The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Dog's Medical Dictionary, by Alfred
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Title: The Dog's Medical Dictionary
An encyclopædia of the diseases, their diagnosis & treatment,
and the physical development of the dog
Author: Alfred Sewell
Release Date: October 3, 2021 [eBook #66458]
Language: English
Produced by: Brian Coe, The book cover image was created by the
transcriber and is placed in the public domain, and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
file was produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DOG'S MEDICAL DICTIONARY ***
THE DOG’S MEDICAL DICTIONARY
THE
DOG’S MEDICAL DICTIONARY
AN ENCYCLOPÆDIA OF THE DISEASES, THEIR
DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT, AND THE PHYSICAL
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DOG
BY
A. J. SEWELL, M.R.C.V.S.
_Canine Surgeon to H.M. the King, also to H.M. the Queen, and
to the Kennel Club, the Dogs’ Home, the Dumb Friends’ League,
the Bulldog Club, etc., etc._
With numerous DIAGRAMS, ILLUSTRATIONS, and
PORTRAITS of Prize Dogs
SECOND EDITION, REVISED
[Illustration]
LONDON:
GEORGE ROUTLEDGE & SONS, LIMITED
NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO.
1907
FIRST EDITION, _May 1907_
SECOND EDITION, _August 1907_
[Illustration: CÆSAR, HIS MAJESTY’S FOX TERRIER.
_By gracious permission of His Majesty the King._
_J. Russell & Sons, photo._] [_Front._]
LIST OF FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS
FOX TERRIER ‘CÆSAR,’ the property of H.M. the King.
THE COPTHORNE BRUSSELS GRIFFONS, the property of Mrs. Handley
Spicer.
FRENCH BULLDOG ‘SANS PAREIL,’ the property of the Countess
Sponneck-Mayer.
POINTER ‘PITCHFORD RANGER,’ the property of Colonel Cotes.
POODLE CHAMPION ‘ORCHARD ADMIRAL,’ the property of Mrs. Crouch.
CHOW CHOW CHAMPION ‘RED CRAZE,’ the property of Mrs. Scaramanga.
BULLDOGS ‘BUCK STONE,’ ‘BRITISH STONE,’ ‘DICK STONE,’ ‘REX
STONE,’ the property of Mr. Walter Jefferies.
OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG CHAMPION ‘RAGGED MAN,’ the property of
Mr. Aubrey Hopwood.
SMOOTH FOX TERRIER CHAMPION ‘DONNA FORTUNA,’ the property of
Mr. Francis Redmond.
JAPANESE ‘CHIBI OF TODDINGTON,’ the property of Mrs. Hugh
Andrews.
TOY SPANIEL CHAMPION ‘WINDFALL,’ the property of the Hon. Mrs.
Lytton.
THE DOG’S MEDICAL DICTIONARY
=Abrasions=:
_Symptoms_: The outer skin or epidermis is rubbed off, leaving a raw
surface.
_Treatment_: Clean thoroughly with hot boracic lotion, made by dissolving
a teaspoonful of boracic acid in half a pint of hot water; carefully dry,
and apply boracic ointment; bandage the part, and prevent the dog from
licking.
=Abscesses=:
_Symptoms_: Swellings, the result of the formation of pus—commonly called
matter—accompanied by fever.
_Treatment_: Apply hot linseed meal poultices, over which should be
placed a piece of oil silk to keep in the heat. Repeat poultices often.
When swelling quite soft, it should be freely opened, all matter
carefully squeezed out, and the cavity washed out with warm boracic
lotion. The wound should afterwards be covered over with a few layers of
boracic or carbolic gauze, and a bandage applied. Keep wound open two or
three days.
=Acidy, or Gastric Catarrh=:
_Symptoms_: Great thirst, occasional sickness, loss of condition, and the
passing of a quantity of clear-coloured urine.
_Treatment_: For few days give following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Bicarbonate Soda, 1 scruple to 2 drachms.
Tincture of Rhubarb, 1 drachm to 4 drachms.
Tincture Nux Vomica, 12 minims to 1 drachm.
Tincture of Gentian, ½ drachm to 3 drachms.
Liquor Bismuth, 2 drachms to 1 ounce.
Water to 1½ ounces to 6 ounces.
_Dose_: Half a teaspoonful to one tablespoonful[1] three or four times a
day one hour before food.
_Diet_: Underdone mutton or veal mixed with Spratt’s charcoal biscuits,
or stale bread or toast, broken up small, and mixed with a _little_ soup.
Avoid fatty or starchy food, and give no sugar.
=Acne=:
_Symptoms_: Small red spots about the body, head, and limbs. There is not
much irritation. More often noticed in the spring and autumn.
_Treatment_: Apply following lotion frequently:
_Recipe_:
Milk of Sulphur, 1 ounce.
Glycerium Boracis, 1 ”
Liquor Bismuth, 1 ”
Water to 8 ounces.
Give following powders twice a day with food:—
_Recipe_:
Reduced Iron, 6 grains to 2 scruples.[1]
Bicarbonate Potash, 1 scruple to 2 drachms.
Sulphate Magnesia, ½ drachm to 4 ”
Mix.
Divide into 12 powders—one to be given twice a day with food.
_Diet_: Some meat mixed with green food (boiled dandelion leaves), and
bread or biscuits.
=Albuminaria=:
_Symptoms_: Though the dog may be very hungry, and eats well, he loses
condition; is generally very thirsty; coat staring; passes water
frequently and often; and misbehaves in the house, especially at night.
If some of the urine is boiled, a thick white sediment forms, due to
coagulation of the albumen.
_Treatment_: Limit the quantity of water supplied to dog. Barley water or
skimmed milk is better than plain water. Give from one to six grains[1]
of ammoniated citrate of iron in water three times a day. In some cases,
when symptoms very acute, from the tenth to a grain[1] of powdered opium
three times a day is useful.
_Diet_: Underdone mutton or veal, with toast or ship biscuits; also
boiled fresh fish.
=Alopecia=:
_Symptoms_: Loss of hair; baldness, the skin being clear and free of
irritation.
_Treatment: The Lotion_:
Tr. Cantharides, 2 drachms.
Oil Rosemary, 2 ”
Glycerine, 4 ”
Water to 8 ounces.
Mix.
Apply twice a day. Avoid the parts near eyes. Or the application of
kerosene, just dabbed on, may be tried.
In obstinate cases a single painting over the bare parts with liquor
epipasticus is useful. This remedy should only be applied to a small part
of the skin at one time.
=Amaurosis=:
_Symptoms_: A disease of the eyes attended with a diminution or total
loss of sight—result, paralysis of nerves of the eye. The eyes are clear,
with pupils largely dilated, which do not contract when exposed to strong
light.
_Treatment_: Generally incurable. Following lotion may be tried:—
_Recipe_:
Sulphate Eserine, ½ grain.
Distilled Water to 1 ounce.
One or two drops to be placed in the eye three times a day.
Tincture nux vomica, from one[1] to five drops, should be given in water
three times a day after food.
A blister or seton may be tried at the back of the head (pole).
=Anæmia=:
_Symptoms_: Mouth and eyes pale, caused by deficiency in quantity
and quality of the blood. Loss of condition, often great thirst,
constipation. The dog is very languid.
_Treatment_: Good food—plenty of under-done or raw meat, also milk. The
arsenic and iron pills recommended for eczema. If there is constipation,
add from two to twelve grains of rhubarb to each dozen pills. When the
stomach is very irritable, from a half to three grains[1] of reduced iron
may be tried alone. The dose should be given three times a day with the
food.
=Anæsthetics=:
The best way to administer chloroform is by one of Krohne & Sesemann’s
inhalers. When this is used, it is almost impossible to have any bad
results, as the chloroform is given so slowly. Failing one of these
appliances, it may be given on a napkin folded so as to make a pouch
in which the nose should be put; but it is necessary to muzzle the dog
before commencing, otherwise he will be sure to bite the operator. In
giving chloroform it is necessary to commence with very small quantities;
about twenty[1] drops to half a drachm should be poured inside the pouch
formed in the napkin, and then placed over the dog’s nose. This should
be repeated every two or three minutes until the dog lies quietly, and
the eye is insensible to the touch. When a dog is under the influence
of chloroform it is most important to watch the breathing, and if it
becomes very slow, discontinue giving the chloroform immediately. If the
breathing stops, remove the muzzle, draw the tongue out as far as it will
come, and hold to the nose, on a piece of lint, a few drops of strong
ammonia, and resort to artificial respiration. Dogs always struggle very
much against taking chloroform, therefore one should always be prepared
with one or more assistants to hold the dog securely whilst it is being
administered.
If the patient is an old one, instead of giving pure chloroform, give
a mixture consisting of equal parts of chloroform, ether, and alcohol
mixed together, given in the same way as chloroform, or pure ether may be
given. In this case it is necessary to give this anæsthetic very freely,
the dog being muzzled. A dessertspoonful, or tablespoonful, should be
poured on a napkin, and held tightly over the dog’s nose. This quantity
should be repeated every few minutes until the dog is insensible.
[Illustration: A Simple Way of giving Chloroform
Cocoa, coffee, or other cans with holes punched round and tied over
muzzle. A—Hole in the upper part of can to pour anæsthetic.]
Another good way of giving chloroform, or the compound mixture mentioned,
when a proper apparatus is not at hand, is out of a round tin canister,
perforated round the sides to allow plenty of air to be mixed with the
chloroform. At the bottom of the canister a piece of sponge or lint
should be fixed, on which the chloroform should be poured. More of the
anæsthetic as required may be syringed through one of the lower holes.
The tin can be fastened on the nose by tapes, which should be passed
behind the ears and tied.
_Cocaine, a Substitute for Chloroform_: Cocaine is an alkaloid extracted
from the leaves of the Erythroxylon Coca, which grows as a kind of shrub
in Bolivia and Peru.
The hydrochlorate of cocaine is the preparation mostly used, as it is
more soluble in water.
Cocaine is equal in its effects to chloroform in many operations where
the parts to be removed are not very deep-seated; besides, its use is
much more economical, as not only is the drug itself of less expense,
but when operating it is not necessary to have a separate attendant to
administer it, as is the case when chloroform is given. Then it is much
more easily given (by a hypodermic syringe), and the dog does not resist
it at all; whereas, chloroform is resisted by the patient with all its
strength. In some cases three or four assistants are required to hold a
big dog whilst it is being administered, and I have known some dogs to
struggle so violently against taking chloroform that one has been obliged
to discontinue giving it, for to have persevered would have endangered
the dog’s life. This alone is sufficient reason to make cocaine a more
favourable anæsthetic than chloroform.
Then as to the danger, there is no comparison between the two. I
have only once had any bad results from the use of cocaine; but with
chloroform, sometimes, in spite of every care and precaution, the dog
will, when under its influence, suddenly collapse. Besides, when a dog,
in a case such as I have just described, struggles very much against
receiving the chloroform, it takes longer to get him under the influence
of the drug than one taking it quietly; and then, often as a consequence,
the dog at last becomes exhausted, and if the chloroform is persevered
with, it takes too strong effect—the heart’s action becomes weak, the
breathing heavy, and collapse may occur—the result is, one is obliged to
leave off the operation to administer restoratives to save the patient’s
life.
In many operations, as the excising of tumours (even large ones, weighing
six or seven pounds), removing thorns from the eye, sewing and dressing
painful wounds, cocaine is equal to chloroform in its effects, for it
completely deadens for a time the parts to which it is applied, though
the animal retains complete consciousness.
It is particularly valuable when removing mammary growths, so frequently
seen in bitches. On many occasions I have removed a growth of this kind
weighing, in some instances, seven to eight pounds, without subjecting
the dog to the least pain; and I may here remark that the application of
cocaine does not in any way retard the healing process.
Cocaine for most purposes is best used dissolved in water; the quantity
of the solution required depends upon the size of the growth that is
going to be removed. For small tumours, say the size of a large walnut,
a four per cent. solution is generally sufficient. Of this about twelve
minims should be injected under the skin, say three drops at each corner
of the growth, then in the course of about ten minutes the parts will be
completely insensible to pain and ready for operation. The same strength
of solution is also strong enough for eye operations, including the
removal of growths on the haw. In such cases the solution of cocaine
must be dropped into the eye. About five or six drops is all that is
required; one drop to be placed into the eye every minute until the
quantity required is given, then wait ten minutes for the cocaine to take
effect. In cases of operation for inverted eyelid, the use of cocaine is
invaluable.
When removing large growths, a five per cent. solution is necessary,
giving the same quantity—about twelve minims—injecting one minim just
under the skin all around the tumour, and where the skin is going to be
cut.
There are other local anæsthetics as eucaine, which is said to be safer
than cocaine; but in my opinion it is not nearly so good, at any rate
with dogs, and the latter is perfectly safe when used in proper doses.
Eucaine is also used in conjunction with adrenalin, which has a wonderful
power of preventing and stopping bleeding; but in my experience, when
injected under the skin previous to an operation, the wound does not heal
so readily, in consequence, I consider the bloodless condition of the
skin, which continues for some time after, due to the application of this
drug.
=Anal Glands, Congestion and Irritation of=:
_Symptoms_: Dragging themselves along the ground, which is often supposed
to be due to worms, frequently licking the anus, suddenly looking round
behind and tucking the tail in as if there was something pricking. In
these cases there is a small swelling on each side of the anus due to an
accumulation of the natural secretion of these glands. Occasionally a
painful abscess forms.
_Treatment_: In simple cases all that is required is to squeeze the
glands and evacuate the contents, and this, as a rule, gives immediate
relief. In some dogs these glands require attention every three or four
weeks. If an abscess forms, the swelling should be fomented with hot
water, and when soft freely opened, the contents evacuated, and the
cavity syringed out with a warm saturated solution of boracic acid. The
wound should be kept open for a few days. In troublesome cases it is best
to have the glands removed altogether by operation, and so save further
inconvenience to the dog.
=Aneurism=:
_Symptom_: Dilation of an artery. Difficult to detect in a dog.
_Treatment_ consists in ligaturing the artery.
=Angina Pectoris=:
_Symptoms_: Acute pain in chest, fainting, pallid tongue, difficult
breathing, limbs feel very cold.
_Treatment_: Hold to nose, on a piece of blotting-paper doubled in shape
of a funnel, from one[1] to five minims of nitrite amyl. Repeat in half
an hour if necessary.
_Diet_: For a day or so after attack feed on Brand’s beef or chicken
essence and Benger’s food with milk. After a day or two put patient on a
raw meat diet, which continue for some time.
