good man."
The cases alluded to by Mr. Youatt, and which were so unmercifully handled,
appeared in the Medical and Physical Journal and in the London Medical Re-
pository ; and were drawn with that perspicuity and accviracy which mark his
(Mr. Youatt's) other scientific productions. That they were faithful portraits of
the disease, his extensive opportunities and habits of observation will vouch,
and every other author acknowledges ; yet Dr. P. denies the existence of every
one of these as a true instance of rabies : on the contrary, so well versed does
he think himself in canine pathology, that, by the mere statement of symptoms,
he takes on himself to pronounce some of thera Bronchitis, some Pneumonia,
and others pure Infiammation of the Fauces ! ! ! What opinion must Dr.
Parry have of his own discrimination, who could thus, on the questionable evi-
dence of one or two cases only, and those most unsatisfactorily examined, ques-
tion and deny the united testimonies of two persons, who could have no interest
in deceiving, but every stimulus to ofler the truth, and whose united oppor-

OR CANINE MADNESS. 199

was and still is fettered. Although, for ages, even, the plague
has hardly been more dreaded, yet in this, as well as in other
countries^ no equally important subject has been less understood
or more misrepresented. As already shewn, its popular name of
madness conveys an erroneous and hurtful impression with regard
to it ; and where it has been called hydrophobia, it has tended to
keep alive an absurdity greater than the other. The wormed dog
(one which has lost the frsenum of the tongue) is still by many
thought to be rendered incapable of taking the disease ; by others,
however, he is only considered harmless if he does become aflFected :
both are errors of the grossest kind, and lead to very serious
dangers. That a mad dog carries his tail between his legs — that
he is instinctively avoided by others — that bread, meat, &c. be-
smeared with the saliva, blood, or any of the secretions of a mad
dog, is refused with horror by others — that the bite of a healthy
dog, should he become at any time afterwards rabid, is dangerous —

tunities extended to the personal and minute examination of many thousand
cases ! ! ! As regards this truly acute author, and I believe generally respected
man, I would say, with Mr. Youatt, '' Requiescat in pace ;" but I conceive the
cause of truth rendered it imperative on me to resist this attack as I have done ;
for Dr. Parry must ever be considered as a formidable antagonist, wherever
science offered an arena; and as the " Addicti jurare in verba magistri" is apt
to influence the opinion of those who either want leisure, inclination, or ability
to think for themselves, and as I conceive that the errors he advocated were of
vital importance to the safety of mankind, I do hope to rebut them, and to
make the contrary apparent in the course of my description of the disease.

* In the former edition I offered proofs, that the errors and prejudice which
existed on the subject among our French neighbours also were little less than
our own ; neither did such notices as had reached me from Germany, Spain, and
Italy, evince more just views of it. The demi-official publication of Messrs.
Enaux and Chaussier, that had been brought forward at the express instance
of the French government, was a meagre performance. Mons. Trolliet is
much better, but can hardly be pronounced good. Hurtrel D'Arboval, with
his usual acumen, has gleaned the best, yet has not made a harvest ; but I
have reason to believe the subject is advancing fast there, as well as here, and
we already have to own many powerful competitors in their authors. Dr.
Hertwig, Professor of the Veterinary School at Berlin, has lately published
the best summary of symptoms that 1 have met with in any continental work.

200 RABIES CANINA,

are all suppositions equally erroneous, although even now pre-
valent.

T%e history of the rabid malady may properly commence by an
inquiry into its origin. I have already noticed its antiquity ; but
its direct flow in the stream of time is difficult to follow : in the
obscurity of our early records we have no means of tracing the
place of its first appearance.

The spontaneous origin of rabies, like that of small-pox,
measles, and syphilis in the human, is unquestionable : all arose
from some peculiar morbid combinations, communicable to other
individuals of the species by inoculation or contagion. The human
diseases quoted are by long experience now very generally allowed
to be confined to a contagious origin only ; for it is well known
thai these maladies were not indigenous to any of the newly dis-
covered countries, however extensive their tract, and whether intra
or extra-tropical, but that they only followed the march of their
invaders. Now, as canine madness stands precisely in the same
situation with syphilis, small-pox, and measles, there being yet
many countries where it is unknown ; are we not warranted in
concluding that neither does that also now ever arise sponta-
neously? But we must not content ourselves with analogy in
searching after important truths, and this is a mdst important one ;
as upon it must be grounded our capability, or otherwise, of a total
extermination of the disease. Opinions grounded on experience
are valuable ; hypotheses from minds accustomed to deep reasoning
and extensive research are to be respected ; but it is on facts only
that we must mainly rest. There are authorities of respectability
who maintain that rabies is yet spontaneously generated^; and if

3 The illustrious Boerhaave seems to have indulged such an opinion.
♦< Oritur fere semper ab aliis animalibus prius rabiosis suscepta oontagio;
tanien et sponte quibusdam orta legitur et observatur." Aphorism. 1130.
Sauvages favoured an opinion of its present contagious origin, and Orfila has
even carried the capability into other animals also. Dr. Hamilton, an elabo-
rate writer on rabies, advocates the probability of a spontaneous origin from a
new poisonous compound, generated from putridsordos, surrounding the animal,
when the body h in a particular situation or condition. Query, What situation

OR CANINE MADNESS. 201

such be the case, no legal enactments of whatever severity, short
of the extinction of the whole race, could secure us. There are
others also (and by much the most numerous, and, without any
offence to the former, by much the most experienced) who main-
tain that the disease is never now of spontaneous origin'*, My
own opinion, formed on an acquaintance with it of thirty years,
in a great many of which the rabid cases amounted to several

or what condition ? The rabies which Professor Rossi produced by keeping
cats shut up in a room was symptomatic, and not the specific and communica-
ble disease. Majendie, Dupuytren, and Breschet, subjected dogs to the utmost
state of filthy and close confinement for a long time ; and though they became
very generally diseased, not one became rabid. If putrid animal sordes could
originate rabies, how often must it break out among the dogs of the lower class
of dog- dealers and fanciers in London, where hundreds of birds, rabbits,
guinea-pigs, &c., with every variety of dog, are confined in one small close room
or cellar ? neither is it probable but cases of close confinement must have been
frequent in those countries which it has never yet visited. Dr. Gilman like-
wise erroneously embraces a similar opinion, apparently on the authority of a
single case, the correctness of which there is great reason to doubt. Mr. Cole-
man also advocates spontaneous origin from the same causes with Dr. Hamil-
ton : and such an opinion, from such a source, I am both surprised at and
sorry for. Mr. Dewhurst, a very respectable medical practitioner, likewise
ranges himself on this side, and details a most dubious case, which he considers
in proof of it, in No. 32 of The Feteritiarian, but which is most ably answered
by Mr. Youatt in No. 33 of that work, where he demonstrates that the morbid
appearances after death were clearly not those of rabies, and the symptoms,
while living, Mr. Dewhurst was unable to give. As a spontaneous and symp-
tomatic hydrophobia takes place in the human occasionally^ from the excite-
ments of phrenitis, hysteria, gastritis, &c. ; is it not probable also that a sympto-
matic irritation, which may by a partial observer be mistaken for rabies, iriay
arise in dogs also from various causes ? Indeed, we are warranted in'concluding
from observation, that such cases do occasionally occur, and, so occurring,
cause much error and confusion in our conclusions ; because the observers'fail
to bring such cases to test by post mortem- examination and by the inoculation
of others from the salivary secretion of the suspected animal : wherever it has
been done, it has always failed.

* Mr. Meynell was so convinced of the invariable origin of the disease from
inoculation, that he always made every new hound perform quarantine before
he entered the pack.

202 RABIES CANINA,

hundreds per year, is most decidedly in favour of the contagious
origin of the disease, and none other. Nevertheless I am con-
strained to admit that some respectable authorities favour an
opinion to the contrary. While I was thus in the midst of it, I
never met with one instance where it occurred in a dog wholly se-
cluded from the access of others. I have met with cases where
the utter seclusion has been peremptorily stated ; but not only
have such statements, on examination, invariably been found un-
tenable, but they have served, in most instances, in a remarkable
manner, to confirm the opinion here advocated^. Great as my

* With how much apparent confidence persons may assure themselves of
the impossibility of the inoculation of some dogs which have become rabid,
and yet how easily it is to be totally in error on the subject, the two following
cases, out of many, may serve to shew : — I was requested by a gentleman, re-
siding in Wimpole Street, to examine a dog, which I at once pronounced rabid ;
on which he promptly informed me, that if the dog was so, he certainly must
have become so without infection (which he knew was in direct opposition to
my opinion) ; for that this dog, which was a very great favourite, had never,
for many months, been out of doors alone, nor, indeed, at any time, out of the
sight of either himself or his valet, who was also attached to the dog, and had
the express care of him when his master was absent. As, therefore, neither
of them had ever seen him bitten, they were positive on the subject. Anxious
to arrive at the truth where so important a matter was concerned, I commenced
a close examination of the other servants ; and it was, at length, remembered
by the footman, that one morning, when the master's bell rang for the valet to
take this dog fi"om the bed -room, as he was accustomed to do, his absence oc-
casioned the footman to answer it ; and this man distinctly recollected the dog
accompanying him to the street door, and also that, while engaged in receiving a
message brought, he as distinctly remembered that the dog went a little way into
the street, and was suddenly attacked by another that passed, seemingly with-
out an owner. Here was an explanation of the apparent difficulty : this passing
dog, there is little reason to doubt, was rabid, and, pursuing the usual march
of mischief, he bit the favourite. — Another case, even more confirmatory of the
possibility of becoming mistaken on this subject, is that of a Newfoundland
dog, which was constantly chained to his kennel during the day, and suffered
to be at large only during the night within an inclosed yard. This dog became
rabid, and, as no dog was known to have had access to the yard, it seemed to
be an established certainty in the mind of his owner that he generated the
disease spontaneously. This case I also sifted with great perseverance, to elicit

OR CANINE MADNESS. 203

opportunities have been, they, however, are much exceeded by those
of Mr. Youatt ; for he not only partook in very many of those from
which I drew my conclusions, but also of a still greater number
since ; and how intent he has been in forming accurate notions of
the disease, his extensive experiments on it, and his published
accounts, will testify. His sentiments on this head, therefore, cannot
fail to have weight ; and what are they ? After debating the point
in his pamphlet before noticed, he says, "I think we are justified in
concluding, from the foregoing statement, that rahies is produced
hy inoculation alone" The " / think" was pure parlance, and
meant assurance strojig, as reference to the work will shew.

The Alleged Causes of Rabies.

The remote causes of spontaneous 7'abies, as advocated by the
favourers of that doctrine, are various. Heat has long been con-
sidered as a grand agent, but the direct proofs to the contrary are
fast wearing away this prejudice. It is known that many countries
under the torrid zone are entirely free from canine madness :
and in such hot countries as it is found, it does not appear that by
the heat of the climate it gains any accession to its frequency or

the truth, which was this, — that the gardener to the family remembered, one
night in bed, hearing an unusual noise, as though the Newfoundland dog was
quarrelling with another, but which, from the dog's confined situation, made
hhii believe was impossible, and he therefore took no notice of the subject.
He also recollected, that, about this time, marl^s of a dog appeared in his
garden, which, on account of the height of the wall, surprised him ; and he
further remembered, that remains of hair were discovered on the wall which se-
parated the garden from the yard where the dog was confined, but which cir-
cumstances, until strict inquiry was made, had excited no attention. About the
same time, the neighbourhood, it appeared, had been alarmed by the absence
of a large dog belonging to one of the inhabitants, which had escaped from
confinement during the night, evidently under symptoms of disease. Here,
also, a ready solution of the difficulty occurred ; and there is no reason to
doubt but that the cases detailed by Dr. Gilman and Mr. Dewhurst originated
under circumstances equally accidental and uuuoticed — See Mr. Youatt on the
subject-, aho Veterinarian, "No. 33.

SCM* RABIES CANINA,

morbid character^. We have Burrows' authority for stating, that
it is almost, if not entirely, unknown over the vast continent of
South America. In many of the western isles it is a stranger ;
and, in Egypt, Volney says he never heard of it. Larrey, Brown,
and others, inform us, that it has never visited the burning clime
of Syria. Neither is it more prevalent in cold climates ; and
although it sometimes visits northern latitudes, it shews no pre-
ference for them, and, in Greenland, is said to be altogether un-
known. In temperate climates, on the contrary, it is most pre-
valent, not perhaps owing any thing to an extra-tropical situation,
but merely because in such latitudes the most populous countries
are usually situated ; and, in such, all matters of interest are more
likely to be noticed. In the United States of America, it is suffi-
ciently frequent^, and throughout Europe we are but too well ac-
quainted with it.

Seasons have also been alleged as the probable cause of madness
among dogs ; and, as might be supposed, summer has long been
famed for its superior power of engendering it ; and the dog-days
probably owe their name to the fancied prevalence of it then^.
But it is now sufficiently notorious that rabies is not more common
at one season than at another9.

® It cannot, however, be denied, that heat accelerates the attack in such dogs
as have been bitten, particularly when conjoined with great bodily excitement.
In this way, a dog that has been inoculated, but in which the disease might
not appear probably for weeks, by taking long and severe exercise in very hot
weather, is almost certain to be attacked with it the next day. This I have
witnessed in several instances, but in no dog that I could not distinctly trace
the cause to having been bitten. Bitches in heat, and the dogs which follow
them) are thus exposed to have the attack hastened also ; but these circum-
stances never generate it, as supposed by some persons.

^ Med. Trans. Philadelph., vol. i. — Med. Inquir. PJdladelph., 1798.
^ When Sirius reigns, and the Sun's parching beams
Bake the dry gaping surface, visit thou
Each ev'n and morn, with quick observant eye,
The panting pack. If in dark sullen mood, &c. &c. — Somerville.
" Hurtrel d'Arboval observes, that rabies among dogs is most frequent in
France in May and September, and that March and April usually produce the

OR CANINE MADNESS. 205

The quality and quantity of the food has been assigned as a
cause of rabies ; but in dogs which have been accidentally sub-
jected to a deprivation of food, bordering upon starvation, it never
yet took place^*^. Neither has repletion ever occasioned it, although
it has proved the parent of manyother inflammatory affections.
Putrid food has been fully proved to have no title to generating
it : neither would it, a priori^ be likely to produce it in predatory
animals, whose stomachs must, by nature, be formed to subsist on
matter in various stages of decomposition. In Lisbon, in Con-
stantinople, and other eastern cities, dogs are the only scavengers ;
and, at the Cape of Good Hope, Barrow informs us, the Gaffrees
feed their dogs wholly on putrid flesh, and no such disease is seen
among them. Abstinence from water is an old and popular sup-
posed cause of madness ; but, in India, where, from the drying of
the water- tanks, many brutes perish ; and in northern latitudes,
where the supplies are frozen, yet madness is not observed to be
the consequence of either. In fact, in the rage for experiment,
dogs have been purposely subjected to all these supposed causes,
but without having once produced the disease. It is unnecessary
to combat the opinion of Dr. Mead and others, that an acrid state
of blood, from the want of perspiration in the dog, is a remote
cause of madness. Neither have we more reason to suppose that
any state or peculiarity of atmosphere can give rise to it, although
it may favour the extension and activity of the contagion.

greatest number of rabid wolves : but this prevalence is undoubtedly veiy much
under the influence of circumstances. M. Andry, in his Recherches sur la Rage,
Paris, 1780, observes that January the coldest, and August the hotest months,
furnished the fewest instances. II n'est point vrai que cette maladie soit plus
commune pendant les froids rigoureux de I'hiver, ou les chaleurs excessives
de I'ete, qu'au printemps et en automne. — TroillieL

'° Among innumerable experiments which have been made, I will only notice
the cruel but striking one at the Veterinary School of Alfort. Three dogs
were chained, fully exposed to the heat of the sun. Nothing but salted meat
was given to one ; water alone to the second ; and neither food nor drink to the
third. As might be expected, every one perished ; but neither of them exhi-
bited the slightest symptoms of rabies. See Dissertation sur la Rage, by M.
Bleynier, Paris.

206 RABIES CANINA.

But if none of these causes engender the rabid malady, to what
can we attribute the extreme variations in its prevalence at one time
in preference to another ; its visitation of one district, and its al-
most total absence from those around it ? Can we account for
these on the simple principle of contagion ? that is, must every
dog be actually inoculated with the rabid virus ? To this I now
feel a difficulty in replying, cases having occurred wherein any
rabid inoculation was to appearance doubtful. But, on the other
hand, no clear case that this disease has arisen without the appli-
cation of rabid virus has ever been distinctly proved, though often
asserted. Certain changes may take place in the canine constitu-
tion which may prove decidedly favourable to the germination of
- the rabid virus^^, and to which we ascribe its appearing endemial
at one time and epidemial at another. The same circumstances,
also, may occasion a more early development of the disease (as I
have already proved with regard to heat and excitement), and in
this way increase its apparent prevalence, by bringing numerous
cases together i which would otherwise be spread over a greater ex-
tent of time.

Was the dog the immediate species of the canince in which
rabies first originated? — This is a question not easy of solution,
though many, from localizing their views, would be led to promptly
answer yes : but where the wolf is still found in great numbers,
he has equal aptitude to take on the disease by inoculation ; even
more disposition to spread it ; and at least equal capability, from
the virulence of his virus, to make it certain in effect : some ac-
counts would even give to it a most frightful activity^^. A p7'iori^

" It was the decreased predisposition to take on the disease at that parti-,
cular time which made the experiment of Dr. Hertwig, veterinary professor at
Berlin, so unproductive. He inoculated fifty-nine dogs with the virus, and
yet only fourteen became rabid : at another time it is not unlikely that the
numbers might have been very different.

'2 Fortunately, the ravages of the rabid wolf are unknown among us ; but
in France, Spain, and Germany, they are but too common. His savage na-
ture makes him, under the excitement of this inflammatory disease, highly
ferocious, and he seeks objects of every kind wherein to propagate his own

OR CANINE MADNESS. 207

therefore, we have as much right to assign the palm of priority to
the wolf as to the dog ; and could this attached friend of man
speak for himself, he would willingly give up his claim : as, how-
ever, the traditions of three thousand years have assigned it to
the dog, let it rest. Thefo^v, we have also sufficient proof, is a
subject of the affection ; yet the extreme rarity of vulpine rabies,
even in those countries where he abounds, would lead us to con-
clude, either that his inherent aptitude to germinate the contagion
is small, or that his solitary habits exclude him from attack. Of
the chacal or jackal^ as a canine congener, I know nothing deci-
sive : he has been said to have been seen rabid ; but I believe the
authority is questionable. Some of the favourers of a spontaneous
origin in the disease include the cat also : we certainly do know
that this animal is capable of receiving and of communicating it,
but we have not one authentic fact of which I am aware to give us
reason to suppose it is ever generated by grimalkin : there have
been also statements of the same kind with regard to other animals,
and to man also ; but they are wholly unauthenticated, and very
generally disbelieved : we must, therefore, yet wait ere we are fully
certified on this head.

JVhat rabid animals are capable of communicating it. — For a
long time, the facts which should elucidate this point accumulated
so slowly, and then were so discrepant, that it was difficult to come
to any conclusion on it. At first the propagation was thought to
be limited to the canine and feline genera : gradually we were
constrained to admit that other quadrupeds besides these had by
their bite produced it also ; but as such as could be well authen-
ticated were partially if not wholly carnivorous, so the capability

sufferings ; and as his size enables him to reach it, so he commonly inflicts
his wounds on the face, and thus he more certainly insures a fatal issue. The
extent of some of these ravages may be gained by reference to Astruc, Mem.
Montpellier, 1819 ; D'Arluc, Recueil P6riodique, tom. 4 ; Baudot, Mem. de la
Soc. Roy. de Med. ; Gazette de Sant^ du 11 Sep. 1813 ; Journal de Med.,
tom. 39 ; Histoire des Ravages causae par Louve enrag^e dans le Departe-
ment de PI sere en 1817 ; Troilliet

208 RABIES CANINA,

was then, in the opinion of many, confined to them^''. Other facts
are on record which have brought man within the propagating
class^* : the horse, badger, and pig, also are more than suspected ;
and the result has been, that Mr. Youatt states his full conviction
that " the virus of every rabid animal will communicate the dis-
ease." This gentleman's own opportunities for conclusion, united
with the ardour of his research, afford a presumption that such
may eventually be found to be the case : it, however, becomes us
to pause in the absence of conclusive evidence. Our extended

^3 It was the opinion of Huzard, founded on a series of experiments, and
again repeated at Alfort, as well as of Professor Betti, of Florence, an expe-
rimentalist also, that herbivorous animals are incapable of producing the rabid
malady. Drs. Vaughan and Babington also equally failed to propagate it
from the herbivora. Others likewise of our most eminent medical practi-
tioners think the propagating power confined to such animals only as natu-
rally employ their teeth as weapons of offence. Sir Astley Cooper, and Mr.
Coleman also, I believe, thought thus ; and it must be allowed that there is a
great air of philosophy in the limiting the power of generating the disease to
the carnivorous and pugnatory classes. But it must, at the same time, be al-
lowed, that some objections present themselves to the theory ; one of which
is, that the human saliva has produced rabies by inoculation : to which, how-
ever, it will probably be replied, that man is half carnivorous ; he has also
canine teeth : by which mode of argument casuists may attempt to save the
credit of the theory as regards the horse, which has been said to have pro-
duced the disease ; for he also has canine teeth, and most certainly uses them
pugnaciously in retaining his hold first taken by his incisors.

1* On the 19th of June, 1823, in the presence of numerous medical students,
MM. Majendie and Breschet, in the Hdtel-Dieu, absorbed some of the saliva
of a man then dying of hydrophobia by means of a bit of rag, and, conveying
it only twenty paces from the bed of the patient, they inoculated two healthy
dogs with it : one of these became rabid on the 27th of July, and bit two
others, one of which so bitten was attacked on the 26th of August. Mr.
Earle, of St. George's Hospital, also inoculated several rabbits with the
saliva of a woman with hydrophobia, some of which became rabid. Dr.
Zinche, of Jena, has proved that the common fowl can be made rabid by the
canine virus. Valentin. Let. sur la Rage, Jour, de Mxd., vol. xxx. This will
serve to strengthen the faith in the account of Mr. King, of Clifton, who pro-
duced rabies in a fowl by means of the saliva of an ox which had just died of
that complaint.

OR CANINE MADNESS. 209

experience has therefore taught us, that quadrupeds universally
seem obnoxious to it ; the feathered tribe appear also not exempt ;
but how much lower in the scale the liability extends, we are yet
to learn.

The saliva of a rahid animal contains the rabid virus. — ^Is it
the only animal secretion which is thus empowered ? This is a
point not yet determined. It has been thought, that the frothy
secretion about the mouth was principally bronchial. In the hu-
man subject it is possible that it is so ; but it is more than pro-
bable that it is not entirely so, but that the saliva is in intimate
mixture with it. It has been a question, therefore, whether this
bronchial secretion is capable of producing the disease. Mons.
Trolliet, a French author of some repute, asserts, that this alone
is the vehicle of contagion^^ ; and, to make good his premises, he
asserts, that the salivary glands, living or dead, present no marks
of affection ; but the mucous bronchial surfaces always do. On
this I have to remark, that the statement is totally at variance with
ray own observations ; the salivary glands being, as far as I recol-
lect, in every instance, involved in one common inflammation with
the parts around, themselves being also individually, sometimes
very highly, injected, and always enlarged ; while, it must be ob-
served, the bronchiae are not always marked with traces of active
inflammation. In this respect, Mr. Youatt's experience coincides
with my own^^ ; but we both regret that we have not before this,

'* Propositions Aphoristiques : 1. " La salive n'est point le vehicule du virus
de la rage. 2. Les gland salivaires ne presentent ni douleur dans le cours de
la maladie, ne traces d' alteration apr^s la mort 3. La bave equemeuse est
etrangere k la salive ; elle vient des vois aeriennes. 4. La membrane mu-
queuse des bronches est le sifege d'un inflammation specifique ; elle produit
le virus de la rage, comme la membrane muqueuse de I'urethre inflammee
produit le virus de la blenorrhagie syphilitique." — Nouveau Truiti de la Rage,
p. 673.

•^ His observation on this fact is thus couched: — "The parotid and sub-
lingual glands hdve been almost invariably affected (i. e. enlarged and in-
flamed), and frequently the sub- maxillary." To those whose faith is strength-
ened by the antiquity of an opinion, it may be observed, that the ancients were

O

210 RABIES CANINA,

put the matter to the test of experiment ; and it would have been
more satisfactory had M. Trolliet done the same. It is enough,
however, for our present purpose, that we know that the saliva is,
at least, the principal medium of communication from the sick to
the healthy. It has analogical proofs, also, that it is the only one :
the blood, the milk^^, and the flesh, have all been proved to be
inocuous, while the saliva enjoys a potency which even powerful
chemical agents cannot destroy^^. Among the dissenters to the
rabid virus being confined to the salivary secretion, are Drs.
Hamilton and Bardsley. These gentlemen entertain a notion
that the infection may be received, in a state of vapour, either
through the pores of the skin, or by inhalation, or by both^S. But
this doctrine is now discredited, and was never supported by pal-
pable facts.

universally impressed with a belief that the saliva alone contained the morbific
virus ; and particular families or tribes (the Marii and Psilii, Africans who
practised at Rome, were of this kind) enjoyed the privilege of drawing out the
poison in these cases by suction with the mouth.' — (Plin. Hist. Nat. lib. vii.)
^lianus, Hist. Animal., lib. i, chap. 51 ; Lucain Pharsal., lib. ix, v. 891.

*' It is a point of great practical interest to ascertain that the milk taken
from a cow in the first stage of rabies is not hurtful. The following autho-
rities are to the purpose : — Nova Acta Nat. Cur. vol. i, Obs. 55 ; Baudot, in
Mem. de la Soc. Royale de Mid., an 1782 et 1783, t. ii, p. 911.

'^ Dr. Zincke, of Jena, inoculated a dog in the fore legs with rabid salivary
virus, and to which belladonna was daily given, but the animal died on the
eighth day. Another, who was inoculated with morbid saliva, mixed with a
strong solution of arsenic, wholly escaped ; while a cat, inoculated with the
same saliva, diluted with a tincture of cantharides, became rabid nine days
after. A rabbit was inoculated with a mixture of rabid saliva and volatile
alkali; it died on the eleventh day. Another, inoculated with virus and hu-
man saliva, escaped disease. A dog, inoculated with the same morbid saliva,
mixed with a diluted solution of phosphorus, although he became sick on the
fifth day, nevertheless escaped infection. A cock, inoculated with the same
saliva, mixed with some of the gastric juice of a cat, died on the fourteenth
day.

'^ The work of Dr. Hamilton is, as might be expected, elaborate, but theo-
retical. Dr. Bardsley has united what he supposes proofs with his theory ;
but as a long experience, among those best fitted to judge of the subject, has

OR CANINE MADNESS. 211

Can the poison make its way into the constitution through the
medium of an epithelium, or mucous surface, as that of the nos-
trils, lips, or eyelids^o ? involves an opinion of greater probability,

never confirmed tliem, it may be supposed that they owed their origin to other
sources. The principal fact on which he grounds his opinion relative to tlie
capability of receiving rabies by means of infected vapour was gained from
Mr. Trevalyan's experiments. This gentleman, after losing almost a pack of
hounds by madness, was led to suspect that contagion might lurk in the sur-
rounding materials of his kennel. The litter was carefully destroyed, the
benches were scalded, the joints, crevices, &c. were painted, and the walls
white-washed ; the pavement was also scalded ; nevertheless the rabies again
appeared. Mr. Trevalyan was now more than ever convinced that some subtle
contagion lodged concealed within the apertures of the benches or pavement ;
the whole was therefore removed, and the edifice was again white-washed and
painted, after which no rabies appeared. Puzzling as this appears to one who
argues that no contagion can lurk thus unseen, and be generated by inhala-
tion, it may yet be satisfactorily accounted for by another statement, equally
true, that fell under my own immediate cognizance. I was requested, in 1821,
by Mr. Yates, of Tring Park, to examine two servants, a huntsman and whip-
per-in, who had been bitten by a hound evidently rabid. I cauterized the
wounds many days after the accident, and neither of them felt any future in-
convenience from the wounds. Three or four of the hounds had already be-
come rabid in succession, and it was proposed to destroy the remainder : to
which I objected, and recommended that a minute examination should be
made of them individually every day. Every now and then, however, for
months afterwards, an individual was attacked with madness, and, at length,
the whole were destroyed, and Mr. Y. procured a new pack, which have never
become aflected, although living in the same kennel, without any precautions
having been made use of to prevent latent contagion ; which I made it a par-
ticular point of ascertaining, having many subsequent opportunities of personal
inquiry,

^ The following authorities lend themselves to the opinion, that a sound
mucous surface can receive the contagion: Palmerius, de Morhis Contag.; Por-
tal, Obs. sur la Rage, p. 131 ; Matthleu in Mim. de la Soc. Royale de Med.
p. 310, &c. A father, when dying of hydrophobia, is said to have imparted a
fatal kiss to his infant. On the authority of Dr. Perceval, Dr. Bardsley tells us
of a man who, during his sleep on the ground, was licked about the mouth (but
not bitten) by an infected dog. He was seized with hydrophobia, and died of
the disease ; but this case, it should be remembered, was always considered
questionable. We are also told of a man, who was not known to have been

o 2

212 RABIES CANINA,

and certainly of equal importance, and is a question on which nega-
tive and affirmative alleged facts can be ranged in almost equal
numbers ; it therefore will require further time, and still closer
observation, to set the matter at rest. Every poison is governed
by its own laws ; were it otherwise, we might analogically conclude
a mucous surface to be open to receive the virus, for such surfaces
receive the syphilitic poison. With still less probability, and with-
out any authentic facts to support their theory, some suppose that
the surface of the skin throughout is capable of being pene-
trated with the poison by the simple application of it to the un-
abraded surface^. A very few only have been led into an opinion
that it was possible for the rabid virus to enter the circulation
through the medium of matters taken into the stomach.