=Anthrax=:
Uncommon disease in the dog.
_Symptoms_: A carbuncular swelling, commencing as a pimple accompanied by
high temperature. Disease runs a quick course and is generally fatal.
_Treatment_: Free opening and scraping of the affected part. Apply
hot linseed meal poultices, which should be freely dusted over with
powdered charcoal, and give stimulants, as brandy or whisky, freely. If
temperature over 105 degs. F., from one[1] to ten grains of phenacetin
may be given as well as the stimulants. Repeat medicine once in four
hours.
=Anus, Prolapsus of=:
A complaint often seen in young puppies, though it may occur in
full-grown dogs. It is generally the result of straining caused by
diarrhœa.
_Symptoms_: The lower bowel or rectum protrudes for an inch or more from
the body, which, if not relieved, becomes inflamed and swollen, and the
patient is constantly straining.
_Treatment_: Return the protruding part as quickly as possible. This
is best done by holding the dog up with the hind legs, and then after
vaselining the part, applying firm pressure with the fingers, and the
prolapsus will slip in. This is very simple and easy, but the difficulty
is to keep it in. There are several ways of trying to do this, but first
of all give a small enema, from one[1] to four teaspoonfuls of thick
boiled starch, with from five[1] to twenty drops of laudanum to stop the
straining. In a recent case this may have the desired effect, and the
prolapsus not return; if it does, then it must be put back as before,
and to keep the bowel in, a couple of strong sutures should be placed
through the anus, one from above downward, and the other crossways, or
what is called a purse-string suture may be inserted. Another way is by
inserting and fixing in the bowel by means of tapes the lower insertion
portion of an enema tube, the tapes should be passed across the outside
of the thighs, then crossed under the belly and tied over the back. But
often, in spite of every care and treatment, the dog will keep straining
and force the bowel out time after time. In such cases, the only thing
to do is to remove the prolapsus by operation. This operation requires
a considerable amount of care, or fatal hæmorrhage may occur, or the
peritoneal cavity may be opened and peritonitis set up.
=Apoplexy=:
_Symptoms_: Generally affects old dogs. Suddenly falling to the ground,
convulsions, loss of consciousness. Tongue generally turns dark in
colour, eyes prominent and congested. May be in an unconscious state
for some time. Paralysis to a more or less extent may follow. Sometimes
the head is only held on one side from muscles of neck being paralysed:
blindness may result.
_Treatment_: Free purge from one[1] teaspoonful to four tablespoonfuls
castor oil, mixed with half the quantity of syrup buckthorn. Put dog in
hot bath and apply ice to head. If convulsions are severe, give bromide
of potassium and hydrated chloral. From two grains to one scruple of the
former, and half the quantity of the latter, with water. Repeat every
three or four hours until convulsions cease. Do not attempt to force
anything down the dog’s throat whilst in convulsions or unconscious, and
if this continues some time, give double dose of the medicines by enema.
_Diet_: Liquid food, milk with bread or Sanatogen, and light soup with
bread or toast.
=Appendicitis=:
This disease, strictly speaking, does not occur in the dog as there is no
appendix to the cæcum—but they do occasionally suffer from inflammation
of this part.
_Symptoms_: Tenderness or pain over the seat of the cæcum, which is about
the centre of the abdomen; vomiting and diarrhœa, or even dysentery;
sometimes bowels constipated. Temperature often rises two or three
degrees. Loss of appetite. In some cases the cæcum may be easily felt,
and is generally hard and swollen when inflamed.
_Treatment_: Rest and free administration of laudanum, from two[1] to
fifteen drops, given in water every four or six hours.
In cases due to the impaction of some foreign body, as a stone, coin or
key, etc., in the cæcum, which may easily be detected by means of the
Röntgen rays, an operation is necessary.
The cæcum may be removed with a certain amount of safety.
=Appetite, Want of=:
_Treatment_: When not the result of actual disease, but to want of tone
of stomach, often seen in delicate dogs, try following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Bicarbonate Soda, 12 grains to 1 drachm.[1]
Spirits of Nitre, 1 to 4 drachms.
Tincture Nux Vomica, 6 minims to ½ a drachm.
Water to 1½ to 6 ounces.
_Dose_: One teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three times a day one hour
before food. Try a change of food, as raw meat. For little dogs, grilled
chicken’s liver or kidneys, with stale bread crumbs; also stewed rabbit
with rice.
=Appetite, Morbid=:
_Symptoms_: Picking up and eating all kinds of rubbish and filth,
stones, coal, and when out in the streets, horse dung, etc.
_Treatment_: Always give worm medicine in these cases. Dust over anything
you know the dog will pick up with some cayenne pepper. In many cases one
is obliged to resort to a muzzle, and make the dog wear one when out.
Very often when this is persisted in for some weeks, the dog gets out of
the habit.
=Arthritis, Inflammation of a Joint=:
_Symptoms_: The joint is swollen and very painful; dog is very lame, and
in some cases unable to put the foot to the ground.
_Treatment_: During acute inflammation rest is necessary, soothing
remedies should be applied, hot poppy-head tea fomentations, or the
following lotion:—
_Recipe_:
Laudanum, 2 drachms.
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Water to 6 ounces.
A piece of lint, large enough to cover and go round the joint, should be
saturated with the lotion and applied. This should be covered entirely
over with a piece of oil silk, and a bandage applied to keep dressing in
place. Change the dressing three times a day.
A dose or two of aperient medicine should be given.
When acute inflammation has ceased, the joint should be massaged, and
later, if the joint remains stiff, the dog should be made to swim.
=Asphyxia=:
_Symptom_: Interruption to breathing, from drowning and other causes.
_Treatment_: Dash hot and cold water alternately over the head, and
inject stimulants, as ether or brandy, under skin—from ten[1] to twenty
drops of either.
_Artificial Respiration_: When the condition is due to partial drowning,
hold the dog up, with his head downwards for a minute that the water may
escape from the lungs, then place the dog on his back, draw the tongue
out, and with the hand placed on the lower part of the chest—that is just
where the chest and abdomen join—press downwards and forwards with some
little force, then suddenly raise the hand to allow the chest to expand.
This should be repeated every three or four seconds. Do not attempt to
make the dog swallow whilst in an unconscious state.
=Asthma=:
_Symptoms_: Heavy breathing, troublesome cough. If the ear is applied
to the chest a crackling noise will be heard with each inspiration. The
heart is weak and the pulse irregular.
_Treatment_: Aperient medicine should be given, and be repeated once or
twice a week, also the following mixture:
_Recipe_:
Liquor Morphia, ½ to 3 drachms.[1]
Hoffman’s Spirit, ½ to 3 drachms.
Paregoric, 1 to 4 drachms.
Syrup of Squills, 2 to 8 drachms.
Water to 1½ to 6 ounces.
_Doses_: One teaspoonful to a tablespoonful three or four times a day, or
from ten drops to a teaspoonful of glyco-heroin in a little water may be
given three or four times a day.[1]
When the condition is the result of heart disease, which is often the
case, give the following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Tincture Digitalis, 20 drops to 1½ drachms.[1]
Tincture Nux Vomica, 12 drops to 1½ drachms.
Compound Sulphuric Ether, ½ to 3 drachms.
Syrup, 2 drachms to 1 ounce.
Water to 1½ to 6 ounces.
Mix.
_Doses_: From one[1] teaspoonful to one tablespoonful three times a day
after food. Aperient medicine should be frequently given.
_Diet_: Raw or very tender-cooked meat, given in small quantities, three
times a day. No other food.
=Back (injuries to)=:
_See_ APPENDIX.
=Bad Breath=:
_Symptoms_: General result of a diseased condition of teeth, the
accumulation of tartar on the teeth, and as the result, ulcers form
on the gums and cheeks. Bad breath may also arise from a disordered
condition of the stomach, or as a result of some disease of the lungs, or
the membrane lining nasal passages.
_Treatment_: Remove the cause. If it arises from the condition of the
teeth, remove the tartar by scaling, and clean mouth and teeth twice
daily, using a small soft tooth-brush and the following wash:—
_Recipe_:
Salol, 1 drachm.
Tr. Myrrh, 2 drachms.
Spirits of Wine, 10 drachms.
Formalin, 1 drachm.
Mix.
Half a teaspoonful to be added to half a tumblerful tepid water. If the
breath remains offensive after the mouth has been made healthy, give a
pill three times a day containing from a quarter[1] to two grains of
permanganate of potash, or twice a day give from two to ten grains of
salol.[1]
When the condition is the result of some disease affecting the lungs,
suitable remedies for this must be administered; or if the result
of an offensive discharge from the nose, a dessertspoonful to two
tablespoonfuls[1] of the following lotion should be syringed up each
nostril once or twice a day:—
_Recipe_:
Chinosol, 6 grains.
Water to 8 ounces.
Mix.
=Balanitis=:
_Symptoms_: Purulent discharges from prepuce.
_Treatment_: After thoroughly cleaning prepuce out with tepid water
pumped into sac with syringe, syringe twice a day into the passage from
one to four[1] tablespoonfuls following lotion:—
_Recipe_:
Chinosol, 6 grains.
Water to 8 ounces.
Mix.
Sometimes this complaint is very obstinate. In such cases the base of the
penis should be exposed and painted with a four per cent. solution of
nitrate silver. Repeat twice a week.
=Baldness=:
_See_ ALOPECIA.
=Bed-sores=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs, after severe illness, when they have become very thin,
often have large, unhealthy-looking, offensive-smelling wounds, or ulcers
form on the hips, points of the buttocks, shoulder, and other parts.
_Treatment_: Well foment and thoroughly clean parts with a warm saturated
solution of boracic acid or Pearson’s fluid diluted sixty times with
warm water two or three times daily. Gently dry and then freely dust
over with powdered boracic acid or amyloform powder. Take pressure off
wound by encircling it with a ring of thick felt fixed with some adhesive
material. In obstinate cases powdered iodoform may be used to dust
(sparingly) over wound instead of boracic.
_Baths_: A tepid bath should register about 90 deg. F., a warm bath
100 deg. F. A soothing bath for an irritable and red skin can be made
by adding to three gallons of tepid water, one ounce of borax, eight
tablespoonfuls of fine oatmeal, in which the dog should be immersed for
ten or fifteen minutes, and repeated two or three times a week. When the
dog is dirty he may be cleaned whilst in the bath by rubbing the yolks of
three or four eggs into the skin and coat, and then rinsing off with the
oatmeal water.
A suitable bath for the treatment of eczema and to destroy insects
on the skin, may be made by adding three tablespoonfuls of Pearson’s
disinfectant fluid to a gallon of tepid water.
_Sulphur Baths_: A valuable remedy for skin diseases. Are made by
dissolving one ounce of sulphurated potash in a pail of tepid water, in
which the dog may be immersed for ten minutes.
=Biliousness=:
_Symptoms_: Severe vomiting, great thirst, occasionally diarrhœa, refusal
of food. In bad cases the skin, eyes, and mouth turn yellowish.
_Treatment_: First give dose castor oil, say half teaspoonful to two
tablespoonfuls,[1] with from two[1] to ten drops of laudanum, or a pill
containing from a quarter to two grains of calomel, with the eighth to
one grain of powdered opium. Later, if sickness is persistent, give from
three to ten grains of carbonate of bismuth shaken dry on the tongue, or
the following mixture may be tried:—
_Recipe_:
Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid, 20 drops.
Liquor Bismuth, 1 ounce.
Water to 6 ounces.
From one[1] teaspoonful to a tablespoonful every three or four hours.
To keep strength up give occasionally every hour, from a quarter[1] to
a teaspoonful Brand’s beef essence, allow Vichy water and milk in equal
parts to drink—no plain water—but the patient may have some ice to lick.
When sickness is very persistent, the stomach should be given complete
rest for about twelve hours, and the dog’s strength kept up during this
time with peptonised meat suppositories (B and W), one being given
every three or four hours. When these cannot be obtained, an enema of
peptonised milk with from five[1] drops to one teaspoonful of brandy, may
be given every three hours. Hot linseed meal poultices to the stomach are
sometimes useful.
=Bites=:
A deep punctured wound caused by the bite of a dog, if allowed to scab
over, usually results in the formation of an abscess; so the wound should
be kept open for a few days by being fomented often with a warm solution
of boracic acid lotion. When not fomenting, the wound should be covered
over with a piece of lint (once doubled) soaked in a solution of boracic
lotion; this should be entirely covered with a piece of oil silk, and
a bandage applied. This treatment may be continued until the wound has
healed. When the wound consists of a tear of the skin, after thoroughly
cleansing the parts with some disinfectant—as a solution of Pearson’s
fluid—the wound may be sewn up, a few layers of carbolic gauze laid over
the wound, and a bandage applied. It is best to renew the dressing daily
in these cases, as there is always a danger of suppuration, and if such
occurs, two or three stitches should be removed at the lowest part to
allow the pus to escape. After an abscess has formed, the parts require
keeping very clean, and should be kept covered with carbolic or other
gauze. A dog should not be allowed to lick a wound.
=Bladder, Irritable=:
_Symptoms_: Constantly straining to pass water even when indoors; urine
high-coloured and often cloudy, strong smelling. Blood may be mixed with
the water, or come in drops after the passing of water. These symptoms
must not be confounded with those the result of a cystic calculus
(stone), for in these latter cases the dog strains continuously, and
if a small calculus happens to pass from the bladder into the passage
(urethra), it generally becomes fixed in the canal just behind the bone
in the penis, and the dog is unable to micturate at all, or only in
drops. When a dog is seen to be frequently straining, he requires careful
watching to see the kind of urine passed, or whether any is being passed
at all.
_Treatment_: If there is much pain, give every three or four hours from
two[1] to fifteen drops of tincture of hyoscyamus in water; if there is
not much pain, a course of hyposulphite of soda is all that is required,
and should be continued for some time.
_Dose_: From three grains to half a drachm[1] in water, and a careful
diet of milk, with bread or Spratt’s biscuits, or Force, milk puddings,
etc. Milk and barley water may be given to drink. When the irritation is
due to calculus urgent surgical assistance is required.
=Bladder, Paralysis of=:
_Symptoms_: The dog at first is unable to pass water, later it dribbles
from him. May be the result of general paralysis caused by injury to
spine, or brain, or to the abdomen; it may also be the result of stone in
the bladder.
It sometimes occurs in dogs of very clean habits as the result of being
shut up for a long time, and the bladder becomes over distended, and can
be felt in the back part of the abdomen as a large ball.
_Treatment_: Relieve the bladder. If there is no mechanical obstruction
as from a stone in the canal, the bladder can be emptied by pressure on
the walls of the abdomen over the seat of the bladder; if this fails, a
catheter must be passed.
Speaking of catheters, for very small dogs 0.0 size is required. For
terriers, No. 1 size in diameter, and about fourteen or sixteen inches
long. For dogs size of collies, etc., No. 2 size, and about eighteen or
twenty inches long, and for larger dogs one about four inches longer is
necessary. If there is a small stone or gravel in the passage, there is
sometimes difficulty in passing the catheter, but with care a passage may
generally be made with a fine grooved silver probe.
When there is an absence of mechanical obstruction and inflammation in
these cases, to improve the tone of the bladder give from one to seven[1]
minims of tincture nux vomica three times a day, in water and after food.
In chronic cases iron (ammoniated citrate) may be added to the medicine.
Nux vomica must not be given when there are any signs of convulsions.
=Bleeding, From Stomach=:
_Symptoms_: Vomiting of blood, sometimes of a bright red colour, at other
times dark red or venous blood; and when it has been retained in the
stomach some time, it comes up liquid of a coffee colour.
_Treatment_: Give the following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Tincture Thalaspi, 24 drops.
Liquor Bismuth, ½ ounce.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Doses_: One teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] every three or four hours.
_Diet_: Milk, also Benger’s food with milk, kreochyle with Vichy water.
Brand’s essence and milk, either peptonised or plain, is the best food.
When sickness is very severe, stomach should be rested for twenty-four
hours, and the dog fed with nutritive enema, say from one[1] to six
tablespoonfuls peptonised milk every three hours alternately, with a beef
suppository (B and W). These may be purchased in different sizes.
=Blindness, Amaurosis=:
_Symptoms_: Eyes clear and bright, pupils large, with a greenish look.
Loss of colour to eye—as the iris is so dilated, cannot be seen or
scarcely seen. Sometimes follows distemper; a result of fits; great
excitement or exertion, as violent vomiting. Pupil will not contract when
exposed to light, except very strong sunlight.
_Treatment_: Disease seldom curable. Try following eye drops:—
_Recipe_:
Sulphate Eserine, ½ grain.
Water to 1 ounce.
One drop to be placed in the eye three or four times a day. Give one[1]
to seven drops tincture nux vomica three times a day in water after food.
Blisters or seton to back of neck can be tried; also galvanism.
=Blisters=:
Collection of blood, water, or serum under first skin; result of a burn
as a rule.
_Treatment_: Cut blister, squeeze out contents, apply boracic ointment on
lint, and bandage.
=Blisters, To Apply=:
It is somewhat difficult to raise a good blister on a dog—much more so
than on a horse, or even a person; but a fluid called liquor epipasticus
will do so if properly applied. The hair should at first be cut off
closely from the part where it is intended to apply the blister; the skin
should be then thoroughly washed with warm water and soap, and afterwards
well dried. Then the blister should be rubbed on with a piece of wool
tied around a stick for about five minutes. The person applying the
blister should be careful not to get any of it on his fingers, as it may
make them very sore. Over the blister put a piece of either grease-proof
paper or brown paper, and apply a bandage. This blister is very
poisonous, and the dog must not be allowed to lick it on any account.
The next day, if the skin is not well blistered, rub in for two or three
minutes a little red blister ointment. Forty-eight hours after the first
application of the blister it may be washed off, the parts carefully
dried with a soft cloth, and then anointed with boracic ointment.
=Blood Poisoning=:
_Symptoms_: Rise of temperature, 104 deg. F. and over; shivering,
vomiting, congested eye, thirst. If complaint goes on for some time,
ulcers form in mouth, and breath becomes very fœtid. Often caused by
retention of a dead puppy, or urine, diseased kidneys, also inflammation
of womb (metritis) from bitch taking cold when on heat. May follow severe
and deep bites.
_Treatment_: Remove the cause. If an abscess, open freely at once,
evacuate contents, and syringe cavity out with solution Condy’s Fluid,
one teaspoonful to half-pint water. Give large dose salicylate quinine
one[1] to ten grains; repeat in six hours; give brandy somewhat freely.
If patient cold, apply hot-water bottle to back and feet.
=Boils=:
Small red swellings, which suppurate and break. Situated, as a rule, on
inside of thighs, arms, and belly, but may appear all over dog. Sometimes
seen in cases of distemper; also seen in young puppies, especially on
inside of thighs and belly, when suffering from worms.
_Treatment_: If accompanied by distemper, no special treatment required;
if very painful and sore, anoint with Balsam Peru ointment. When
affecting young puppies, give worm medicine; afterwards small doses of
chemical food.
=Bowels, Inflammation of, Colic=:
_Symptoms_: Pain in abdomen; patient restless, and, if a puppy, whines
and cries; generally diarrhœa, and quantity mucus passed; may be
constipation; vomiting a frequent symptom. Seldom a rise of temperature
without case very acute, though the pulse is often much quickened. Often
caused by worms and indigestion, and may be result of chill.
_Treatment_: As a rule, a dose of castor oil, say half a teaspoonful[1]
to two or more tablespoonfuls, with from two[1] to fifteen drops of
laudanum, is the best treatment at first. After this has worked off, if
pain continues, give following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Laudanum, 1 drachm.
Chloric Ether, 2 drachms.
Liquor Bismuth, 4 drachms.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Dose_: One[1] teaspoonful to a tablespoonful every two, three, or four
hours until pain relieved. Apply hot salt bags continuously to belly.
Later, worms should be removed by suitable remedies.
=Bowels, Intussusception of=:
_Symptoms_: This is a disease that more often attacks young puppies
than adult dogs. It may be caused by worms; it also results from eating
stones and other hard substances, and may be due to colic as a result
of indigestion. The pain is very acute, the dog constantly crying and
whining. During the early stages there may be vomiting; there is also
diarrhœa, and the passing of mucus tinged with blood. If the abdomen be
manipulated with the fingers, a long hard swelling will be felt, due to
one portion of the bowel telescoping into another.
_Treatment_: Give fairly large doses of laudanum, say for a fox terrier
puppy two or three months old, five drops every four hours with a
dessertspoonful of water. Give nothing but liquid food as milk or
Benger’s food, or beef tea. If no better in twenty-four hours, the puppy
should be relieved by operation. If the operation is postponed too long,
it is as a rule not successful, but when done during the early stages
there is every chance of effecting a cure, and giving the puppy immediate
relief. Besides, the operation, when done early, is much easier, for
then, as a rule, the intussusception can be reduced by pulling on the
bowel.
After such an operation no food should be given for twenty-four hours;
and then liquids only for a few days.
=Breast, Inflammation of=:
_Symptoms_: Gland is swollen hard, red and very painful. There is a rise
of temperature which shows pus is forming. After two or three days the
swelling becomes softer, points, and breaks and freely discharges.
_Treatment_: Hot poppy-head fomentations, and the application of hot
linseed meal poultices frequently changed. Lance abscess directly soft.
Give aperient medicine. Sometimes it is necessary to remove puppies, when
milk should be drawn off two or three times a day.
=Breathing, Difficulty in Bulldogs=:
Many bulldogs, especially those with a very short face, have a chronic
difficulty in breathing. Each inspiration is performed with an effort;
the sides heaving, and the dog is constantly bringing up quantities of
white frothy mucus, especially when first let out.
In some instances, especially of toy bulldogs, the inspirations are
so difficult that if a dog gets much excited it may fall over partly
asphyxiated. In these cases the heart is always weak.
_Treatment_: The principal thing to do in these cases is to give a diet
composed entirely of raw meat, cut up in small pieces, given three times
a day, so as not to overload the stomach at any time. Also after each
meal give from one[1] to seven drops of tincture nux vomica, according to
the size of the dog, in a little water, immediately after food, or for a
change, from three[1] to six grains of lacto-peptin.
In some cases I have attempted to relieve these distressing symptoms
by an operation, that is by removing the false palate, but it has not
been altogether a success, though I have sometimes thought it has given
some relief. Of course an operation of this kind must be done under the
influence of chloroform.
=Bronchitis=:
_Symptoms_: Severe and frequent coughing, difficult breathing, rattling
of phlegm in windpipe. In bad cases, dog unable to lie down.
_Treatment_: Place in fairly warm room, and keep a kettle going to
moisten air. When breathing very difficult and the throat seems full of
phlegm, give an emetic.
_Recipe_:
Hydrochlorate of Apomorphia, ½ grain.
Water to 1 ounce.
_Dose_: Half[1] to two teaspoonfuls; repeat in one hour if it has not
caused vomiting. When sickness stopped, commence following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Liq. Morphia, 1 drachm.
Hoffmann’s Spirits, 2 drachms.
Paregoric, 1½ drachms.
Ipecacuanha Wine, 1 drachm.
Syrup of Squills, 1 ounce.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Dose_: One teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] every four or six hours.
Apply hot linseed meal poultices to throat and front of chest. Give
aperient medicine. The emetic, if the cough and breathing remain bad, may
be repeated in two days. When the active symptoms have passed and the
cough better, petroleum emulsion may be given. During early stages light
diet should be given; later meat.
[Illustration: THE COPTHORNE BRUSSELS GRIFFONS.
Including the well-known Champions: Copthorne Talk-of-the-Town, Copthorne
Lobster, Copthorne Wiseacre, Copthorne Treasure, and Copthorne Seiglinde,
the property of Mrs. Handley Spicer, The Glen, Kingsbury, N. W.
[_face p. 30._]
=Bronchitis (Chronic Husk)=:
_Symptoms_: Though the dog may appear very well, with good appetite,
there is a frequent dry, hard cough, which is generally worse at night
and early morning, but any exertion or excitement induces a fit of
coughing. After each attack, the dog retches as if he had something in
his throat, and was going to vomit.
_Treatment_: Give aperient medicine occasionally, and the following
mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Tinct. Nux Vomica, 24 drops.
Ipecacuanha Wine, 1 drachm.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Doses_: One teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three times a day. When
cough is very troublesome give a dose of the mixture recommended for
acute bronchitis at night, or from fifteen[1] drops to one teaspoonful of
Smith’s glyco-heroin in a little water.
_Diet_: The diet in these cases is very important, and I find under-done
meat the best possible food, as it nourishes the dog well without
distending the stomach and causing pressure on the chest.
=Bruises=:
_Symptoms_: Discoloration of the skin from effusion of blood under result
of injury.
_Treatment_: Apply following lotion often:—
_Recipe_:
Goulard’s Extract Lead, 1 drachm.
Liquor Opium, 1 drachm.
Distilled Water to 8 ounces.
When in a suitable part, so that a bandage may be applied, the lotion is
more efficacious if applied on lint, which should be covered over with a
piece oil silk, and then a bandage.
Give aperient medicine, and keep dog at rest for a few days.
=Burns=:
_Symptoms_: The skin may be scorched and the coat frizzled, but the roots
not destroyed; or the skin may be destroyed and a large blister form,
which sooner or later suppurates. Burns, the result of boiling water,
are practically as severe as those of fire, for in either case the hair
never grows afterwards.
_Treatment_: When the skin only is scorched, apply lime water and linseed
oil. One part of the former, mixed with two parts of the latter, should
be dabbed on two or three times a day. In severe burns the part may be
smeared over with boracic ointment, and when the blister has broken the
same ointment should be applied on lint, which must be kept in its place
with a bandage or coat. Repeat dressing two or three times a day.
=Calculi (Stones in the Kidney)=:
_Symptoms_: Blood, and also in many cases pus, is passed with the urine.
The dog at times seems very ill, the temperature may go up to 103 or 104.
Pain on pressure over the loins, sickness, loss of condition, and great
wasting. In severe cases there is collapse, and death follows the result
of uræmia poisoning.
_Treatment_: Open the bowels freely. Apply hot fomentations or poultices
to the loins, and give following medicine:—
_Recipe_:
Bicarbonate of Potash, 1 drachm.
Boro-citrate of Magnesia, 1 ounce.
Mix.
Give from sufficient to cover a sixpence to a teaspoonful,[1] two or
three times a day, mixed with food or milk.
_Diet_: Give plenty of milk mixed with equal parts Vichy water. Also
Benger’s food with milk, tripe, and fresh boiled fish, with well-cooked
rice. Avoid red meat.
=Calculi in Bladder=:
_Symptoms_: In the dog the stones are generally small, varying in size
from a millet seed to a pea, though occasionally one does find a large
one. In bitches the stone is generally not discovered until it has become
a good size, and set up irritation of the bladder. In the dog, when the
stones are small they, as a rule, do not seem to do any harm or cause
inconvenience until one or more escape from the bladder, pass into the
urinary passage or urethra, and become lodged in the canal just behind
the bone in the penis where the passage is smallest. If the stone is
quite round—which, fortunately, is not always the case—it acts like a
cork in a bottle, and the dog is unable to pass any water. He stands or
stoops like a bitch, and keeps straining; but nothing comes away, except,
perhaps, a single drop occasionally of blood-stained urine. If the stone
happens to be not quite round, then he is able to pass a small quantity
of highly-coloured water by great effort. To ascertain for certain if
these symptoms are the result of gravel or stone, a small sound or
catheter should be passed; and if there is any blockage in the passage
it is easily ascertained, for in that case it will be impossible to pass
the instrument for more than a few inches instead of from 6 to 24 inches,
according to the size of the dog; and besides, the hard piece of gravel
or small stone will be felt. In some cases when the stone is not quite
round the instrument will pass to the side of it, and then one can easily
feel the grating of the stone against the instrument as it passes, more
especially as it is withdrawn.
_Treatment_: Medicines are of little use, though a sedative like
hyoscyamus will sometimes relieve the spasm of the parts, and enable
the patient to pass a little water when the passage is not completely
blocked; when it is, the stone may sometimes be pushed back to where the
passage is larger, and thus enable the dog to relieve himself; but in all
these cases arrangements should be immediately made for an operation,
which is the only cure.
In bitches the symptoms of a calculus in the bladder are somewhat similar
to those shown by the male: she is constantly straining to micturate,
even after the bladder is emptied of water; the urine is high-coloured
and smells strong, and often a few drops of blood are passed at the end
of micturition, or the water may be blood-stained.
_Treatment_: Operation. Dogs once suffering from calculi are always
liable to a recurrence. This may sometimes be prevented by giving
occasionally a course of the following:—
Bicarbonate of Potash, 2 drachms.
Boro-citrate of Magnesia, 2 ounces.
Mix.
_Doses_: From sufficient to cover a sixpence to one teaspoonful[1] twice
a day with food or given in water, and continued for a long time. Avoid
meat as much as possible with the food.