The activity of the rabid virus ; does it remain after death,
and how long 9 is a question not yet solved. Mr. Youatt thinks

bitten, becoming hydrophobous ; but it was afterwards recollected that he had
made use of his teeth to untie a knot with which a rabid dog had been hung.
On the other hand, it is known that the salivary spume has reached both the
eyes and mouth of persons when in attendance on hydrophobous patients
If this were an ordinary source of inoculation, we must naturally meet with
the consequences; instead of which, no such case is on record. Neither would
the practice of sucking out the rabid virus have been so common among the
ancients, as to have become a profession principally confined to certain fami-
lies, as already noticed. It is also very probable that, if the disease really
have been taken through the means of a mucous surface, it was an abraded
one : how often are the lips chapped, and how common is it to have little ex-
coriations in the mouth, or on the nose, eyelids, &c. 1

• A fact sufficient to negative the power of the general cuticle to absorb the
rabid virus is my own safety. When the disease was very prevalent, my
hands must have been, almost every day, in contact with it. I was become,
by habit, entirely fearless of dogs generally, and equally so of those that were
rabid. I examined them unhesitatingly ; assisted my servants to force their
medicines while living ; and examined them without precaution when dead :
and I may safely assert, therefore, that I have had rabid saliva over my hands
more than a hundred times. Mr. Youatt's prosecution of the matter, and his
present health, are equally confirmatory instances of its inadmissibility through
an unabradcd cuticle.

OR CANINE MADNESS. 213

it ceases with the Hfe of the animal ; and it may do so. Nothing,
however, but a series of experiments can determine this ; and, until
then, I should be most unwilling to try it on myself.

Having thus traced the rabid poison from its rise and origin to
its insertion into the animal body, let us now proceed to inquire,
what are the chances that it will prove baneful ; what time usually
intervenes between its insertion and active operations ; and, when
so acting, what are the symptoms it produces, and what its sup-
posed modus operandi 9

Of the numbers bitten by a rabid anim/il, many escape without
injection. — A variety of circumstances may tend to this favour-
able issue, among which may be reckoned the intervention of sub-
stances between the teeth of the biter and the flesh of the bitten ;
as the wool of sheep, the thick hair of some dogs, and the clothes
of human persons.

T%e inherent aptitude in different classes of animal bodies to
receive it isy also, not the same. — As might be expected, it is great-
est in the caninae, particularly in the dog and wolf; yet it is pro-
bable that not one-half of either of these germinate the virus
received. The proportions among other quadrupeds we are more
in the dark about. Mr. Youatt thinks that the majority of inocu-
lated horses perish, but among cattle he is of opinion the propor-
tion is less. I should, however, myself think, that both enjoy a
much greater immunity than dogs ; otherwise we should meet with
more rabid cases among them in agricultural districts than we do^.
Human subjects, both constitutionally and fortuitously, are least
obnoxious to it^. Neither is there room to doubt that the animal

' Are we not, also, warranted in concluding this aptitude in the cat to be
small, from the fact that rabid dogs seek these unfortunates with an instinctive
aversion, and great numbers must by these means become bitten ? yet a rabid
cat is, comparatively, a rare occurrence ; but it is to be observed, that when
rabies does make its appearance in the cat, it shews itself with much of its
phrenetic and mischievous characters.

3 In the human subject, there is reason to suppose that the interposed dress
wipes the saliva from the teeth, and saves many who would be otherwise fatally

214' RABIES CANINA,

frame, generally, is sometimes less ajjt than at others to receive
the contagion, dependent probably on a constitutional idiosyncrasy
generated within, or gathered from, the operation of external cir-
cumstances, as peculiarity of situation, variations in temperature,
qualities in aliment, &q. &c. Not only do facts coincide with this
opinion, but it is impossible otherwise to account for the epide-
mial as well as endemial character which the rabid malady some-
times assumes*.

TTie inte^'vening time between the inoculation hy the rabid bite
and the appearance of the consequent disease, is very variable in

inoculated : but the inferior predisposition in man to receive the contagion ex-
onerates still more. Out of twenty persons bitten by one dog, Mr. Hunter
informs us (although no prophylactics were employed), one only became hy-
drophobous. Dr. Vaughan relates, that between twenty and thirty persons
were bitten by another dog, out of which number, also, one only was infected.
If it were, however, possible to credit the accounts of the ravages of wolves,
we might be led to believe that a superior degree of certainty attended the
contagion, even to the human subject, when received from them. Mons.
Trolliet relates, that of twenty-three persons bitten by a wolf, thirteen were
infected with the disease. In the Mim. de la Soc. Roy. de Mid. p. 122, men-
tion is made of two human persons, with many horses and cows, being bitten
by a rabid wolf in September 1772, and that every one of these became af-
fected. Baudot, also, gives an account of no less than forty oxen, cows, horses,
dogs, &c,, bitten by a mad wolf in the month of June 1765, the majority of
which died. I might multiply these instances, handed down to us by the indus-
try of collators; but the authorities are, in general, so dubious, that they
should be received with caution. It, however, may be admitted, that as the
wolf usually attacks the face, which is not only uncovered, but, it is probable,
is more certainly and more quickly acted on than other parts of the body, so
in this way greater danger may arise from the rabid wolf than the rabid dog.
"• I have before hinted, that accidental circumstances may hasten the attack,
particularly as would appear by excitements of the vascular system. Thus it
follows extraordinary exercise ; and the oestrum or heat of bitches will rouse
the dormant poison into action. The certainty of the attack is also, I believe,
greatly increased, as well as hastened, according to the part bitten. I have
very seldom known any animal escape which was bitten in the head or face ;
and I have, in almost every instance, observed less time to intervene in these
cases than in such as were bitten elsewhere ; and the same has been noticed by
others also.

OR CANINE MADNESS. 215

all the subjects of it : in the majority of instances, the effects ap-
pear in the dog between the third and seventh week. Cases, how-
ever, do now and then occur, where they have been protracted to
three, four, or even a greater number of months. Although,
therefore, caution should not be lost sight of, even after eight
weeks have elapsed, yet the danger may be considered as incon-
siderable after that time. A week is the shortest period I have
met with between the bite and rabid appearances. Mr. Youatt
never saw a case with less than seventeen intervening days. In
the horSe, as far as my own experience goes, the average time is
the same with the dog : Mr. Youatt, however, hints at one after
four months. In cattle, the probatory period seems much the
same as in horses and dogs. In the human, it may appear in a
month, or be protracted to three or four ; and the late Mr. Henry
Earle authenticates a case within his own knowledge, in which the
hydrophobic symptoms were delayed until a twelvemonth after the
bite. Of the extraordinary instances we read of, which have been
protracted to five, twelve, and even nineteen years, I do not be-
lieve one.

Symptoms of Rabies.

I SHALL now proceed to describe the pathognomonic and occa-
sional indications of the rabid malady, premising that the varieties
in both, but particularly in the latter, are so numerous, that hardly
any two cases present themselves under a directly similar aspect^.

^ I have great reason to think that much of the discrepancy we meet with
in the various accounts that appear relative to rabies, arises from the confined
field of observation from whence they are drawn. One describes it as he has
once seen it, and he expects all future cases exactly to coincide with his own
statement, or that they should fully bear him out in his own views of the sub-
ject. In the larger breeds of dogs, and particularly in kennelled ones, as
hoimds, &c., where close domestication has not wholly reclaimed their native
ferocity, rabies may, and indeed does, shew itself with much of that wildness
and mischievous character that has gained it the name of madness. The rabies

216 RABIES CANINA,

It is, however, certain that, by the aid of the pathognomonic symp-
toms, the disease may be commonly detected without fear of mis-
take. The extent of the former, and the necessity for a distinct
notice of all the varieties of the latter, render a perspicuous ac-
count of the malady extremely difficult, and necessarily extend it
beyond the limits of a summary.

JRabies sometimes commences with dulness, at others with a
more than usual watchfulness and restlessness ; it is often ushered
in by some peculiarity of manner, some departure from the ordi-
nary habits of the animal, or by the introduction of new ones. In
many instances, but more particularly in the smaller and closely do-
mesticated kinds of dogs, this peculiarity consists in a disposition
to pick up straws, thread, paper, or other small objects^. In
others, the first symptom noticed is an eager and unceasing at-
tempt to lick the anus or parts of generation of another dog7. The
lapping of their own urine is a common and early symptom of
madness, and one that should be particularly inquired for ; as, when
found to exist, I know of none that should be regarded as more

of the wolf and fox, although close congeners of the dog, and that likewise of
the half-reclaimed cat, is always stamped with a ferocity and malignance of
character that is foreign to what usually occurs in the smaller and more do-
mesticated breeds ; in which cultivation has wrought such an entire change of
their nature, that even their symptomatic appearances under disease are, in a
great degree, altered by it.

^ I have repeatedly seen dogs, which, before they became at all suspected
of madness, had for a day or two industriously employed themselves in this
way, so that not the smallest loose object of any kind remained on the floor,
to the no small surprise of the owners,

■^ In one instance, I foretold the approach of the disease by the uncommon
attachment of a pug puppy to a kitten, which he was continually licking ; as
he also did the cold nose of another pug that was with him : and Deane, Earl
Fitzwilliam's huntsman, also observes, that among his hounds he regards the
smelling and licking of the penis and fundament of another as a most suspi-
cious symptom. It is a curious circumstance, that sexual excitement is fre-
quently an early symptom in all the subjects of rabies. It has been also re-
marked in the human. Sheep and pigs also first shew rabies by riding their
ftllows.

OR CANINE MADNESS. 217

strongly characteristic of rabies, and of no other complaint.
Some shew an early disposition to lick every thing cold about
them, as iron, stone, &c. These, and other peculiarities, often
appear in lap-dogs, and others that are under immediate observa-
tion, one, two, or even three days before the more decisive and
active symptoms. The constant licking of a particular spot or
portion of the body I have regarded as a very strong characteristic
of rabies ; particularly when the animal is seen to watch over this
part with a jealous solicitude, or to bite and even gnaw it. Others
spend their ferocity on their bed or the basket in which they
usually sleep : in fact, every thing awakens his ire, until, com-
pletely exhausted, he sinks into a slumber, from which ever and
anon he starts up in a restless or ferocious mood. Not more than
two days intervene between his precursory symptoms noted and a
salivary discharge, which seldom lasts more than two days ; and
is often succeeded by a viscid spume, which the dog with much
earnestness rubs off with his fore paws. The eyes, even in this
early stage, if observed attentively, will often be found rather more
bright, lively, and red than usual, and are then accompanied with
a certain quickness and irritability of manner^. In other cases,
the eyes are less vivid ; and, more particularly, when the disease
is to assume the mild form, called dumb madness, they often pre-
sent a dull aspect, and a purulent discharge from the inner angles ;
occasionally the nose also throws out pus. The salivary discharge
is often increased early in the complaint, and so continues : in other
cases, a parched dry tongue is seen, with insatiable thirst. The
purulent discharge has occasioned the disease to be mistaken for
distemper. Much stress is laid on a sullen manner, and a disposi-
tion to hide or retreat from observation, as early characteristics of
madness; and these appearances are certainly not unusual in
hounds and kennelled dogs, but they are less frequently observed

* Mr. Youatt expresses this alteration in the eyes as being of a peculiarly
bright and dazzling kind, accompanied by a slight strabismus ; not the pro-
trusion of the membrana nictitans, as in distemper, but an actual distortion
from the natural axis of the eye.

218 RABIES CANINA,

in the petted kinds : this, however, will greatly depend on the ge-
neral character of the dog at all times. Costiveness is not un-
common in the incipient stage ; in the latter it is still more fre-
quent. An early sickness and vomiting often appear, but although
ineffectual retchings may continue, actual vomition does not often
accompany the complaint through its progress ; the peculiarity
of the inflammation in the stomach rather tends to retain the
ingesta within it. Indeed, this circumstance forms one of the
strongest criteria of the existence of the disease, as will be here-
after noticed.

A continual licking or violent scratching of some particular
part of the body is by no means an uncommon symptom ; and a
close examination of the part will frequently detect a scar, or the
remains of the wound by which the poison was received ; and
when the former wound cannot be ascertained in this way, if a true
history of the case can be gained, it will always be found that the
inoculation was received on the part so scratched or licked ; for
I have reason to believe that this morbid sympathy in the bitten
part exists more or less in every case. The appetite is by no
means always affected in either early or continued rabies ; on the
contrary, food is not only eaten, but digested also, during the first
stages ; and some will eat almost to the last, but with such the
food is seldom digested. That no disinclination to liquids exists
will be readily acknowledged by all who observe the disease with
only common attention : from the first to the last, no aversion to
water is observed. We state this as a general fact : one or two
instances in as many hundreds may occur of constitutional idiosyn-
crasy where liquids have been refused ; but of the many hundreds
of rabid dogs we have seen, not one has shewn any marked aver-
sion to water. In the early stages, liquids of all kinds are taken
as usual, and some continue to take them throughout the complaint ;
others cannot, from a swelling and paralysis of the parts of deglu-
tition, readily swallow them in the advanced stages ; but, in such,
no spasm is occasioned by the attempt, nor does it cause pain or
dread : on the contrary, from the thirst brought on by the symp-

OR CANINE MADNESS. 219

tomatic fever present, water is sought for, and, in most cases, an
extreme eagerness is expressed for it9. The experience of more
than twenty-five years, many of which were passed in the midst of

^ It is imperative on me to press this point particularly, as will be seen be-
low. Mr. Youatt also expressly says in his pamphlet, p. 3, " There is no
dread of water ; no spasm attending the effort to swallow ; but a most extra-
ordinary and unquenchable thirst." Mr. Meynell remarks, that mad dogs
have no abhorrence or dread of water ; and th^t they will eagerly lap it even
the day before their death. He also notices the paralysis that often renders
their attempts to drink abortive. John Hunter, who was not accustomed to
state facts without examination, says, that " mad dogs can swallow solids and
liquids through the whole disease." Tram, of a Society for the Improvement
of Medical Knowledge, p. 296. Dr. Hamilton also has, " A rabid dog never
avoids water, and laps whatever liquid food is set before him, long after the
poison can be communicated by his bite." — Remarks on Hydrophobia, vol. i,
p. 12-16. " Cette chienne, avoit hu et mang6 apr^s avoir mordu." — Journal
de Mddecine, vol. xxxix. " Le loup mangeoit tranquillement une chevre, et
celui de Frejus traversa plusieurs fois de grandes rivieres a la nage." — Foy.
d'Jrluc, Recueil Periodique, vol. iv. " II est done dangereux de concleur de
ce qu'uu animal boit et mange et traverse une rividre, qu'il n'est point atteint
de la rage." — Trolliet, Nov. Trait, de la Rage, p. 276.

It is incalculable the mischief that this sad but too common prejudice has
produced ; it has rendered thousands of persons miserable for months and
years even, while others it has lulled into a fatal security. Should a dog, from
an affection of any kind soever, be prevented from swallowing, he is imme-
diately pronounced naad, and he is unreluctantly destroyed, while dread pro-
bably remains in the mind of every one who has even been within his reach.
An unfortunate person, who may have been bitten by this same dog, for months
or even years before, is not exempt from the panic ; for among other popular
errors that are current, is, that if a dog becomes mad, any person, who may
have been formerly bitten by the animal, is equally in danger, as though it
had happened when the animal was really affected. On the other hand, if a
sick dog can drink, he is pronounced free from all danger of madness ; and so
universal has this opinion been, that Dr. H., an eminent physician, now in
very extensive practice in the western part of London, on being consulted by
a person actually bitten by a rabid dog, immediately inquired whether the dog
by which he had'been wounded could drink ; and, on being informed that he
could drink, he peremptorily pronounced that the dog could not he mad ; and
proceeded to recommend that no precautions whatever should be made use of.
This gentleman was guilty of a piece of professional presumption and igno-

220 RABIES CANINA,

its most frightful visitations, I again repeat did not produce one
instance where any thing like a dread of water was manifested,
or any where spasm followed the attempts to take it.

I have already hinted at an early and marked alteration of the
temper of the animal^ as common ; something of it may be seen
in almost all cases. I say almost, because occasionally, and par-
ticularly in the dumb variety of the disease, it is altogether want-
ing, and which phenomenon is most common in the lap-dog breeds,
and particularly in pugs. The degree of irritability varies much,
according to the variety of the disease, it being greatest in acute
rabies : it is likewise much influenced by the general character
and kind of the dog — one naturally ferocious is therefore rendered
more so by it ; and, as might be expected, the fighting breeds
usually have it strongly marked, particularly all sporting terriers.
In hounds, setters, pointers, &c., the degree of mischievous excite-
ment is regulated greatly by the general temper of the dog, and
whether it be the dumb or raging kind of the disease. As a
general principle, it appears with little ferocity in all dogs in a
state of close domestication, and more particularly so towards those
to whom the dog has been accustomed to yield obedience. This,
however, like all the other symptoms, is liable to variations ; but,

ranee unworthy of his rank and situation ; and his adviee, had it been followed,
might have caused the death of three persons. Fortunately for them, his
opinion was not attended to, and I dissected the wounded parts out of each
of them. In five weeks, an unfortunate spaniel, who had been bitten by this
same dog, became rabid; and in six weeks a horse bitten by him became so
likewise. Dr. Gilman relates a case of hydrophobia where a fatal insecurity
had been indulged in, from the circumstance that the dog both ate and drank
during his complaint. Mr. Youatt had a dog brought to him which was un-
questionably rabid. The owner, a poor woman, had her hands excoriated by
a breaking out, and these hands the dog had repeatedly licked during his ill-
ness. On Mr. Youatt's intimation that it was necessary she should use some
precaution, she applied *to a medical gentleman, who assured her, that if the
dog attempted to drink he was not mad, and no precautions were necessary.
This opinion was likewise confirmed by another person who pretends to some
veterinary knowledge : fortunately for her, Mr. Youatt undeceived her, and, I
believe, applied the preventive.

OR CANINE MADNESS. 221

generally, these remarks will be found to apply. The change of
temper in its early stages consists rather of a pettish irritability
than one of a settled mischievous intention ; but, with few^ excep-
tions, a marked impatience of restraint is manifested. The first
oflFensive symptoms are often directed towards cats, while dogs re-
main unmolested : next, however, dogs, particularly strange ones,
are attacked, but those they are habituated to are still safe ; and
as the complaint gains ground even these are not spared. — We
will now further pursue the disease under its two leading varieties,
which distinctions are founded principally on the circumstance, of
whether it spends its violence on the respiratory or on the digestive
systems of organs ; previously, however, observing, that this dis-
tinction is rather made in obedience to popular and long received
opinion, which has recognized canine madness as of two kinds, one
raging, and the other dumb, than to any specific difference be-
tween them : on the contrary, when the attack is equally diffused
throughout the system, the symptoms of these two states are so
blended, as to afford little room for nosological distinction ; and the
less, as each variety begets either the one or the other indiscrimi-
nately. Nevertheless, as the attack on the organs is rather partial
than general, in the majority of cases, so it may not be inconvenient
to follow the popular distinctions.

Acute or Raging Rabies.

Acute Rabies, or Raging Madness^^, as it is called, is that state
of increased excitement and irritability which begins to shew itself
immediately after, and occasionally only with the early symptoms.
Sometimes these precursors are passed over unnoticed, and it is
therefore supposed that the animal is at once attacked with the

^" It is a curious fact, but it is no less true than curious, that the rabies of
very young dogs, as I have seen it, has always been of this kind. I never saw
a rabid puppy that did not exhibit marks of considerable delirium and much
mischievous tendency towards every living being, indiscriminately. That af-
fection of the throat, and tumefaction of the parts of deglutition, producing
diwib madness, I never met with in any but an adult dog.

222 RABIES CANINA,

appearances that follow. It is, however, very seldom that such is.
really the case, by which the danger from madness is much lessened.
The acute or raging kind is distinguished by a general quickness
of manner, sudden startings, great watchfulness, and a disposition
to be acted on by sudden impressions, as noises, the appearance of
a stranger, &c. This watchfulness, however, often yields to a
momentary stupor, and inclination to doze, from which the dog
will start up, and fix his eyes steadfastly on some object, probably
on one not usually noticed, and often on one altogether imaginary ;
at which he will attempt to fly. In this stage the breathing is
often hurried ; sometimes the panting is excessive, and, where the
pulse can be examined, it is invariably found rapid and sometimes
hard. The irritability in these cases is marked by extreme impa-
tience of controul ; and even when no aptitude to attack or act of-
fensively towards those around may appear, yet a great disposition
to resist any slight offence offered commonly shews itself. A stick
held to such a dog is sure to excite his anger, even from those he
is most attached to, and he will seize and shake it with violence :
the same will occur if either the hand or foot be held out, but,
unless in a very great state of excitement, these he will rather
mumble than tear, if belonging to those he is acquainted with.
This disposition l o become irritated on the slightest shew of offence,
as flying at a stick, is a very marked feature of rabies, and should
be very particularly attended to, and the more, as it usually is
present in both varieties of the malady ; unless when paralysis has
blunted the capability of excitement. A peculiar suspicion marks
these particular cases, and a degree of treachery also, by which,
in the midst of caresses apparently received with pleasure, the dog
will at once turn and snap at those noticing him : he will, perhaps,
readily come when he is called, and with every mark of tractability
will wag his tail and seem pleased, but on a sudden he will seem
to receive a counter-impression, and hastily bite the person who
called him. This stage is often marked, in large and naturally
fierce dogs, with an utter fearlessness of danger and contempt of
every menace : every restraint is most unwillingly submitted to ;

OR CANINE MADNESS. 2^23

the miserable brute shakes his chain with extreme violence, and,
when confined without one, he will attempt by every means to
escape, and will force or gnaw his way out of his confinement in
a most surprising manner. The vessels that are placed before him
he overturns or breaks with mischievous alertness.

A disposition to rove accompanies each variety of rabies ; but
as, in the dumb kinds, the paralysis, stupor, and prostration of
strength, are hindrances to it, so it is more particularly apparent
in the acute kind. This inclination does not usually shew itself
by an attempt to escape altogether, neither does it appear a deliri-
ous affection ; on the contrary, much method is displayed in it,
which makes it rather seem an instinctive disposition common to
all, to propagate the disease. In its early stages, before the
strength is much impaired, dogs will travel immense distances
under this impulse : such a one trots along, and industriously looks
out for every other dog within his reach or sight. Whenever he
discovers one, little or large, he first smells to him, in the usual
way of dogs, and then immediately falls on him, generally giving
him one shake only ; after which he commonly sets off again in
search of another object. The quickness with which this attack is
made very frequently surprises the bitten dog so much, as to pre-
vent his immediately resenting it : but nothing is more erroneous
than the supposition that a healthy dog instinctively knows a rabid
or mad one. I have watched these attacks in nmnerous cases, and
I have seen the mad dog tumbled over and over, without the least
hesitation, by others that he had himself fallen on.

During this march of mischief, rabid dogs but seldom, however,
turn out of the way to bite human passengers ; neither do they so
often attack horses, or other animals, as their own species. Some-
times they will not go out of their line of travel to attack these
even ; but, trotting leisurely along, will bite only those which fall
immediately in their way. In other cases, however, where the
natural habit is irritable and ferocious, and where dogs may have
been used to worry other animals, as guard-dogs, farmers' dogs,
terriers, &c., a disposition to general attack is sometimes apparent;
and by such, horses, cows, sheep, pigs, and even human persons,

224- RABIES CANINA,

are all indiscriminately bitten. When such a dog has roved about
for an indeterminate period, as ten or even twenty hours, he will
return home quietly, if not discovered and destroyed in his
progress^ 1.

The affection of the larynx produces an invariable alteration in
the voice, and a very marked one it usually is. A few are alto-
gether mute, from engorgement of the parts. The sounds emitted
of themselves forai a strong characteristic of the complaint. In
the irritable variety, the alteration is first observed by a more
quick and hasty method of barking, with some difference also in
the usual tones of the bark ; by degrees, an occasional howl either
follows the bark, or takes place of it altogetheri^. This howl,
which is common to both varieties of the complaint, in the dumb
kind has a choaking hoarseness with it : the whole, however, is of
so peculiar a kind, that it may be said never to be heard under any
other circumstance than from a rabid dog^^.

" In cities and large towns this return after a march of mischief is suffi-
ciently common ; but in the country it is different, and, therefore, this pecu-
liarity ]ias not an opportunity to shew itself; for there the unfortunate animal
is soon detected by his manner, and is immediately hunted. If not overtaken,
he is too much alarmed to return soon ; and, before he has time to recover his
fright, he is discovered in some other situation, and falls a sacrifice to the
anger of his pursuers. The very hunting will, of course, do to him what it
would to any other dog ; it will beget fury : otherwise there would very seldom
be much ferocity apparent, and, in most instances, such a dog would return
home when thoroughly tired.

'2 It is evident that it is not easy to form a written description of any pecu-
liarity of voice, but the rabid howl may not unaptly be resembled to the tones
produced by what is called, among sportsmen, the giving tongue of the old
heavy southern harrier. It appears composed of something between a bark
and a howl, being made up of tones longer than the one and shorter than the
other, and always with the head thrown up; and is usually single and repeated
at uncertain intervals only, and is altogether so peculiar, that, when once heard,
it can never be forgotten ; and so characteristic, that it may be, I may say,
implicitly relied on. I have, in several instances, been attracted to houses
where dogs have been confined, by the sound alone, in time to warn the inha-
bitants of their danger.

'^ Boerhaave seems to have this howl in view, when he says, "muti quoad
latratum, murmurantes tamen."

OR CANINE MADNESS. 225

The Taciturn Rabies.

Dumb madness forms the other and most frequent variety in
adult dogs, and which cases appear dependent on a less degree
of active sensorial excitement, but with greater morbid afifection
of the bowels. The symptoms which succeed to the premonitory
ones, are often rapid ; and superadded to the dull, heavy, and
distressed countenance, costiveness, &c., there appears a stiffness
about the jaws, and a hollow sound is emitted in breathing, which
is rather performed by the mouth than the nose, that being plugged
up with pus, or the arch of communication being straightened by
tumefaction. As the whole of the pharynx and larynx becomes
tumefied to the full extent, the muscles at the base of the tongue,
and those of the lower jaw, are rendered inert ; the mouth remains
open, and the tongue hangs pendulous without; and sometimes
there exists an actual inability to close the jaws A congestion of
blood is the necessary consequence of the distention of the parts,
and the tongue from this cause usually appears, in these cases,
livid or almost black, particularly towards its apex or point : fre-
quently a black central line extends through its whole length.
This state of the parts occasions often a difficulty, sometimes a
total inabihty even, to swallow either liquids or solids. In general,
however, the inability is principally confined to liquids, which are,
in such instances, returned as fast as they are lapped, from the in-
capacity of the tongue to carry it into the pharynx ; but in no in-
stance, as already insisted on, do the attempts to swallow appear
to excite apprehension or give pain. The mouth itself is mostly
parched and dry ; occasionally, however, it is seen with saliva con-
tinually flowing from it^*. It is the tumefaction of the pharynx

*^ In most cases an increased salivary flow arises at some period of the com-
plaint, which is not frequently lasting, but is succeeded by a viscid bronchial
secretion, that appears to irritate the dog beyond endurance; and to remove
which he often employs himself with the utmost violence, in forcing his paws
against his mouth, as dogs do when a bone is lodged between the teeth.

P

226 RABIES CANINA,

that produces the deep choaking noise ah-eady noticed, and which
seems to issue from the bottom of the glottis : all the ordinary
symptoms spring from this specific laryngitis and bronchitis, by
which these parts are tumefied even to paralysis, yet are totally
free from any of the human spasmodic rigors. It is, however, far
otherwise with the external muscular tissues : the cutaneous mus-
cles become often first affected, twitchings pass over the face, and
afterwards the spasmodic and paralytic affection frequently extends
also to all the organs of locomotion : in others, it is principally
confined to the loins and hinder extremities. When the morbid
affection acts very strongly on the bowels, it occasions the hinder
parts to be drawn forward by a species of tetanic spasm toward
the fore parts, so as to bend the body of the poor sufierer into a
circle ; sometimes it fixes the animal on his rump, almost upright.

A symptom common to dumb madness, and not altogether un-
common in the more raging kind also, is a disposition to carry
straw, litter, or other matters, about in the mouth, which the dog
seems to make a bed of, frequently altering it, pulling it to pieces,
and again remaking it. It is also very common to observe dogs
scratch their litter under them with their fore feet, not as when
making their beds, but evidently to press the straw or litter to the
belly. This peculiarity appears to arise from some particular
sympathy with the intestines, which, in these cases, are always
after death observed to be very highly inflamed. There is also
present a disposition to pick up and to swallow, when not prevented
by the affection of the throat, indigestible and unnatural substances,
selected from whatever is around them, and which the costiveness
usually present tends to retain within the body. It appears to be
this impulse, likewise, that leads rabid dogs to gnaw boards, or
whatever is within their reach ; and this aptitude may be con-
sidered as common to every variety of the complaint, except, as
already observed, where the tumefaction and paralysis of the
throat are so extreme as altogether to prevent it.

The irritability attendant on dumb madness is even subject to

OR CANINE MADNESS. 227

more variation than that called the raging. It is sometimes con-
siderable, and exhibits all the treacherous and mischevious dispo-
sition that marks the other ; but when the dumb character is
strongly marked, there is then seldom either much irritability or
delirium apparent; on the contrary, in many instances, a most
peaceable disposition is manifest, and which does not appear de-
pendent on the inability to bite, but really from a total want of
inclination to it. Indeed, in many cases of this kind, the tracta-
bility of character and mildness of disposition have appeared to be
even increased by the disease, and that to a degree that will not
permit strangers to suppose it possible for rabies to be present.
It would sensibly affect any one, to witness the earnest imploring
look I have often seen from the unhappy sufferers under this
dreadful malady. The strongest attachment has been manifested
to those around during their utmost sufferings ; and the parched
tongue, as I have before noticed, has been carried over the hands
and feet of those who noticed them, with more than usual fond-
ness. This disposition has continued to the last moment of life,
in many cases, without one manifestation of any inclination to bite,
or to do the smallest harm. I have observed this particularly in
pugs, and it has not been uncommon also in other lap-dogs.

The progress of the disease in its latter stages is marked by in-
creased paralysis, and it often happens that, as it extends over the
body, that of the jaws lessens : the wretched animal now reels
about with little consciousness ; tumbles and gets up again ; now
seats himself folded on his rump, and in this posture life is stolen
away often without a struggle. The fatal termination ranges be-
tween the third and seventh days ; few die sooner than the third
day, and very few survive longer than the seventh : the average
number die on the fourth and fifth. In man, it has destroyed at
the end of twenty-four hours ; few have lasted beyond the third
day : by repeated bleedings, however, a case which is related in
The Lancet of July 12th, was protracted to the fourteenth day.
Horses do not survive beyond the third or fourth ; the ox and
sheep, Mr. Youatt says, from five to seven days ; but a rabid sheep,

p2

228 RABIES CANINA,

the property of Mr. Adam, of Mount Nod, Streatham, died on the
third ; and I have a recollection of one or two others which did
not survive longer.