=Cancer=:
_Symptoms_: A tumour which usually sooner or later ulcerates, emitting an
offensive-smelling discharge mixed with blood. The animal loses condition
and becomes very weak. A cancer may form anywhere, but the most frequent
parts affected are: the mouth, inside of the throat, milk glands, the
rectum, and the organs in the abdomen.
_Treatment_: An early operation is the only chance of effecting a cure;
once suppuration has commenced, the case is practically hopeless.
=Caries=:
_Symptoms_: Ulceration of bone—generally result of some injury. Abscesses
form, resulting in unhealthily discharging wounds which are difficult to
heal. If the parts be probed, roughened exposed bone may generally be
felt, which after a time separates from the healthy structure and escapes
with the discharge.
_Treatment_: These cases must always be given time for the dead bone
to separate from the healthy bone. Hot linseed meal poultice, dusted
freely over with powdered charcoal, should be applied, and repeated two
or three times a day, and as soon as the dead structure is loose, the
wound, if not large enough, should be dilated with a knife and the dead
bone removed. If this is successfully done, the wound generally heals
quickly. In some cases when a limb is affected, and the inflammation has
been very extensive, amputation may be necessary. Dogs do very well with
three legs.
If after the dead bone has been removed the wound does not heal, syringe
into it every other day about half a drachm of tincture calendula, and
apply boracic ointment on lint and bandage. Wounds in cases of caries
require keeping very clean with some disinfectant, as a saturated
solution of boracic acid, or a solution of Pearson’s fluid; Condy’s fluid
is also useful.
=Cataract=:
_Symptoms_: The formation of an opaque spot in the lens or pupil of
the eye. In young dogs, when it occurs, which is not frequent, the
whole pupil seems to be involved at once, but in old dogs it generally
commences as a small speck, and gradually increases. The cornea or front
of the eye generally remains clear. Of course there is loss of vision
of the affected eye to a more or less extent, according to the size and
density of the cataract.
_Treatment_: The following drops improve the sight when the cataract does
not affect the whole pupil:—
_Recipe_:
Sol. Sulphate of Atropine, 10 drops.
Sulphate Zinc, ¼ grain.
Distilled Water to 1 ounce.
Operation, except for improving the appearance of the eye, is useless in
the dog, as wearing of spectacles is impracticable.
=Catarrh of the Nose=:
_Symptoms_: Generally follows a chill from exposure to cold or from
careless washing; shivering and sneezing, thin mucous discharge from
nose, which is not sticky as in distemper; water discharge from eyes; a
husky cough. The dog is dull for a few days, and perhaps off his food,
but as a rule there is no rise of temperature as in distemper, and the
teeth do not become discoloured as in the latter disease.
_Treatment_: Keep quiet in a dry, warm room for a few days, and give the
following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Tr. Aconite, 24 drops.
Spirits of Nitre, 2 drachms.
Concentrated Solution of Acetate of Ammonia, 1 drachm.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Doses_: From half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three times a day.
Give sloppy food for two or three days, and then the ordinary diet and
cod-liver oil.
=Catheter, How to Pass=:
The passage (called the urethra) to the bladder is very small in the dog
in consequence of there being a bone in the penis. It is also very long.
The best kind of catheters are made of gutta-percha, and for small dogs
the size called 0 is large enough. For dogs the size of terriers No.
1 size is required; for collies, etc., No. 2 size; and for larger dogs
No. 3. These numbers refer to the diameter. As to length, they must, of
course, vary also according to size of the dog—10 inches, 12 inches, 18
inches, and 2 feet respectively. Before being passed, the catheter must
be well smeared over with vaseline, and the wire left in. The dog should
be placed on his left side, with the right hind leg well drawn forward;
the penis should be exposed for some inches, and held by means of a
soft cloth; the catheter may then be gently passed. After going a short
distance, that is to where the penis bends round, it will stop going
in, or, at any rate, at this point it will be found a little more force
is required to pass the instrument. When this part is reached, the wire
should be drawn out for one or two inches, according to the size of the
dog, then it will be found the catheter will pass on easily again; and
when the bladder is reached, if it is full of water, it will commence
to drip or dribble away—it never runs away fast, as the orifice in the
catheter is small. Let the catheter remain in so long as urine continues
to flow, and then gently withdraw it.
A catheter should never be passed more than twice a day. The instrument,
when not in use, should, without the wire, be kept in a basin of
saturated solution of boracic acid. The wire should be thoroughly cleaned
and vaselined, and be put into the catheter just before being used.
=Cerebral Congestion=:
_Symptoms_: Often seen in distemper. The dog may be dull and heavy, or he
may be very excited; eyes very congested; temperature high, 104 to 105°
F.; constant working of the temporal muscles. Dogs in this condition are
often ravenous for food, and diarrhœa may be present. If relief is not
given, convulsions usually follow.
_Treatment_: Keep dog absolutely quiet in a darkened room. If bowels
constipated, give purgative medicine, also give from three grains to one
scruple of bromide of strontia[1] in water three or four times a day.
Apply ice in a waterproof sponge bag or sheep’s bladder to forehead for
fifteen minutes or so at a time several times a day.
_Diet_: Liquid food should only be given, as milk with Benger’s food,
egg and milk—the yolk of the egg should not be given if there is
much diarrhœa; some mutton broth or Brand’s essence may be allowed
occasionally. In severe cases a blister or seton at the back of the neck
should be applied.
=Chalky Stones=:
_Symptoms_: Affects principally the knees, hocks, and stifle joints
occasionally of old dogs—the result of the deposit of urates.
_Treatment_: From a quarter to two grains of iodide of potassium three
times a day, or from five[1] grains to two scruples of the boro-citrate
of magnesia in water thrice daily. This medicine may be given with the
food. Vichy water to drink instead of plain water.
=Choking=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs frequently choke themselves when eating bones,
especially chop or cutlet bones; also occasionally with a large piece of
meat which may become impacted in the gullet. But this is not so serious,
as it can easily be pushed down into the stomach if it cannot be pulled
upwards. When an offending bone or other matter becomes lodged in the
back of the throat the dog coughs and retches violently, and may even die
from asphyxia. But as a rule the bone does not stop there, but passes
down until the gullet passes over the heart, where it is rather smaller,
and then the bone is stopped, which causes the dog great distress. He
keeps gulping as if trying to swallow, and occasionally retches. In a
day or two the distress passes off and the patient seems fairly well and
often ready to eat, but if any solid food is taken directly it reaches
the part where the obstruction is it is brought up, and this continues to
happen so long as the obstruction remains, but the dog as a rule is able
to swallow liquids as milk, egg and milk, beef teas, etc.
Dogs, especially puppies, often swallow needles and pins, which generally
become embedded in the back of the tongue, but sometimes they reach the
gullet and pass through, causing a bad abscess to form in the throat just
behind the angle of the jaw.
_Treatment_: When the bone or meat or other matter becomes lodged in the
back of the throat, it is generally easily removed with the finger.
Failing this, forceps must be used; but the symptoms are often very
distressing, and prompt relief is necessary. When the bone has passed
far down in the gullet and become fixed just over the heart, relief is
much more difficult. Sometimes if the dog can be induced to take a few
pieces of meat it will force it on. If this fails, forceps must be tried,
and if the bone cannot be removed with them, then one must try to push
it downwards into the stomach with a probang. Too much force must not
be used or the gullet may be ruptured, which is fatal. If it cannot be
removed, the dog must be fed on liquid food, and in time the points of
the bone may become dissolved, and then it will be easier to push it down
with a probang.
In removing needles from the back of the tongue or fauces, which is best
done with forceps, care must be taken not to break them. The tongue
should be drawn well forward out of the mouth by taking hold of it with a
cloth so as to bring into view the back of the tongue and fauces.
=Chorea, St. Vitus’s Dance=:
_Symptoms_: Irregular contraction of the muscles. Almost any part of the
body may be affected, and even the tongue, the dog poking it out of the
mouth constantly. But the disease more often affects the limbs, perhaps
one fore leg and one hind leg, or the muscles of the shoulder and neck;
occasionally the muscles of the abdomen, the dog always appearing to be
suffering from hiccough. The temporal muscle is a common seat of chorea,
and in such cases the dog is constantly snapping his teeth together. It
is almost invariably the result of distemper.
_Treatment_: In bad cases the disease is incurable, though often with
time—in the course of months—the twitching becomes less, but never
entirely disappears. There is no specific for chorea; what appears to do
one case good seems to do harm in another. Small doses of arsenic with
bromide is sometimes a useful remedy, as the following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Bromide of Strontia, 1 drachm.
Fowler’s Solution of Arsenic, 48 minims.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Dose_: From half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three times a day
after food.
In other cases Easton’s syrup answers better.
_Dose_: From three or four drops to half a drachm,[1] in a little water,
three times a day after food. Later, especially if there is much wasting,
cod-liver oil should be given.
=Coins, etc., Swallowing of=:
_Symptoms_: The dog has a big swallow, and it is astonishing what can
pass down his throat into the stomach. I have known small dogs as fox
terriers to swallow coins the size of a penny, and smaller dogs still to
swallow brooches, ear-rings, and finger-rings, and also keys, without
even seeing any bad results to the dog, though the owner has been much
alarmed as to what was going to happen; but corks are dangerous, as they
block up the intestines, and so are big round stones, but small stones
dogs swallow with impunity. Dogs, even small ones like pups, swallow
occasionally meat skewers, but even such things as these do not always
prove fatal. I recently had under my care a small puppy who swallowed a
hat-pin ten and a half inches long, the head passed into the stomach all
right, but the puppy was too small to take the whole length of pin, and
the point, piercing some of the vital parts of the throat, killed him.
As a rule, a dog does not show much discomfort after swallowing things
like coins, bones, small stones, etc., when they once have reached
the stomach, though with young puppies the latter often cause severe
colic; but large round stones and corks often cause serious mischief by
blocking up the bowels, inducing inflammation, which, if not relieved by
operation, soon causes death. Skewers and long hat-pins when swallowed
seldom pass beyond the stomach, where they often remain for some
considerable time, but sooner or later the point generally pierces the
stomach, and peritonitis follows, which quickly terminates fatally; but
sometimes the sharp point passes direct from the stomach through the
walls of the abdomen and skin, and it may be seen sticking out and can be
removed. The dog seems none the worse after a few days, as the wound soon
heals.
It is often difficult by manipulation to detect things that have been
swallowed, for as a rule, as before mentioned, they remain in the stomach
for a considerable time before passing into the intestines. I have
known coins to remain there for five or six months before being passed;
however, with the Röntgen rays coins, keys, jewellery, stones, etc., can
always be detected.
_Treatment_: Unless the foreign body swallowed is doing the dog visible
harm, it is best left alone. Feed on solid food as suet puddings, rice,
bread, meat and such like foods, so as to distend the bowels as much
as possible and to cause big motions, and the foreign body, in all
probability, will pass out safely; _do not give purgative medicines_,
which only cause contraction of the bowels and do harm, but if there is
pain give from two[1] to ten drops of laudanum in a little water, three
or four times a day, or oftener.
When the substance swallowed causes real obstruction in the bowel, the
laudanum may be given a trial for two or three days, but as a rule an
operation becomes necessary, which consists in opening the abdomen,
finding where obstruction is, and opening the bowel and removing the
offending matter. It is an operation requiring aseptic precaution and
some care, and the sewing up the incision made into the bowel wants
carefully doing or a stricture may result.
=Cold in the Head=:
_See_ CATARRH.
=Colic=:
_Symptoms_: Generally affects puppies from eating rubbish, but may also
affect adult dogs, especially after receiving strong medicine as worm
medicine. Restlessness, crying and whining, or even howling when pain
very severe; abdomen tucked up and muscles feel hard and rigid. The
attack may be accompanied by severe vomiting and diarrhœa.
_Treatment_: Give immediately, if there is no diarrhœa, a dose castor
oil, which should be followed by an enema if it does not operate in
about an hour. The enema may consist of half[1] to two teaspoonfuls of
glycerine, mixed with one[1] to eight tablespoonfuls of warm water. Also,
give following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Chloric Ether, 1½ drachms.
Laudanum, 1½ drachms.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Doses_: From half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] every two, three,
or four hours until pain relieved.
=Collapse=:
_Symptoms_: The dog lies in a semi-unconscious condition; the body feels
cold; the membranes are pallid, eyes glassy; the breathing slow and
heavy; pulse weak. This condition may arise from shock, and is often
seen in dogs after being run over. It may also occur as the result of
hæmorrhage.
_Treatment_: Allow the dog to lie perfectly quiet on his _right_ side.
Give stimulants, as brandy, with from one[1] to ten drops of tincture nux
vomica if given by the mouth, but only half if injected under skin. If
this cannot be done, give an enema of milk and brandy, or strong black
coffee. If body very cold, put hot-water bottles round it.
=Coma=:
_Symptoms_: Entire loss of consciousness, heavy breathing, pupils
dilated, etc. This condition may result from injuries to head; sometimes
follows a severe attack of epilepsy, apoplexy, and it is the last stage
previous to death of many illnesses.
_Treatment_: This entirely depends on the cause. If as the result of
epilepsy, the patient is best left quite alone for many hours; if
the body becomes cold, hot-water bottle may be placed under it and
also to the back. After some time, if there are no signs of return to
consciousness, the body and limbs may be well hand-rubbed, and brandy
injected subcutaneously. If the result of injuries to head, should the
skull be fractured an operation may be necessary; but if there is simply
concussion of the brain, you must give the animal time—the condition may
last three or four days, and yet the dog may recover. Besides quietness,
there is not much to do. Should the dog be very restless, apply an
ice-bag to head; and to maintain strength give about every four hours
an enema of peptonised milk, from one tablespoonful to a cupful,[1] or
one or two meat suppositories. When coma is the result of the last stage
of illness, there is little to be done. The inhalation of oxygen may be
tried; brandy or strychnine, ⅟₃₀₀th to ⅟₁₀₀th of a grain[1] may be
injected under the skin, and an enema of strong black coffee given.
=Condylomata=:
_See_ WARTS.
=Conjunctivitis (Sore and Weak Eyes)=:
_Symptoms_: The conjunctival membrane lining the inside of the eyelids
is much congested, and of a dark red colour, there is a constant flow of
watery discharge; in bad cases there is a discharge of white pus which
causes the lids to adhere together. The hair falls off around the lids,
and the cornea, or front of the eye, may become cloudy and ulcerate.
_Treatment_: In simple cases an application of boracic lotion, made by
dissolving half a teaspoonful of boracic acid in half a pint of water,
which should be applied often, is generally sufficient to effect a cure.