What other canine diseases may hy possibility he confounded
with rabies ? — The importance of the subject makes such an in-
quiry necessary ; but it must be prosecuted in a note below^^ ; it

•5 Thousands of innocent dogs have been sacrificed to mistaking some other
disease for this ; and thousands of persons have been rendered miserable in
their minds by needless fears from the same errors. I know not the numbers
of epileptic dogs which have been killed under a supposition of their being
rabid ; and, on the other hand, not unfrequently dogs really rabid have been
fondled, and had remedies administered to them at great personal risk, from
a supposition that they laboured under some other complaint. Epileptic fits,
whether occasional or the consequence of distemper, are often mistaken for
rabies : but it should be remembered, that there is no rabid symptom whatever
that at all resembles such a fit, whether in the irritable or in the dumb variety.
An epileptic fit is sudden ; it completely bewilders the dog, and after a deter-
minate period leaves him perfectly sensible, and not at all irritable, but ex-
actly as he was before: in rabies there is no fit, i. e. no loss of recollection, no
tumbling about wildly in convulsion ; neither is there any marked break in
the natural irritability attendant on rabies. If a dog in an epileptic fit should
be so convulsed as to attempt to bite, it is evidently done without design ; his
attack is spasmodic, and pain may make him seize any thing, and it is quite
as likely to be himself as any thing beside. The irritability and mischievous
attempts of the rabid dog have always method with them, and they evidently
result from a mental purpose to do evil. The mad dog has usually a disposi-
tion to rove, the distempered one never. A puppy in distemper, particularly
if he have worms, may pick up stones, or eat coals, or he may in a trifling
degree take unusual matters as food ; yet no dog but a rabid one will take in
hay, or wood, or rag, or will distend his stomach almost to bursting. The
discharge from the nose and eyes which sometimes occurs in rabies, I have
often seen mistaken for distemper, and that even by veterinary surgeons : it is,
indeed, the most deceitful of all the appearances which occur, particularly
where it continues for some time, as is occasionally the case. Usually, how-
ever, it is the permanent attendant on distemper, and a temporary one only of
rabies: while the previous emaciation, cough, and gradual increase of the flow,
from thin and watery to muco -purulent, and then to pus, are distinguishing
symptoms of distemper. A tetanic attack has been mistaken for rabies ; but
the extreme rarity of this disease renders such error not of very likely occur-

OR CANINE MADNESS. 229

being desirable that the thread of the detail should be uninter-
rupted and uniform in the text.

Post-mortem Appearances.

The morbid anatomy of the rabid dog forms a most important
feature in a portrait of the malady, but is one that was long
neglected. It by no means unfrequently happens, that it is not
until after a dog is dead that he is suspected of having been rabid,
although he may have bitten one or more persons. Under such
circumstances, it is evident that it is of the utmost consequence to
be able to decide, from a post-mortem examination of the dead body
alone, whether the disease did or did not exist. Fortunately the
morbid appearances peculiar to these cases are usually well
marked, and so universally present, that a just decision is seldom
difficult to form, even from them alone.

On a careful examination of the head, the brain and its mem-

rence, and the medical attendant ought never to he deceived : rigid convulsions
may contort the frame, and close the mouth ; but there is no other likeness to
rabies present, and the dog is as incapable as he is disinclined to do mischief
in any way : the death of the tetanic dog will also, by internal inspection of
the body, at once distinguish between these diseases, as in tetanus there are
few marks of visceral disturbance. Spasmodic colic will contort the dog, and
may sometimes make him irritable and disposed to bite, if he be disturbed ;
but he will never attempt it purposely : on the contrary, he will rather avoid
all intercourse with living beings. Colic also, particularly that occasioned by
taking lead internally, produces excruciating pains not present in rabies,
which pains also remit and return at uncertain intervals: again, although
plaintive moans may be heard in spasmodic colic, barking or howling is al-
ways absent ; neither are the jaws paralyzed : active purging also relieves this,
but is totally inert in the other. Lastly, the mistakes likely to occur between
rabies and other diseases are, in some degree, attributable to erroneous pic-
tvures drawn by authors of such diseases : thus, Dr. Jenner's account of the
distemper, instead of deserving the praise his great name has drawn down up-
on it, is entirely calculated to mislead : indeed, it might be supposed by his
readers, that he was purposely describing rabies and not distemper. — See
Medico- Chirurg. Trans, vol. i, p. 263. I could produce many similar instances
in other authors also.

230 RABIES CANINA,

branes will be usually found to have suffered more or less ffoih
the attack. Sometimes the general vascularity is only slightly
increased, but in most cases the vessels of the pia mater will be
found distended with blood, and that usually in the degree of ex-
citement exhibited, but in no instance have I observed the mem-
branes thickened, as in idiopathic phrenitis. The inflammatory
appearances within the cerebral cavity are usually less considera-
ble in those cases called dumb madness than in the raging. As
might be expected, the spinal brain, or spinal marrow, as it is called,
usually participates with the cerebral aff'ection : sometimes the
morbid marks are greater here than in the brain itself. The
membranes of it are often highly injected^^, the canal likewise is
sufi*used with fluid, and the nervous column itself presents diseased
appearances. — Journal Universel des Sciences Medicales, tom.
65y 134" cahier.

Much of the general tumefaction which existed during life
about the back of the mouth, disappears on the collapse of death,
but it commonly leaves the base of the tongue and the sublingual
glands enlarged and injected as well. Mr. Youatt has often, he
observes, found the parotid and submaxillary glands gorged also.
As regards the tongue, not only its base generally remains tume-
fied, but its papillae are particularly enlarged, as also the mucous
glands of the under surfaces, which have been the subject of
critical examination of late years ; and which Mr. Youatt, with
much probability, thinks have been mistaken by Marochetti and
others for his famed pustules. It is also important to be aware
that, whether a dog has been wormed or not wormed, no differ-
ence whatever is found in the appearance of the under surface of

'* " L'encephale ofFrait une injection sensible du r6seau vasculaire qui le
forme en partie; I'arachnoide 6tait aussi fortement inject<;e ; les hemispheres
c6r6braux prdsentaient A leur surface un 6panchement de sang assez consi-
derable ; h la coupe, ils laissaient transuder des gouttelettes de sang. Les
membranes de la colonne vertebrale <5taient enflammees dans divers points
et notamment vers les vert^bres dorsales, ou la moelle, dans un 6tat d'affais-
sement appreciable, 6tait-irritee par suite d'une violentc percussion qui avait
occasionne aussi un epanchement recent d'une dcnii-cuiller6e dc sang."

OR CANINE MADNESS. 231

the tongue : if the fraBnulum be present, that portion is not in any
degree particularly swollen or red ; and if it have been extracted,
the general appearances are exactly the same. This will be fur-
ther pursued under the head Worming of Dogs ; but it is of much
consequence, that this invariable similarity in morbid appearance
between the wormed and the unwormed dog, be especially noted.
The colour of the tongue betrays the intensity of the inflammation
which has pervaded it, varying from a dark red to a deep purple ;
a yellow central line sometimes presenting, and occasionally
bounding its edges. The fauces and tonsils never escape the in-
flammatory attack, and the insatiable thirst that is generally found
present may be attributed to the want of the lubricating mucus
usually secreted by it.

The whole extent of the pharyngeal and laryngeal cavities is
mostly beset with discoloured spots ; but a distinct inflammatory
patch about the angle of the larynx, at the back of the epiglottis,
is so invariably present, as to deserve the character of one of the
criteria of the disease. The epiglottis and rima glottis are also
commonly enveloped with an inflammatory tinge, which, now and
then, extends a little way within the trachea, but less frequently is
the oesophagus aff'ected with it. Proceeding onwards, we invariably
meet with an extension of the morbid inflammation to the thoracic
and abdominal viscera : but by no means are these cavities always
affected in an equal degree ; on the contrary, in those instances
where there has been a greater tendency to the raging variety,
the thoracic viscera are usually more diseased than the bowels or
stomach. Not only are the lungs themselves, in these cases, found
highly inflamed, but the costal pleura and diaphragm are afl^ected
also. Sometimes one thoracic cavity is found more highly con-
gested than the other ; and, now and then, the mediastinum, peri-
cardium, and even the heart itself, in cases of great rabid inten-
sity, are found so likewise.

When the abdominal viscera are examined, they almost inva-
riably present marks of a full share of the morbid affection. If
the dog has been destroyed early in the disease, these may not be

232 RABIES CANINA,

very considerable, and an occasional caso may occur where the
appearances are not very strong, even when the animal is suffered
to remain until death ; but such instances are rare.

In the stomach inflammatory marks are very seldom wanting ;
and turning our attention to a rabid one, we are often first struck
with its appearance of distention, and, on opening it, the cause is
seen to arise from an accumulation of a considerable, oftentimes
of an immense, mass of indigestible substances, as hay, straw,
wood, coals, or, in fact, of any surrounding matter which has
proved small enough for deglutition. This disposition to take in
unusual ingesta exists in every variety of the complaint ; and as
sickness and vomiting, though common in its early stages, are but
seldom to be found during the latter periods of it, so the substances
taken in being of an indigestible nature, necessarily remain within
the stomach until death. There is little reason to doubt that a
morbid sympathy in this organ is the occasion of this peculiarity,
and that the presence of these hard bodies gives some relief, pro-
bably by the distention they occasion. Certain it is, that the ap-
pearance of this indigestible and incongruous matter within the
stomach is so common, that it becomes a pathognomonic sign of
the utmost importance, and it should be searched for in every
case where doubt exists^^.

" In describing the criteria of the disease, I have purposely omitted before
enlarging on this particular, that I might here do it more fully, and that I
might at once describe both the cause and effect : I must now therefore ob-
serve, that, of all the characteristic marks of the complaint, I consider this
as the most genuine, and as the one liable to the least variation. I will not
say that I never saw a rabid stomach, after death, without this crude indi-
gestible mass; but, during the examination of more than two hundred cases,
I do not recollect to have met with but very few indeed in which there has
not been either this, or a chocolate-coloured fluid : and when these indigesta
are not present, on inquiry it will still be often found that such have been
vomited up. This genuine characteristic cannot, therefore, be too strongly
kept in mind, because it is one that may be sought for by one person as well
as another, by the most uninformed, and by the amateur as well as the pro-
fessional man. It is also more important, because it may be found long after

OR CANINE MADNESS. 233

When the stomach is emptied, it usually presents marks of very
intense inflammation. If the dog has been destroyed very early
in the complaint, the inflammatory markings may not be very con-
siderable, but, in every such instance even, which has fallen under
my notice, in some degree or other, they have still been present ;
while, in those cases where the animals had been suffered to die
of the disease, I never remember one in which the morbid appear-
ances were not considerable. The inner surface, or rugous coat,
is often livid, and not unfrequently sprinkled over with pustular
prominences : it is not unusual, likewise, for it to exhibit sphacelated
ulcerous patches. I have seen it actually perforated by the mor-
tification present. The outer surface is seldom wholly free from
inflammatory marks either, particularly along the great curvature ;
and such is the intensity of the inflammation, that I have seen
blood extravasated between the membranous and muscular coats.
There are seldom many fluid contents present, — the mass of in-
gesta usually absorbs what may be there ; but when any such are
found, they invariably consist of a dark-coloured liquor, not unlike
coffee grounds.

The intestinal tube is often found with strong marks of disease
also ; but the frequency of these is not equal to the stomachic af-
fection. It is seldom continuous, but rather in contiguous patches,
principally affecting sometimes one and sometimes another of the

death, when the other marks have become blended in the universal decompo-
sition and decay of the body. I cannot exemplify this better than by relating
a circumstance of my being sent for, to a considerable distance in the country,
to examine a suspected dog, that had been already buried three weeks, but
was now dug up for my inspection. All other marks to be gained from the
morbid anatomy had, of course, disappeared ; and I must have been left in
doubt (for the dog had come from some distant part, had bitten a child who
was caressing him, and had been in consequence killed on the spot — nothing,
therefore, of his history was known), had it not been for this unfailing crite-
rion, which I found to exist, in this instance, in its full force, and from which
I was led, without fear of error, to decide that the dog had been rabid, and,
consequently, without excision of the bitten parts the child's life was in
danger.

23i RABIES CANINA,

intestines. The villous surface is frequently gangrenous, and the
outer or peritoneal portion, from the coagulable lymph thrown
out, is often found adhering to other portions. Sometimes intus-
susception exists, but constrictions and twistings are still more
frequently present. Occasionally, the tube is altogether empty,
but it is more frequently found partially distended with hardened
faeces, and not unfrequently with worms. The degree of inflam-
mation between the stomach and intestines is not always corre-
spondent ; on the contrary, when the one has been very highly in-
flamed, it has not been unusual to find the other less so, but
variations in the state of the stomach are less frequent than those
in the bowels. I have usually found, when the appearances of this
symptomatic enteritis have been intense, that such cases, during
life, had exhibited torpor, distress of countenance, affection of the
parts of deglutition, great scratching of straw to the belly, para-
lysis, and all those characteristics more immediately appertaining
to what is called, by sportsmen, dumb madness. On the contrary,
when the intestines have been but little inflamed, and the stomach
likewise not intensely affected either, but the lungs extremely so ;
such cases, during life, have been characterised by great irritabi-
lity, a desire to rove, and those appearances common to raging
madness. Mr. Youatt seems not to have met with many cases of
very intense intestinal affection : but when I was familiar with it
some years ago, the bowels sometimes exhibited the principal share
of inflammatory violence. Several notices of this kind, made on
the intestinal morbid marks, are now before me. One dated 1812,
states, that a dog, the property of the Duke of Sussex, which I
was requested to see, gave unequivocal signs of rabies, of which
he died. When opened, the stomach was but little inflamed, but
the intestinal tube throughout, particularly the stomachic half, was
gangrenous, and exhibited intussusception in various parts. Great
marks of intestinal inflammation are noticed by Dr. Oilman, and
by many of the French writers who have given the post-mortem
examination. The remaining abdominal viscera are often found
to participate in the affection. The mesentery is sometimes seen

OR CANINE MADNESS. 235

clotted vvitli grumous spots, and adhesions are formed between the
parts from the coagulable lymph thrown out. The liver, pancreas,
spleen, and omentum, but particularly the former, are often in-
flamed. The kidneys usually escape, neither is the bladder in
general attacked, but the urine contained is often deeply tinged
with bile from the hepatic affection.

The bodies of those dogs who die of this disease soon become
putrid ; but there is no peculiarity of smell attending them : neither
are they so offensive as I have often witnessed them in other cases
of inflamed bowels, particularly of that kind produced by mineral
poisons. I have frequently offered to a healthy dog various parts
of the body of rabid dogs, but I could never distinguish any marks
of dread or disgust; I am, therefore, convinced that, living or
dead, there is nothing in the smell that characterises rabies from
one to the other, as has been so often alleged, among the other
vulgar errors held forth.

Inquiry into the Morbid Action of the Rabid Virus.

Having already endeavoured to shew that the rabid poison is
only received into the system by the actual insertion of it by
means of an abraded surface, it will now be our endeavour to in-
quire its modus operandi when received there. This subject has
occasioned a diversity of opinions ; one of which is, that the rabid
virus is at once mixed with the blood by the absorption of the
lymphatic vessels, and that it afterwards exerts its morbid agency
principally on the nervous system, and on other parts sympathe-
tically. I long entertained an opinion that the rabid poison en-
tered the circulation as soon, probably, as it was received, exactly
in the same manner with the poisons of venemous reptiles and
other morbillae. Some sympathy, however, seems to be kept up
with the bitten part, without the agency of which the virus can
never germinate into fatal action. The wound, therefore, when
first received, not being under the immediate action of the morbid
matter, heals as other common wounds ; but, after an uncertain

236 RABIES CANINA,

period, a secondary and lymphatic inflammation arises within the
part, a new morbid compound is formed, and all the symptomatic
appearances which follow are derived from the absorption of this
newly generated poison. The most popular opinion, however, of
the day is that which considers the virus received as remaining
stationary within the wounded part^^ until it is excited into action
by some irritation in such part ; from whence it is carried along

'^ " It remains perfectly undecomposed. The absorbents are actively at work
in removing every thing around. The capillary vessels are depositing fresh
matter ; but it seems to remain the same. Whatever else is useless, or would
be injurious, is taken up, and the tissue or the fibril on which the virus rests
is modified or changed ; but this extraneous and fatal body bids defiance to
all the powers of nature. It enters not into the circulation, or it would ne-
cessarily undergo some modification in its passage through the innumerable
minute vessels and glandular bodies which are scattered through the frame.
It would excite some morbid action ; or if it were not thus employed, or in
the purposes of renovation or nutrition, it would be speedily ejected. It lies
for an uncertain period dormant ; but at length, from its constant presence as
a foreign body, it may have rendered the tissue or nervous fibril more irritable
and susceptible of impression ; or it may have attracted and assimilated to
itself elements from the fluids that circulated around it." — Pamphlet on Rabies,
p. 25. Whatever are the principles of its action, the surrounding parts evince
the presence of a stimulus, which usually first shews itself in the general tex-
ture by slight inflammation, attended often with intolerable itching in the dog,
which is betokened by that constant licking and even gnawing of the bitten
part, which has been noticed as a common symptom of rabies in that animal.
In the human, this first acknowledgment of the incipient action' is also, I
believe, invariably present : in Mrs. Duff''s case, a pimple first appeared on
her nose, being the spot which a favourite Newfoundland dog had scratched
and then licked, in the commencement of his rabid attack. This pimple
troubled her by its smarting, itching, and throbbing, three days before the
more active symptoms appeared. In Metcalf's case, shooting pains, directed
from the hand towards the head, preceded the more active symptoms ; and
something of this kind, I believe, would be found to accompany every one,
in some degree or other, were the circumstance particularly attended to. In
horses, cattle, and swine, this secondary inflammation is equally common and
even more striking : they will rub, bite, and tear their bitten parts with violence,
and in them the local irritation is long kept up after the disease is fully
formed.

OR CANINE MADNESS. 237

the sensible and irritable fibre to exert a particular morbid action
on certain organs; to all appearance, on the sensorium itself: for
the sensations which arise in the bitten part, as an invariable pre-
cursor to other morbid phenomena, follow the course of the nerves
rather than of the absorbents ; and we do really find the first
constitutional symptoms are of nervous origin. Our principal
authorities, I believe, unite in considering it as a disease of the
respiratory nerves, principally expending itself on the cervical,
dorsal, and lumbar portions of the spinal column ; and such I
believe it to be altogether in the human subject : intrinsically, it
may be so in the brute constitution also (as Dr. Clutterbuck would
ingeniously derive every fever from inflammation of the brain) ;
but in the brute subject I am disposed to think it unites itself with
a specific phlegmasia, little known to the human^Q.

'® Mr. Youatt appears to entertain an opinion of the complete identity of
the rabid disease in every animal whatever, and consequently in man as the
head of them all. He certainly argues the point most ingeniously, it must
be owned ; yet the analogy appears rather strained, although, with the above
admissions, it will be hard to deny his premises ; which are such, that it would
be doing both the author and the reader injustice to give in any other form
than his own. " Rabies," he says, " is a nervous affection, and particularly
of the respiratory system of nerves, or those which are employed in the in-
stinctive and involuntary actions connected with respiration, and which serve
to associate many of the voluntary muscles in the discharge of the same
function. These nerves arise from the medulla oblongata, in which, or on its
membranes, inflammation is almost invariably detected. They do not spring
from the same columns with the other spinal nerves ; and they have roots pe-
culiarly constructed, and following one another in an uniform line, as if tiiey
were leagued in the performance of the same office. They are the portio
dura of the seventh pair, distributed over the face ; the glosso-pharyngeus,
which supplies the pharynx and the tongue ; the par vagum, wandering to the
pharynx, the larynx, the heart, the lungs, and the stomach ; the recurrent,
ramifying on the muscles of the larynx, and the membrane of the glottis ;
and the spinal- accessory given to the neck and shoulder, and reaching even
to the loins. The twitchings and contraction of the eyelids, the strabismus,
the spasms of the cheek, and lips, and face, and the paralysis of the muscles
of the lower jaw, sufficiently prove an affection of the portio dura. The pro-
trusion of the tongue, the enlargement of the sublingual and other glands.

238 RABIES CANINA,

The Medical Treatment of Rabies.

The curative treatment of rabies in the dog has hitherto proved
invariably unavailing, neither has it been found otherwise in any
other animal ; while the few successful cases on record of a favour-
able result from any means tried on the human hydrophobia have
a veil of obscurity thrown over them that damps our confidence,
and leaves us to hope only that time may yet afford us a remedy^o
for this dreadful scourge. The extent to which this inquiry has
already been carried will prevent a circumstantial detail of the
various medicinal agents which have been tried as curative of rabies.
I shall only cursorily notice them, and reserve myself for those
that, fortunately for man and brute, are found efficacious as pre-
ventives against such attack ; pausing only to observe, that my

the inability to swallow, and the alteration of the voice, implicate the glosso-
pharyngeus. The increased circulation, the laborious respiration, tlie peculiar
inflammation of the pleura, and the constant and often intense inflammation
of the stomach, are attributable to the par vagum. The involuntary barking,
the husky grating inspiration, the frequent inflammation of the trachea, the
uniform inflammation of some part of the glottis in the quadruped, and the
dreadful excitation of the membrane of the glottis, with all the horrors of hy-
drophobia in the human being, testify that the recurrent nerve has not escaped ;
while the hurried and uncertain action of the fore extremities, and the palsy of
the region of the loins, are clearly to be traced to the spinal accessory. These
nerves anastomose freely with the cerebral nerves, therefore cerebral affection
soon occurs. There is a state of general and extreme excitation, a very pecu-
liar wandering and delirium, and, in some animals, fits of lavage and uncon-
trollable ferocity. They likewise unite and blend with the ganglionic nerves,
and thence proceeds altered secretion ; a morbid secretion of the gastric juice
occasioning the strangely perverted appetite of the dog ; and a still more de-
praved secretion of the saliva, converting that bland and innocuous fluid into
the direst poison."

^ "Nee desperandum tamen ob exempla jam in aliis venenis constantia, de
inveniendo hujus aingularis veneni antidoto si»gtiIarL" — Bocrhaave, Aphorism
1146.

l)R CANINE MADNESS. 239

account will combine both the human and brute treatment, that I
may render these pages more extensively useful, as well to the
public as to the practitioner in brute medicine, whose opinion will
be often sought for, where the owners of rabid animals have been
unfortunately wounded by them. Here, as I have often found,
the timely benefit of judicious advice, and even the application of
proper preventive means, have gained unbounded gratitude, and a
consciousness of being eminently useful.

The most ancient remedy on record for the rabid malady, after
it had actually appeared, was cold bathing, which it was usual to
apply to the extent of a temporary drowning ; but although it is
handed down to us that it occasionally proved successful, these
accounts are not now relied on^. I tried it on two rabid doffs to
the extinction of life almost, and it certainly suspended the pro-
gress of the complaint for some hours ; which I attribute, not to
any specific virtue in the bathing itself, but to the shake given to
the constitution : for it is remarkable, that any great violence of-
fered from accidental causes- during the progress of the disease,
particularly in its early stages, in many instances appears to beget
a new- action, which, for a time, arrests the progress of the rabid
one, and suspends its more active symptoms for a longer or shorter
period, usually in proportion to the violence done. The morbid
poison, however, soon resumes its ascendancy, and the fatal issue
is only protracted, but never removed.

Warm bathings have been also fully tried, both in ancient and

' Celsus recommends it, and gives instances of its successful application.
Euripides is one who was said to have been ciu-ed by it

^ During the ravings of a rabid dog, it is to be expected that he will meet
with severe beatings from other dogs, and, not unfrequently, he will be subject
to violent attacks from human persons, from whom he may, however, eventu-
ally escape, although severely handled. I have had many opportunities of
observing dogs after their return which have been so treated, and I have in-
variably found that an absence of the more active appearances of disease has
followed for two or three days ; and that, in some cases, to such a degree as to
deceive those around, and make them consider the recovery of the animal as
certain; but gradually the complaint has returned with all its violence.

240 RABIES CANINA,

modern times, with no better success. Bleeding largely was an
ancient remedy, which has been revived by the moderns ; and on
the authority of some reputedly successful cases, but now ques-
tioned, I was induced to try it to its fullest extent (ad deliquium)
on two or three rabid dogs. Mr. Youatt has done the same, and
in every instance with a mitigation of its violence, but in no one of
permanent benefit^. It therefore appears to act in these instances,
as in all others where much violence had been committed on the
constitution, by a suspension of the morbid action of the disease.
Of electricity and galvanism, as applied for the cure of rabies, I
have no experience ; it has, however, been fully tried in the human
subject without success. Vinegar, which, in Germany, was said
(but I believe erroneously) to have arrested the human disease,
has failed in dogs, in every instance in which it has been made use
of. Mercury I have also tried to its fullest extent, and in most of
its popular forms, without the smallest benefit. Camphor and
opium, both by the mouth and per ano, have proved equally inert
in these cases*. With the belladonna I succeeded no better ; and
the alisma plantago, or water plantain, has proved equally unsuc-
cessfiil with Mr. Youatt, who, however, observes that it usually
mitigated the symptoms ; as did also the belladonna. The Scutel-
laria lateriflora, so highly recommended by Dr. Spalding of New
York, Mr. Youatt has not succeeded with ; but he yet considers
that it deserves more trial, from the decided effects it produced in
the cases on which he tried it. The internal and external exhibi-
tion of the volatile alkali has not been more fortunate, although
the analogy of its beneficial effects in cases of poisoning by the bite

3 M. Gossier, Professor of the Veterinary School of Lyons, also employed
bleeding on three dogs to deliquium, without success. It is, however, to be
remembered, that in the human subject it is said to have cured the complaint
in one or two instances in India. In a case related in The Lancet, it pro-
tracted the fatal course till the fourteenth day : and though the Asiatic cases
are rather doubtful, it has evidently some restraining power.

* Professor Dupuytren injected opium in solution into the veins of two
rabid dogs, but without any alleviation of the symptoms. — Dissert, de Ch.
Bitsnovt, Paris, 181 4.

OR CANINE MADNESS. 241

of the cobra de capello, had raised hopes of its proving useful here
also^. Cauterizings, scarifyings, blisterings, &c., have been
applied to the bitten part in the human subject after the attack,
but without avail. From the known property of arsenic in lessen-
ing the spasm of epilepsy, something was hoped from it in the hy-
dropohic spasm in the human, but it has not answered the expecta-
tions formed. — See Med. Chirurg. Trans, p. 393 ; Lond. Med.
Rev. for March and April, 1793. On rabid dogs I have fre-
quently tried it, and from its decided capability, evinced on each
trial, of suspending the complaint, I was once also led to hope
much from it ; but repeated experience has proved that its benefits
are not permanent^, but act only like other violent means.
Chlorine has been said to remove the hydrophobic symptoms, but
late trials have shewn the fallacy of the assertion. The same has
happened to sulphuric acid, with which a Dr. Skuderi pretends to
have effected several cures of hydrophobia, by its internal and ex-
ternal administration. More recently also the guaco has been
tried on both the human and brute subjects ; but although it had
a temporary effect in mitigating the symptoms in both, yet the
fatal termination was the same. There is, therefore, reason to
believe that we have no authenticated case of the true rabid malady
having yielded to any treatment, either in man or beast, after it
had actually made its attack.

The preventive treatment. — Here, fortunately for mankind, we
stand on 'vantage ground, as we are able, in most cases, by the
adoption of judicious means, to ensure the safety of the bitten,
when we can distinctly ascertain the wounded part; which, in
brute subjects, it is evident it is more difficult to do than in the

* Tissot strongly recommends the eau de luce, and says, " II calma I'agita-
tion, occasion un seur abondant et fit disparoitre les symptoms." — Avis au
Peuple, tom. 1, p. 179, 8vo, Paris.

^ I have given it, in these cases, in very large doses, as five, six, or even a
greater number of grains, and have been surprised how little disturbance it
seemed to produce ; probably from the stomach being already aflfected with a
specific inflammation, by which it was rendered less likely to be acted upon
by occasional causes.

Q

242 RABIES CANINA,

human. The prophylactics, that both interest and ignorance have
extolled and brought into use, are innumerable : very few of them,
however, have deserved the smallest confidence ; on the contrary,
they have lulled into a fatal security those who have relied on
them7.

The oldest prophylactic with which we are acquainted is suction.
We have very ancient records of its employment, and, if we can
believe these legends, a particular family enjoyed the privilege, or
devoted themselves to this process of drawing, by the application
of the mouth to the wound, the poison inserted by a venemous
animal^. A ligature has also been recommended to stop the pro-
gress of the rabid poison, but, according with the present theories,
it can have no preventive efficacy whatever.

Cold bathing, but particularly sea-bathing, as a preventive, is a
practice also of great antiquity, and, even yet, the uninformed
classes place implicit rehance on it. Its incapability of insuring
safety was, however, early noted ; and Palmerius, Ambrose Parey,
Desault, and others, were at much pains to discredit the practice :
nevertjieless, both hot and cold bathing long retained some power-
ful advocates^. However respectable the authorities in its favour,

' Boerhaave complains of these impositions. " Nee ^schrionis apud Ga-
lenum et Oribasium arcano de cancris combustis ; nee Scribonii Largifamige-
rata opiate ad rabiem Siculorum ; nee Peregrini eonsilio de pelle hysense; nee
iEtii, Rufi, Possidonii, einere eancrorum cum theriaca ; nee jactata Palmario
medela; vel nimis laudato Mayerno, Grew, et venatoribus stanno cum Mithri-
datio ; nee in somniis sacris revelata radice cynorrhodonis ; aliisve in coelura
elato lichene einereo terrestri pimpinella jecore rabiosi canes exusto, et simili-
bus exeeptis."

^ Celsus strongly recommends this practice, and brings forward the family
of Psyelles to prove how free it is from danger : " Non gustu, sed vulnere
nocent," — "Ergo quisquis exemplum Psylli secutus, id vulnus exsuxerit, et
ipse tutus erit, et tutum hominem prsestabit." — De Medecin. lib. v, cap. ii,
sect. 12. — Fothergill, Heister, and Vaughan, have spoken favourably of ^i^c^ioM
as a preventive.

^ " Protinus in balneum amittunt, eumque ibi desudare, dum vires corporis
sinant, vulnere aperto quo magis ex eo quoque virus distillet." — Celsus de Med.,
lib. V, c. 47. Tulpius is warm in his commendation of sea-bathing: " Ncque

OR CANINE MADNESS. 243

the lamentable experience of many who have trusted to its efficacy,
even when performed, as Van Swieten has it, ad sufficationem.
usque, but too well proves. Among the well-informed, therefore;
no reliance is now placed on it.