In bad cases when the discharge is purulent, the following should be used:
_Recipe_:
Chinosol, 3 grains.
Water to 6 ounces.
Apply several times a day, letting a little run on the inside of the
lower lids. Iodoform dusted on the inside of the lower lid is also useful.
The edges of the eyelids should be kept smeared with vaseline to prevent
them from sticking together.
=Constipation=:
_Symptoms_: The motions are big, hard, and dry, and difficult to pass;
and instead of having an action at least once a day, the dog may only
have one every two or three days.
_Treatment_: A good deal can be done by diet. Spratt’s biscuits have a
tendency to keep the bowels open and regular; for small dogs the Pet-Dog
biscuits should be given, and for large dogs the big biscuits. They
should be broken up and soaked in some soup, and mixed with a little
meat and some green vegetable added; this makes a very good principal
meal. For a second or evening meal the biscuit may be given dry. For a
change of diet give meat, brown bread, and green vegetables in equal
parts moistened with soup. In obstinate cases some laxative may be
necessary. Milk of sulphur answers very well; from sufficient to cover
a threepenny-piece to half a teaspoonful[1] may be given daily for a
fortnight, or a teaspoonful[1] to two tablespoonfuls of Dinneford’s fluid
magnesia may be given every morning in a little milk. In some cases salad
oil answers best, from half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] mixed
daily with the food. In chronic cases a course of the following pills is
useful:—
_Recipe_:
Ext. Belladona, 1 to 6 grains.[1]
Powdered Rhubarb, 3 to 18 ”
Reduced Iron, 4 to 24 ”
Powdered Nux Vomica, 1 to 6 ”
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills—one to be given twice a day after food.
=Consumption=:
_Symptoms_: A rare disease in dogs. At first a dry cough, later becoming
looser with expectoration of phlegm; wasting, though appetite may at
first be fairly good; the patient gradually becoming very weak, and
occasionally having diarrhœa. There is always present one or more degrees
of fever, and the temperature is generally higher at night. If the phlegm
be examined with a microscope the tubercle bacilli will be found if it is
a case of consumption. In bad cases there is bleeding from the lungs, the
blood coming as a rule through both nostrils.
_Treatment_: Seldom curable, but the best chances of a recovery are
obtained by letting the dog live out of doors and giving cod-liver oil.
Feed liberally, giving plenty of meat, also fish, milk, raw eggs, and
cream.
The patient should be kept away from other dogs, and certainly should not
be allowed to sleep in a room where there are people.
=Convulsions in Puppies=:
_Symptoms_: Young puppies, generally as the result of worms or during
second dentition, often have convulsions. The immediate cause of the
attack is generally due to excitement, more particularly on a hot day.
The puppy, which may be apparently quite well, suddenly tumbles over on
its side, kicks violently with its legs, champs the jaws, and froths at
the mouth. In a minute it gets up, and looks about in a dazed manner;
then, if not restrained, gallops off barking, not knowing where it is
going. Sometimes one attack may follow another in quick succession until
it dies from exhaustion.
_Treatment_: The puppy should be held to prevent it knocking itself
about. (I may here remark that there is not the least danger from a bite
of a dog when suffering from fits of any kind.) As soon as the puppy can
swallow, a dose of the following mixture must be given:—
_Recipe_:
Bromide of Potassium, 1 drachm.
Hydrated Chloral, 1 drachm.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Dose_: From a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] to be given every two,
three, or four hours, according to the severity of the symptoms. If the
puppy is unable to swallow, double the quantity should be injected into
the bowel, mixed with equal quantity of tepid water. In severe cases
a hot bath is beneficial; also ice may be applied to the head. Keep
the puppy in a dark room for some hours after the attack. To prevent a
recurrence of the convulsions, treat puppy for worms. Feed on a milk diet
for a few days.
=Corns=:
Horny elevations which form on the pads of the feet.
_Treatment_: They may be removed by cutting, or destroyed. The best way
is by the application of a solution of chromic acid, one in four. It
should be applied sparingly to the part with a glass rod about twice a
week.
=Coughs=:
_Symptoms_: May arise from many causes; but a simple cough, the result of
some irritation of the larynx caused by cold, is of a common occurrence
during the winter and spring when the winds are cold.
_Treatment_: Give following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Liquor Morphia, 2 drachms.
Syrup of Squills, 1 ounce.
Syrup of Lemon, 1 ounce.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Dose_: From half a teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful three or four times
a day.[1] When it is difficult to give a mixture, the following pills may
be tried:—
_Recipe_:
Hydrochlorate of Morphia, ¼ to 1 grain.[1]
Powdered Ipecacuanha, 1 to 6 grains.
Powdered Rhubarb, 2 to 12 grains.
Compound Squill Pill, 6 to 20 grains.
Mix and divide into twelve pills, one to be given night and morning. A
dose of aperient medicine should occasionally be given.
=Cuts.=
_Symptoms_: Division of structure, generally described as a solution of
continuity; there is generally more or less bleeding.
_Treatment_: Thoroughly cleanse the cut with a warm solution of boracic
acid, Condy’s fluid well diluted, or one per cent. solution of Pearson’s
disinfectant fluid. Stop bleeding by applying pressure with fingers, or
a pad of absorbent boracic wool, and bandage. When very severe, apply a
ligature to the vessel above the part.
After cleaning the wound and stopping the bleeding, the edges of the cut
should be brought together with a few stitches, about a sixth of an inch
apart; a pad of some disinfectant gauze applied, also a bandage. If no
swelling or discharge, the dressing need not be disturbed for about six
days, when the stitches can be removed. Afterwards re-bandage for another
day to protect the part from dog’s tongue.
=Cystitis=:
_See_ BLADDER, IRRITABLE.
=Cysts=:
_Symptoms_: A sac containing fluid or semi-fluid substances, or even hair
and other foreign substances. A form of cyst often seen in flap of the
ear.
_Treatment_: Cysts can only be removed by cutting. In the case of the
ear, it should be freely opened at the most depending part and a tube
inserted, or at any rate the wound should be kept open for a few days,
otherwise fluid will collect again. No other treatment required except
keeping the parts clean. The dog must not wear a collar.
=Dandruff (Scurf)=:
_Symptoms_: Dryness of the skin and hair, and the rising of branny
greyish-white scales from the former, and mixing with the coat.
_Treatment_: As a rule, a thorough wash once a week, using a tar soap
like Sherley’s shampoo, and putting a little borax in the rinsing water,
with daily brushing of the coat, will effect a cure in mild cases; but
in bad cases greasing the dog all over with some such preparation as the
following is necessary:—
_Recipe_:
Oil of tar, 1 drachm.
Almond Oil, ½ pint.
Mix.
To be thoroughly worked into the skin twice a week, and after a few days
washed off, using the soap mentioned. A course of arsenic is useful; give
from one[1] to eight drops in water twice a day for two or three weeks,
but it must be discontinued if it causes sickness or diarrhœa.
=Deafness=:
_Symptoms_: In many cases, especially in white dogs, as bull terriers, it
may be congenital. In ordinary cases it is often due to an accumulation
of hard wax, or from growths in the canal of the ear. In old dogs it may
be due to thickening of the drum of the ear.
_Treatment_: When congenital it is incurable. If result of growths in
the ear, these must be removed by operation. When caused by accumulation
of hard wax, a little warm almond oil should be poured into the ear, and
the next day the ear should be thoroughly syringed with five ounces of
tepid water in which has been dissolved a scruple of carbonate of soda.
When the deafness is due to a thickening of the drum of the ear, which is
often seen in old dogs, there is nothing to be done.
=Debility=:
_Symptoms_: May be due to constitutional causes, as is often seen in
highly-bred puppies, or it may result from severe illness, particularly
after distemper. The pulse is quick and weak, loss of appetite, and
disinclination for exercise, poor condition, and membranes pale.
_Treatment_: For puppies, Sherley’s chemical tablets answer well. When
result of illness, the following tonic may be given:—
_Recipe_:
Ammoniated Citrate of Iron, ½ drachm.
Tincture Nux Vomica, 40 minims.
Tincture Gentian, 3 drachms.
Water to 3 ounces.
From half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three times a day one hour
before food.
=Deformities, Congenital=:
These are numerous in the dog. Inverted eyelids: puppies are sometimes
born without eyes, squinting small eyes, eyelashes growing in. Hare lip,
cleft palate, pig jaw, deformities of the feet and limbs: particularly
the stifle joint, the patella being out of its place, and the leg
contracted or drawn up. Deformities of the chest: this condition is
common in Japs, but seems to do no harm. Puppies are sometimes born
without tails; though a good feature in schipperke and bob-tail sheep
dogs, one does not like to see a pug or a dachshund without a tail, and
when he is good in all other points, it is disappointing. A screw tail is
objectionable in all breeds except the bulldog, and some people object to
it in these dogs. Absence of one or both testicles.
_Treatment_: Many cases of deformity may be remedied by operation, but
in others there is nothing to be done. Inverted eyelids can be cured by
operation, an elliptical piece of skin and also the muscle underneath
being cut out immediately under the lower eyelid, when that one is
affected, or immediately over the upper eyelid, if it is that one that is
turned. The cutting is best done with curved scissors, and should extend
nearly the whole length of the lid. As the wound made heals, it draws the
lid out.
In-growing eyelashes must be plucked out with forceps from time to time.
Very often as the puppy grows older and stronger, the lashes assume a
normal position, and cease to be a trouble, but if they continue to
turn in after the dog is twelve months old, a similar operation as for
inverted eyelids is recommended, but in these latter cases it is not
necessary to divide the muscle, but only the skin. Squinting may be cured
by operation, but it is not recommended, as the defect does no harm,
and with Japanese spaniels, who often squint, it rather adds to their
quaintness.
In cases of unnatural small eyes, which often occur in fox terrier
puppies, an operation is not of any use; but with time, it may be
months, perhaps a year, the condition often improves. Matters are helped
by giving the puppy affected something to stare at, as, for instance,
placing his food for a time behind some railings, so that he can see
it, but cannot get at it. Anything, in fact, that attracts attention,
and causes the puppy to stare. A stuffed cat behind the railings does
for a change, a lump of raw meat or a bone. Hare lip can be cured by
operation, but in consequence of the position, it is difficult to keep
the edges of divided lip together after sewing them, as the puppy will
rub his nose on the ground if he has a chance, besides constantly licking
at the stitches. The operation should not be undertaken before the puppy
is three months old, and then just before operation a good square meal
of meat should be given; this will take some time to digest, and will
satisfy the puppy for a long while; at any rate, nothing more should be
given for twenty-four hours, by which time the healing has made good
progress, and for some days after the operation the puppy should be fed
from the fingers, piece by piece, certainly no dish should be given for
him to rub his nose in.
As to the operation, the edges of the split lip should be freely
scarified, and also be loosened from the gum by cutting through the mucus
membrane, then the two edges of the lip should be brought firmly together
with pin sutures, and a few layers of collodion painted over the external
part, and dusted over sparingly with powdered iodoform. It is not
necessary to give chloroform for an operation of this kind, a few drops
of a 4% solution of cocaine injected into each side of the divided lip is
sufficient.
There is no cure for cleft palate, and a puppy born with this condition
should be destroyed.
Pig jaw is incurable.
As to deformities affecting the feet, a dog may be born without toes, or
with only two or three toes; in such cases, of course, nothing can be
done, but sometimes there may be an extra toe. If a show dog, it spoils
the appearance of his foot, and interferes with his gait, and so must be
removed.
Dew-claws are not a deformity, but they are a useless appendage, and
should be cut off close to the leg about three days after birth; if left
they are a constant nuisance, either through being frequently broken, or
torn off at the quick, or else turning and growing into the flesh, which
causes a good deal of pain.
Nothing can be done for deformity of the stifle joint, it causes no pain,
though it renders the leg useless; but if the subject is a bitch, and
well bred, she may be kept for breeding purposes. A screwed tail may be
remedied, if not too badly twisted, by breaking, setting it straight, and
applying an adhesive bandage.
In cases of absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum, there is
nothing to be done. A dog with both testicles absent is useless for
getting stock, though he is able and will serve a bitch, but in cases
where only one is missing, it does not prevent such a dog being useful
for stud purposes.
=Delirium=:
_Symptoms_: Restlessness, constantly howling and barking. Dogs in this
state lose flesh very rapidly. Delirium is seen in some bad cases of
distemper.
_Treatment_: Unsatisfactory; bromide of strontia may be tried; from
two[1] to sixteen grains in water three or four times a day. Ice bags
should be applied to head.
_Diet_: Give easily digested food—as Benger’s with milk, kreochyle with
water, and well-boiled tripe or fish, with rice or stale bread.
=Destroy Dogs, How to=:
There is no doubt that the quickest and most painless way of killing a
dog is by shooting, providing it is done properly, and the man is a good
shot and can be relied on. The best place to hit a dog is either behind
the ear, or in the middle of the forehead; but there are many people who
don’t like an old favourite destroyed in this way. Personally, I don’t
like it. I consider a large dose of morphia, and then chloroform, is
better. At any rate, it does not seem such a harsh way of taking an old
favourite’s life.
To destroy a dog with morphia and chloroform, from half to two grains
of acetate of morphia[1] should be injected under the skin; then after
waiting until the dog is in a heavy sleep, chloroform should be slowly
administered. It is necessary to do it very slowly indeed, or else the
dog will wake up. In this case don’t place anything over the dog’s nose
at first, but pour a trifle on a handkerchief or napkin, and hold it from
six to eight inches away from the dog’s nose, then gradually get nearer
and nearer until at last you cover the dog’s nose over with the cloth.
The chloroform must be continued until the dog has _stopped breathing for
five minutes_.
The administering of half[1] to a dram of prussic acid is also a very
sudden and quick way of destroying a dog, but it is a debatable point
whether this causes acute pain. At any rate, the dog invariably cries out
loudly after it has been administered a few moments, and so he often does
when going under the influence of chloroform. However, death by freshly
prepared and strong prussic acid is very certain and sudden.
When administering this acid, one should be very careful never to stand
in front of a dog, for if he coughs while it is in his mouth, and some
goes into the eye of the person giving it, the consequences may be
serious, as it is most deadly.
[Illustration: FRENCH BULLDOG, CHAMPION SANSPAREIL.
Winner of 2 Firsts and 8 Specials. The property of the Countess Sponneck
Mayer.
_Photo. by T. Fall, 9, Baker Street_] [_face p. 60._]
=Diabetes Insipidus=:
_Symptoms_: Increased secretion of urine of a watery nature—great thirst.
For a time the dog’s condition does not alter, but if the disease is
not checked then he loses condition, the muscles waste, the legs become
thin, the ribs prominent, and the abdomen distended as the result of the
large quantity of water taken. This is a disease to which old dogs are
particularly liable.
_Treatment_: Limit the quantity of water given the dog to drink; for a
small dog, say half a tumblerful[1] to a couple of pints for a large dog.
Feed on dry food. For medicine, give from half a drop[1] to two drops
of Fowler’s solution of arsenic in water three times a day before food.
If this does not benefit the case, give from an eighth[1] to a grain of
powdered opium twice a day in the form of a pill. Treatment is often
unsatisfactory.
=Diabetes Mellitus=:
_Symptoms_: Large quantities of urine containing sugar are passed; great
thirst, voracious appetite, and gradual wasting of body. The tongue is
dry and parched, and is of a red-brick colour; coat stares, and the dog
looks generally unhealthy.
_Treatment_: Food containing sugar or starch must be avoided; meat given
nearly or quite raw is the best diet. As to medicine, though it is
practically an incurable disease, codeine does in some cases mitigate the
symptoms. Of this medicine, give from a twelfth[1] to half a grain three
times a day. After a fortnight or so the dose may be doubled.
=Diarrhœa=:
_Symptoms_: Frequent watery motions, which may vary in colour—white,
slate, brown, black, and sometimes green—accompanied very often by great
thirst and loss of appetite.
_Treatment_: In most cases a small dose of castor oil at the commencement
of the attack does good, and in many cases effects a cure. Should the
symptoms continue after the effects of the oil have passed off, give
from five[1] to twenty grains of carbonate of bismuth three or four times
a day before food, or the following mixture:—
_Recipe: The Mixture for Diarrhœa_:
Laudanum, 1 drachm.
Tincture of Rhubarb, 4 drachms.
Peppermint Water to 4 ounces.
From one teaspoonful to two tablespoonfuls[1] three times a day. Or the
following pills may be tried:—
_Recipe: Pills for Diarrhœa_:
Extract of Kino, 1 drachm.
Powdered Ipecacuanha, 12 grains.
Powdered Opium, 6 ”
Ex. cip. _q.s._
A sixth, fourth, half, or the whole[1] may be mixed and divided into
twelve pills. One to be given three or four times a day. If the motions
are very offensive, from two[1] to ten grains of salol may also be given
three or four times a day.
_Diet_: At first liquid, as milk, thickened with equal parts of arrowroot
and Benger’s food; after two or three days, raw beef cut up very fine may
be given alone or mixed with equal parts well-boiled rice; rice water
to drink. In chronic diarrhœa a liquid diet should be given for some
time, and in addition to the milk diet previously mentioned, home-made
beef-tea (with all fibrine removed) may be given slightly thickened with
isinglass, and the following mixture tried:—
_Recipe_:
Diluted Sulphuric Acid, 2 drachms.
Laudanum, 1 drachm.
Water to 8 ounces.
_Dose_: From a teaspoonful to two tablespoonfuls[1] three times a day.
When there is much straining accompanying the diarrhœa, it is a good plan
to give an enema consisting of one teaspoonful to two tablespoonfuls[1]
of thick-boiled starch, with from three[1] to fifteen drops of laudanum
mixed. When the diarrhœa is due to disordered liver, which is generally
the case when the motions are white or grey, from one[1] to six grains of
grey powder may be given at first instead of castor oil.
=Diarrhœa in Puppies=:
_Symptoms_: Very often the result of worms, but may be due to
indigestion, the result of improper or too much food. Motion liquid and
frequent, generally of a yellowish colour.
_Treatment_: If worms are suspected give Sherley’s worm tablets for
puppies, otherwise first give a small dose of castor oil, and after it
has worked off give from two[1] to six grains of carbonate of bismuth
every four hours. If the diarrhœa is accompanied by colicky pains give
also from two[1] to ten drops of paregoric in a little water three or
four times a day.
_Diet_: If the patient has been kept on a milk food, discontinue this,
and give scraped lean raw meat, a small quantity four times a day; but
when a meat diet has been given and the diarrhœa continues, then give
milk with Benger’s food or Plasmon. In very obstinate cases from a
quarter[1] to one grain of grey powder once or twice a day for three days
is often useful.
=Discharge from Ear (Canker)=:
_Symptoms_: The canal of the ear is red, inflamed, and painful; in slight
cases there is often a brownish discharge; in chronic and severe cases
the discharge is fœtid and generally purulent, and may be tinged with
blood. In these cases the ears are very painful, and the dog cries when
he shakes his head.
_Treatment_: In very mild cases cleaning the ears daily with a weak
solution of Condy’s fluid will often effect a cure; but if the ears are
inflamed after cleaning them the canal should be painted twice a day with
the following lotion:—
_Recipe: Lotion for Ears_:
Benzoated Oxide of Zinc Ointment, 2 drachms.
Almond Oil, 1 ounce.
Well mixed.
Each time before dressing the ears they should be carefully wiped out
with medicated cotton wool.
In bad cases, when the discharge is purulent, the ears should be
syringed morning and evening with two tablespoonfuls of methylated
spirits added to half-a-pint tepid water, and after letting the dog shake
his head, wipe the ears out as dry as possible with absorbent cotton
wool, and then fill with powdered boracic acid by the aid of a quill and
a piece of indiarubber tube attached. If this treatment does not cure,
then wash the ears out night and morning with peroxide of hydrogen—x vols.
Some cases of canker are very obstinate.
=Dislocations=:
_Toe, Dislocation of_:
_Symptoms_: The dog is very lame—in fact, cannot put the foot to the
ground; the joint is swollen, and painful to manipulate. If the injured
toe is compared with a sound one, it will be found that the lower bone
which assists in forming the joint that is dislocated sticks up much more
than is natural.
_Treatment_: As a rule, especially in a recent case, the reduction is
not difficult. The toe should be pulled straight with the fingers of one
hand, and with those of the other the projecting bone should be pressed
into its place. In some cases it may be necessary to give chloroform. A
padded splint extending from the back of the knee or hock to just below
the foot should be put on, and a bandage applied to prevent the foot
being used for a few days.
_Knee, Dislocation of_:
_Symptoms_: This generally occurs in conjunction with fracture of the
radius, but it may happen alone. The dislocation generally occurs
sideways, and the foot either turned outwards or inwards. The parts are
very painful, and soon swell.
_Treatment_: The reduction should be attempted as quickly as possible
after the accident, otherwise it will be necessary to wait until the
swelling is reduced, and this can be helped by the application of crushed
ice placed in a woollen bag and applied right round the joint.
It is best to give the patient chloroform before attempting the reduction
of a dislocated knee; and when the dog is well under the influence of the
anæsthetic the foot should be seized with one hand and pulled in straight
direction from above downwards, and with the fingers of the other hand,
during the pulling, the joint should be pressed into their place. As a
rule, in dislocation of the knee the ligaments of the joint are often
much injured, therefore when the reduction has been completed padded
splints and bandages should be applied, as is recommended for fracture of
the radius or arm, and be kept on for about three weeks.
_Elbow, Dislocation of_:
This does not often occur in adult dogs, but is not uncommon in delicate
puppies as the result of some violence.
_Symptoms_: Lameness, and if the dog attempts to put weight on the leg,
the elbow turns out. The joint as the result of the dislocation is wider
than the one on the other side, but there is not much pain on pressure,
as is the case of fracture at the elbow when the inner condyle of the
shoulder bone (humerus) is broken off.
_Treatment_: In reducing this dislocation chloroform is not necessary.
The arm should be flexed on the shoulder, and then by bearing pressure
on the head of the bone and a twist of the head of the bone inwards the
reduction is completed. The joint is to be afterwards fixed in its place
with strips of adhesive plaister applied as depicted in the illustration
annexed. If the bones cannot be kept in their place with the plaister, a
splint cut out of thin zinc and of the shape of the elbow joint must be
applied. The inside of the splint should be slightly concave to fit the
leg, and of course well padded before being put on.
[Illustration: How to bandage the foreleg for fractures and other
injuries]
_Shoulder Joint, Dislocation of_:
_Symptoms_: Lameness; pain at the seat of injury, which is increased by
putting leg forward; and some slight swelling, and the leg is perceptibly
shortened. When there is any difficulty in diagnosing the case, all doubt
is removed by making the dog stand evenly on both fore legs and comparing
the sound shoulder with the injured one.
_Treatment_: In all cases I have seen of dislocation of the shoulder
joint the head of the shoulder bone, which fits in a cup at the bottom
of the blade bone, shoots upwards—of course only to a slight extent, as
the bone is held in its position by strong muscles and tendons as well as
by the capsule of the joint. Chloroform having been given, an attendant
must hold the dog firmly by clasping his hands between the fore legs in
front of the chest, or by fixing a towel in a similar position; and then
the operator, seizing the paw with one hand, must pull the limb in a
forward and downward direction, and at the same time with the fingers of
the other hand press the head of the shoulder bone into its position. It
is well afterwards to put a wide bandaging on round the chest over the
shoulder joint, and keep the dog quiet for a few days.
_Hock, Dislocation of_:
This does not often occur except in conjunction with fracture at this
part.
_Symptoms_: The dislocation occurs generally sideways, and may be either
outwards or inwards, the foot being placed almost at right angles. The
joint quickly swells, and is very painful.
_Treatment_: The reduction is carried out in a similar way as advised
for reducing a dislocated elbow; afterwards the same kind of splints as
recommended for treating fracture of the tibia are to be applied with
bandages, and should be allowed to remain on for at least three or four
weeks, and even after this it may be necessary to support the joint with
a few strips of plaister for a time.
_Patella, Dislocation of_:
_Symptoms_: The patella is a small bone situated in front of the stifle
joint, and is more liable to dislocation than any other part, especially
in small dogs. With some dogs it is constantly slipping out of its place
when running along, and then after a few steps it goes back again of its
own accord. The bone almost always becomes displaced towards the inside
of the leg, the dog in some cases being unable to put his foot to the
ground; if he does attempt to put any weight on the leg, the stifle joint
bends outwards. There is little or no pain caused by this dislocation.
[Illustration: How to bandage the hind leg for fractures and injuries to
the stifle, &c.
A—Sticking-plaister Bandage
B—Linen Roller Bandage]
_Treatment_: The patella is easily returned to its place, but as often as
not it slips out again. The best way of reducing this dislocation is to
straighten the leg and draw the foot towards the elbow of the same side,
and then with the fingers of the other hand push the patella into its
place; afterwards, to keep it there, bind the joint with several layers
of Mead’s plaister as depicted in the illustration. The plaister should
be continued for some distance above the joint.
=Distemper=:
The first symptom of distemper is a rise of temperature—if a dog is dull
and off his food, take the temperature. It is best to take it in the
rectum, where the normal is 101 degs. to 101½ degs. F.; if taken under
the arm or inside of the thigh it is 1 deg. lower. If the thermometer
registers 2 or 3 degs. of temperature above normal, you may be sure there
is something wrong, and the dog should be isolated at once; and by doing
this the infection may often be prevented spreading. If the disease is
distemper, other symptoms will soon develop, as a husky cough, loss of
appetite and condition, and occasionally vomiting. The eyes are weak and
sensitive to light, and there is often a little gummy discharge which
collects along the edges of the lids; the breath is offensive, and the
teeth become furred. Diarrhœa may, or may not, occur. If the illness is
only some passing ailment, the temperature will soon be normal, and the
dog assume his usual condition. But the temperature, even in distemper,
after two or three days, may go down to normal; but do not be deceived by
this, and think the dog is all right, but look out for some of the other
symptoms mentioned, and if the dog is in for that disease they are sure
to appear, and the fever will return again in a couple of days or so.
People often think a dog cannot have distemper unless there is a
discharge from the nose; this is a mistake, but it certainly does occur
in most cases, though it does not appear as a rule until the dog has
been ill for some time. If the lungs become affected, the breathing is
short and quick, not panting with the mouth open; the chest is tender on
pressure. At first there is no cough, but after two or three days there
is a suppressed painful cough, with retching. The pulse is often much
accelerated, the beats varying from 110 to 140 per minute. In some cases
the pulse is very slow, and may only be 48 to the minute; of course,
this refers to a big dog. A pulse of this kind is worse than a fast one
with pneumonia. When it is between 60 and 70 in a small dog, it is also
serious with lung complications. The heart’s action in dogs is very
frequently intermittent even in health. The eyes during distemper are
often a source of anxiety, and in those dogs with prominent orbits, as
spaniels, pugs, etc., there is always an inclination for ulcers to form,
which are extremely painful.
The worst complications of all in distempers are those affecting the
nervous system; the brain and its membranes may become inflamed, and fits
follow, or the spinal cord and its membranes attacked, and paralysis
or chorea, or perhaps both, occur. These complications of the nervous
system may often be prevented by not letting the dog out too soon after
distemper. The temperature should be regularly taken, and the patient not
allowed to go out of doors or be excited in any way until the temperature
has been normal at least ten days. Sometimes suddenly changing the diet
from liquid to solid food will induce fits.
Occasionally in distemper a crop of pustules appears on the inside of the
legs and over the stomach—in fact, in some cases all over the body. This
is rather a good sign than otherwise, for they seem to relieve the system
of the distemper poison.
To treat distemper successfully, good nursing and dry, warm, comfortable
quarters for the patient are the two essential things. For outdoor dogs,
a loose box in a stable makes a capital place, and in cold weather the
temperature should be kept as near 55 deg. F. as possible. Dogs who are
in the habit of living indoors should be put in a well-ventilated room,
and the temperature kept up between 60 and 65 deg. F. It is a good plan
to cover the floor with sawdust, which should be changed at least once a
day, and oftener when necessary. The dog should not be let out of the box
or warm room for _anything_. Very often at first there are difficulties
with very clean dogs, but it can generally be overcome with perseverance.
Sometimes a little soiled straw from a kennel thrown down in the room is
useful. Some dogs may be taught to use a tray or box filled with sawdust
or mould. Directly a dog shows signs of distemper he should be sewn up in
a flannel coat to keep the chest warm.
As to diet, if it is only a slight case, a light meal of bread or crushed
biscuit with gravy or milk may be given three or four times a day.
[Illustration: A coat covering the chest; useful in cases of distemper to
keep the chest warm, especially when lung affected]
For a change, a little well-boiled fish with rice, or sheep’s head broth
and rice, or bread. Milk may be given freely to drink.