Mercury has long been employed as a prophylactic. Sauvages
must have been greatly deceived by its ill-deserved reputation^o.
Sir G. Cobb's famous Tonquin remedy, so highly extolled by
Claude Duchoisee, in India^^, was prepared from the native and
factitious cinnabars, with musk. Turpith mineral, which is a sub-
sulphate of this metal, was highly extolled by Tissot^^, and has
been very generally used among the dogs of this country. Many
other authorities of note have extolled the preventive efficacy of
mercury, from its power in counteracting the effects of the syphilitic
poison^^; but as it has entirely failed in man and beast, under every
advantage of administration, so it has ceased to be relied on as
solely sufficient to guard the constitution.!"* Neither has arsenic any
more claim to the character of a preventive than it has as a curative.

Dr Mead's pulvis antilyssus, composed of lichen cinereus and
black pepper, has wholly lost its reputation, although, during

vidi hactenus q\iemquam (licet viderim plurimos) cui tempestive in mare pro-
jecto quidquam sinistre postmodum evenerit, sed salutari hoc remedio vel
flocci facto, vel tarde ac timide adhibito, dedere niulti irreparabiles supinse
suae incuriae poenas." — Ohs. Med. lib. vii, c. 20^

10 "J'ignore que ce remfede ait encore manqu6. — Ch, d'CEuv. p. l^^Noso-
logia, torn. ii.

" " Hommes, femmes, enfans, Indiens, Portugais, Francois, &c. &c. plus
de trois cents personnes, sans qu'un seul, a ete afflige du plus petit symptom
de rage." — Nouv. Me th. pour le Trait, de Rage, 21.

'^ Avis au Peuple, torn, i, p. 156. A celebrated sportsman says, "during
twenty-one years that I kept hounds, I never knew it fail." — Treatise on Grey-
hounds, 2d edit. p. 88.— It was also Mr. Beckford's favourite remedy.

'^ Dr. Moseley appears to be one of the last advocates for the use of mercury
extended to a slight salivation ; but even he recommends the use of caustic to
the wounded part in conjunction with it.

>^ Leroux/ Oudot, Raymond, Lafond, Majault, Enaux, Chaussier, and
Morveau, are neighbouring authors who have denied the efficacy of mercury in
this case; and among ourselves, I believe all our best authorities, almost
without exception, do the same.

Q 2

244 RABIES CANTNA,

his practice, he expressed a wish that he knew as certain a pre-
ventive for any other disease. The Ormskirk Remedy is also
another striking proof how easily a reputation may be gained, and
how undeservedly ; for although palpable instances of its failure
are numerous, it once enjoyed great reputation, and is even yet
occasionally trusted to. The water plantain (alisma plantago)
has also proved one of those unfortunate articles offered to notice,
which only served to ^ise hopes it was doomed never to realize.
As it came recommended by a Russian counsellor of state, M.
Jalowsky, at the express direction of his government, it met
with a cordial reception, and a full trial in England and else-
where, but everywhere it proved fallacious, both as a preventive
and cure.

To enumerate all the other articles, particularly of the vegeta-
ble world, that at some period or other have been deemed prophy-
lactics, would be endless. Among the most popular we may men-
tion the eglantine, or wild rose (rosa sylvestris^ Linn.^i^, pimper-
nel (anagallis)^^i deadly nightshade (atropa belladonna J^''^^ rue
frutaj^% garlic f allium sativum)^ sage (salvia)^ daisy fbellisj,

'^ The wild rose seems to have been a remedy of much repute in its day
(Baudot, Mem. de la Soc. Roy., 1783). In a communication to the Royal
Society of Medicine of Paris, M. Provost details the virtues of its inner bark.
And, among the Sicilians, its spongy excrescences (hedeguar) are considered
a powerful antidote to the rabid poison (Museo di piante rare du P. Boconi).
According to Pliny, its virtues were revealed by an oracle ; from whence we
may learn that a preventive efficacy was long ago attributed to it.

1^ An account of its supposed anti-rabid virtues may be seen.by consulting
Hist, de la Med., Sprengel, tom. ii, p. 48 ; (Euv. de Bourgelat, Reflex, sur la
Rage, Voy. Journ. d^Agricult., p. 109.

" As long as the time of Pliny, the belladonna has been used as a remedy
against rabies. Apulei also notices it ; and in later times, Munch also, Hist,
de la Soc. Roy. de Med., 1783, 2d part. At the present time, Mr. Youatt at-
tributes some preventive efficacy to it.

'8 Rxie was a very ancient favourite prophylactic, and it still enters into
many of the country nostrums and drinks against madness. It formed also an
ingredient in the celebrated powder of Palmerius. — See Andry's account of
celebrated remedies.

OR CANINE MADNESS. 245

vervain fsubenaj, fern (poli/podium), wormwood (artemisia ar-
bor escens^,mugwort (artemisia vulgaris), betony fbetonicaj, and
the tree-box ("biuvusj^^.

•' The tree-box is one of the oldest internal preventives made use of. Men-
tion appears to be made of it in tlje writings of Hippocrates ; Galen and Celsus
likewise speak of it. It has continued to be used from that time to the present,
and it forms the active principle in the remedy common in several counties,
but in none more than in Hertfordshire, where it is known under the name of
Webb's drink, from the family name of the persons who prepare it. The rue
which enters into it, in equal proportions, I have little if any dependance on.
The buxus, or box, has long been known in India also, and is still used there
as a preventive of rabies ; but it is, I believe, the dwarf box that is there used ;
and is usually united with a decoction of the horns of the rhinoceros.

I had long known that a family of the name of Webb, living in the neigh-
bourhood of Watford, prepared and sold what is called a drink, as a remedy
against rabies generally. The many assurances I had received relative to its
efficacy, supported by facts apparently authentic and conclusive, gave me reason
to hope that it really possessed some preventive properties ; but, till the year
1807, I had not embraced any opportunity of putting its qualities to the test
of experiment. About that time madness proving very prevalent, and the
public curiosity becoming very much excited on the subject, my attention was
awakened to the importance of such a remedy, even if it had only some mode-
rate pretensions. To endeavour, therefore, to ascertain the grounds on which
the reputation of this remedy stood, I went to Watford, and prosecuted my
inquiries with such success, that, from one of the two brothers who had dis-
pensed it, I gained the original recipe, which had been before verified on oath
before a magistrate. The public anxiety was then such, that, united with the
knowledge that I had particularly directed my attention to the subject, it
would have enabled me to realize a very considerable sum, had I chosen to
keep the recipe a secret, and vended the compound ; but no such thought
entered my mind. Humanity required that it should be universally known ; and
the day after I returned from Watford I communicated to the public at large,
by various channels, the recipe, with all I could learn at that time of its ope-
ration, &c. : the original communication may be seen in full in the Medical
Review for December 1807. The following method of preparing it is an im-
provement on the original formula ; the proportion and mode of administration
agree with the country instructions : —

Take of the fresh leaves of the tree-box 2 ounces

Of the fresh leaves of rue 2 ounces

Of sage half an ounce :

24-6 RABIES CANINA,

My opinions on the efficacy of the huxus or box as a prophy-
lactic of rabies have been long before the public ; and if palpable
failures have convinced me that, like all other means of preven-

Chop thesis finely, and, after boiling them in a pint of water to half a pint,
strain and press out the liquor. Beat them in a mortar, or otherwise bruise
them thoroughly, and boil them again, in a pint of new milk, to half a pint,
which press out as before. After this, mix both the boiled liquors, which will
make three doses for a human subject. Double this quantity will form three
doses for a horse or cow ; fwo-thirds of it is sufficient for a large dog, calf,
sheep, or hog : half of the quantity is required for a middling-sized dog ; and
one-third for a small one. These three doses are said to be sufficient, and one
of them is directed to be given every morning fasting. Both human and
brute subjects are treated in the same manner, according to the proportions
specified.

In the human I haye never found this reputed remedy to produce any effects
whatever, except a momentary nausea from disgust : to prevent 'which from
operating disadvantageously, the old recipe directs it to be taken two or three
hours before rising, by which method it will be less likely to be brought up
again, as otherwise so large and unpleasant a dose might be. Neither in any
animal except the dog have I ever witnessed any violent effects from its ex-
hibition. In dogs, however, I have frequently seen it produce extreme nausea,
panting, and distress ; in two or three instances it has even proved fatal : but,
as it is probable that it is more likely to be efficacious when its effects on the
constitution are evident ; and as, at the same time, it is proper to guard against
these effects becoming too violent ; so it is prudent always to begin with a
smaller dose than the one prescribed, and to increase each succeeding one
until it shews its activity by sickness of the stomach, panting, and evident un-
easiness. Under such a plan, perhaps, five doses are not too much.

Between the years 1807 and 1817, this preparation was administered, under
my direction, to nearly three hundred animals of different kinds, as horses,
cows, sheep, hogs, and dogs* ; the latter in by far the greater proportion. It
may naturally be presumed, that ungrounded fear operated in some instances,
and that it was given to animals who were suspected only to have been in

• I have administered, in the course of my practice, this remedy to nearly fifty human
persons also ; but as most of those joined with this treatment the excision or cauteriza-
tion of the wounded part, and as in others the rabid virus would not probably have taken
effect, so I lay little stress on these proofs of its efficacy ; although three or four of these
persons, at their own express desire, trusted solely to it. Mr. Youatt also remarks on
the properties of the box, "That it had undeniable efficacy in preventing the disease.
The majority of the dogs to whom it was exhibited were saved."

OR CANINE MADNESS. 24-7

tion attempted through the medium of the constitution, it ought
never to supersede the more certain means of the destruction of
the bitten part, yet I have witnessed so much of its powers as to
persuade me that it may with propriety be employed in addition to
other prophylatics. The importance of any preventive means which
could thus be gained through the medium of internal administra-
tion to the brute, would be very great ; for the difficulty of detecting
all the bitten parts in animals with a hairy covering is self-evident.
I have searched a dog known to be attacked (and by the future con-
sequences proved to have been bitten) over most carefully, for an
hour, without being able to find any puncture ; and even if one ot
two should in such a case be discovered, how many chances there
are that others may remain unobserved ! But inasmuch as human
safety is of infinitely greater consequence than that of the brute
creation, so a prophylactic which held out a reasonable ground for
dependance, although it did not amount to perfect security, would
be still of immense value in some cases in human practice, as I
have very often witnessed. Under this impression I have united
with my detail the preventive reputation it has, as regards the
human as well as the brute subject^o ; and with the same view, I

danger. Some of the remainder, it may also be supposed, would have re-
mained safe, had nothing been done for them. In others, washings, cauteri-
zations, &c., had been added to the box remedy ; yet, after all these admis-
sions, some might have been indebted to the preventive power of this prepa-
ration for their safety.

^ As justly observed by Mr. Youatt, the imputation of quackery is very
generally associated with the recommendation of these preventives. But is
there not some exclusiveness in this, not creditable to the medical character ?
are there really no antidotes? is a known introduction of the syphilitic poison
in no way prevented but by a destruction of the whole mucous surface exposed
to its contact ? on the contrary, is not an early administration of the mercu-
rial preventive in most instances a sufficient safeguard against even the ex-
ternal ulceration, and always against the constitutional ravages ? Are all the
accounts of immunity from the poison of serpents by internal means fabled ?
Let the chances be ever so small of a prophylactic property in any internal
remedy, they should be cherished and employed ; and foul befal him who, for
personal gain, would keep the knowledge of any such matter a secret. He,

248 RABIES CANINA,

would introduce to the reader Mr. Youatt's account of the skull-cap
(Scutellaria lateriflora), first brought into notice by Dr. Spalding,
of New York, who says he has administered it, with invariable
success, in no less than eight hundred cases, and in several of
these cases the disease had actually commenced its career. His
method of giving it was, by infusing a tea-spoonful and a half of
the powdered leaf in a quart of hot water ; of which he ordered
half a pint to be taken morning and night, omitting the dose every
third day, when a mild purge of sulphur was given. Mr. Youatt
has, however, found it more efficacious to combine the belladonna
in the proportion of half an ounce to a pound of the Scutellaria ;
of which he observes, " The result has been, a medicine which
I cann6t, dare not, call a specific, for it has failed ; but the use of
which, in cases of doubt and fear, I would most earnestly recom-
mend." For dogs, he begins with a drachm ball for one of a
moderate size, containing two scruples of the Scutellaria, and about
two and a half grains of the belladonna : this is given morning
and night. On the second week, two balls are given ; on the
third, three ; and this plan is continued for six weeks. The ani-
mals seldom cease to eat, but they rapidly lose flesh. The pro-
portions made use of for the human subject Mr. Youatt does not

indeed, would be a quack ; let the profession hunt him down without regret ; but
let them not assume (fallible as all our opinions on medicine are proved to be)
that there is no " balm in Israel ;" no constitutional means of rendering the
system non- susceptible to the received virus. Boerhaave thought there might
he ; analogy gives us reason to expect there is: then let our endeavours to bring
it to light be general, and not fettered with school prejudices or professional
exclusiveness.

Granted, as it ever must be, that the removal of the inoculated portion should
supersede all other preventive means, are there no cases where it is impera-
tive to lay hold also of every other assistance, as in extensive lacerations,
where the complete extirpation is rendered doubtful, under every caution ?
when the eyelids are wounded also, or where insuperable dread exists to an
operation which may involve the whole limb ? Such cases do occur ; and also
the most apparently judicious application both of the knife and caustic has
failed. Might not these cases have been saved, had some other preventive been
also added to the treatment ?

, OR CANINE 3IADNESS. 249

mention ; but Dr. Spalding's account will furnish a sufficient hint.
Thus it may be hoped, that, between these apparent preventives,
some security may be gained, even in those distressing cases where
the extirpation cannot be carried to a sufficient extent without en-
dangering life, or exciting a dread which would be insupportable,
&c. &c.

Of prophylactics whose inefficacy have been sufficiently dis-
proved, there are yet a sufficient number ; and such have been
drawn from the animal as well as the mineral and vegetable king-
doms. The scarabei, or beetle tribe, particularly the cock-chafFer,
or may-bug ( scarabceus melolontha, "Linn.^), the blister fly^
(meloe vesicatorius J , and various testacea^, are of this kind.
The liver of the animal by which a person has been bitten is a
remedy as old as the time of Pliny, who speaks himself of its effi-
cacy. We have it also recorded, that Palmerius forced his
patients, who had been bitten by a rabid wolf, to take the dried
blood of the animal.

The Destruction of the wounded Part the most certain
Preventive of Rabies.

From what has already been stated with regard to the rationale
of the rabid inoculation, it will readily appear, that, provided the
virus be immediately taken into the circulation, it must yet return
to the part it was originally received by ; and it must there com-

' Weikard, Thesaurus Pharmaceuticus Galeno-chemicus, 1626. If we credit
other accounts handed to us, these insects were no less famous in Spain, Ger-
many, and Prussia, than in France. — {Andry, p. 271.)

* Avicenna and Matthiolus wrote expressly on the virtues of this meloe,
as an infallible remedy for the rabid malady. Werthof and Andry also no-
tice it.

^ As the testacea, particularly calcined crabs, were used so long ago as
the time of Galen, and were recommended by Sennert, it would seem that an
early confidence was placed in absorbents. It was this confidence, probably,
that produced the Ormskirk medicine, which appears to be only the earthy
absorbents coloured.

250 RABIES CANINA,

mence a new irritation, by which some new morbid compound is
generated ; and it is the absorption of this compound that is alone
capable of producing the malady. Again ; on the more popular
theory, that the rabid virus does not enter the constitution, but
hes dormant in the part where it was first received, it is still the
same, as regards the preventive treatment, which^ it is evident is
only effected with certainty by the entire removal of the inoculated
portion ; because, that being absent, no new morbid compound can
be formed on the first supposition, nor can any local excitement
arise on the second.

Provided, therefore, that the wounded part or parts are com-
pletely destroyed, the patient will, to a demonstration, be rendered
as secure as though never bitten ; which is a most consolatory cir-
cumstance in the consideration of this dire disease.

It is also rendered doubly so, since the rationale of the action
of the morbid virus teaches us, that it is indifi'erent at what time
this removal takes place, provided it be within the limits of the
inoculation and those of the morbid symptoms. This circumstance
is of immense importance to the human subject ; and it is as fully
supported by facts, as consistent with the theory laid down. I
am as confident on the subject as a very long experience and close
observation of innumerable cases can make me, that not only is
the destruction of the bitten part a certain preventive, hut that
such removal of it is as effectual at any time previously to the
symptoms appearing, as at the first moment after the hite. My
professional education as a human surgeon being not altogether
unknown to the public, it is not to be wondered at that this recol-
lection, when united to some notoriety which attached to my at-
tention to this particular and then prevailing disease, and to my
vast opportunities of observing it, should have produced some
direct confidence in my opinion. It, therefore, often happened,
that, from being consulted about the rabid animal, I was next ad-
vised with about the wounded owner or attendant. It often oc-
curred also, that, when the case was submitted to any other
surgeon, my attendance was likewise requested ; by which means

OR CANINE MADNESS. 251

I have seen, comparatively, nearly as much of human as of brute
practice, in the preventive treatment of rabies. I have myself
operated on upwards of fifty persons, who had been unquestion-
ably bitten by rabid dogs, and on a few bitten by cats, every one
of whom did well ; and which statements I make principally to
enforce dependance on the practical truths which have preceded,
and on those directions which are to follow.

Although the removal of the bitten part may be undertaken at
any time short of the attack, yet as it is always uncertain at what
time this secondary inflammation may take place, so it is prudent
to perform the excision, or cauterization, as soon as is convenient ;
but it is frequently a matter of great importance to the peace of
those unfortunately wounded to know, that, when any accidental
cause has delayed the operation, it may be as safely done at the
end of several days as it would at the first moment of the accident.
I have myself repeatedly removed the bitten parts many days, and
not unfrequently weeks even, after the original wound had been
perfectly healed up ; yet the operation has always proved completely
successful. Of the methods resorted to for the extirpation of the
bitten parts, the actual cautery ^ the potential cautery, and excision,
are employed, and have each of them their advocates.

The actual cautery was employed by the ancients, who burned
the parts with heated iron, sometimes with brass, silver, or gold.
Some of the moderns have also favoured its use ; and as it is a
remedy immediately at hand, it is not an ineligible one, particularly
where the unnecessary dread of after consequences, from immedi-
ate absorption, is fixed in the mind, and also where other assist-
ance is not at hand. When, likewise, the wound is of a deter-
minate form, and superficical in extent, the actual cautery is a
ready and convenient method, particularly with regard to horses,
cows, and other large animals, who are not easily restrained. In
such cases, a budding iron, so called among farriers, is an appro-
priate instrument ; or even a kitchen poker, or any other iron
whose surface can be adapted to the form of the wound, when
heated red hot, may be used.

Causticsy or the potential cautery can be applied under many

252 RABIES CANINA,

forms. The caustic potass^ or potash, formed into a solid body,
and then called lapis infernalis, is a very powerful escharotic ;
and, when an extensive surface not in the neighbourhood of very
important parts is to be destroyed, it may be employed ; but, it
should be remembered that it liquefies speedily, and therefore,
when great nicety is required, and a slow destruction of parts is ad-
visable, as about the head, or in the vicinity of important vessels
and nerves, it is less eligible. It is also supposed that it becomes
decomposed by the blood, and loses much of its activity. If
caustics be used, Mr. H. Earle recommended strong nitric acid,
which by its fluidity might extend itself in every direction, and
would therefore be very proper where there was extensive lacera-
tion. The nitrate of silver, usually called lunar caustic, lique-
fies less speedily, and is equally powerful, provided a longer time
be allowed for its operation. In some cases it is recommended to
be powdered and sprinkled over a surface, or to be inserted within
a deeper wound, mixed with an equal part of other matter, to
lessen its potency, and an adhesive plaister then applied over to
confine its eff'ects. This method, as regards animals, can only be
advisable when a very extensive laceration with numerous jagged
edges and sinuosities exists, particularly in the neighbourhood of
such important parts that the knife cannot be wholly depended on :
in all others, this plan would occasion so much pain and resistance
on the part of the animal, as to defeat its intention, by being rub-
bed or torn off. I have, through a very long practice, adhered to
the use of this form of caustic, as the most manageable and effec-
tive of all the escharotics. It may be cut or scraped to any shape,
and long habit has enabled me to make the eschar thick or thin,
deep or superficial, at pleasure. In a word, it is slow but certain.
Muriate of antimony, called butter of antimony, is a very fa-
vourite application with some practitioners, particularly with the
French* : it is applied by means of a piece of linen or lint fastened

* ** Le beurre d'antimoine (hydrochlorate d'antimoine) est pr^ferr^ k tous
les caustiques que nous avons cit^s, par Leroux, qui I'a propose par Sabatier,
par Portal, et par Enaux et Chaussier, parceque son action est prompt." —
Trolliet, p. 143.

OR CANINE MADNESS. 253

to a probe, or by aid of a cameVs-hair pencil ; the surface of the
wound being then smeared over with it. As its action begins im-
mediately, and, after a few minutes, is confined to the parts it is
applied to only, so it is evident that it is a more eligible applica-
tion for extensive lacerations, and wounds of uncertain depth and
extent in animals than the powdered nitrate of silver. Potass and
lime are sometimes also used as escharotics. The mineral acids,
and mercurial preparations, as the oxymuriate and red nitrate of
quicksilver, are now and then also employed in this way.

The use of caiistics has been objected to, as not carrying the
destruction of parts far enough, the formation of the eschar pre-
venting the further progress of the caustic agent ; but this I am
convinced is not a cogent objection. If the nitrate of silver be
formed into a point, and a moderate friction be kept up by it over
the eschar, the decomposed portions are removed by the rubbing,
and the cauterization goes on to any depth or extent required.
In penetrating wounds, made by the canine teeth, the probe having
detected the course of the wound, the knife may be properly em-
ployed to dilate it, and render it accessible to the approach of the
caustic ; in which case equal certainty is gained by one as by the
other, with less loss of substance. It has also been objected to
caustics, that they may dilute the virus, and carry it farther within
the wound ; but, if previous active ablution of the wound has taken
place, it may be supposed that no virus but that involved within
the fibre will remain. It is truly said, that caustics cannot be so
conveniently applied to the bottom of a deep wound : but in these
cases the knife can be first employed in dissecting out the whole
cavity, with all its surrounding parts. A much more imaginary
objection has been urged to the use of caustics, particularly to
those formed of the caustic alkalies, which is, that in their action
they unite themselves with the morbid saliva, and, with the decom-
posed animal matter, form together a saponaceous mass or eschar,
which may retain the virus, and keep it ready to be acted upon by
a new absorption. That such a fear, however, is groundless, will
appear, when it is considered that the agent employed, be it what
it may, which is equal to the destruction of the animal solids, must

254 . RABIES CANINA,

also of necessity be more than sufficient to decompose the animal
Jluids also, and totally deprive them of any morbid activity ; and
this we find to be actually the case with rabid virus mixed with
even diluted caustic matter, as has been exemplified in the experi-
ments of Huzard, Dr. Zinke, and others, where such matter en-
tirely failed to excite rabies : it must, however, be acknowledged
that all these experiments require repetition.

Excision of the part) after the rabid bite, is practised by most
of our eminent surgeons of the present day, in preference to cau-
terization. I have no doubt but that they do so on principle ;
but I have never yet seen occasion to alter my preference of the
caustic : and Mr. Youatt, whose practice has been very extensive
in these cases, gives it his decided approbation also. It must,
however, at last rest in a conviction that each of these modes may
be supposed at some times the preferable one, and that occasions
will occur where they may be advantageously united. As each
claims some advantages over the other, so each also owns some
disadvantages. A skilful surgeon, therefore, will bind himself to
neither, but will act according to circumstances. The partizans
for the use of the knife argue, that the operation of excision is
quicker, and can be applied more extensively. It is certainly,
where much is to be done, more quickly performed ; but when it
is so done, unless perfect ablution has removed all surrounding
virus, may not the very instrument which is to insure life be sow-
ing the seeds of death, by making a fresh morbid inoculation at
every section ? To prevent this, therefore, when excision is abso-
lutely necessary, it is prudent, after every stroke of the knife, to
wipe the blade carefully ; but it would still more certainly avoid
danger were the whole excised cavity well soaked with a caustic
fluid, as a strong dilution of nitric acid : and, after all, it would
make surety double, were the whole surface touched with the lunar
caustic^. Towards animals, particularly of the larger kinds,

^ In one of the engagements between the English and French in the ex-
pedition to the Helder, a spent bullet tore away some substance from the root
of the nail of the ring finger of my right hand, which wound, after -it had
healed, left an indented surface of extreme sensibility. This part was to prove

OR CANINE MADNESS. 255

where dispatch is requisite, and where deformity and a destruc-
tion of parts are not of so much consequence, excision may be
considered preferable. In the neighbourhood of large bloodves-
sels, nerves, &c., it is evident that the knife must be used with ex-
treme caution ; whereas the caustic may be applied freely with
much less fear, as the eschar which starts up protects the parts
underneath, and enables them to reinstate themselves previously
to sloughing, if they should be slightly injured. The caustic gives
little pain, and, by removing the slough formed, it may be carried
to any depth, and to any extent, with the certainty of destroying
the virus as it proceeds.

The flow of blood, during excision^ is very apt to obstruct a
proper and clear view of the extent of the injury ; and a conse-
quence follows, which I have frequently witnessed among sur-
geons in operations on the human subject, which is the removal of
a much larger quantity of substance than is absolutely necessary.
With the caustic, nothing of this kind happens : proceeding delibe-
rately, every portion of wounded surface is taken in succession,
until the whole inoculated part is destroyed, but no more.

the heel of Achilles to me ; for exactly in the centre of this hollow did a rahid
terrier indent its fang very deeply. Sensible of the danger accruing from a
bite received in a part already so susceptible, I knew I had little prospect of
safety without destroying all the parts around. I immediately, therefore,
after well washing it, scooped out a portion, which embraced the sides of the
cavity made by the tooth, and which penetrated also beyond the extent of its
point. Into this I poured nitric acid ; and then having dried it, I passed a
blunt point of nitrate of silver over the whole surface, and forcibly pressed it
into the bottom of the wound. As the eschar formed and hardened, I raised
it, and renewed the application. It was not until an hour Mid a half thus pain-
fully occupied that I considered myself safe. I was also twice bitten after-
wards, to which wounds I simply applied the lunar caustic, as they were more
superficial : but I am led to detail the practice I pursued in the first case,
purposely to shew that excision and cauterization may be with great propriety
united : for though I greatly prefer the caustic in general cases, yet here was
one wherein, without enlarging the wound by the scalpel, it might have been
difficult to have passed the caustic to the requisite depth ; or to have removed
what I considered was necessary of the former morbidly tender sides of the old
wound.

256 RABIES CANINA,

Process of operation for the rabid bite, — When a dog, or
any other animal, has been attacked by one that is rabid, it is
evident that a difficulty presents itself which does not exist in the
human subject under similar circumstances. The incapability of
the wounded animal to point out the wounds that may have been
received, and which the hair may prevent from being observed,
renders it necessary that a very minute examination of every part
of the body should take place, by turning the whole hair delibe-
rately back ; after which, to remove any rabid saliva that may ad-
here to the hair in other parts, the animal should be washed all
over, first with simple warm water, and, next, with water in which
a sufficient quantity of either potash or soda is dissolved, to render
it a moderate ley, in doing which the eyes must be carefully
guarded. Having finished this operation, which will render the
dog or other animal secure from accidental virus hanging about,
it might increase the safety of the operation if the wounds were
bathed with an arsenical solution, made by pouring four ounces of
water on two drachms of arsenic : in many instances, a mere ab-
lution of them and his bitten parts with an arsenical solution of
greater strength than here noted has been trusted to solely as
a preventive, and which, from the results, appeared sufficient for
the purpose. Prudence however forbids the ablution here, and of
any thing short of the extirpation of the wounded surface.

Therefore, after these precautions have been attended to, proceed
to the actual removal of the bitten part by whatever mode may
appear most eligible to the operator. The means of destroying
the bitten surfaces by incision and cautery, actual or potential, as it
is termed, are as follow. A sportsman who might choose to act for
himself, would find a ready one, when the wound was a simple
puncture or punctures made into the hide of a horse or dog, to
thrust in a blunt-pointed iron heated to a red heat; after which
the part might be further treated with any escharotic he may have
at hand, as muriate of antimony ("butter of antimony Jy sulphate
of copper fblue vitriol J ^ &c. &c. The regular practitioner would,
in the case of simple punctures, adapt a portion of nitrate of silver

OR CANINE MADNESS. 257

(lunar caustic) to the shape and size of the wound ; this he would
insinuate by degrees into it, making it embrace the sides fully, and
extend it completely to the bottom, where it should be worked
around sufficiently long to insure a complete destruction of the
inoculated surface. A lacerated wound I would recommend to
have its ragged edges removed, and its sinuosities enlarged, that
the caustic may reach every part of the wounded surface ; which
it is evident must be most particularly attended to. As the slough
hardens during the process, remove it by means of a probe, and
then retouch all the parts every or every other day. When the
punctures were deep in operating on a human subject, I always
repeated full cauterization at the end of every second or third day
for at least twice. By applying the caustic gradually at first, the
pain it gives is by no means intense, and it even lessens the further
it is proceeded in. If much heat and pain follow, envelope the
whole part in a poultice. There is every reason to suppose that
keeping up a continued discharge in the part, after the entire de-
struction of wounded surfaces, is unnecessary ; I never practised it
•myself, and I have had no reason to regret the omission.