In all cases of distemper it is important to keep the eyes free of
discharge by cleaning or bathing them frequently with some warm boracic
lotion, made by dissolving half a teaspoonful of boracic acid in half
a pint of warm water. When the discharge is very free and continues, in
addition to keeping them clean with this lotion a little of the following
may be run on to the eyes, especially on the inside of the lower lid:—
_The Lotion for Eye_:
Chinosol, 3 grains.
Water to 6 ounces.
To be applied three times a day after cleansing with the boracic.
In severe cases where the discharge is very profuse and offensive, a
little powdered iodoform may be dusted over the front of the eye two or
three times a day. If ulcers form they are to be treated the same way:
and if the eyes are very painful, add to every half-pint of boracic
lotion four grains of hydrochlorate of cocaine.
As the dog recovers from distemper, and the discharge ceases, if there is
any opacity of the corners left, the following ointment should be used:—
_The Ointment for Eyes_:
Yellow Oxide of Mercury, 1 grain.
Vaseline, 1 drachm.
Mix.
A small piece should be placed between the lids, and then gently rub the
upper eyelid over the eye for one minute so as to work the ointment in.
Repeat twice a day. In some cases the opacity is very obstinate, and
cannot be removed by the ointment, then the following drops may be tried:—
Divine Stone, 2 grains.
Solution Sulphate Atropine, 12 maximum.
Distilled Water to ½ ounce.
One or two drops to be placed in the eye twice a day.
The dog should be held for a few minutes after this lotion has been
applied or he may rub the eye.
After distemper, eczema often follows as the result of weakness; tonics
should be given and the disease treated in the ordinary way.
Some dogs during distemper, especially in bad cases, discharge a thin,
purulent, offensive matter or pus from the skin around the mouth, head,
under the neck, and inside of ears. This condition, which is more often
seen in bloodhounds than other dogs, is a very bad sign.
The parts should be thoroughly cleansed once a day by being washed with
Pearson’s Antiseptic diluted eighty times with warm water, carefully
dried with soft cloths, and then freely dusted with some absorbent
powder, as anylyform, or with the following:—
Powdered Burnt Alum, 1 ounce.
Powdered Boracic Acid, 1 ounce.
Powdered Starch, 6 ounces.
Mixed together.
Tonics, especially quinine, are indicated during this condition, as the
discharge is very weakening.
When the appetite is very bad, the patient may be tempted with some
giblet soup or a little well-stewed rabbit and bread, or rice. Very
often, in bad cases, the dog absolutely refuses all food; he must then be
drenched with strong meat tea, or with milk thickened with Benger’s food.
When there is an inclination to diarrhœa, the beef tea and milk should
be thickened with cornflour or arrowroot. One of the best ways of making
meat tea is with beef, mutton, and veal, say half a pound of each cut up
very fine; this should be gently simmered with a pint of water for three
or four hours, and then strained off. Of this, from a tablespoonful[1]
to a small teacupful may be given every three or four hours alternately
with the milk food. In addition to this, if the dog will drink raw beef
tea, which they will often do, it may be given freely. This is best
made as follows: Half a pound of lean raw meat passed through a sausage
machine; to this add half a pint of water, and place in an earthenware
jar in front of a fire for two or three hours, stirring occasionally;
then strain off through a cloth. Some pressure is required to get all the
juice out of the meat. It requires to be made fresh every day. When the
patient is very weak and exhausted, feeding is necessary every hour or
two, as only very small quantities of food can be retained. Then strong
meat extracts are required. Plasmon may also be tried mixed with milk,
and Valentine’s meat juice with milk. Of this latter from fifteen[1]
drops to a teaspoonful, with one[1] to four teaspoonfuls of milk. Invalid
Bovril may be given instead of Valentine’s for a change in the same
proportions, but fresh meat juice from raw meat is as strong as anything.
As to stimulants, there is no doubt, when the dog is very low and the
pulse weak, from ten[1] drops to a teaspoonful of brandy does good. When
the dog is eating all right himself, it may be given in a little water
after food, but when one is drenching the food it should be mixed with it.
There is no doubt that dogs who continue with a good appetite through
distemper do much better, and have a better chance of recovering, no
matter how severe the attack may be, than those bad feeders who refuse
food and have to be drenched. A little food taken voluntarily does much
more good than a lot forced upon the dog; therefore I advise tempting
the patient with a variety of diet, so as to get him to eat something
himself—of course, given in small quantities, particularly when the case
is bad. I always commence with soup and milk alternately, mixed with
bread, biscuits, or rice; as the dog gets tired of these, I add a little
meat, say from a sheep’s head or stewed neck of mutton; for a change some
fish, boiled tripe, or stewed rabbit, and if the dog goes off these I try
scraped raw meat. I never commence forcing food if I can help it, for I
find, once this is started, there is always a difficulty in getting the
dog to eat anything himself.
As to medicine, the more experience one gets the more one finds this is
quite secondary in treating distemper. I do not believe in specifics,
and, do what one may, the disease under the best circumstances will run a
certain course. In simple cases, where the temperature is not very high,
an occasional mild dose of syrup of buckthorn and castor oil is often
all that is required. This is necessary, as the dog cannot go out and
take exercise; therefore the bowels often get constipated, and if this is
neglected troublesome diarrhœa may occur. After the temperature is normal
and remains so for a few days, and the dog does not feed well, then some
tonic is useful, as the following:—
_Recipe: The Pills_:
Salicylate of Quinine, 12 grains.
Extract of Gentian, 30 ”
Mix, and divide into 24 pills.
_Dose_: From half to two pills[1] to be given three times a day.
Quinine does not suit all dogs, for in some cases, instead of improving
the appetite, for which it is given, it has the opposite effect, when the
following mixture may be tried instead:—
_Recipe: The Mixture_:
Tincture Nux Vomica, 40 minims.
Diluted Nitro-hydrochloric Acid, 1 drachm.
Compound Tincture Gentian, 5 drachms.
Simple Syrup, 1 ounce.
Water to 6 ounces.
_Dose_: From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful three times a day.[1]
It is not necessary to take notice of a relaxed condition of the bowels
so long as the motions are not very frequent, but diarrhœa (frequent
watery motions) must not be allowed to go on. As a rule, a small dose of
castor oil—say from one teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful—will usually
stop it by removing the cause. If it continues after the oil has acted,
give, shaken dry on the tongue, from 3[1] to 15 grains of salicylate of
bismuth three or four times, or oftener, a day. Thicken the food with
cooked arrowroot, and give boiled rice with soup and meat if the latter
is being given.
If bismuth does not stop the diarrhœa, try the pills as per prescription
below:—
_Recipe: The Pills for Diarrhœa_:
Powdered Extract of Kino, 1 drachm.
Powdered Ipecacuanha, 8 grains.
Powdered Opium, 6 ”
Mix, and divide into 12 pills.
_Dose_: From half to two pills to be given three or four times a day.[1]
In complications affecting the lungs, as soon as they are noticed the
chest should be sewn up in gamgee wool covered over with flannel. I have
no faith in ordinary liniments; and poultices, unless they are applied by
a professional hand, often do more harm than good. In very acute cases
the hair may be closely cut off over a small patch on each side of the
chest, and strong liniment of iodine applied with a camel’s-hair brush.
This may be repeated in four hours, and again four hours later, if the
application has not made the skin inflamed and swollen. Of course, the
size of the patch must vary according to the size of the dog—from a
five-shilling piece to the palm of the hand.
No very special medicine is required unless the heart is affected, which
is often the case, when the following mixture is useful:—
_Recipe: The Mixture_:
Tincture Digitalis, 1 drachm.
Tincture Nux Vomica, 1 drachm.
Concentrated Solution of Acetate of Ammonia, 2 drachms.
Water to 6 ounces.
From one[1] to four teaspoonfuls to be given every four or six hours,
according to the severity of the symptoms. If the fever is very high,
from two[1] to ten grains of bicarbonate of potash may be added to each
dose. Some brandy may also be given with advantage, from ten[1] drops
to a dessertspoonful every two or three hours, given as previously
recommended.
When the nervous system becomes affected during distemper, or just
afterwards, it is always a serious matter; in fact, when the brain is
attacked and fits are the result, the case is practically hopeless, and
if the fits are very severe and frequent it is better to destroy the dog
at once, rather than waste time and money in continuing the treatment.
When the disease attacks the spinal cord, St. Vitus’s dance (chorea)
generally follows. This is also practically an incurable disease, and in
severe cases it is best to put the dog out of its misery, for if it lives
it will always be a hopeless cripple. Slight cases improve with time
and judicious treatment, but the twitching never entirely disappears,
though the dog may recover sufficiently to be shown, and also to be bred
from. The disease is not hereditary, though I have sometimes thought
that puppies of parents suffering from chorea are more disposed to the
disease than others. Again, as the result of distemper, the patient may
become paralysed to a more or less extent in different parts of the body
or limbs—generally the back legs, though occasionally the fore ones are
affected, and sometimes all four legs become useless. I have seen some
cases when only the tail has been affected, the dog not being able to
move it in the least. In other instances the eyes are the seat of the
mischief, and amaurosis is the result. Unfortunately, treatment is quite
useless in this latter case; in fact, I never saw a dog recover. The
blindness may not be complete at first, but this paralysis of the eyes is
a progressive disease which no treatment seems able to stop. I may here
mention in amaurosis that the eye remains clear and bright, and to the
casual observer there is nothing to be seen except a widely dilated blue
pupil, which ordinary light does not cause to contract, though exposure
to the strong rays of the sun will do so _slowly_. If the owner of a
patient thus affected is anxious to try some treatment, then I suggest
the following:—
_Recipe: The Lotion_:
Sulphate of Eserine, 1 grain.
Distilled Water to 1 ounce.
One drop to be placed into each eye three times a day.
For medicine, give nux vomica as the following:—
_Recipe: The Mixture_:
Tincture Nux Vomica, 1 drachm.
Water to 6 ounces.
_Doses_: From one[1] teaspoonful to a tablespoonful three times a day
after food.
Later, the following mixture may be tried:—
_Recipe: The Mixture_:
Iodide of Potassium, 36 grains.
Water to 6 ounces.
_Doses_: From one[1] teaspoonful to a tablespoonful three times a day.
A seton may also be placed in the back of the neck just behind the ears,
and galvanism may also be tried.
As to the treatment of distemper fits, if they are noticed at the
commencement, before they have become severe, something may be done.
Large and frequent doses of bromide of strontia should be administered,
from 3 to 15 grains,[1] in from a teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful of
water every three or four hours at first, or so long as there are any
fits; when they cease, give the medicine less often—say, every six hours,
or four times a day. After a few days, three times a day will be often
enough for the medicine, and later twice a day. If there is no diarrhœa,
give aperient medicine, and feed on a very light and sloppy food, as
bread, with soup or milk, Benger’s food, egg and milk, etc. Keep the dog
absolutely quiet, and in the dark as much as possible.
When the bromide in large doses is continued for some time, one often
notices weakness or partial paralysis of the limbs; this passes off when
the medicine is discontinued.
As to the treatment of chorea, I know of no specific; in fact, medicine
has little or no effect over this disease at all. Strong doses of
medicine like nux vomica or Easton’s syrup do more harm than good
during the early stages, whereas later small doses of these drugs are
beneficial. Directly the twitching is noticed the bromide of strontia
should be given, from two[1] to ten grains three times a day. In the
course of a week, if the twitching does not increase, some arsenic
may be added to the bromide, as from one[1] to five drops of Fowler’s
solution to each dose. Later, in about a month or so, when all
inflammatory symptoms have passed, the eyes clear, and the temperature
has been normal for some time, some nerve tonic is useful, but it must be
given with caution, or the twitching will increase. Easton’s syrup is as
good as anything—for very small dogs like Japanese spaniels five drops
three times a day in a teaspoonful of water is enough; after a week, six
drops may be given; and a week later, seven drops for a dose. The dose
for toy spaniels weighing about eight pounds is eight drops; full-sized
fox terriers, ten drops; collies, etc., fifteen drops; St. Bernards,
etc., twenty drops. In each case the dose may be gradually increased.
If the dog is in very poor condition, petroleum emulsion may be given
with the Easton’s syrup instead of water. In any case, it is a matter of
months before any improvement is noticed. In ordinary paralysis as the
result of the distemper, when there is an absence of twitching, bromide
in any form does more harm than good. In these cases some preparation of
nux vomica is required, and the following pills I have found useful:—
_Recipe: Compound Nux Vomica Pills_:
Powdered Nux Vomica, 2 to 8 grains.[1]
Ergotine, 5 to 18 grains.
Reduced Iron, 12 to 60 grains.
Ex. cip. _q.s._ Mix.
Divide into twelve pills, one to be given three times a day.
If there is no improvement after a short time, a blister applied to both
sides of the neck in cases of paralysis of the forelegs is often useful,
and in chronic cases of paralysis of the back legs a blister should be
applied to the loins. The blister may be repeated in a fortnight, if
necessary.
Galvanism is also useful in cases when of long standing.
The bowels should be kept open with mild aperients, and vermifuge
medicine given if there are any signs of worms. Dogs suffering from
paralysis, the result of distemper, generally recover with time and care.
=Docking=:
Puppies should be docked when three or four days old, and the operation
should be done with a pair of sharp scissors. The skin should be drawn
well forward before severing the tail, then afterwards it slips back and
well overlaps the bone. There is, as a rule, little or no bleeding; at
any rate, not sufficient to be of any importance. Should there be, it can
easily be stopped by the application of a little tincture of perchloride
of iron, or of Friar’s balsam. It is well after docking a puppy to keep
the mother away for half an hour or so.
Different breeds of dogs have their tails docked at different lengths.
The fox terrier should have three-fifths of his tail left. Irish and
Airedale terriers rather less than half. Spaniels, about two-fifths of
the tail should be left, and griffons about a third.
=Doses=:
In consequence of the difference in the sizes of dogs, it is always
difficult when giving a general prescription suitable for dogs of all
breeds to make the doses quite clear for dogs of different sizes.
However, to make it as clear as possible, I have divided dogs into eight
different sizes, as for instance, griffons and others, 4 or 5 pounds
weight. I call No. 1 size, spaniels, pugs, etc., weighing 10 or 12
pounds. No. 2 size, fox terriers, Irish terriers, etc., weighing from 18
to 25 pounds. No. 3 size, bull dogs, field spaniels, etc., weighing about
40 pounds. No. 4 size, collies, retrievers, greyhounds, etc. No. 5 size,
bloodhounds, etc., and other dogs weighing about 80 pounds. No. 6 size,
great Danes, etc., weighing about 120 pounds. No. 7 size, bigger dogs,
like St. Bernards. No. 8 size, mastiffs, etc. Therefore, if the dose
advised is from half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, it is intended
for No. 1 size, half a teaspoonful; No. 2, a teaspoonful; No. 3, a
teaspoonful and a half; No. 4, two teaspoonfuls; No. 5, two teaspoonfuls
and a half; No. 6, three teaspoonfuls; No. 7, three teaspoonfuls and a
half; and No. 8, four teaspoonfuls or a tablespoonful. When pills or
powders are prescribed, they are to be divided in the same way.