Having thus reached the close of the practical detail, I shall
finish this important subject by offering a few remarks, calculated,
I would hope, to ease the minds of many individuals on some
material points which are apt to occasion much unnecessary dread
and much false alarm. I would first notice, that, by a very dis-
torted view of the risk incurred by association with him, the dog,
at once our faithful friend, gallant protector, and useful servant,
is in danger of being proscribed altogether. Many of those who
are otherwise wai-mly attached to the animal, yet dare not indulge
in the pleasure of his company, from a totally unnecessary dread,
grounded on a supposition that he can become rabid from a variety
of other circumstances besides the bite of another affected dog. I
would beg to assure those who think thus, that they are entirely
in error : nothing but a successful inoculation can produce it ;
nor, out of those actually bitten, do more than a third, probably,
become mad, even when an effectual inoculation has been made ;

R

258 RABIES CANINA,

thus, there is little reason for all the alarm that is felt. The dis-
ease never makes its first appearance with any mischievous ten-
dency : indeed, so little danger is there from the early stage of
the complaint, that I should entertain no fear whatever were I
confined altogether day and night in the same room with half a
dozen dogs, all duly inoculated with rabid virus. The slightest de-
gree of attention will always detect some peculiarity in the affected
dog's manner — some departure from his usual habits; and this
may be observed one day at least, commonly two days, before the
more active symptoms commence, or before any mischievous dis-
position shews itself ; and which, at the worst, is not often prac
tised towards those they are habituated to, if not meddled with.
In a great number of the cases that occur, no mischievous disposi-
tion at all appears towards human persons through the whole
complaint, except it be called forth by opposition and violence ;
which consideration tends to reduce danger still more materially.
It ought likewise, in no small degree, to lessen the dread and fear
of this malady, even when the worst has happened and a
human person has been unfortunately bitten by a rabid animal,
that a ready, simple, and eflficacious remedy is still at hand, the
application of which is attended with little inconvenience, while
the consequences are certainly productive of all the safety that
can be wished for. On this immediate part of the subject, how-
ever, I am well aware that intense mental dread is often excited.
From simple fear of the consequences many have died; many
others have been rendered temporarily insane, and some perma-
nently so. Would I could instil into such minds the uncertainty
of the disease appearing at all ; that is, even when no means have
been used ; and the perfect security they may feel who have sub-
mitted to the preventive treatment detailed. I have been bitten
several times, — Mr. Youatt several also ; yet in neither of us was
any dread occasioned : our experience taught us the absolute cer-
tainty of the preventive means ; and such I take on me to pro-
nounce they always prove, when performed with dexterity and
judgment. It unfortunately happens that these prejudices and

OR CANINE MADNESS. 259

fears are too often very deep rooted, and even immovable. What
is then to be done ? Is nothing to be attempted ? Yes : we will
hope that a physician may be found for the mind also in the judi-
cious medical attendant on the case ; to whom I hardly need hint,
that, in those desperate instances of mental excitement, it is totally
in vain to argue down the needless dread and imaginary dangers
fostered in a distempered mind ; it is still more useless, it would
be even cruel, to be offended or made harsh by them. No one, I
presume, would harass himself with fear could he avoid it ; fear
weakens the mind, and it is remarkable that it often makes its
greatest inroads on an otherwise powerful one. Arguing here is
reasoning against fearful odds ; it is, in fact, offering reason at the
shrine of insanity ; for a person so impressed is, to all intents and
purposes, on that question, beside himself.

When I was engaged in practice, I was requested to decide on
a suspicious case of a dog, the property of a mercantile gentleman
of great respectability and talent. I pronounced the dog rabid,
and he was destroyed. Some weeks afterwards I was again re-
quested to visit this gentleman, whom I hardly knew, so great was
the change in him during this short interval. He appeared now
bordering on the grave, and to which, had his mind not been ad-
ministered to, he would have gone. I had been already informed
by his lady, that, soon after the dog alluded to was dead, her hus-
band became impressed with the idea, that, as the animal had
licked his hands, he was endangered, and should most certainly
become rabid also. He had applied to his usual medical attendant,
and had also consulted two, if not three physicians ; each of whom
endeavoured to reason him out of his fears, by assurances that he
had incurred no risk at all ; that nothing was necessary for him
but to think no more about the matter. Each visit produced the
same assurances, and the same faithlessness on his part : he re-
treated from business, forsook all society, loathed his food, and
passed his time in pacing his room, waiting the attack.

How was it that not one of his medical advisers touched the
only chord that could vibrate on his distempered mind ? It was

r2

260 RABIES CANINA.

tlear that he was alive to one impression only, which was a con-
viction of his danger; and consequently no advice could reach his
imagination which did not recognise the same : and none could
arouse him which did not at the same time point out, with great
confidence, a ready and certain means of averting this fancied
danger. On this principle, with the consent of his lady, I acted ;
and when I heard from himself the particulars of his case, that he
was certain it was impossible he could escape from hydrophobia,
having had both his hands repeatedly licked by his dog, and that,
in fact, he already felt the poison at work, which would soon do
its worst, I could but be concerned to observe what havock one
idea only, constantly and erroneously entertained, could make even
on a strong mind. I, however, treated the matter most gravely,
condoled with him on the danger incurred, and which I abstained
from in any wise lessening ; but, at the same time, I ventured on
an assurance, that, imminent as it was, it was not too late to avert
it : on the contrary, that long after the time which had elapsed in
his case, I had treated several others, every one of which had ter-
minated successfully ; and that, if he would submit to have the
whole surface of the back of both hands cauterised, I would ensure
his safety. He immediately fell in with this idea ; it was a call
from the grave, as it were : and I proceeded at once to prepare for
the operation by softening his hands in warm water ; after which,
I smeared them over with the fusible caustic potash, so as eflfectu-
ally to erode the cuticle, without entering very deep. Both hands
were then wrapped in poultice : he took a gentle opiate that night,
and a laxative in the morning. I repeated the process the second
day, but more slightly, and again on the fourth day. The day fol-
lowing the first operation I dined at his house, when he ate the
first solid food he had tasted for a fortnight, was composed, and
even cheerful ; in fine, from that time a new train was given to his
thought : hope took the place of fear ; next, certainty succeeded to
hope ; and, in three weeks, he was again in his counting-house.

261

VIPER BITE.

In every quarter of the globe but Europe dogs are exposed to
the venemous attacks of snakes, whose bite is instantly mortal.
The viper is the only animal of this kind in Britain capable of in-
flicting a wound attended with serious consequences, and to which
dogs become exposed when hunting. In these cases, the bitten
part swells enormously, and the animal expresses great distress and
suffering : at length he becomes affected with torpor, or, in some
cases, with convulsions, when death commonly ensues. But it
is not often that these bites are fatal, particularly when proper
means are resorted to for obviating the effects. These means
consist in freely rubbing the bitten part with volatile alkali, or
with the spirit of hartshorn mixed with oil ; giving also seven,
ten, or twelve drops of the volatile alkali, or otherwise forty drops
to a large dog of the spirit of hartshorn, in a tea- spoonful or two
of sweet oil, every hour, until the amendment is evident.

The venemous stings of Hornets i Wasps ^ and Bees, may be
relieved by applying the vegetable blue used to colour linen.
Laudanum, also, or vinegar, or brandy, will, either of them, often
remove the pain and inflammation speedily.

CLASS IX.

EXTERNAL AND LOCAL INFLAMMATIONS.

WOUNDS.
Dogs are liable to become wounded in various ways, and their
wounds, however bad, are not generally much attended to, from
an opinion that the animal's tongue is the best dressing. This is
very questionable : in some instances, I am certain, no application
can be worse to a wounded dog than his own tongue. Whenever
dogs are at all inclined to foulness, as a tendency to cuticular com-
plaints is called, a sore, so licked, is sure to become mangy, and
to be aggravated by the licking.

262 WOUNDS.

Wounds into the chest or belli/ should be closed up as soon as
possible, to prevent the external air from penetrating : a stitch or
two made in the integuments is proper ; over which some adhesive
plaister, and a bandage over that, may be applied. If the intes-
tines protrude in a wounded belly, and the bowels are themselves
wounded ; first, neatly stitch up the intestinal opening, and return
the gut ; then close the wound in the integuments, leaving the
thread which united the gut, if long enough, hanging without the
external wound.

In wounds of m^teries or veins, the haBmorrhage should be
stopped by pressure : should that not succeed, take up the vessel
with needle and thread. Wounds into joints occur from cuts, and
often from stabs : great inflammation is apt to follow, and the dog
is often lamed for life. If the synovia escapes by a very minute
puncture, and the inflammation is not yet very extensive, treat
exactly as in horse practice, by firing with the budding-iron. If
the wound be a lacerated one, and not already much inflamed,
place over it a pledget of lint, and over that a thick paste of linseed
meal ; after which, bandage the whole up moderately tight. Should
the inflammation be great, reduce that by a common poultice, and
then endeavour to close the joint as above.

In all extensive and lacerated wounds^ a stitch or two should
be made with a large needle and thread, as it will reduce both the
sore and the scar ; but as such stitches soon ulcerate out in the
dog, so the edges should be further secured by slips of sticking-
plaister. A recent wound should be cleansed from the dirt, and
then covered up : when it begins to suppurate, dress with any mild
ointment. In thorn wounds, or others made with splinters, care-
fully examine that nothing is left within them, otherwise no at-
tempts to produce healing will prove successful. The most com-
mon wounds in dogs arise from the bites of others ; and under any
such circumstance, should any suspicion arise that the dog was
mad by which the wounded one was bitten, proceed as directed
under Rabies. The wounds arising from common bites in gene-
ral soon heal of themselves : if, however, they are very extensive.

ULCEROUS AFFECTIONS. 263

wash them with friar's balsam, to prevent their becoming gan-
grenous.

Fistulous wounds i in glandular parts, often prove very obsti-
nate. In such cases, means must be taken to get at the bottom of
the sinus, and to raise a more healthy inflammation therein ; which
may be done either by injecting something stimulant into it, as a
vitriolic wash, or by passing a seton through it. Some fistulous
wounds, such as those in the feet and about the joints, will often
not heal, because either the bones or the capsular ligaments are
diseased : in such, the wound requires to be laid open to the bottom,
and to be stimulated with oil of turpentine, or with tincture of
Spanish flies, daily, till the diseased bone or ligament is thrown
oflF, when a healing process will immediately commence.

ULCEROUS AFFECTIONS.

Dogs are subject to ulceration of various parts of the body, and
such state is dependent on very dififerent causes. Cancer, which is
the worst ulcer we are acquainted with, is but little common in
the dog : those cases, however, in canine pathology, that do ap-
proach its character, are noticed under the head Cancer, A very
malignant ulcer sometimes breaks out in the lips, face, or neck, in
distemper, and is there noticed. In virulent canker, the internal
and sometimes the external ear also becomes attacked with exten-
sive ulceration ; I have even seen it proceed so far as to destroy
the dog. The eyes become frequently ulcerated in distemper ;
but cure the distemper, and the eyes reinstate themselves, although
the ulcerative process was very considerable.

The Main is an ulcerous affection of the sides and under sur-
face of the tongue, which sometimes extends into the cheek ; it is
often attributed by country people to being poisoned with eating
some herb, or by killing a toad or serpent, or by other equally
sapient causes. It is sometimes attended with constitutional dis-
turbance ; at others it interferes but little with it. In the former

264 ULCEROUS AFFECTIONS.

case, give antimonial powder in doses of two or three grains, twice
a-day : when there is no constitutional disturbance, attend then
principally to the blain or vesicles which will be seen as large livid
bladders, studding the sides and under surface of the tongue.
Lay these open, and wash with a solution of zinc or alum several
times a-day.

Glandular parts in dogs are very liable to ulceration ; the most
common among which are the teats in bitches. See Scirrhus. —
The vagina, sheath, or bearing, and sometimes the womb also,
are found to be aflfected with a morbid ulcerous state, which is
very usually accompanied with a fungous excrescence, from which
blood exudes, or a bloody ichor. This disease participates more
of the nature of cancer than any other to which dogs are generally
liable. See Cancer,

The penis is likewise the subject of an ulcerous affection,
which is also commonly accompanied with a spongy fungous ex-
crescence, exuding a bloody ichor: but it does not erode the
neighbouring parts, and appears to partake more of the nature of
a vascular warty substance, than that of cancer. This state of
fungous excrescence on the penis is often mistaken for a disease of
the kidneys or bladder. A few drops of bloody fluid appear now
and then to come from the dog and, as in the act of making
water the last effort squeezes the fungus, and forces a drop or
two at that time, so it is concluded that either the urethra, or the
kidneys, or bladder, is affected. But, if the dog be held, and the
prepuce stripped down, so as to expose the penis throughout, there
will generally be found one or more large fungous knobs, from
which this bloody secretion proceeds.

The cure consists in removing every one of these excrescences,
carefully and completely, with the knife, leaving no part of the
base or pedicle of each : having so done, sprinkle the excised part
with a little alum in fine powder ; and, unless the excrescence has
been very considerable (when it will be necessary to remove the
prepuce every day, to prevent an union of it to the penis), the rest

TUMOURS. 265

may be left to nature. In very slight cases, where these fungi
have appeared as warts only, which is not uncommon, I have re-
moved them by merely sprinkling them daily with powdered savine
three parts, crude sal ammoniac two parts. Other ulcerous af-
fections are noticed under the head Wounds.

TUMOURS.

Dogs are subject to a variety of swellings or tumours. If we
commence our account with the head, we shall find that it is the
subject of a peculiar tumefaction, not very unlike human erysi-
pelas. In dogs of a gross, full habit, from natural plethora, or
from over feeding, the head will sometimes become suddenly en-
larged, hot, tender, and painful, accompanied with thirst, quickened
pulse, and every mark of fever. In a day or two a general erup-
tion takes place, which proves to be a kind of acute mange. — See
Mange. In distemper also, a phlegmonous tumour occasionally
forms upon some part of the face, generally about the lower jaw,
which soon maturates, but afterwards forms an unhealthy and
spreading ulcer. — See Distemper. The flap of the ear is also
subject to a very considerable tumour, containing serum. See
Tumejied Flap of the Ear. — The neck is likewise subject to
tumefactions. The principal of these cases arise from enlarge-
ment of the glands on each side of the windpipe, and is called
BroncJiocele ; which see. The neck will sometimes also become
swollen from rheumatism. See Rheumatism. — On the body,
glandular tumours, or wens, will likewise form in various parts :
there is hardly any situation in which I have not seen them, and
extracted them from. See Cancer and Glandular Swellings, —
But the most frequent glandular tumours are those that form in
the teats of bitches. See Scirrhus. In old bitches, particularly in
spayed ones, there often appears a tumour or enlargement on each
side of the back about the loins, which, though it elevates the
skin externally, yet it is evidently more deeply situated. These
swellings arise from large accumulations of fat about the ovaria.

266 TUMEFIED OR SORE FEET.

POLYPUS.

Now and then an excrescence is found protruding itself from
some cavity, of an indeterminate form, but usually pendulous and
nipple-shaped. I have seen them in the nose, within the uterus,
and the sheath of the penis, as well as pendant from other parts
also ; but by much the most usual situation in which polypi are
found is within the sheath or vagina of the bitch. When the
pedicle of the polypus can be reached to its origin, it may be taken
off by excision : when this cannot be conveniently done, still a
ligature may commonly be introduced around its base, and suf-
fered to remain till the whole drops off. I have frequently re-
moved polypi by both these methods, without future inconvenience
or reproduction.

TUMEFIED OR SORE FEET.

When the feet of dogs become sore by travelling, it is common
to wash them with brine ; but this is not altogether a good prac-
tice. It is better to bathe them with greasy pot-liquor, milk, or
buttermilk, and afterwards to defend them from stones and dirt,
by wrapping them up. When the feet become sore from any dis-
eased affection of the claws, the proper treatment may be seen
under Mange, and under Cutting of Claws, in Class XII.

Occasionally, however, violent inflammation follows very hard
and continued travel, and the spongy balls of the feet take on a
slow suppuration ; the dog can hardly be moved, and his time is
spent in licking them : often he has strong symptoms of fever.
A poultice of linseed meal ought to envelop each foot, which
should be renewed once a-day : if the dog gnaws it off, apply fo-
mentations twice a-day ; for it is essentially necessary that a healthy
suppuration should be established as quick as possible, otherwise
a species of founder takes place, and the dog will remain tender
footed ever after. As soon as matter fluctuates, open with a lancet.
The claws by undue growth often curve, and indent their points

HERNIAL TUMOURS — OPHTHALMIA. 267

within the integuments, and occasion tumefaction of a toe : this
must be remedied by sawing away the indenting portion. See
Cutting of Claws in Operations. — A tumefied toe or toes we oc-
casionally meet with, where around the base of the claw the secre-
tory part or quick is swollen, inflamed, and excoriated. This is a
mangy afl^ection, and is described with the anomalies of Mange.

HERNIAL TUMOURS.

As the dog may be the subject of most of the varieties of hernia,
so these tumours may be various ; but that to which he is naturally
most prone is epiplocele, and which tumour is by no means un-
common in such as are very fat : the unclosed state of the abdo-
minal ring, and the very great dimensions of the omentum^ par-
ticularly when enlarged by an extraordinary quantity of adipose
matter, and pressed on by other accumulations, as may be supposed,
very naturally incline it to be gradually pressed through the ring,
and to occupy the scrotal bag, where I have seen the distention
enormous. I never saw a case of strangulation ; but if such were
to occur, without doubt, it would shew itself by the distention and
colicliy pains. The operation of the taxis must be first attempted;
and, should that fail, proceed to dilate the stricture by which it is
strangulated.

CLASS X.

DISEASES OF THE EYES.

OPHTHALMIA, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE COATS
OF THE EYE.

Idiopathic Ophthalmia. — Dogs are occasionally attacked with
inflammation of the coats of the eye or eyes ; in which case there
is an impatience of strong light, the conjunctiva is red, and, when
the aff'ection is intense, the pupil itself is clouded with milky white-
ness, or otherwise the bloodvessels of the opaque cornea are seen

268 OPHTHALMIA.

in red lines extending over it. If this state of the pupil is not
present at the first, the continuation of the affection for several
days commonly produces it: now and then, the humours of the
eye are seen to exhibit a reddish tinge ; but this is not frequent.
The causes of the affection are various : excitements of any kind,
as violent exertions, heat and cold alternating in extreme degrees
occasion it : thus I have seen it follow from plunging into water
when the dog has been very hot, and not accustomed to the change.

Ophthalmia is also occasioned by external violence, and by ir-
ritating matters settling within the eye; or stings, &c. without.
These cases are known usually by one only being aflfected ; but I
have seen pointers, setters, and spaniels, suddenly thus seized after
hunting in cover, from some poisonous herb ; in which case it is
seen in both eyes. Thorn wounds, scratches from cats, &c., are
productive of it ; but it is commonly confined to one eye.

The treatment is not dissimilar in principle in all these cases :
should the inflammation be very considerable, bleed, purge, and
keep low : foment the eyes with an infusion of poppy heads, until
the light does not distress the dog, when apply the following wash
several times a- day : —

Superacetate of lead (sugar of lead) half a drachm

Rose water 6 ounces.

When the inflammation is somewhat lessened, use the fol-
lowing:—

Sulphate of zinc 1 scruple

A weak infusion of elm bark 6 ounces

Brandy 1 tea-spoonful.

Sometimes the following has moderated the irritation when
other applications have failed : —

Tincture of opium half a drachm

Infusion of green tea 4 ounces.

All exposure to strong light, or other sources of irritation, as
foul housing, &c., should be avoided. In very bad cases, I have
sometimes scarified the insides of the eyelids, and even the white

OPHTHALMIA. 269

part of the eye itself, by means of the point of a fine lancet, with
very great benefit; and in others, where much obstinacy in the
complaint has shewn itself, particularly in foul-coated dogs, a seton
in the neck has done much good. After the active symptoms have
disappeared, should any opacity of the cornea remain, a small
pinch of a powder may be sprinkled into the eye once or twice
a-day, composed of one scruple of acetate of lead and one drachm
of calomel.

Ophthalmia of Distemper. — This might be called a specific
ophthalmia^ from peculiarities attending it : or it might be named
symptomatic, as being an accompaniment of a particular disease.
That it is very different from idiopathic ophthalmia is proved by
its consequences ; for while the remaining effects of the idiopathic
attack are in the ratio of the intensity of the inflammation, in the
symptomatic they bear no proportion whatever to it. The dis-
temper, as an inflammatory afi^ection of the mucous membranes,
might be supposed, a priori, likely to extend its affection to the
eyes also, which it does in a marked degree, and with almost in-
variable certainty ; so that distemper is frequently characterized as
a defluxion from the eyes and nose. The early symptoms of this
ophthalmia are not unlike those which betoken the idiopathic
attack, except that a more early and more abundant appearance
of a purulent secretion is common. The injection of the opaque,
and the cloudiness of the transparent cornea, are, in the cases I
point at, intense ; to which very frequently succeeds, in the very
centre of the pupil, a minute circular speck of ulceration that
sometimes remains stationary during the distemper. At others, it
extends both in depth and breadth ; sometimes so much as to eva-
cuate the aqueous humour : when this occurs, there usually follows
a luxuriant sprouting of fungoid granulations, which give great
pain, and at last, to all appearance, totally disorganize the eye.
It is now that the peculiarity of this ophthalmia shews itself; for
from this apparent ruin of the structure of the eye it will gradually
reinstate itself, and very often there will not remain a trace of
injury behind. The disease is most frequently confined to one eye

270 OPHTHALMIA.

only ; but I have seen it in both. The topical treatment of the
ophthalmia of distemper is blended with that of the idiopathic; but
the constitutional is referrible to the treatment of distemper itself;
for to cure that, is to remove the ophthalmia.

CATARACT, OR OPACITY OF THE CRYSTALLINE LENS.

The crystalline lens occasionally loses its pellucid appearance
in dogs, as in ourselves, and from the same causes : a common one
is idiopathic ophthalmia ; that accompanying distemper but seldom
occasions it. In old dogs cataracts are by no means uncommon,
from a breaking up of the strength of the parts ; nor are they very
unusual either in younger dogs, being sometimes the result of ex-
ternal injury, and at others it steals on as a chronic affection of
the organ : but there is this difference between the disease in the
old and the young, that, in the former, both the eyes commonly
become affected ; whereas, in the latter, it is usually confined to one
only. In all these cases the before-described powder may be
blown into the eye ; but it is very seldom that any treatment arrests
the final termination in blindness.

AMAUROSIS, OR PARALYSIS OF THE OPTIC NERVOUS
EXPANSION.

This is not a very common affection, but it is now and then
seen to follow epileptic fits, and I have known it to come on with-
out apparent cause also : I witnessed it once consequent to a
fall into a gravel-pit. It is not difficult to see the rationale of the
disease in these cases, nor are we led thereby to be very sanguine
in our hopes of cure. Local and constitutional tonics may be ap-
plied, with stimulant applications to the back of the head.

DROPSY OF THE EYEBALL.

An accumulation of the liquid contents of the eyeball now and
then also occurs, which greatly distends the globe of the eye, and
by its pressure occasions an imperfect contraction of the iris. I

ULCERATED EYELmS. 271

once punctured the sclerotic coat, and evacuated the fluid ; but
great inflammation followed, and the organ gradually wasted away.
I have also introduced both stimulants and absorbents, but parti-
cularly calomel. I have tried electricity, pressure, setons, and
blisters ; and all without effect, except in one instance, where a
seton in the cheek, with calomel introduced between the lids, ap-
peared to gradually lessen the distortion of the globe : but the
owner grew tired of the trouble and chance of expense, and de-
stroyed the dog before the precise effect could be ascertained. I
have also seen accumulation, within the globe of the eye, of blood
or extravasated and serous efi'usion adding to it. In one such case
I evacuated the engorgement by a couching-needle, and the eve
was saved. This might be called traumatic dropsy, as being
effected by a thorn stab.

EYELIDS, ULCERATED.

There is now and then a mangy affection met with which is
confined to the eyelids, attended with enlargement, ulceration,
and a loss of hair. I have seen it produce innumerable little
orifices, each of which threw out a muco-purulent fluid. In one
instance an extremely minute syringe had a fine canula adapted
to these secreting orifices, by which a mild solution of nitrate of
silver was introduced every day. By these means, and appa-
rently by these only, could this disease be got under. In the
generality of cases which occur, the following will be found
effective : —

Ointment of nitrated quicksilver 1 drachm

Superacetate of lead (svgar of lead) 20 grains

Spermaceti ointment 3 drachms.

Anoint the parts, night and morning, lightly with it, watching the
dog afterwards that he does not rub it into his eyes. Internal me-
dicines will also assist the cure. See Mange,

272

CLASS XI.

DISEASES OF THE SKIN.

MANGE.

This cutaneous affection is very common among dogs of every
variety, and is observed in his congeners, the fox and wolf, also :
it is not altogether unusual to find a dead fox so mangy, as ap-
parently to have been destroyed by its virulence. It has been
compared to itch in the human, and not without justice ; as, if I
am not greatly mistaken, the canine mange is capable of pro-
ducing the human itch : but, whether the human itch can be given
to dogs, is a point which my experience does not enable me to
determine. The canine mange is a chronic inflammation of the
skin, dependent, in some instances, on a morbid constitutional
action; it is infectious also, from maisms produced from animal
exhalations ; and it is notoriously contagious from personal com-
munication with one affected. It is not, however, so completely
contagious, with all its varieties, as is supposed, for I have known
dogs to sleep with affected ones for some time without becoming
mangy ; but in the majority of cases it is otherwise ; and in some
the predisposition to it is such, that almost simple and momentary
contact will produce it. The mange which is received by conta-
gion is more readily given to another than that which is gene-
rated. The uniform presence of animalculi within the psoric
pustules has revived the idea that it originates in the attack of
acari.

Mange is also hereditary. — A bitch, lined by a mangy dog, is
very liable to produce mangy puppies; but the progeny of a
mangy bitch is certain to become affected sooner or later, and I
have seen puppies covered with it when a few days old. The mor-
bid action by which mange is generated is excited in various ways
and by various causes. When a number of dogs are confined
together, the acrid effluvia of their transpiration and urine begets

MANGE. 273

a miasm productive of a virulent mange, very difficult to be re-
moved. Close confinement, with alted food, is even more certainly
productive of mange : thus dogs who have come from distant
countries, on ship-board, are generally afi'ected with it. Very high
living, with little exercise, is a frequent cause : a state nearly ap-
proaching to starvation is also not unfavourable to it. In both
these apparent contrarieties the balance between the skin and the
digestive functions is not preserved, and the disease follows as a
necessary consequence. The disease has some permanent and
fixed varieties , it has also some anomalies ; but the pruritus or
itching is common to all.

The scabby mange, one of the most common fonns under which
this eruptive complaint appears, is an extension of the secretory
pores of the skin in very minute red vesicles, that at first are dis-
tinct, but as they extend become pustular, confluent, and scabby.
Sometimes simple linear cracks of the cuticle seem to pour out a
serous fluid, which concretes into a scab. It is occasionally con-
fined to the back ; at others it is found principally in the joints of
the extremities.

The red mange, so called from a redness of both skin and hair
in the parts afi'ected, is likewise not unfrequent, and partakes much
of an herpetic character. In this variety there is less pustular
eruption, but nearly the whole skin of the body, particularly in
white-haired dogs, is in a state of active inflammation : it is also
hot to the feel, and itches intolerably. In the red mange the hair
itself becomes morbidly aff^ected, and alters in its colour, particu-
larly about the extremities : it also falls off", and leaves the skin
bare, much thickened, and puckered into stubborn wrinkles. Dogs
with the strong coarse hair called wired are very liable to this
state ; in which a magnifying glass applied will often detect innu-
merable minute ulcerations covered by furfuraceous scales.

A direct ulceration of the sebaceous glands is another form of
mange, but is much less frequent than either of the former : these
glands in this state appear to become internally ulcerated, and
have their sebaceous outlet preternaturally enlarged- The afi«c-

S

274 MANGE.

tion seldom shews itself universally, but partially, as over the face,
around the joints, and in solitary patches over the rest of the body.
The diseased parts are tumid, shining, and look spongy ; from
the little openings of which a moisture, between mucus and pus,
issues. I have not observed this affection but in the larger breeds
of dogs ; and usually, I think, in pointers and setters. I have seen
it almost entirely confined to the eyelids, as noticed in Diseases of
the Eyes.

A cuticular eruptiofiy called surfeit^ is a fourth appearance that
mange frequently assumes. It seems, in many cases, the conse-
quence of some active inflammatory state of the constitution, fre-
quently of some great local internal inflammation ; in which cases
it puts on something of an acute form. It sometimes breaks out
suddenly in bitches after pupping, and in dogs newly recovered from
distemper ; in fact, any great vascular excitement may produce it :
thus, when a dog travels during a great part of a very hot day, and
becomes afterwards exposed to cold, a surfeit is oftentimes the
consequence. It is usually seen in the form of partial blotches, it
being seldom that it extends universally over the body. In some
cases there is little appearance of elevated scab ; but large patches
shew themselves, from which the hair has fallen, and left the skin
bare and rough from the branny scaly eruption, which itches with
more or less violence. Some sportsmen allege that a surfeit is
sometimes occasioned by giving food in a hot state. Salt pro-
visions have certainly brought it on ; and long-continued feeding
on oat or barley-meal has done the same.

Acute mange. — Besides that variety just noticed, there is yet a
more directly acute form of the complaint, which puts on an ap-
pearance not unlike erysipelas in some instances ; in others it is a
pure erythema, or red efflorescence ; but more frequently it is ac-
companied with some ulceration. It commences by a direct febrile
attack, with panting, heat, and restlessness ; next some part of the
body (usually the head) begins to swell, which, the second or third
day, gives place to ulceration of the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, neck,
&c. This ulceration proves superficial, but extensive ; and con-

MANGE. 275

tiuues a longer or shorter period, as the treatment is more or less
judicious. Bleeding, aperients, and febrifuges, form the constitu-
tional remedies :• the topical ones are tepid fomentations the first
two days ; and, when the tumefaction has given place to ulceration,
the application of a cooling unguent of superacetate of lead (sugar
of lead) f with spermaceti ointment, will be proper. What remains
of the aflFection, in a week or ten days* time, may be treated as
common mange.

Tlie anomalies of mange are numerous ; among them may be
reckoned the acute variety just noticed, but which was appended
to surfeit, from some similarity it possessed to that form of the
complaint. Local mange, as an anomaly, exists under as many
forms as the parts it attacks. Almost every eruptive complaint
may degenerate into mange, such is the predisposition in all the
carnivora to psoric and herpetic affections. Those that deserve
specification are canker both within and without the ear, which
will follow in due order.

Inflamed scrotum is of the mange variety, and partakes of the
nature of erysipelas, which see. — Ulcerated eyelids, already de-
scribed with Diseases of the Eye, are of the like kind.

Diseased toes or claws. — The affection here meant is a singular
anomaly of mange of the following kind. One of them will appear
highly inflamed, swollen, and somewhat ulcerated, around the claw.
In such a case the dog employs himself in continually licking it,
which, instead of doing good, as is supposed, always makes it worse.
It is commonly mistaken for some accidental injury; and the
owner is surprised to find that neither the dog's licking, nor
his own attempts to make the toe sound, succeed. The fact
is, that this is simply a mangy affection, and may be readily cured
by applying the sixth ointment directed for the cure of mange. If
it should, however, prove very obstinate, the first ointment directed
for Canker' on the Outside of the Ear may be then tried with con-
fidence. In either case, the foot must be sewed up in leather, to
prevent the dog getting at it, taking particular care not to bind it

S 2

276 MANGE.

up too tight : but the securing of the diseased part from being
licked is essential to the cure.

Mange is apt to be considered more troublesome than hurtful,
which is a great error ; for it is not only invariably hurtful, but
very often fatal also : when long continued, it frequently ends in
dropsy. It sometimes diseases the mesenteric glands, and the
subjects of it die tabid : neither in any case can it be neglected
with impunity. In sporting dogs it is injurious to their qualities
as well as their health : their scent invariably becomes impaired,
and their general powers are always weakened by its irritation.

Treatment of mange. — Whatever similarity may exist between
this complaint and the human itch in other respects, a very great
difference is observed between the obstinacy of the one, and the
ease with which the other may be cured. Medical practitioners
among the human consider the itch as local ; but veterinarians, to
their vexation, will find mange constitutional — too often very deeply
rooted also in the dog. Like the human itch, it is, however, most
judiciously treated by remedies that excite absorption ; and sulphur,
the grand panacea of the one, is also the general application for the
other ; but as mange exhibits greater varieties, and is altogether
more difficult of cure, it is seldom that we can trust to this alone '
for that end. The following formulae are adapted for what is
called the common mange : —

No. 1 . — Powdered sulphur, yellow or black 4 ounces

Muriate of ammonia {sal ammoniac, cncde)

powdered half an ounce

Aloes, powdered 1 drachm

Venice turpentine half an ounce

Lard, or other fatty matter 6 ounces. Mix.

Or,

No. 2. — Sulphate of zinc (white vitriol) 1 drachm

Tobacco in powder half an ounce

White hellebore in powder half an ounce

Sulphur in powder 4 ounces

Aloes in powder 2 drachms

Soft soap 6 ounces.

MANGE. 277

Or,

No. 3. — Powdered charcoal 2 ounces

Sulphur powdered 4 ounces

Potash I drachm

Lard, &c 6 ounces

Venice turpentine half an ounce.

Or,

No. 4. — Sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) 1 drachm

Lard 6 ounces

Tar 2 ounces

Powdered lime 1 ounce.

Or,

No. 5. — Decoction of tohacco 3 ounces

Decoction of white hellebore 3 ounces

Oxymuriate of quicksilver (corrosive sub-
limate) 5 grains.

Dissolve the corrosive sublimate in the decoctions, which should
be of a moderate strength ; when dissolved, add two drachms of
powdered aloes, to render the mixture nauseous, and prevent its
being licked oflF, which ought to be very carefully guarded against:
the best means for this purpose is a muzzle having a very fine wire
capping or mouth-piece, which will eflfectually prevent the dog
from getting his tongue applied to the ointment, which would
prove his almost certain destruction. When, therefore, the ap-
plication contains mercury, tobacco, or hellebore, it is best not to
depend on the bitter of the aloes as a preventive to licking, but to
apply an effective muzzle, or otherwise to sew the dog up alto-
gether in a dress, watching him, however, that he does not gnaw
it off.

The formulae for red mange are as follow : —
No. 6. — Of either of the ointments already pre-
scribed, 1, 2, or 3 6 oimces

Mercurial ointment, mild 1 ounce. — Mix.

Or,

No. 7. — Powdered charcoal 1 ounce

Prepared chalk 1 ounce

Superacetate, or sugar of lead 1 drachm

White precipitate of quicksilver 2 drachms

Sulphur 2 ounces

Lard 5 ounces.

278 MANGE.

In some cases, the mange ointment No. 4, alternated with No.
6, one being used one day, and the other the next, will be found
beneficial. In others, benefit has been derived from the wash
No. 5, united with lime-water. In slight cases of red mange, the
following has been found singularly successful : —

No. 8. — Oxymuriate of quicksilver (corrosive sublimate)

powdered 6 grains

Sulphuretted potash (liver of sulphur) half an ounce

Lime-water 6 ounces. — Mix,

The third variety requires a considerable difference in the treat-
ment. When the little spongy openings piercing the cellular
tissue will admit of it, they should be injected, by means of a very
minute syringe, with the wash No. 8. The general surface should
also be anointed with the following : —

No. 9. — Ointment of nitrated quicksilver 2 drachms

Superacetate of lead 1 scruple

Washed flowers of sulphur half an ounce

Lard 1 ounce. — Mix.

The fourth kind of mange, called surfeit) requires little variety
in the treatment, except that bleeding, purging, with every other
part of a depleting treatment, are here more particularly neces-
sary. With regard to the external applications, it should be re-
membered, both in this and all the other kinds of this disease, that,
when the sores are very irritable and much inflamed, it will be
frequently essentially necessary to allay the heat and inflammatory
irritation in them before they will bear any of the regular mange
applications. The best means of doing this will be by anointing
them with the following for a few days : —

Superacetate, called 5?igar of lead 1 drachm

Spermaceti ointment 2 ounces.

When the irritation is allayed, proceed with the ointment No. 3,
or alternate this with No. 6.

Besides the fixed varieties before described, mange puts on dif-

MANGE. 279

ferent appearances in different subjects ; but they may be all re-
ferred to one or other of these heads. Numerous domestic reme-
dies are in use, but, I believe, no one article acts so favourably as
several united ; and it may, perhaps, not be too much to say that
the recipes already given will meet every variety : their efficacy
has been proved by long experience and a successful practice.
Tobacco-water is often used for the cure of this complaint, and, in
very slight cases, it frequently does some good : but, unless used
with extreme caution, it is a most dangerous remedy, from the
tendency all dogs have to lick themselves ; and, when they do this
with tobacco, the effects are often fatal, as I have several times
seen. Great caution is also requisite, for the same reasons, with
all kinds of washes in which there is any thing active, as mercu-
rials, &c. It is not an uncommon practice to dip mangy dogs in
the tanners' pits ; but it is a very filthy and not often an efficacious
one, except in very slight cases : in such instances, an infusion of
oak bark, with a little alum, would of course do as well.

Having detailed the outward applications, it becomes necessary
to mention the internal remedies that are required. When mange
is generated, the constitution must be at fault to produce it ; and,
when it is taken, it will itself affect the constitution : so that in
all, except very slight cases indeed, some internal remedies are
requisite. In very full habits, and particularly in red mange,
bleeding is very proper^. I have also, in some instances, experi-
enced benefit from a seton placed in the neck as a counter drain,
particularly when the head has been much affected. It is also
very requisite to attend particularly to the food: whatever has
been injudicious, both as to quantity and quality, should be altered.
Frequently a total change in the manner and matter of feeding
assists the cure very materially. See the subject of Feeding. —
Purges, when regularly administered, often prove very useful ; for

* In the Philosophical Transactions, No. xxv, p. 451, is detailed a case
of a mangy dog successfully treated by transfusing into hiin the blood from
a healthy dog. How far a similar result would follow in other cases is
doubtful.

280 MANGE.

which purpose Epsom salts may be given, two or three times a-
week, in mild doses. But the most effectual internal remedy is a
judicious use of alteratives. Red mange requires the aid of mer-
curial alteratives. Indeed, they assist in every variety of it, but
this one can hardly be cured without. The following formula is a '
good one : —

Black sulphuret of quicksilver ('^^Aiop« jwtweraZj... 1 ounce

Supertartrate of potash (cream of tartar) 1 ounce

Nitrated potash (nitre) 2 drachms.

Divide into sixteen, twenty, or twenty-four doses, according to the
size of the dog, and give one every morning or evening. Any of
the other medicines of this class, mentioned under the head Altera-
tives, may be also used on these occasions.

In desperate cases the following may be tried, after the others
have proved unequal to the cure : —

Sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) 10 drops

Conserve of roses 1 ounce

Flour of sulphur half an ounce.

Divide into eight, twelve, or fifteen balls, according to the size of
the dog, and give one every day.

Or the following : —

Oymuriate of quicksilver 3 grains

wSpring water 3 ounces.

Dissolve, and make twelve or fifteen doses of it, according to
the size and strength of the body, and give one every night and
morning.

With regard to the manner and frequency of external applica-
tions, they should, particularly when liquid, be used every day.
The mercurial ones require caution, not only as already insisted
on, to prevent the dog from licking them, but also to watch that
salivation may not be occasioned by their use. When mercurial
preparations are licked by dogs, they are apt to occasion violent
and dangerous diarrhoea. Not only, therefore, should the licking

CANKER IN THE EAR. 281

be very carefully guarded against, but, when any danger of this
kind has occurred, a dose of castor oil should be immediately
given ; after which, astringents, with a small proportion of washed
sulphur in them, will prove useful. — In the use of the unguents,
it is necessary to remark, that they are too apt to be smeared over
the hair without being applied at all to the skin itself. It re-
quires at least two hours to dress a dog thoroughly. The hair
should be parted almost hair by hair, and a small quantity of oint-
ment should be rubbed actually on the skin, between the parted
hairs, by means of the end of the finger. After every part is d(Jne,
the hair may be smoothed down, and the dog will appear, when
the operation has been neatly managed, nearly as clean as though
nothing had been applied. After three or four dressings in this
way he may be washed with soft soap and water, and the ointment
may be again rubbed in, and again washed off every fourth day,
until the cure is complete. In old and bad cases of mange it will
be frequently requisite to continue the treatment a very consider-
able time, to ensure a perfect removal of the complaint. I once
occasioned a very favourite setter, who had had virulent mange five
years, to be dressed every day, or every other day, for the extra-
ordinary period of twelve months, before I could completely con-
quer the disease : but this determined perseverance effected a per-
manent cure.

CANKER IN THE EAR.

From confinement and luxurious living dogs become subjected
to various complaints, that evidently arise from the formation of
too great a quantity of blood and other juices ; which, not being
spent in support of the body, find themselves other outlets.
Canker in the ear is evidently produced by this disposition in the
constitution to throw oflF the superfluity accumulated within. In
these cases, the dog is first observed to scratch his ear frequently ;
on looking within which a dark red granular appearance is seen,
from dried extravasated blood. If the complaint is not stopped in

282 CANKER IN THE EAR.

this state, it proceeds to ulceration, when the internal part of the
ear, instead of being filled with dry blood as before, will be found
always moist with purulent matter. The dog now continually
shakes his head from the intolerable itching ; and, if the root of
the ear be pressed, the pus within crackles, and much tenderness *
is expressed. When canker has remained long, the auditory canal
becomes closed, and the hearing lost : now and then the ulceration
penetrates deeply inwards, and destroys the dog. I have also
known instances where the ulceration has assumed a cancerous
appearance, and extended itself over the face.

This complaint appears to have also another source besides
over-feeding, heat, and confinement; which is, the action of water
within the ears ; for it may be observed, that all dogs who fre-
quent the water much are more disposed to canker than others.
Any kind of dog may contract it thus, particularly when aided by
artificial habits, as heat, confinement, and high living ; but New-
foundland dogs, poodles, and water spaniels, are liable to it when
not so artificially treated. Perhaps the length of hair around
their ears not only keeps these parts hot, but also retains the wa-
ter within, and thus encourages an afflux of fluids or humours, as
they are tei-med, to them. That the water has this tendency is
certain, for I have frequently seen it removed by merely keeping
such dogs from entering it ; that is, in those cases where the feed-
ing and exercise were proportionate, and the fatness has not been
inordinate.

The cure, it is rational to conclude, must be either simple or
more complicated, according to the cause producing the disease.
Whenever there is much fulness of habit, and the dog is very fat,
or when he has been subjected to much confinement in a hot close
situation, these circumstances must be immediately rectified. Ab-
stinence and purgatives will reduce the fat; a cooler situation
must be chosen, but it must be dry and pure ; exercise also must
be allowed, to assist in giving another direction to the fluids. In
cases where there are symptoms of a constitutional foulness, which
shew themselves by a red itching skin, stinking coat, and mangy

CANKER IN THE EAR. 283

eruptions ; in addition to exercise, a vegetable diet, cleansing
alteratives., and occasional purges, should be given. — See Altera-
tives, In very bad cases a seton may be properly introduced in
the neck and suffered to remain there until the benefit derived
from it is very apparent. When the cankered dog is very fat,
occasional bleeding is also beneficial.

External applications are likewise essential to the cure and in
some mild cases are all that are necessary, particularly where it
may be supposed that swimming much, or too frequent washing,
may have principally tended to produce the complaint. In the
early stages, a wash composed of half a drachm of superacetate
(sugar J of lead, dissolved in four ounces of rose or rain water, is
often all that is necessary. A small tea-spoonful may be intro-
duced (previously warmed to a blood heat, to prevent surprise and
consequent resistance) night and morning, rubbing the root of the
ear at the same time, to promote the entrance of the wash into
the cavities. In more obstinate cases, it is prudent to add fifteen
or twenty grains of vitriolated zinc (white vitriol) to the wash ;
and if, instead of water, a decoction of oak bark is made use of to
form the wash, it will greatly promote the end desired. In some
cases, acetate of copper (verdigris ), mixed with oil, has proved
beneficial when introduced in the same manner. In others, sub-
muriate of quicksilver (calomel) and oil have produced amendment
when applied in the same way. A very weak injection of the
oxymuriate of quicksilver (corrosive sublimate) has sometimes
succeeded when every other application has failed. A very mild
injection of nitrate of silver, as one grain to two ounces of water,
has done much good. A seton inserted in the poll has also proved
very useful. When the dog is inclined to resist the introduction of
any ear-wash, two assistants are required, one to hold the head of
the dog by his muzzle, using the other hand to open the cavity of
the root of the ear.

284

CANKER ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE EAR.

This complaint consists of an ill-disposed ulcer, usually situated
on the lower edge of the flap or pendulous part of one or both ears,
dividing it into a kind of slit, the intolerable itching of which occa-
sions it to be kept in a continual state of aggravation by the shak-
ing of the dog's head. It is not a little remarkable, that whereas
long-haired dogs (as Newfoundlands, setters, and water-spaniels)
are more subject to internal canker of the ear, so smooth-coated
dogs (as pointers and hounds) are the only ones in general af-
fected with this outer canker. Pointers and hounds that have
been rounded, by having the flap shortened, are therefore less
liable to it than those whose ears remain their natural length.
This has led to the practice of rounding the ears after the disease
has appeared ; but it frequently fails to cure, unless the part taken
off extends considerably beyond the surface of the ulcerated slit.
It is common also to burn out the ulcer either with the actual cau-
tery, or with some caustic substance ; but this likewise often proves
an uncertain remedy. In all flap cankers confine the ears to the
head by a cap.

In full habits, and where over-feeding and confinement may be
supposed to have had any share in the production of the disease,
the same rules must be attended to, with regard to the constitu-
tion generally, as are detailed for the internal canker. But in
other cases an external application is usually found sufficient. An
unguent, made with equal parts of ointment of nitrated quicksilver
and calamine cerate, may be applied once a-day, carefully securing
the ear from the injury occasioned by the shaking of the head by
a sort of head dress during its use. Or the following may be
tried ; —

Oxymuriate of quicksilver {corrosive sublimate)

very finely powdered 3 grains

Cerate of calamine ( Turner's cerate) ....'.... 1 drachm
Sublimated sulphur (milk of) 1 scruple.

THMEFTED FLAP OF THE EAR. 285

In some cases the sublimate has proved more efficacious in the
form of a wash, six grains being dissolved in four ounces of water.
Strong astringent lotions are sometimes useful, as alum dissolved
in a decoction of oak bark. When the disease proves very obsti-
nate, excision must be resorted to, taking care that the whole, not
only of the immediate cracked part but also of its tumefied edges,
are included in the operation. Should all outward applications
fail, round the ear or ears deeply. In fact, it is good policy to
round even the healthy ear, should one remain.

TUMEFIED FLAP OF THE EAR.

From a similar repletion of habit, and from the same attempts
in the constitution to find an outlet to the superflous humours or
fluids, the flap or pendulous part of the ear becomes not unfre-
quently the subject of another complaint, which shews itself by a
tumour, whose prominent part is always on the inner side. It
sometimes swells to an enormous size, and occupies the whole of
the inner surface of the flap, which then presents a shining tumid
mass, so painfully tender and weighty as to prove very distressing
to the animal. It is more frequently met with in dogs with long
ears, as setters, pointers, hounds, poodles, and spaniels, than in any
others. Attempts at dispersing these tumours always fail ; for
the collections are, from the first, less phlegmonous than serous ;
the only mode of relief is therefore to evacuate the contents : but
it is too common merely to make a small opening for this purpose,
which is almost certain to heal immediately, and a fresh accumu-
lation takes place of the same bloody serum. The tumour ought
either to be opened its full length, and a pledget of lint introduced
to prevent too hasty an union of the outer edges of the sac, or a
seton should be introduced embracing the whole of the tumour,
which should be suffered to remain for a week or ten days. By
this means, instead of a discharge of serum, healthy matter will
form in a little time ; the sides will granulate and unite, and, on
the removal of the seton, the external lips of the wound will close

286 ERYSIPELAS — WARTS IN DOGS.

firmly and healthily. It is, however, a necessary caution to ob-
serve, that it is not prudent to open the tumour until it exhibits
its characteristic shining appearance, with evident fluctuation.
The future recurrence of the complaint must be prevented by at-
tending to the constitution as before directed. It is also proper to
remark, that all the affections of the flap of the ear are greatly ag-
gravated by the force with which they are rapped against the head
by shaking it ; the pendulous part should, therefore, always be se-
cured in a kind of cap during the medical treatment.

ERYSIPELAS.

Dogs are subject to two inflammatory afiections, not unlike to
human erysipelas. The one attacks the head, and is described
with Mange, and with Tumours also. The other affects the scro-
tum, and shews itself by a very red irritable state of the whole
bag, which becomes swollen and excessively sensitive ; some ex-
coriation is also present, and sometimes actual ulceration ; and the
poor dog finds it very painful and inconvenient to walk. In this
state it should be fomented with poppy head infusion ; but no ac-
tive mange application must yet be applied to it in this irritable
state, which would greatly aggravate it : the only ointment proper
would be one made with ten grains of acetate of lead and an ounce
of elder ointment. As soon as the irritation is abated, then proceed
with it as mange. Both of these affections, being the offspring
of plethora and too great fulness of habit, require depleting means
to assist the external applications.

WARTS IN DOGS.

It is not uncommon for dogs to be troubled with warts on some
parts of the body ; the most frequent instances of which are the
lips, the penis, and the prepuce. These excrescences may be
either cut off, or, when they exist in clusters, they may be sprinkled
with equal parts of crude sal ammoniac and powdered savine, which
commonly effects their removal.

287

VERMIN ON THE SKIN OF DOGS.

As vermin are productive of mange, so the destruction of them
is a very proper consideration in canine pathology. Ticks will
adhere closely, and imbed themselves within the flesh ; these it is
common to pull away with the fingers, which often makes a dog
shy of approaching his owner : if the tick be cut in two, it destroys
it, and gives no pain to the dog. Fleas irritate many dogs almost
to distraction, and render them obnoxious to their owners also ;
and I hardly know a more frequent inquiry than how to destroy
them, and how they can be prevented from accumulating in the
coat. Washing the body well with soap-suds, and directly after-
wards carefully combing it with a small-toothed comb, are the
most ready means of dislodging these nimble gentry. But it must
be remembered, that the previous washing is only to enable the
comb more readily to overtake them : the water does not destroy
them ; for dogs who swim every day are still found to have fleas.
These insects are very tenacious of life, and soon recover this
temporary drowning ; the comb, therefore, is principally to be de-
pended on for their caption before they recover. But as washing
is not, in many instances, a salutary practice, and as, in many
others, it is a very inconvenient one, so it becomes a matter worthy
of consideration how to be enabled to destroy them without these
means.

Sopping the skin with tobacco-water has been recommended ;
but it has only a momentary effect, and it not unfrequently poisons
the dog. — See Mange, Innumerable other means I have tried to
drive away fleas, but the only tolerably certain one I have dis-
covered is to make dogs sleep on fresh yellow deal shavings.
These shavings may be made so fine as to be as soft as a feather
bed, and, if changed every week or fortnight, they make the most
cleanly and wholesome bed that a dog can rest on ; and the tur-
pentine in them is very obnoxious to the fleas. But, where it is
absolutely impracticable to employ deal shavings, it will be found

288 TREATMENT OF FRACTURES.

useful to rub or dredge the dog's hide, once or twice a week, with
very finely powdered resin : if simply rubbed in, add some bran.
In all these cases cleanse the dog with an occasional pilrge.

CLASS XII.

SURGICAL OPERATIONS ON DOGS, &c.

TREATMENT OF FRACTURES.

The limbs of dogs are very liable to become fractured : but the
irritability of the constitution is so much less in these animals than
in ourselves, that they suffer comparatively but little on these oc-
casions ; and the parts soon reinstate themselves, even without aS"
sistance, though in such cases the limb in general remains some-
what crooked.

The thigh is a very common subject of fracture ; and though
it appears a most serious bone to break, yet it is one that, with a
little assistance, commonly unites straight, and forms a good limb.
When a fracture has happened to the thighs in case the violence
has injured the fleshy parts also, so as to produce tension, heat,
and inflammation, foment with vinegar and water until the swelling
is reduced. When this is effected, apply a plaister of pitch or
other adhesive matter, spread on moderately firm leather, suffi-
ciently large to cover the outside of the thigh, and to double a
little over the inside of it also. Then attach a long splint upon
this, which, if it reach from the toes to an inch or two above the
back, will be found to steady the limb very much. This splint
must be kept in its situation by a long bandage carefully wound
round the limb, beginning at the toes, and continuing it up the
thigh ; when it must be crossed over the back, continued down
around the other thigh, and then fastened. This would, however,
slip over the tail, without other assistance ; for which reason it
must be kept in its place by means of another slip passed round
the neck and along the back.

TREATMENT OF FRACTURES. 289

Fractures of the shoulder should be treated in a similar manner.

In fractures of i\ie fore and hind legs, very great care is neces-
sary to ensure a straight union. As soon as the inflammation and
swelling will admit of it (sometimes there is little or none from,
the first), apply an adhesive plaister neatly and firmly around the
part; then fill up the inequalities with tow or lint, so that the limb
shall appear of one size throughout, otherwise the points of the
joints will be irritated and made sore by the pressure of the splints.
After this has been done, apply two, three, or four splints of thin
pliable wood before, behind, and on each side of the limb, and
secure them in their places by a flannel bandage. In all fractures,
great caution must be observed not to tighten the part, by either
the plaister or bandage, so as to bring on strangulation of the
vessels, which will be shewn by the swelling. Should this, there-
fore, occur to a considerable degree, the bandage must be loosened,
or otherwise mortification may take place. In fractures of the
fore legs, a supporting bandage, with side splints, should be kept
on a longer time than is necessary for fractures of the hinder ones.
If this precaution be not observed, the leg is apt to become gradu-
ally crooked, after the apparatus is removed.

In cases of compound fracture, that is, where there is an open
wound, which penetrates to the divided bones, the same means
must be pursued as are practised in the human subject. Irritating
pointed portions must be sawed ofi^ ; the loose ones should be re-
moved ; and every means must be adopted to close the wound as
early as possible ; during which process, the bones should be kept
in contact with each other, and supported by soft bandages ; until
the cicatrization of the wound will allow of proper splints and
tighter bandaging. It likewise not unfrequently happens, that a
compound fracture, or even a simple one, when neglected, becomes
united by a soft union ; that is, instead of the callus interposed
between the divided ends being bony, it proves cartilaginous only.
In such a case the fractured bone never becomes firm ; but, on
the contrary, when examined, an obscure motion may be felt, like
an imperfect joint, which utterly precludes any strength in the

T

290 TREATMENT OF DISLOCATIONS,

limb. I have frequently been consulted on these cases, all of
which have originated in the neglect of a proper attention to the
fracture at first.

. The treatment here must be one of two kinds : we may either
open the skin opposite the fracture, and, laying bare the bone, re-
move the soft portion interposed with a fine saw, treating the case
afterwards as a compound fracture ; or we may insert a seton ex-
actly through the soft cartilaginous portion, and keep it open ten
days or a fortnight. After this time the seton should be removed,
the wound closed, and the part treated as a simple fracture.
Either of these plans will usually prove successful, and firmly con-
solidate the limb : but, when there is no lapping over of the ends
of the bones, the latter is the most mild and convenient, and
equally certain of success.

TREATMENT OF DISLOCATIONS.

The joints most liable to this injury are the shoulder and knee
'before, and the stifle and hip behind. The first step is to examine
whether there be a fracture also, which is frequently the case.
Under these circumstances the treatment is rendered more com-
plex, from the difficulty of reducing the dislocation, without using
too much violence to the limb. The mode of detecting this addi-
tional evil is not difficult : for if fracture is present, there will be
an evident roughness and grating of the bones, which will be sen-
sibly felt by the hand.

When it is attempted to reduce a simple dislocation, it is evident
that the direction in which the dislocated bone is parted from its
socket should be first taken into consideration in the means used
for reducing it. A moderately firm extension should then be
made by two persons ; one holding the body and one part of the
joint, and the other supporting the immediate dislocated limb, at
the same time giving the luxated end a direction towards its socket.
If this extension is sufficiently and properly made, the dislocated
bone will slip into its place, and render the limb perfect. When

CASTRATION. 291

the shoulder is dislocated from the arm, which is a rare occur-
rence, the disjunction may be forwards or backwards : it occurs
generally forwards. The elbow may be dislocated either inwards
or outwards ; but it happens more frequently inwards, and it is
seldom that it occurs without a fracture also.

The hip joint is oftener dislocated than either of the former,
and it is most common for the head of the thigh bone to be carried
upwards and backwards, which makes the hip of that side sensibly
higher and posterior to the other, and renders it easily detected.
The muscles of the loins are so strong, that reduction of the thigh
is always difficult ; however, a firm and judicious extension will
eflFect it. The hind-knee, or stifle joint, which is that next the
hip, is the subject of dislocation ; and it more frequently occurs
inward than outward : this also, from the strength of the surround-
ing muscles, is often found difficult to reduce ; and it is but
seldom, likewise, that the elbow is dislocated without a fracture
also. When a dislocation has been reduced, a pitch or other ad-
hesive plaister should be applied around the joint to keep it in its
place, which may be further assisted by a proper bandage. It may
be useful to remark to the inexperienced practitioner, that he can
no way detect the presence of either dislocation or fracture so well
as by comparing the sound limb or joint attentively with the un-
sound one.

CASTRATION.

It now and then becomes necessary to perform this operation,
from disease of the spermatic cord, or from scirrhous swellings
in the testicles themselves. Whenever such a necessity occurs,
although castration is not a dangerous operation on the brute
subject, yet it requires the assistance of a veterinary or a human
surgeon. Each testicle should be taken out of the scrotum sepa-
rately, by an opening sufficiently large, when a ligature should
be applied, moderately tight only, around the spermatic cord,
about an inch and a half beyond its insertion into the testicle ;

T 2

292 SPAYING.

the separation sliould then be effected by the scalpel or knife be-
tween the ligature and testis. It is sometimes performed without
the ligature, by making the division of the cord with a red-hot
knife, but the other is the neatest and safest mode. It saves the
animal much pain if the vas deferens be excluded from the liga-
ture ; and it is very easy to do so. The castration of cats is
sometimes practised to keep them from roving, or to increase
their size. For this purpose nothing more is requisite than to
make a slight opening on each side the scrotum, to slip out the
two testicles, and draw them away with the fingers. The rupture
alone of the spermatic cord prevents haemorrhage in them, and
no future inconvenience is felt. It is often found difficult to se-
cure a cat for this operation ; but it may be easily managed in two
ways: — one by putting the head and fore-quarters of the animal
into a boot ; the other by rolling his whole body length-ways in
several yards of towelling ; but the former is the most secure and
simple, for no animal is more intractable as a surgical patient than
grimalkin : though to administer medicines to a pig, beats the cat
hollow, as an obstreperous operation.

SPAYING.

This is so cruel an operation, that it should not be practised
but when there is a real necessity for it : when it is done merely
to convenience the owners, by preventing oestrum and breeding,
it defeats its own purpose. There are, however, cases when it
is actually requisite ; as when some peculiarity occurs that would
prevent a bitch pupping with ease and safety ; or when she has
been connected with, and is found to be pregnant by, a dog much
larger than herself : in which case, as she would probably die in
labour, it is not improper to remove the puppies in the third or
fourth week of gestation. The operation is performed by making
an opening in the flank of one side, when the ovaria, being en-
larged by pregnancy, are readily distinguishable, and may be drawn
out and cut off, first one and then the other ; securing the ends by

CANINE OBSTETRICS. 293

a ligature lightly applied to each surface, but leaving the threads
without the wound, which is to be closed by stitches and bandag-
ing. Farriers often apply no ligature, but content themselves with
simply sewing up the wound, and no ill consequence seems to en-
sue. Bitches, after they have been spayed, become fat, bloated,
and spiritless, and commonly prove short-lived : for Nature usually
punishes any considerable deviations from her common laws ; and
it is observed among animals, when the great work of propagation
is artificially stopped, particularly in the female, that her sexual
secretions failing to be rightly applied, and her reproductive organs
remaining unemployed, the body becomes diseased.

CANINE OBSTETRICS.

DIFFICULT PUPPING.

Great numbers of bitches die every year in bringing forth their
young : a life of art has brought the human curse upon them,
and they seem, in common with their female owners, to be doomed
to bring forth in sorrow and pain. When bitches are at heat,
great care should therefore be taken to prevent their intercourse
with dogs much larger than themselves ; otherwise the size of the
father influencing the size of the progeny, they become dispro-
portionate to the parts of the mother, and she is often found un-
able to bring them into the world ; thus it is that cats, being all
of nearly one size, seldom die in kittening. All dogs, that are
much domesticated and confined, appear particularly subject to
difficulty in bringing forth ; consequently during pregnancy much
exercise should be given, as nothing tends more to easy parturition
than full exercise. Sometimes the constitution itself, in these
tender and artificial breeds, is not equal to the exertion of labour ;
and sometimes false presentation increases the obstruction. When-
ever a difficulty in pupping occurs, which has existed more than
four or five hours, the bitch should be examined by means of a
finger passed up the vagina ; and, if any portion of a pup should
be found to present itself, so as to be within reach of the finger,

294 CANINE OBSTETRICS.

a skein of worsted ought, if possible, to be fastened around it ; and,
during the throes or labour pains of the animal, it should be gently
drawn away. If it cannot be reached in this way, a little longer
time may be allowed ; but, after all, should it not advance, a pair
of forceps may be used to assist the extraction. It is a good prac-
tice to give a laxative as soon as any symptoms of pupping appear;
and, when delivery seems much delayed, it will be prudent, in all
cases, to bathe in warm water ; occasional doses of laudanum united
with aether must also be given if any convulsive appearances come
on. Should all these means fail, try the eflPect of the Ergot of Rye,
which has succeeded in forcing the uterus to contract, when all
other means have failed. To a large bitch in difficult pupping
a scruple has been infused in hot water ; of which infusion, a third
was given by the mouth every second hour, in conjunction with an
injection of soap and water into the uterus. The Ergot of Rye
also appears to be equally active in the different cases of parturition
in other animals, and in the human female also. The patience of
bitches in labour is extreme, and their distress, if not relieved, is
most striking and affecting, Their look is at such times parti-
cularly expressive and apparently imploring ; this new forcer is
therefore worthy of a full trial.

A wish to relieve them has very frequently engaged me in
performing the CaBsarean operation ; but I never succeeded in any
one instance. 1 attribute this failure, however, principally to the
delay in the time, which humanity suggested ; and not to the
nature of the operation altogether, which is, however, sufficiently
dangerous. Whenever pupping is protracted considerably the
young are found dead ; and in those cases where they have been
so for some time, from the effect of accident, they become the sure
occasions of a protracted labour. The dead foetus often comes
away piecemeal, sometimes many days after the natural time, and
occasions a very foetid ejection until the parts have reinstated
themselves. A very mild solution of the chloride of soda, thrown
up the vagina, will sweeten the discharge, and hasten the expul-
sion of the remaining young. If the retention should be continued

CROPPING. 295

to a very dangerous length, the same might be given by the mouth
with advantage, in very mild doses.

From a wish to rear too many young ones, persons are apt to
overload the mother ; and thereby they often lose both parent and
progeny. The mother seldom shews the effect of the overbur-
thening at first ; but as the whelps begin to increase, and to require
more supply, her constitution becomes impaired, and the usual
marks of rapid exhaustion, convulsions, make their appearance.
See this subject fully described, with the medical treatment of it,
under the article Epilepsy, It is evident, therefore, that judg-
ment should be exercised in this particular ; and that the mother
should have no more young left to be suckled by her than her
constitutional powers are equal to. Such as are strong, healthy,
and have before brought up young, may find supply for four or
five : delicate ones are sufficiently burthened with three ; many
can only bear two : but in all cases feed the suckling bitch well,
both for her own sake, and the future health, strength, size, and
perfection of form of the young.

CROPPING.

This custom is one that does not honour the inventor ; it may
be readily asserted, that nature gives nothing in vain. Beauty and
utility appear in all, but in unequal degrees : in some beauty is
pre-eminent ; while in others utility appears to have been the prin-
cipal consideration. That must, therefore, be a false taste which
has taught us to prefer a curtailed organ to a perfect one, without
gaining any convenience by the operation : the custom being,
however, now fixed, directions are proper for its performance.
Young dogs should not be cropped before the fourth or fifth week
of their age : when the ears are cut earlier, they sprout again, and
the form of the crop cannot be so well directed as when the ear is
more developed. It is a barbarous custom to twist them off by
swinging the dog round, and the crop never succeeds so well as
when made by scissors, which should be large and sharp. In

296 CROPPING.

cropping terriers, begin at the hinder root of the ear, close to the
head ; and when this cut is carried through, one other cross cut
from the root at the front of the head, if managed with dexterity,
will be sufficient, and will make an excellent fox crop, without
torturing the animal with numerous trimmings. The less oblique
the second cut is carried, the more sharp and foxy will the crop
prove : the portion cut off, if laid on the remaining ear, will serve
to direct the operation in that also. A rounded crop may be made
at one cut. The cropping of pug puppies is the most painful of
any; the cuts must, in general, be repeated, and carried close
to the root of the ear ; as upon the total absence of external ears
(which gives an appearance of roundness to the head) is the beauty
of the animal supposed to consist^. It is best to crop puppies in
the absence of the bitch ; for it is erroneous to suppose that her
licking the wounded edges does them good ; on the contrary, it
only increases their pain, and deprives the young animals of the
best balsam, the blood that flows from them.

Rounding, which is a species of cropping, is also performed on
pointers and hounds, both as a prevention and cure of the canker ;
but in rounding, only a portion of the flap is taken off. When
this operation becomes absolutely necessary for the cure of canker^
from all others means having failed (see Canker J, care should be
taken that the cutting may go heyond the extent of the ulceration,
or the disease will return : when rounding is performed on a
number of dogs, it is, in general, done with the rounding-iron.

Tailing. — When a dog is cropped, it is usual also to cut off a
portion of the tail. Dog fanciers, as they are termed, commonly
bite it off; but it were to be wished that a larger portion was
added to both their knowledge and humanity. The tail does not
grow materially after cutting, therefore the length may be pre-

' It is not a little surprising that this cruel custom should be so invariably
practised on pug dogs, whose ears are particularly handsome, and hang very
gracefully. It is hardly to be conceived how the pug's head, which is not
naturally beautiful, except in the eye of perverted taste, is improved by suffer-
ing his ears to remain.

WORMING. 297

viously determined on with sufficient accuracy, and cut off with a
pair of sharp scissors. If the ears and tail are cut off at the
same time, it is prudent to tie a ligature about the tail, to prevent
the effusion of blood, as sometimes the bleeding from both ears
and tail together will weaken the animal too much, and early
distemper may follow ; but, when the tail alone is cut, no ligature
is necessary. When a ligature is used, neither tie it too tight,
nor suffer it to remain more than twelve hours. On the twisting
oflp either, the ears or tail I will waste no invective ; for if the
cruelty does not strike the performer, I am sure no assertion of
mine, that it is far inferior in every point of view to excision,
and has for ever deafened many it has been practised on, will be
attended to.

WORMING.

This operation the veterinarian will probably be yet often
called on to practise, and the sportsman may still for a few years
indulge in the error of deeming it necessary for his dogs; it
therefore finds a place here, although I am not certain but that my
pages would have been more honoured in the omission than by the
insertion of it.

Method of worming dogs. — Secure a large dog on his back on
a table, bench, or form ; one of a middling size may be held in
the lap of an assistant ; a small one may be conveniently taken
into that of the operator. The mouth being held open by means
of two pieces of tape — one embracing the part immediately behind
the upper y and the other, that posterior to the lower canine teeth
— draw the tongue from the mouth, when, exposing its under sur-
face, a cuticular fold or eminence will present itself, occupying its
median line from the point to the base ; open this with a lancet
through its whole extent, which will expose a minute fibrous cord.
Pass a blunt-pointed probe under it, and, carrying the instrument
from one end to the other, detach the cord from its adhesions ;

298 WORMING.

which done, divide it at one extremity, and carefully drawing it
forwards with a tenaculum, divide the other also. The uninitiated
in sporting mysteries may smile at all this minuteness of detail
and recommendation of caution, in the division of a line of skin,
and the extraction of a thread of ligament ; but all this is actually
necessary to satisfy the prejudices of those who put faith in the
operation : for with them, it is essential to the prospective benefits
of it, not only that the whole of the worm (for which read
fraenum), should be extracted ; but that, if possible, it should be
done in one continuous mass.

In the removal of this cord by huntsmen, game-keepers, &c.,
the violence used in stripping it off puts its fibrous substance so
much on the stretch, that when extracted its elasticity making it
recoil, gives it somewhat the character of the contraction of a
dying worm ; and we may yet read of this appearance, and its
general form being adduced, as proofs of its vermicular identity.
And although now no informed person gives credence to its being
other than a portion of the canine tongue, yet there are many
sporting characters, of education and ability, who still lend them-
selves to an opinion, that there is some enigmatical property in-
herent in this part, which renders its retention dangerous ; by
making the un wormed dog the subject of acute rabies, but the
wormed one the subject of the dumb variety. Of a piece with
this palpable error was that of Marochetti's vesicles in the same
vicinage ; which being also with him the hiding-place of the rabid
virus, it became as necessary, according to his doctrine, to destroy
them, as it was with the ancients (and yet remains with some of
the moderns) to remove the worm.

Now, as Marochetti's alleged discovery originated with the
Greeks, it would seem that the tongue was early destined to be
considered, in one part or other, the particular seat of rabies.
It has, however, fared very differently with these two errors; for
while the vesicles are almost entirely discarded from every mind,
a certain connexion between this organ and rabies, modified, in-

WORMING. 299

deed, from that of the ancients, indulged in before the time of
Pliny (of the existence of an actual worm under the tongue)^, yet
still exists. This modification, although it denies the existence of
a worm, yet acknowledges the presence of a part, the removal
of which, while it cannot cure the disease in the individual, or pre-
vent it, yet it can hinder his communicating it to others.

I would fain hope that the description I have already attempted
of the rabid malady will demonstrate that any state in which the
tongue of the dog may be found is not special ; that it is only a
state common to all the parts comprised in the fauces, pharynx,
and larynx ; and also of the bronchiae and stomach. I have endea-

* " La decouverte du Docteur Marochetti, en supposant que e'en soit une,
n'est peut-etre pas aussi nouvelle qu'on pourrait le penser; du moins est-il
reconnu que dupuis long-temps les Grecs tiennent que, lorsque quelqu'un a
ete mordu par un animal enrage, il se manifeste sous la langue, vers le neu-
vieme jour, de petites vesicules designees sous les nomde lysses, siegeantpr^s
du frein, et particulierement a c6t6 des veines. D'un autre cote, le plus
ancien nom connu de le rage est celui de lyssa ou lytta, nom d'un ver qu'on a
cru trouver sous la langue des chiens, et auquel on attribuait le developpement
de la rage ; mais ce pretendu ver n'est qu'un petit ligament particulier aux
chiens, et qui sert a faciliter a leur langue Taction du lamessement, comma
Morgagni et Heydecker Ton fait voir. Ceux qui desireront d'autres eclair-
cissemens sur cette circonstance d'organisation et I'etat pathologique que peut-
etre on lui presume, n'ont qu'4 consulter le Journal de Midecine Vetirinaire
et Comparee, tom. iii, pag. 249, et tom. iv, pag. 153; ainsi que le Journal
Pratique de Midecine Feterinaire, tom. i, pag. 495 ; et la Bihliotheque Physico-
economique, numero de Fevrier 1817, pag. 146."

On the general structure of the fraenum, and its supposed connexion with
rabies, see Morgagni De sedihus et Causis Morhorum, tom. i, p. 67. Venet.
1761. Pliny likCTOse remarks on this, "Est vermiculus in lingua canum, qui
vocatur lytta, quo excepto, infantibus catulis, nee rabidi firent, nee fastidium
sentiunt." — Hist. Nat. lib. xxix, c. 32. Paris, 4to, 1685. The classic author
of the Treatise on Greyhounds also quotes the uncertain author of the Cynoso-
phium, 'e» t5 xirw /ue^ei tSc y^cuTS-rif avrou, ha-fjioi'; riai xariXtrai y'nnai H
tiiof; (urvirMfjta a-Kti''nnoc, o/xoicf mv^o} >tv)ii, Tr^lyri oZi av^ha-ri n.ai "haQri irar'raTOt
Xai/uo* Toy Ki;»of avoxo^oi in. T?? yXaJj-yfl? avrou tiai Qs^airevs-iK;. He adds also

from the Vetiatici Scriptores, an additional proof of the existence of this opi-

300 WORMING.

voured to prove it a specific inflammation of all these organs, parti-
cularly aflFecting their nervous tissues ; and which we know, by
the symptomatic paralysis observed, and the morbid sympathies
present. It is impossible, therefore, that all these parts can be
generally aifected, but that so large and so sensitive a contiguous
and even continuous mass as the tongue must receive its full share
of the morbid derangement. We have seen that, in one variety
of the disease, the respiratory nervous tissues seem to suffer par-
ticularly; and that in the other (called dumb madness) the digestive
are principally affected ; in which case, the virus appears to act
with more than ordinary violence on the whole alimentary track ;
and, as might be expected, with the vast tumefaction which follows

Plurima per catulos rabies, invictaque tardis
Praecipitat letale malum : sic tutius ergo
Anteire auxiliis, et primas vincere causas.
Namque subit, nodis qua lingua tenacibus haeret,
(Vermiculum dixere) mala atque incondita pestis.

Ille, ubi salsa siti percepit viscera long^,
iEstivos vibrans accensis febribus ignes,
Moliturque fugas, et sedem spernit amatam.
Scilicet hoc motu, stimulisque potentibus acti,
In furias vertere canes, ergo insita ferro
Jam teneris elementa mali causasque recidunt*.

Nil tamen usque adeo prodest, ac prima sub ipsum
Principium morbi rescindere semina ferro.
Nam qua parte imo conjungi lingua palato
Cernitur, et fauces nativo concolor auro
Occupat, in rabiemque feros agit usque Molossos
Vulnificus vermis, suffunditque ora veneno :
Uuem si quis potuit ferro resecare, potentem
Is tanti abstulerit causam, stimulumque furorisf .

Gesner, however, jealous for the reputation of the Greeks, observes that their
medical writers did not actually believe that this substance was a worm ; but
that by lytta, they understood the disease itself, and not this suspected portion of
tongue. The Cynosophium in proof of this has, rioa-fif*ara ^I»T(J< kwZv rpia.
"kva-a-a, iroiaypay Kuvay^tt iXX' h fxEi vo^faypa. ov Teairn ataa-raro^, h Je xuvayji^n
ivcaTOi, i) ii "Kvfffa tl; Qxiatoy <pepn, — Cap. viii, sec. 53.

• (jliHt. Falisfi Cyncgcticon, 383.

f Hier. Fiaiastorii Akon. 1G9.

WORMING. 301

(in the fully formed stage of the disease, but not until then), the
dog finds a difficulty in closing his mouth, with an effort suffi-
ciently quick and powerful to hite. This state of madness being as
common as the raging kind, it must frequently occur to dogs which
have been wormed ; and when such is the case, the lessened
danger from the swollen state of the mouth, and the actual dimi-
nished disposition to do mischief in the variety of rabies, is attributed
to the worming : I, however, hope to be able to shew, that worm-
ing is most erroneously considered a preventive against madness.
The error itself may probably be regarded as a very innocent
one, and it therefore may be aked, Why take such pains to com-
bat it ? Without laying any stress on the propriety of combating
all error whatever, I would inquire. Is the error really a harmless
one ? I could readily quote more than a dozen respectable au-
thorities, who urge the entire freedom from risk of rabies by
worming. Among them 1 would particularly instance the writer
of that classic morceau, the Treatise on Greyhounds, where we
find — " As a preservative against mischief, I can bear my testi-
mony to its efficacy. I have seen many and repeated instances of
its preventing any injury whatever in the strongest paroxysms of
the complaint ; and I have confined dogs who had died mad, and
had been wormed, with others of little value, for the express pur-
pose of the experiment, without the latter receiving any inconveni-
ence whatever."

Mr. Daniel, a writer of no mean celebrity, has been at much
pains to enforce the same opinion ; and after these and many
other writers of repute, can we wonder that lesser sporting satel-
lites in abundance are seen to disseminate and keep alive this mis-
taken notion ?

The dangerous tendency of the error I have witnessed in
many instances. I have very often had brought to me, or I have
been sent for to see, dogs labouring under the dumb variety of
madness, which having bitten other dogs (and sometimes the
owners also), the circumstance has been the occasion of much
surprise, because their owners being fully impressed with the

302 WORMING.

opinion that wormed dogs (as they knew their own to be) were in-
sured from being at all dangerous, they had taken no precautions
whatever ; by which, either in their own persons, the persons of
others, or in their animals, they had incurred this dreadful risk.
I again assert, that I have known this error to have lulled the
owners of wonned dogs into a fallacious security which they have
dearly paid for in very many instances. Can it, therefore, be
called other than a very dangerous opinion to maintain ? and are
we not called on imperatively, by the cause of truth and humanity,
to combat it ? and the more so, as the very weight of influence
which authorities of such respectability give to their statements,
makes them pass for dogmas unnecessary to be further examined.
Sir W — m C — n says, " he can bear testimony to the efficacy of
worming ; and that he has seen many and repeated instances of
its preventing any injury whatever in the strongest paroxysms of
the complaint.''

But unfortunately for the suflferers, however true it may be,
that when dumb madness is fully established, in many instances
the dog really cannot bite ; yet it must be considered that it is not
from this stage of the disease only that danger is to be appre-
hended ; but it has been shewn that, for two or three days previ-
ously to the engorgement of the mouth, there are yet actual symp-
toms characteristic of the complaint, which are almost invariably,
I might say invariably, present. The tumefaction of the throat is
always preceded by a certain quickness of manner; and if there be
not an actual mischievous disposition apparent, yet there will be
often seen some irritability of temper, which may make such a dog
resent a fancied aflront, or fall on any of his companions he was
not fond of — nay, his very caresses might sow the seeds of death,
if they fell on an abraded surface ; and in kennels we know how
frequently this variety in particular commences by licking the
penis, anus, or vagina of others. I have not the smallest doubt of
the complete veracity of the experiment conducted by Sir Wm.

C n, of confining rabid dogs, which had been wormed, with

others, and which have not become rabid ; but if this praiseworthy

WORMING. 303

search after truth displayed by the ingenious Baronet would sti-
mulate him or any other experimentalist to inoculate a number of
both wormed and unwormed dogs with rabid virus, and to shut up
with each inoculated dog a certain number of others not endan-
gered, the matter would soon be brought to an issue, and the truth
would be imperatively forced on the minds of those who thus err.
In the first place, the dumb variety or the raging variety would
either of them appear indiscriminately; and equally so in the
wormed and in the unwormed subject : no preference for either
state of the disease would be seen in the mutilated or the unmu-
tilated tongue. In the second place, it would be found, that of
those becoming dumb-mad, the whole, probably without an excep-
tion (if the experiment were made with others than lap-dogs, or
the meek and gentle breeds of close domestication) would be found
capable and inclined to inflict a fatal inoculation on the dogs
around them, in the early stage of the complaint. This, from the
evidence of innumerable facts, I am confident would be the result ;
and it is this evidence so drawn that emboldens me to assert, that
worming is altogether a fallacy^ and is no immunity whatever
against the propagation of the disease by biting.

But this is not the whole of the error ; for further to establish
the complete efficacy of worming as a preventive of communicating
the disease in this way, it is necessary to maintain, that every
wormed dog, himself becoming rabid, must of necessity have the
dumb variety only ; otherwise it is self-evident the security is only
partial and contingent. To maintain this, the advocates must,
like the ancients, consider the under surface of the tongue as a
most enigmatical part indeed : but is this the case ? So far from
there being any connexion between this operation and the variety
of rabies which may occur, I am prepared to assert (and I believe
I may assert for Mr. Youatt also, whose opinions are on public
record), that out of the many hundreds, or rather thousands of
rabid dogs which we have seen, we never observed that there was
any priority of election for either variety in the wormed or un-
wormed. It was very often a matter of inquiry with myself, and

304? WORMING.

I believe equally with Mr. Youatt, when we met with the dumb
variety, Had this dog ever been wormed ? and we were so often
answered in the affirmative, as, without other proof, to be fully
aware of its inefficacy. The same has fallen under the notice of
many other persons ; and I have met with several observant sports-
men, who, having been so often deceived by its unfounded pre-
tensions, now never practise it. These facts ought to set the matter
at rest ; for they are of constant occurrence, and as indisputable
as frequent.

Let us, however, for a moment call philosophy to our aid ; and
then inquire how this matter can be otherwise than as we state it.
Let us try it by the aids of anatomy and physiology first. Before
we proceed to an examination of the part, we will again review the
various opinions entertained of it. The ancients universally, and
many of the moderns also, have considered it as the specific seat
of the virus : the most absurd of them regarded it as a poisonous
reptile : some, convinced of the error of distinct life in the part,
have yet continued to look on it as the germ of madness^ which
required only the fructifying power of the rabid poison to bring
forth its malignant fruit. Others there are whose acuteness, though
too great to allow them to adopt opinions so truly absurd, have
permitted themselves to be sufficiently led astray by sporting au-
thorities, and by circumstances inapposite, as well as viewed through

wrong media, to allow, with Sir Wm. C n, the immunity

granted by worming to be complete, but wholly derived " from a
mechanical cause'" that is, "the tongue, from being swollen,
hangs out of the mouth, and, having lost its natural check by the
removal of the ligament immediately under it, the dog cannot
withdraw it into the mouth to bite.^' There is at once so much
simplicity and apparent probability in this mode of reasoning,
strengthened as it is with facts, which, by a cursory observation
only might seem to bear immediately on it, that renders it par-
ticularly calculated to keep alive the error. Viewing it likewise,
in this way, and connecting it with the circumstance, that many,
nay most dogs, with the taciturn rabies, have some difficulty in

WORMING. 305

biting in the advanced stage of the disease ; we can hardly wonder
that this accomplished sportsman, as well as many others, should
have adopted the opinion stated. But if the experience of ob-
servers, whose opportunities of marking facts have been an hun-
dred-fold greater than their own ; and if also the attention of such
observers has been specifically directed to this subject, and has
turned out to be in direct contravention to the opinion so formed,
and to the facts so mistaken ; it would then bespeak an adherence
to error not altogether becoming enlightened and candid minds to
continue to advocate so unfounded a doctrine.

This pseudo worm of the ancients, and stumbling-block of the
moderns, has nothing unique about it ; nor, as it exists here, is it
more than a type of many other integumental folds intended as
bridles or stops to the further extension or to the displacement of
parts : thus we have, beside the f'cenum lingucp, the f. labiorum ;
the f. preputii ; f. clitoridis, &c. &c., which are all dupllcatures of
the surrounding membranes, purposely thus folded to strengthen
the adherences of such parts as are particularly liable to be put on
the stretch : and that such is their specific purpose, is further de-
monstrable by some of them being adventitiously strengthened by
denser matter placed within the duplicature which constitutes the
bridle. In the dog's tongue, as already shewn, a fasciculus of ten-
dino-ligamentous fibres is enveloped within the membranous fold,
and which fibres, being attached by their extremities to the apex
and base of the tongue, assist in operating its motions generally,
but principally in preventing a retroversion of it down the throat,
as might otherwise happen in a convulsive spasm : it may also
assist, but in a minor degree, the lapping of fluids, as suggested by
Casserius : and so far from this part being peculiar to the caninae,
the fact is, that it is found in all animals where this organ is very
moveable or extensile. The human fraenum linguae is more
minpte ; but it is more strikingly apparent, and in structure more
dense even than that of the dog : and here so evident is its use,
that it would be torturing conjecture to devise any other purpose
for which it could be placed there.

U

306 WORMING.

When, therefore, the more ingenioui and intelligent of the fa-
vourers of worming urge its adoption on the grounds of the ^ne-
chanical properties of this part, they may seem, on a superficial
view, to take 'vantage ground ; but it is on a superficial view only
that it can so appear. I have repeatedly examined the fraenum in
the raging variety, both in living and in dead subjects. I have
likewise done the same in the dumb variety, and in both, as re-
gards the fraBnulum, the appearances were the same ; for the ci-
catrix made by the removal of it nearly filled up the linear dimen-
sions of the median line to a similar appearance with that of the
unwormed dog. But I would ask. If the removal only of this fas-
ciculus of fibres acts so powerfully as to wholly prevent the tongue,
when swollen, from being withdrawn into the mouth ; how is it
that the removal of it in worming is never found to offer the
smallest impediment to the lapping of fluid afterwards? The
fraenum is a salutary check to the lingual motions generally, but
to all retroverted ones particularly ; yet it has nothing whatever to
do with the partial incapacity to bite, as is most readily seen by the
attentive observer : for the dog afflicted with the worst paroxysm
of rabies even can in all general cases lap ; consequently he can
also withdraw his tongue within his mouth : it is the doubling up
of his tongue into a spoon- shape, to carry the fluid there, that he
cannot effect ; but which difficulty is not the result of the loss of
the fraenum, but from the general engorgement of the base of the
organ in common with all the parts concerned in deglutition through-
out. It is true that this tumefaction, usually present in the ad-
vanced stages of- dumb madness, does prevent many of them
from biting ; but it does so equally in the unwormed as the wormed
dog, as I have witnessed and have particularly observed in a great
number of instances. There is not the smallest diff'erenc& between
them. Further also ; the wormed dog, in every instance, can bite
during the Jirst stage of the disease. I have seen scores of such
which have fatally bitten others during the early part of the attack ;
and many can, by an effort of much excitement, as a stick offered
to them, &c, bite throughout the whole continuance of it.

ACUPITNCTURATION. 30?

I shall close this appeal by a summary of conclusions, premising
once more on the absurdity of this error, that, if it has been proved
(and nothing is better substantiated) that the inoculation by rabid
virus, gained from either variety of the disease, indiscriminately
produces either kind of it ; how is it that the removal of the lingual
bridle only, whose eflFect is acknowledged " to be mechanical only,"
is able to determine the form of the disease ; seeing that the cha-
racteristic marks of dumb madness are not confined to the mouth,
but consist of a series of morbid developments, extended through-
out the alimentary canal, and even affecting the cerebral functions
differently to what is done by the acute or raging kind ? How, I
would ask, is all this to be eflfected by the removal of a ligamentous
portion of the tongue ? Dumb madness, in particular, is not there-
fore the necessary result of worming, when a dog has been suc-
cessfully bitten. Dumb madness neither precludes a dog from
lapping or biting in its early stages^ nor does it invariably do so
in its worst stages. Worming, therefore, I positively affirm, is no
safeguard whatever against the dangerous consequences of rabies ;
and the practice of it is not creditable to our present enlarged state
of information.

Worming is sometimes likewise practised on puppies, to prevent
their gnawing and tearing every thing around them, which they
are instinctively stimulated to, like the human infant, to assist the
development of the teeth, and also from wantonness and a love of
play ; and although, without doubt, worming, by making the
mouth sore, may for the time prevent such gnawing, yet the dog
recurs to it again as soon as the part is healed. I therefore think
it a useless operation here also.

ACUPUNCTURATION,

Or the puncturing some parts of the body with a pin, has been
practised with some appearance of benefit in chronic rheumatisms,
and also in the chorea of dogs. In a long- continued rheumatic
weakness of the loins and hinder extremities, a needle was intro-

u2

308 BLEEDING.

duced nearly half an inch into the muscular masses in three sepa-
rate parts of the back opposite the psose muscles, with but trifling
amendment ; but the introduction of it into the inner and outer
surfaces of the thighs, rather more than half an inch, was more
beneficial. The practice, therefore, deserves a trial, where othei'
means have failed.

BLEEDING.

Dogs are much benefited by bleeding in many diseases, as in-
flammations of the lungs, stomach, bowels, &c. In some cases
of mange, in the early stage of asthma, and in the epilepsy of re-
pletion, bleeding is very useful also. Dogs may be conveniently
bled by the jugular or neck vein, with a fleam or with a common
lancet ; but the latter is much preferable. A ligature being put
round the lower part of the neck, and the head being held up, the
vein will swell and protrude itself on each side of the windpipe,
about one inch from it. It will, however, be necessary previously
to cut the hair away, if it be very thick ; after which, the puncture
can be easily made with a lancet, the operator leaning over the
dog. Nothing is necessary, in general cases, to stop the bleeding,
but to remove the ligature ; nor is any pin, plaister, or bandage,
requisite for the orifice. When circumstances such as the want
of a regular operator, or when the amateur is called on to deplete
his own dog suddenly, as in the field, when the means of venesec-
tion by the neck are not at hand ; in any such case the ear may
be punctured, or an incision may be made on the inner side of the
flap of it, choosing, if possible, the course of a vein for the punc-
ture, but avoid passing the instrument through the ear. Or the
tail may be cut in desperate cases ; but when this is done, it is
better to cut off a small piece than to merely make an incision
underneath ; for I have seen, when this has been injudiciously
done, the whole tail in a state of mortification. The veterinarian
will find it necessary occasionally to practise bleeding in the ce-
phalic or superficial brachial vein, the plate vein of farriers

BLISTERS OR IRRITANTS. 309

choosing the branch that passes along the front of the biceps,
towards the shoulder point. In all lamenesses of the fore limb,
the depletion is best made here, particularly in violent shoulder
wrenches. Strains of the loins, extensions of the articulations of
the thigh with the body, and with the leg also, as well as muscular
and ligamentous extensions of any parts of the hinder limb, should
be treated by abstracting blood from the saphena vein, which is
found traversing the inner and fore part of the hock, and an inch
and a half or two inches above may be fixed between the index
finger and thumb of one hand, and then punctured by means of a
lancet in the other.

The quantity of blood drawn should be regulated by the size of
the dog : for a very small dog, one or two ounces are sufficient ;
for a middling sized dog, three or four ounces ; and for a large
dog, five, six, seven, or eight ounces, according to the size and
strength of the patient, and the nature of the disease he labours
under.

BLISTERS, OR IRRITANTS.

These are very valuable medicaments in many of the com-
plaints of dogs, and in some instances they cannot be done without.
Irritants is a more critical term than blisters, for these matters do
not usually vesicate and detach the skin, as in the human subject ;
but they irritate and inflame the surface sufficiently to answer
every purpose required. Irritating substances for dogs are various ;
but the best is that in common use for the human subject, which
is made of Spanish flies, applied as a plaister, and carefully se-
cured by a bandage. When, however, it is intended, as in very
active inflammations, to raise a speedy irritation, blistering oint-
ment should be made use of ; and, to render it still more active,
it may be thinned with oil of turpentine. This should be well
rubbed into the skin, first clipping the hair close, and securing a
covering carefully over the part after : the application may be re-
peated, in urgent cases, every three or four hours.

310 CLYSTERING.

A very quick inflammatory eflfect on the surface may also be
raised by common table mustard spread over any part. In in-
flammations of the stomach, and particularly of the bowels, an
excellent method of instating the skin may be practised by means
of a sheep's or any other hide newly stripped off, and immediately
applied and secured to the part. The skin of the patient should,
however, be first well stimulated with oil of turpentine. In strains
of the joints, and all muscular and ligamentous extensions, after
the acute symptoms of the inflammatory stage are gone ofl^, blis-
ters will be found very useful in promoting absorption of the
lymph deposited, or, in other words, of the remaining indurations,
and in the restoration of the parts generally. But when blis-
ters are used, the dog must be very carefully muzzled : not in
the usual way, however ; for by mere strapping, however close,
the dog will insinuate his tongue out of his mouth to lick the
part. Nothing but a fine net-wire muzzle will effectually prevent
danger ; and for very large dogs, I have made use of a perforated
tin one.

CLYSTERING.

Clysters are of much importance in many cases of sickness in
dogs. They become a most powerful stimulant to the bowels in
obstinate obstructions, and in many instances of this kind they
alone can be depended upon for the purpose : for, when the ob-
struction arises from an accumulation of hardened excrement,
situated far back in the caecum or rectum, cathartics by the mouth
are useless, and, indeed, increase the danger, by forcing more of
the contents of the bowels towards the obstructed part. In in-
flammations of the bowels, bladder, kidneys, or womb, clysters have
the additional advantage of acting as a fomentation. Cases
wherein they may be beneficially used as nuti'iment likewise occur
very frequently ; as when there exists so obstinate a sickness that
nothing will remain on the stomach ; or when food cannot be
passed by the mouth, as in locked jaw, in fractures, or in wounds

BATHING. 311

of the mouth, face, or throat. In all such instances, clysters of
broth, gravy, or gruel will jtiford a very considerable quantity of
nourishment: a small proportion of opium, as twenty drops of
laudanum, may be given in each, to assist in retaining it within
the bowels. Astringent clysters, as starch, rice water, alumine
whey, infusion of red roses or of oak bark, are useful in violent
loosenesses. Purging clysters may be made of veal or mutton
broth, with a portion of salt or moist sugar added ; the effect may
be still further quickened by adding castor oil or Epsom salts.

Clysters are very easily administered to dogs, and no apparatus
is so convenient for the purpose as the patent syringe of Read ;
a good domestic apparatus is found in the common pipe and
bladder also. The liquid used should be warm, but not hot ;
the quantity from three ounces to six or eight, according to the
size of the dog, &c. : the pipe should be greased previously to
its introduction, and the tail held down a minute or two after its
removal.

BATHING.

Both the warm and the cold bathings of dogs are attended, in
many cases, with the happiest effects. TVarm bathing proves
an excellent aid in many complaints, and in some it is of itself
a sovereign remedy. In inflammations, particularly of the bowels,
it is highly proper. In lumbago and other rheumatisms, which
are very common to dogs, it is attended with the best effects. In
obstinate costiveness, it will often relax the bowels when every
other remedy has failed. When internal injuries have been re-
ceived from accidents, it unloads the vessels and prevents inflam-
mation. In pupping, sometimes great difficulty is experienced ;
in which cases the warm bath frequently relaxes the parts, and
the young become more easily expelled. In convulsions and
spasms it is also excellent. In obstructed urine, from an inflamed
state of the neck of the bladder, it has proved a most efficacious
remedy.

312 BATHING.

When a warm bath is used for a dog, the heat should be re-
gulated according to the case. In inflammations it should be con-
siderable, and in rheumatism also ; but it must be remembered that
from habit many human persons can bear, without inconve-
nience, a heat that would be most distressing to a dog ; conse-
quently, when it is attempted to ascertain the heat by the hand
alone, this circumstance should be considered. 100 to 102 de-
grees of Fahrenheit^ thermometer is a very considerable heat to
dogs, and is only proper in violent inflammations and active rheu-
matisms. For internal bruises, for spasms, or as a relaxant, 96
to 98 degrees is sufficient. The continuance in the bath is also
to be regulated according to circumstances. To relax, as in the
labour or pupping of bitches, in slight spasms, or in cases where
the animals are very weak, or when the bathing is to be renewed
daily, ten minutes is a sufficient time. But in suppression of
urine, in violent spasms, costiveness, inflammatory afl^ections, parti-
cularly of the bowels, fifteen or even twenty minutes are not too
nmch : should faiutness and weakness come on, which will be seen
by the dog's panting and distress, let him be removed from the
water, particularly if it is a case wherein fainting would be preju-
dicial, as in a pupping bitch, &c. The water bath should come all
over the animal, except the head ; and when any one particular
part is more especially aff'ected, that part ought to be rubbed during
the bathing with the hand. The dog being removed from the
water, the utmost care should be observed to avoid his taking cold
by exposure. He should be first rubbed as dry as may be by a
change of cloths, and then be put into a clothes-basket, wrapped
up in a blanket, and there confined till thoroughly dry.

Cold bathing is also, in some instances, very useful, particularly
in the spasmodic twitchings that succeed distemper ; and in some
other cases of habitual weakness, as rickets, &c. : but for dogs in
health, I am convinced that bathing is not so salutary as is often
supposed. — See the article Washing of Dogs.

313

CUTTING OF CLAWS AND SCALING OF TEETH.

Puppies are frequently born with dew claws ; sometimes they
are double. The dew claw is attached to a rudiment, more or less
developed, of an additamentary phalange or toe, situated on the
inner side, one to each foot, distinct from, and considerably above,
the other toes. These additamentary toes are frequently un-
attached to any corresponding metacarpal or metatarsal bone,
having only a ligamentary union ; but whether there is any bony
attachment or not^ it is always prudent to cut them off in a few
days after birth, otherwise they become very troublesome as the
dog grows up ; for the claw or nail attached to the end of each
frequently turns in and wounds the flesh, or, by its hook-like
shape, it catches into every thing the dog treads on.

The horny claws or nails of the true toes are also subject,
when dogs have not sufficient exercise, to become preternaturally
long, and, by turning in, to wound these toes likewise, and lame
the dog : such claws, when grown too long, are often attempted
to be cut oflF with scissors ; but unless the scissors used are very
short and strong, they are apt to split the horn. It is better,
therefore, to saw them off with a very fine and hard cock-spur
saw, and then to file them smooth; avoiding to cut them too
close, or the vascular part may be entered on, and much unneces-
sary pain given to the animal. Some dogs require their nails to
be cut every two or three months, or even oftener, otherwise
they become very lame. Occasionally one claw is found to be
surrounded by a swollen and ulcerated portion of toe, as is fur-
ther enlarged on in Mange. The subject is only introduced here
for the purpose of observing, that, when such a case has proved
very obstinate, I have sometimes found that the insertion or root
of the claw has itself become morbid, and then has assisted to
keep up the irritation ; in which instance it is necessary to the

3 1 4- ILLUSTRATIVE ANECDOTES.

cure to extract the claw, which a pair of strong forceps will
usually be sufficient to effect ; so diseased has the connecting
fibres become.

Scaling of Tartared Teeth. — The difference between the sup-
ply of nutriment, and the exertions of lap dogs, and of those that
are much confined, is such as to derange the digestive functions in
many ways ; and in none does it appear more conspicuous than
in the accumulation of tartar around their teeth : See Diseases of
the Bones, p. 180. As this state invariably ends in the destruc-
tion of the gums, so the teeth ultimately fall out : the breath of
the dog is also rendered insufferably foetid by it. The tartar must,
therefore, be removed, which is not difficult, by means of a set of
human teeth-scaling instruments ; and as the tartar accumulates
again, the operation must be repeated.

SineftJotis; illusltratibe of t^e dTtontiJiptecf.

As this work commences with a frontispiece containing por-
traits of dogs whose virtues and sagacity deserve commemoration,
it shall close with the recital of the immediate facts there graphi-
cally alluded to. The upper portrait is that of a large one of
the water breed, whose owner (a German gentleman of fortune)
boarded and lodged in the house of a clergyman with whom I was
intimate. This gentleman^s attachment to his dog was such, that,
whatever sum he agreed to pay for his own board, he always
tendered half as much for that of his dog, that thereby he might
insure him the treatment his fidelity so well merited. Travelling
in Holland, the German one evening slipped from off the bank of
a large dike into the water below, which was both wide and deep :
being wholly unable to swim, he soon became senseless ; and when
restored to recollection, he found himself in a cottage on the op-
posite bank of the dike to that from which he fell, surrounded
by persons who had been using the Dutch means of resuscitation.

ILLUSTRATIVE ANECDOTES. 'M5

The account he received from two of them was, that, returning
home, they saw a dog swimming at a distance, seemingly anxiously
employed in dragging and sometimes pushing a mass he appeared
to have much difficulty in keeping above water, but which he at
length succeeded in getting into a small creek, and drew it to land.
By this time the peasants had advanced sufficiently to discover
that the object of his solicitude was a man, which this animal,
exhausted as he must have been, immediately set about licking the
hands and face of. The peasants hastened across by the nearest
bridge, and conveyed the body to a neighbouring cottage ; and
which, on being stripped, was found to be deeply indented by the
teeth of the dog, both in the nape of the neck, and in one of the
shoulders also. The remaining scars the master used to shew
with much satisfaction ; and nothing could shake his firm convic-
tion that his dog had first suspended him by the shoulder, but that,
finding his head was not elevated above the water, he had shifted
his hold to the nape of his neck, for the express purpose of so
elevating it. And, however we may hesitate to attribute this
change of position to a motive so intrinsically intellectual, yet we
must respect his error, if it was one ; for where is the mind that
might not be warped by such a debt ? If my memory serves me
aright, it was more than a quarter of a mile that the dog had to
swim with his master's body before any creek offered, and, when
arrived there, he had still to drag it on a bank.

The lower portrait represents one of those remarkable instances
of intelligence and devotion to the service of man for which the
shepherd's dog is so justly celebrated. This dog was the property
of a butcher and drover living in the neighbourhood of Hexham ;
much of whose business consisted in purchasing cattle of all de-
scriptions, and taking them weekly to Alston market, a distance of
nine miles. In so doing, this dog exhibited such extreme adroit-.

316 ILLUSTRATIVE ANECDOTES.

ness, that at length, to fulfil a bet made, the dog was entrusted
alone with a mixed herd to take to this market, which he did
without the smallest mishap. Arrived at the end of his journey?
he drove the whole up the yard his master was accustomed to take
his cattle to ; and there he delivered them up to the person who
usually received them, by significantly barking at his door. What
more particularly marks the extraordinary sagacity of this animal,
is, that the track over which he had to take his charge was entirely
an open moor, studded in many parts with grazing flocks. When
these intercepted his progress, he has been seen to start forward,
and, having stopped his own drove, to chase the others to a dis-
tance, that he might proceed without interruption or risk of inter-
mixture. Satisfied of his ability and fidelity, he was repeatedly,
after the first essay, thus entrusted alone, when circumstances
rendered it inconvenient to the butcher to attend himself; and it
was stated that he never lost one. I had no opportunity myself
of seeing this dog, for a gentleman, hearing of his exploits, had
bought him ; but I purposely went over the ground he used to
travel, and visited the yard in Alston to which he used to drive
the cattle for delivery : and many persons with whom I used to
converse in Hexham, where I then resided, had seen him ; and
they all fully authenticated the facts as I have stated them. A
^ery interesting account of similar properties in the tending of
cattle in two dogs of this kind is related by Mr. Hogg, the cele-
brated Ettrick shepherd, in BlackwoocCs Magazine^ and also in
Captain Browns Sketches and Anecdotes,

The critical reader will probably be struck with a topographical
discordance between the engraved display and the descriptive
account in these illustrations of the qualities of the dog. The
dikes of Holland seldom present much rural beauty, and are not
often graced with impending foliage ; neither are fertile banks and
tall trees very commonly met with on the moors of the north ; but

ILLUSTRATIVE ANECDOTES. 317

the fact is, that the sketches illustrative of the real spots which I
gave for the guidance of Mr. Austin were not so well calculated
to display his well- known talents as an artist as the embellished
scenery which he furnished ; and, it being then too late to remedy
the discrepancy, the reader will, I hope, be content to sacrifice a
little truth to additional beauty. Probably it will not be the first
time he has done so with his own consent : it is forced on me.

INDEX.

j^BSCESS of the eyes, 268
bidder, bite of, 261
j4ge of the dog, how ascertained, 66
Aloes, the best purgative for dogs, 87
Alteratives for dogs, their nature,

properties, and doses, 82
Amaurosis, 70
Anasarca, 71
Anchylosis, 182
Anecdotes illustrative of the admirable

qualities of the dog, 314
Animal poisons, 192, 261
Antispasmodics, 151
Aperients, 86
Ascites, 168 — often brought on by

asthma, 120
Asthma, common in dogs, 127 —

causes, symptoms, consequences,

morbid anatomy, and treatment,

129, 131
Astringents, useful in looseness, 159 —

astringent clysters, 1 60 — astringent

injections for fistulous sores, 166,

263

B

Bag, or scrotum, swelled and inflam-
ed, 291 — internally tumefied from
scirrhous testicles, 176

Balls, how to give them, 93

Bathing, when useful, 311— washing
of dogs, restrictions on it, 77 — me-
dicinal bathing, 314

Belladonna, its virtues as a prophy-
lactic against rabies, 248

Belly swelled, how to distinguish be-
tween pregnancy and dropsy, 45,
168

Bilious inflammation, 137 — bilious
colic, 137

Bites venemous, 192 — of a rabid dog,
ib. — of wasps and bees, 261

Bitches, heat of, 42 — ^pregnancy of, 45,
168— bringing forth, 45— fits, 147
— their teats liable to become in-
flamed, 42 — often aflTected by scir-
rhus, 173 — injuries to their parts of
generation, 44 — a cross in dog-
breeding, what, 49

Blain, an ulcerous affection of the
mouth, 263

Bladder, inflamed, 141

Bleeding, mode of it described, 308

Blindness, various causes of it, 267

Blistering of dogs, mode of, and when
required, 309

Blood, among sportsmen, what, 55, 59

Bloody stools brought on by various
causes, as distemper, 113 — mineral
poisons, 185 — and sometimes from
mercurial applications licked off the
body in cure of mang'e, 280

J5oa/- hound, natural history of, 18, 19

Bones, diseases of, 180 — in the wry-
legged terrier, made useful, 180 —
fracture unconsolidated, cause of,
180 — treatment of fractured bones,
288— their digestible properties, 74
— are useful as food, 74 — excep-
tions to this, 73

Bowels, various affections of them,
123

Breeding and rearing of dogs, 42 —
heat or oestrum of the females, 42
— breeding shewn to be a healthy
process, 44 — cautions and direc-
tions relative to it, ib. — superfoeta-
tion not uncommon, 45 — sympa-
thies displayed, 46 — physiology of
gestation, 49 — breeding back, 50 —
selection of parents, 55 — breeding
as a system productive of very bene-
ficial changes on animals, 55, 62 —
in-and-in system of breeding, 57

Bronchocele, 175

Bull dog, natural history of, 28

Calcular concretions, 182 — urinary

calculi, 182— vesicle, 182
Calomel an alterative, 83 — a good

emetic in particular cases, 85— a

useful application for diseases of

the eyes, 269
Cancer in general, 172— of the sheath

of dogs, and parts of generation in

bitches, 176-— scirrhus much more

common than cancer, 175
Canine madness, 192, 260

320

INDEX.

Canine obstetrics, 293

Canker of the ear, internal, 281 — ex-
ternal canker, 284 — cankered tu-
mour on the flap of the ear, 285

Castration, how performed, and when
proper, 291 — of cats, and how per-
formed, 292

Cataract, 270

Catarrh, 123 — of distemper, 97

Cathartics, 86

Caustics, their use, 251

Cauterization, how and when employ-
ed, 251

Chest founder, 143

Chorea, 149— of distemper, 117

Clans of dogs, 65 — remove the dew
claws, 65 — ulceration of, 266, 275

Chloride of soda as a cleanser, 294

Clysters, cases in which they are be-
neficial, 310 — convenient medium
for nourishment, 310 — mode of
giving them, 311

Co^<? productive of inflamed lungs, 124
— of coughs, 123 — of inflamed in-
testines, 133— of rheumatism, 142

Colic, spasmodic, 153 — bilious colic,
137 — a kind peculiar to rheuma-
tism, 143

Condition of dogs, 79 — very necessary
for sporting dogs, 80 — mode of get-
ting them into condition, 80

Convulsions, 147

Chorea or spasm, 149

Costiveness, its consequences, 161, 134
— how removed, 161

Coughs, various kinds, 123 — causes,
effects, and treatment, 123 — cough
of distemper, 104 — of asthma, 128

Cough, a symptom of worms, 163

Cow pox, 122

Cramp, 151

Cropping, how performed, 295

Cross among dogs, what, 49

Crowfig, or vomic nut, a deadly poi-
son to dogs, 189

Cystitis, or inflamed bladder, 141

Dog, natural history of, 9 — Cuvier's
division into three groups, 15 — in-
tellectuality of dogs, 37

Destruction of dogs, when necessary,
how best effected, 191

Dew claws, Q5

Diarrhoea, or looseness, 157 — treat-
ment of it, 158 — a common accom-

paniment of distemper, 116 — a bad
kind occasioned by the use of mer-
curials, 279

Digestion, physiology of, in dogs, 68
— their organs fit them for the as •
similation of nutriment from both
vegetable and animal matter, H^

Diseases of dogs, 89 — general pre-
ventive treatment of, 89, 90 — spe-
cific considerations in the pathology
of, 83 — in the effects also of medi -
cincs on the canine constitution, 90,
91 — mode of discriminating canine
disease, 92 — tender and considerate
treatment requisite, 93 — method of
giving medicines, 93 — professional
attendance on, 96

Dislocations, treatment of them, 290

Distemper, detail of it, 97 — its appear-
ance, is it recent? 98 — its nature and
character, 99 — its causes, 101 —
symptoms, 103— fits of, 106, 117—
pneumonia of, 108— hepatic affec-
tion of, 109 — virulent stage, or
putrid, 110 — post-mortem appear-
ances, 110 — treatment of, 113 —
vaccination no preventive to it, 122
— inoculation with its own virus
does not mitigate it, 122

Diuretics, useful in dropsy, 170

Dog, natural history of, 9 to 36 — zoo-
logical arrangement of, 12 — specific
characters of, 13 — artificial history
of, 15 — divisions into matins, 16 —
spaniels, 22 — dogues, 27 — Varie-
ties: Danish dog, 17 — greyhound,
18 — spaniels, 22 — Newfoundland,
23 — hound, 25 — terrier, 25 — point-
er, 25 — shepherd's dog, 25 — bull-
dog, 27 — mastiff, 29 — origin of the
dog, 30 — arguments for and against
its purity, 31, 32 — qualities of the
dog, 36 — is a rational animal, 35,
37, 39 — breeding and rearing of,
41 — general treatment of as pre-
ventive of disease, 67 — feeding of,
67 — housing of, 75 — washing of, 76
— exercise of, 78 — condition of, 79

Dog, his moral qualities, 36, 40 —
possesses courage, mercy, fidelity,
obedience, and tractability, in an
eminent degree, 39, 314

Dressings for mange, 276, 278 — how

performed, 281 >.

Dropsy, 166 — of the chest, 167 — of w

the belly, 168— of the skin, 171—
of the brain, 171— of the spine, 171

nJDEX.

32 1

— encysted, 172 — of the eyeball,
172, 270— hydatids, 270
Dysentery, 123

E

Ears, cropping of them, 295— round-
ing them, 296 — ears cankered, 281
—the flap swelled, 285

Emetics generally, 85 — dog grass the
most natural one, 85 — emetic arti-
cles, 85 — useful in asthma, 130 —
in distemper, 114

Enteritis, 133

Epidemics, distemper sometimes so,
100 — inflamed bladder proved so in
1810, 141 — inflamed lungs also
sometimes epidemic, 125

Epilepsy, 146 — of distemper, 116 —
of bitches when suckling, 147

Epiplocele, 267

Eruptions, 109, 273

Erysipelas, 286

Exercise of dogs, 78 — consequences
resulting from a want of it, 78 —
how to teach them to exercise them-
selves, 78 — regular training exer-
cise also necessary for matched
dogs, 80

Ex0stosis, 182

Eyes, diseases of, 267 — ulcer in, 271 —
idiopathic ophthalmia, 267 — oph-
thalmia of distemper, 269 — cataract,
270 — amaurosis, 270 — dropsy of
the eyeball, 270

Eyelids, ulcerated, 271

Fatness, excessive, 81 — its conse-
quences, and how to prevent it, 81

Feeding of dogs, 67 — physiology of
their digestive powers, 68 — exces-
sive feeding productive of disease,
68 — various kinds of food, 69 —
bones proper, *74 — food proper in
sickness, 94 — mode of administer-
ing it, 94 — clysters, often a con-
venient medium of conveying nu-
triment in sickness, 310 — nutritious
feeding particularly necessary in
distemper, 117-118 — feeding and
exercise should be regulated in re-
lation to each other according to
circumstances, 67

Feet, sore, 266

Fever, 97

Fistula in dogs, 165, 263
Fits in dogs, their various kinds and
causes, 145 — very common in dis-
temper, 106, 117 — often arise in
otherwise healthy dogs, particularly
in pointers, setters, and spaniels,
from an excess of irritability, 146 —
from worms also, 146 — a very fatal
kind in bitches giving suck, 147
Flap of the ear, swelled, 285
Fleas in dogs, how destroyed, 287
Fluids, morbid collections of, 166
Fractures of the bones, with the mode
of reducing them, 288 — compound
fractures, 289
Fungous excrescences, 263, 286

G

Gastritis, 132

Gestation, or going with young, 45

Glandular swellings, 172, 178

Gleet in dogs, 178

Goitre, 175

Greyhovtids, natural history of, 18

distemper particularly fatal to them,

103

H

Hamorrhage, 262
H(emorrhoids, 165
Hair, wire haired dogs very liable to

be affected with itiange, and the

white varieties most so, 273
Head, swelled, 265, 274, 286
Heat in bitches, 41
Hepatitis, 138
Hernia, 267 — epiplocele, that most

common to dogs, 267
Hounds, various, origin and natural

history of, 25
Housing of dogs, 75
Husk or cough, 123
Hydatids, 172

Hydrocephalus mternxis, 171
Hydrophobia, 192 — a misnomer for

rabies in the dog, 193
Hydrorachitis, 171
Hydrops, 166
Hydrothorax, 167

I and J

Impregnation, phenomena of it, 44 —

anomalies in it, 46
Inflammation of the bowels, 133 — ea-

teritis, 135— bilious, 137
Inflamed bladder, 140

322

INDEX.

Inflamed bowels, 133 — from costive-
ness, 134 —from cold, as enteritic
or idiopathic, 135 — bilious, 137
— rheumatic, 144 — inflammation of
their mucous surfaces, 123 — speci-
fic inflammation of in rabies, 233 —
from mineral poisons, 185, 189

Inflamed bronchiae, or cough, 123

Inflamed liver, acute, 138 — chronic,
139

Inflamed \\m^s, 124

Inflamed spleen, 141

Inflamed stomach, 132 — pleura, 132,
from poisons, 185 — specific kind in
rabies, 233

Instinct in animals, what, 38 — differ-
ence between instinct and reason,
38

Intestines, diseases of, 133 — inflam-
mations of, 135, 138 — wounds of,
262

Intussusception, 187, 234

Irritability of dogs great in sickness,
95 — often productive of fits in
healthy dogs, 146

Jaundice common to chronic inflam-
mation of the liver, 140 — and to dis-
temper, 109

Jaw, locked, 153

Laxatives, 86

Lithotomy, 183

Liver, acute inflammation of, 138 —
chronic inflammation of, 139 — a
particular kind present in distemper,
109

Looseness, or diarrhoea, 157, 185 —
very common in distemper, 116 —
a bad kind brought on by mercu-
rials, 280

Locked ja.vf, 153

Lumbago, 142

Lungs, inflamed, 12^

M

Madness, 192^history of, 192— ragr
ing, 221 — dumb madness, 225 —
see Hqbies

Mange generally, 272 — its varieties,
272 — the commop or scabby, 272 —
the red, 273 — is often a psoric af-
fection of the sebaceous glands, 273
— acute mange, 274 — its varieties,
;275 — treatment of mange, 276

Medicines, mode of giving, 93 — dif-
ference of their action in the dog,
90

Mercurials easily raise salivation in
dogs, 83 — are apt to produce violent
diarrhoea, or looseness, 280

Mesenteric glands, diseased in pup-
pies, 179

Milk in bitches, when not drawn oflT
apt to occasion scirrhus, 173

Mineral poisons, 185

N

]^eck, swelled, from rheumatism, 143

— from bronchocele, 175
Newfoundland dog, natural history of,

23
Nux vomica, its action on dogs, 189

Obesity, or excessive fatness in dogs,
81

Obstructions in the bowels, treatment
of, 87, 134 — clysters very useful for
this purpose, 310

CEstrum, or heat in bitches, 42

Opium, not essentially poisonous to
dogs, 189 — an excellent remedy in
canine asthma, 131

Operations, surgical, 288 — reducing
fractures, 288 — reducing disloca-
tions, 290 — castration, 291 — spay-
ing, 292 — assisting difficult pup-
ping, 298 — cropping, 295 — round-
ing, 296— tailing, 296 — worming,
297 — bleeding, 308 — blistering,
309— clystering, 310— bathing, 311
-r-cutting of claws, 3|3 — scaling of
teeth, 314 — Cseparean operation,
294

Ophthalmia, idiopathic, 267 — symp-
tomatic in distemper, 269

Ovaria, diseased, 172, 26$

Paint, dogB o^en poisoned by the
lead in it, 187

Palsy, or paralysis, 152

Paracentesis thoracis, 167 — abdomi-
nis, 169

Paralysis, or palsy, 152-^a common
accompaniment to many complaints,

INDEX.

323

106, 155, 226 — of the optic nerve,
270

Penis liable to be affected with fun-
gous excrescences, 264

Phrenitis, symptomatic, 124

Physic for dogs, 86

Piles, 165 •

Pleurisy, 132

Pneumonia; idiopathic, 124 — common
in distemper, 108

Pointer, his natural history, 26 —
pointers and setters liable to fits in
hunting, 146

Poisons, 184 — mineral, 185 — methods
of detecting, 185 — vegetable, 189
— animal poisons, 192 — treatment
of cases of poisoning, 186, &c.

Polypus, 266

Pregnancy, 45 — how distinguished
from dropsy, 169

Preventives against rabies, 246, 248,
249 — destruction of the bitten parts
the most effective, 249-257

Prophylactics, for rabies, 241, 249

Pug dog, natural history of, 27

Pulse in dogs, where felt, 92 — the
state of the circulation also de-
tected by the respiration, 92

Puppies, breeding and rearing of, 63
— diseases of, 65 — how puppies are
rendered small, 54 — how increased
in size, 54 — their claws, 313 — when
too numerous, produce fits in the
mother, 289 — have a spasmodic
colic, 155 — mode of cropping and
tailing them, 295, 296 — are injured
by much confinement, 65 — subject
to a tabid state, 179

Pupping, 293 — when assistance re-
quisite, 218 — Caesarean operation,
294

Purging medicines, 87, 135 — purging,
violent, 116, 157, 187

R

Rabies, 192 — origin of the popular
term madness, 193 — history of the
malady, 193 — its origin must have
been spontaneous, 200^but kept
up by causation, remote or direct,
203 — the animals which can en-
gender it, 207 — the rabid virus ap-
pears to be contained in the salivary
glands, 209 — rabid symptoms, 215
— acute or raging madness, 221 —
taciturn or dumb madness, 225 —

post-mortem appearances, 229 —
preventive treatment of it, 232 — ef-
fects, 238 — what other diseases liable
to be mistaken for it, 228 — post-
mortem appearances, 229 — morbid
action of the virus, 288 — medical
treatment of rabies, 238 — preventive
treatment, 238, 241— effects of the
buccus, or box, 245 — of the bella-
donna and Scutellaria in combina^
tion, 248 — the destruction of the
wounded surfaces the best prevent-
ive, 249

Reason in animals, what, 37 — differ-
ence between reason and instinct,
38 — dog, rationality of, 37

Remedies, action of, in the dog, bear
little analogy to the same in other
animals, or to man, 90

Rheumatism, 142 — its varieties, 143 —
treatment of it, 144

Rickets, 180 — common to puppies,
180 — in the wry-legged terrier pur-
posely propagated, 180

Rounding, among hounds, 296

Running round, a symptom of bowel
affection, 155

St. Anthony's fire, 286

St. Vitus' s dance, 149

Salivation easily excited in dogs, 83
— its injurious consequences, 83

Salt forms a good domestic emetic, 86

Scirrhous tumours, 172 — scirrhous
mammae, or teats, 173

Scouring in dogs, 157

Scrotum, inflamed, 275, 286

Scutellaria lateriflora, or skull-cap, a
preventive of rabies, 248

Setons, when beneficial in distemper,
115

Setter, his natmral history, 23 — setters
most liable to internal canker of
the ear, and pointers most to that
external to it, 284

Shepherd's dog, natural history of, 26

Sickness, excessive, a symptom of poi-
soning, 185

Spaniel, his varieties, 16 — his distinc-
tive characters, 21 — long lived, 66

Spasm, varieties and treatment of,
151 — spasmodic colic, 153 — the
same in puppies, 157

Spaying, 292

Splenitis, 141

324

INDEX.

Stings of vipers, hornets, wasps, &:c.,
261

Stomach, inflammation of, 132 — from
poisons, 184 — specific kind in ra-
bies, 232 — when full of an indigest-
ible mass, strongly characteristic
of rabies, 2

Sto7ie in the bladder, 182 — operation
or cutting for the stone, 183

Strychnia, or the active principle of
the nux vomica, or crowfig, 189

Sulphur, overrated as an alterative, 84
— is, liowever, a remedy for piles,
84

Superfoetation, dogs capable of it, 45

Surfeit, 274

Swellings, 265

Tabies mesentericus, 179
Tailing of puppies, 296
Tapping of dogs for dropsy, 169
Teats, scirrhous swellings of them in

bitches, 173 — mode of preventing

them, 42
Teeth, as marking the age, 66 — dis-
eases of, 181
Tenesmus, common in diarrhoea, 158

— often mistaken for piles, 165
Terrier, natural history of, 25 — short

lived, GQ — obnoxious to distemper,

103
Testicles, diseased, 176, 286 — mode

of castration, 291
Tetanus, or locked jaw, 153
Throat, swelled, 175
Tobacco, a frequent poison to dogs,

279
Toes, affections of, 266, 275— sore

from travelling, 266
Tongue, ulcerous affection of, 263
Tumotirs, in general described : of the

head, of the face, of the ear, of the

neck, scirrhous, hernial, 265 to

267

U

Ulcerous affections in general, 2G3 —
of the eye, 269— of the eyelids, 271

—of the penis, 264— of the flap of
the ear, 285

Urethra in dogs, how placed, 183

Urine, bloody, symptomatic of stone
in the kidneys or bladder, 182 — in-
flamed bladder, 141 — of cancered

• womb, 177 — of fungus on the penis,
264

Uterus of bitches, diseased, 177

Vaccination, 122

Vegetable poisons, 189

Venemous bites of dogs, 192 — of the
viper, 261— of hornets, wasps, &c.
261

Vermin affecting the skin, 287

Vertigo, symptomatic of bowel affec-
tion, 155

Viper bite, 261

Vitus, St., his dance, 149

Vomiting, natural to dogs, 85 — some-
times excessive, from gastritis, 133
— from acrid poisons, 185

W

Warts, 265, 286

Washing of dogs, 76 — when not dried
afterwards, a source of disease, 77

Water in the belly, how distinguished,
168— in the chest, 167

Weather an effect on dogs, 144

Wens, 173, 175

Worming described, 297 — no prevent-
ive against madness, 299

Worms, intestinal, described, 162 —
remedies for, 164 — are very com-
mon to puppies, 65

Wounds in dogs, 261 — treatment of,
262 — wounds of the chest and belly,
262 — into the cavities of joints, 262
— fistulous wounds, 263

Yellow disease of dogs in distemper,

109
Youatf, Mr., extent of his researches

into the rabid malady, 195.

Cjnipton & -Ritchie, Printers, Middle Street, Clo'h Fail, London,

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