=Dosing=:
People who are not in the habit of administering medicine to dogs often
have a difficulty in giving it. Liquid is best given out of a bottle.
The person about to give it should stand on the right hand side of the
dog, place the left hand around the muzzle, then slightly raise the head,
and place the neck of the bottle inside the cheek, and pour a small
quantity of the fluid at a time into the pouch formed by the cheek. If
the muzzle is held tightly with the left hand, there is no danger of the
dog biting the bottle. If the reader is afraid to use a bottle, the fluid
may be given with a spoon, but then a second person is required to hold
the dog’s head, and with the finger pull out the side of the cheek so as
to form a pouch in which the medicine should be poured. This is by far
a better plan than forcing the dog’s mouth open, and pouring the fluid
right on his tongue.
[Illustration: How to give fluid medicine or liquid nourishment to a dog]
To give a pill, stand on the right hand side of the dog’s head, with
the left hand placed over the muzzle, forcing the dog’s mouth open by
pressing the cheek between the teeth, then he cannot bite you. Slightly
raise the head, and drop the pill into the back of the mouth, and then
with the forefinger of the right hand just push it into the throat. Close
the mouth quickly, and the dog will swallow it.
[Illustration: Giving a pill]
=Dropsy=:
_Symptoms_: In dropsy, the result of heart or kidney disease, the
limbs often become swollen, as well as the abdomen becoming enlarged
and pendulous. The fluid may be detected for certain in the abdomen
by placing a hand on one side of the stomach, and then gently tapping
the other side of the abdomen, and if fluid is present, an undulating
motion will be felt like striking a bladder full of water. In dropsy, no
matter from what cause, the dog becomes thin about the neck and chest,
and the muscles of the limbs waste. As the fluid increases, the size
of the abdomen increases; the breathing becomes distressed, and the dog
walks with difficulty. In many cases, when relief is not obtained, the
dropsy extends to the chest, which of course increases the difficulty of
breathing.
Many cases of ascites are due to diseased liver, which may become much
enlarged, but the condition of the liver may simply be due to defective
circulation.
_Treatment_: Unless the patient is very old, relief may generally be
given with the following mixture, continued for some time:—
_Recipe: The Mixture_:
Acetate Potash, 3 drachms.
Tr. Digitalis, 1 drachm.
Tr. Nux Vomica, ½ drachm.
Spirits of Nitre, 2 drachms.
Water to 6 ounces.
_Doses_: From one teaspoonful to two tablespoonfuls[1] three times a day.
Also give three times a day in water, after food, from fifteen drops[1]
to two teaspoonfuls of Hollands gin. Once or twice a week a dose of
purgative medicine should be given, as from three to fifteen grains[1] of
jalapine. When the liver is affected, give from two[1] to eight grains
of grey powder once or twice a week, instead of the jalapine. In severe
cases of dropsy tapping is necessary, but as a rule, in ascites it only
gives temporary relief.
=Dysentery=:
_Symptoms_: Frequent liquid motions, consisting principally of mucus and
blood, accompanied by severe straining. The abdomen is very tender, there
is often vomiting and great thirst.
_Treatment_: Give at once a dose of castor oil and laudanum, from half
to a tablespoonful[1] of oil mixed with from three[1] to fifteen drops
of the latter. About six hours afterwards, commence to give carbonate
bismuth from five to twenty grains[1] every three or four hours, also two
or three times a day give an enema of thick boiled starch (from one[1] to
four teaspoonfuls), mixed with from three[1] to twenty drops of laudanum.
The enema should be just warm, given very slowly, and the dog should _be
kept_ quiet for a short time afterwards, to prevent his ejecting it.
The following mixture may be tried, if the symptoms continue in spite of
the bismuth:—
_Recipe_:
Chlorodyne, 2 drachms.
Prepared Chalk, 4 drachms.
Tr. Catechu, 4 drachms.
Sol. Gum Acacia, 4 drachms.
Water to 6 ounces.
_Doses_: From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] every three or four
hours.
_Diet_: Feed on milk thickened with arrowroot (boiled), also give white
of egg beaten up with water to drink, or barley water; no solid food
should be given whilst there are any signs of blood with motions.
[Illustration: PITCHFORD RANGER. Winner of 10 prizes at the Field Trials.
_Pedigree of Pointer, Pitchford Ranger, the property of Colonel Cotes,
Pitchford, Shrewsbury._
} Dan } Spring
} Duke of } } Lady
} Hamilton’s }
} Broderick } Duck } Big Roy
Sire: } Castle Sandy } } Bess
Sandy of Upton }
} } Aldin Fluke } Fluke
} } (31035) } Aldin Bell
} Kiss (31109) }
} Aldin Minnie } Don
} (26646) } Aldin Rose
PITCHFORD RANGER
} Devonshire Wag } Devon Jack
} } Devon Fan
Dam: } Devonshire }
Fleece of Bromfield, } Prime } Devon Lady } Molton Baron
the dam of Champion } } } Village Star
Faskally Brag, Syke }
of Bromfield, and } } Lite } Prior of Upton
Wandering Minnie } } } Mawson’s Queen
} Dora }
} Belle of Avon } Laird of Llandst
} } Lady Love
[_face p. 90._]
=Dyspepsia=:
_Symptoms_: Distention and discomfort after food, which is not eaten with
usual relish. Action of bowels variable, sometimes constipated, at other
times loose; occasionally vomiting after food. Tongue, instead of being
of a nice pink colour, is brick-red. Dog drinks more than usual. There is
loss of spirits and condition, and a disinclination to exercise.
_Treatment_: First give a purge as from 2 to 10 grains[1] of jalapine.
Repeat dose in a week; also give following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Bicarbonate of Soda, 2 drachms.
Tr. Rhubarb, 3 ”
Tr. Gentian, 4 ”
Tr. Nux Vomica, 1 drachm.
Liquor Bismuth, 1 ounce.
Water to 6 ounces.
_Doses_: One teaspoonful to one tablespoonful[1] three time a day half
an hour before food. After food give from one to 5 grains[1] of ingluvin
after each meal.
Dogs suffering from dyspepsia should be treated for worms.
_Diet_: In bad cases, for a few days give milk with Benger’s food, also
milk mixed with equal parts Vichy water to drink; later feed entirely on
lean raw meat for a time, given three times a day; if it is refused quite
raw, try it lightly grilled. Well-boiled tripe, or sheep’s brains boiled
in milk, may also be offered.
=Dysuria=:
_Symptoms_: Frequent passing of water, which is generally of a clear
water colour, the dog at times passing it unconsciously whilst standing.
In some cases the urine may be cloudy or even tinged with blood, when
there is a stone in the bladder or kidney.
_Treatment_: When due to simple irritation of the kidneys or bladder,
and there is an absence of stone, small doses of opium should be given,
from an eighth to a grain[1] three times a day. When the symptoms are the
result of calculus, the cause must be removed by operation. In dysuria
the supply of water should be limited, or barley water or skimmed milk
given instead of plain water.
=Ear-ache=:
_Symptoms_: Shaking of the head, which is often held on one side; pain on
pressure. There is generally an absence of discharge as in canker of the
ear.
_Treatment_: Steaming the ear with hot poppy-head tea gives relief, or a
few drops of laudanum may be poured into the ear. The application of a
hot salt bag is relieving.
=Ear Canker=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs of all kinds, especially those with long ears, are
subject to this disease. The dog shakes and scratches his ear; the parts
are inflamed; he often holds the head on one side, and in most cases
there is a thick brownish discharge. In many cases it assumes the form of
eczema, and dogs subject to this disease more often have attacks in the
spring and autumn than at any other time.
_Treatment_: The following lotion should be applied two or three times
a day with a camel’s-hair brush to all the red parts, and also down
into the ear as far as it will go. After a day or two the ear should be
cleaned out with some medicated wool twisted around the point of a bodkin
or anything of that kind.
_Recipe_:
Oxide of Zinc Ointment, 2 drachms.
Almond Oil, 1 ounce.
Well mix.
In addition to using the lotion, give the dog some cooling medicine, as
from 3 grains[1] to one scruple of sulphate of magnesia, and half the
quantity of bicarbonate of potash, twice a day with the food. The lotion
and medicine should be continued as long as the dog shows any irritation
of the ear.
In neglected cases of canker, ulcers form low down in the ear, causing
a mattery, offensive discharge. In these cases different treatment
is required. The ear should be syringed night and morning with a
tablespoonful of methylated spirits added to half a tumbler of tepid
water, and then after letting the dog shake his head, the ear should be
thoroughly dried with some medicated wool twisted around a bodkin, and
then be filled with some finely powdered boracic acid. This is best done
by the means of a quill attached to an indiarubber tube, the quill being
filled up by being dipped into the powder, and then inserted into the
ear, and deposited there by means of blowing through the tube.
Some of these cases are difficult to cure, but with perseverance they get
all right in time.
There is another form of canker due to an insect, which I call psoroptes
auricularis canis. This is a very minute insect, which collects in large
numbers in the canal of the ear, causing the dog to shake his head
frequently, and scratch the ear. The canal of the ear looks as if it were
full of dry grey powder, but if looked at carefully it will be noticed to
be full of very small insects, the size of tiny cheese mites, and they
will be seen running about as they are very active. This form of canker
is contagious.
_Treatment_: Syringe the ear thoroughly with a teaspoonful of Pearson’s
fluid added to six ounces of tepid water, then carefully dry, and anoint
with the following ointment.
The syringing should be repeated about twice a week, and the ointment
applied night and morning for a time.
_Recipe: The Ointment_:
Salicylic Acid, 10 grains.
Vaseline, 1½ drachms.
Carefully mix. Apply with camel’s-hair brush.
As it is very difficult to destroy the eggs of these parasites, it is
advisable, even after the irritation has ceased, to continue the ointment
two or three times a week for some time, so as to destroy the parasites
as they hatch.
=Ear, Cyst in the Flap of=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs with long ears are more subject to this complaint than
others. It is generally caused by a bruise of some kind. A swelling
forms on the inside of the flap of the ear, often extending all over the
surface. It is very painful, and the dog will hold the head on one side,
and cry out when touched.
_Treatment_: Often, if attended to immediately after it occurs, the
swelling may be dispersed by hot poppy-head fomentations, made by boiling
a couple of crushed poppy-heads in a quart of water for ten minutes,
and then straining. If the swelling does not disappear in a couple of
days, it should be freely opened on the inside at the lowest part—that
is towards the point of the flap. The wound must be kept open by being
plugged by a piece of lint, or inserting a small tube, which should be
fixed in with a stitch. The wound must be kept open for some days, or
else the fluid will collect again.
It is advisable in these cases to make the dog wear a cap as depicted in
the illustration, and if the inside of the ear sweats at all, dust it
freely with powdered boracic acid three or four times a day.
=Ear, Growths in=:
_Symptoms_: Cartilaginous growths occasionally form in the canal of the
ear, quite blocking up the passage. They cause great pain. The dog holds
his head on one side, and is constantly scratching his ear, and crying.
[Illustration: A cap to keep the ears at rest when required. It should
not be put on in cases of canker.]
_Treatment_: The only treatment is to remove the growths by operation,
which should be done as follows: Chloroform having been given, the
growth should be cut out as low down as possible with the points of
probe-pointed scissors. Then the roots should be thoroughly scraped with
a curette, and afterwards thoroughly cauterised with the thermocautery.
The dog suffers a good deal of pain for some days after the operation,
but it may be relieved by pouring a few drops of the following lotion,
which should be slightly warmed, into the ear three or four times a day.
_Recipe: The Lotion_:
Laudanum, 1 drachm.
Carbolic Acid, 20 drops.
Almond Oil, 1 ounce.
Carefully mix.
=Ear, Polypus in=:
_Symptoms_: This is a small pear-shaped growth with the pedunculated root
attached in the canal of the ear.
_Treatment_: This growth is best removed by torsion, as follows: Seize
the growth with a pair of forceps, and twist it round and until it comes
off. No further treatment is required, except keeping the ear clean for a
few days with some boracic acid lotion.
=Ear-Flap, Scurfiness of=:
_Symptoms_: Very often dogs, especially those kept in kennels, suffer
from a very scaly or scurfy condition of the edges of the flaps of the
ears, which causes the hair to fall off, and the dog to shake his head
frequently.
_Treatment_: Apply a little of the following dressing to the parts once
or twice a day. This will remove the scurfiness, and stimulate the
growth of the hair. Once a week wash the ears thoroughly with Cook’s 3%
mercurial soap.
_Recipe: The Dressing_:
Resorcin, 1 scruple.
Cyllin, 15 minims.
Almond Oil, 1 ounce.
Mix.
=Ecthyma=:
_Symptoms_: A skin disease, characterised by the formation of a number of
small pustules, which the dog generally breaks by licking or scratching,
and a running sore is produced.
_Treatment_: The part should be cleaned with a weak solution of Pearson’s
disinfectant fluid, or with a teaspoonful boracic acid in half a pint
of water, then gently dried with a soft cloth, and the following lotion
applied and repeated often:—
_Recipe_:
Prepared Chalk, 2 ounces.
Wright’s Solution Coal Tar, ½ ounce.
Lime Water to 8 ounces.
Well shake before using.
Treat dog for worms, and give following pills:—
_Recipe_:
Arsenious Acid, ½ grain.
Reduced Iron, 40 grains.
Sulphate Quinine, 12 grains.
Extract Gentian, _q.s._
Mix.
Divide into 12, 24, 36, or 48 pills.[1] One to be given twice a day,
after food.
Dog suffering from Ecthyma should be given some meat every day mixed with
other food.
=Eczema=:
A non-contagious skin disease.
_Symptoms_: Skin irritable; dog frequently scratching, also licking and
biting himself. Clusters of fine vesicles appear at different parts;
the skin afterwards becomes dry and scaly, unless the dog by constantly
licking himself makes the parts sore and raw. Parts principally attacked
around eyes, the lips, outside and inside of ears, along top of back,
root of tail; but any part may become affected.
_Treatment_: Bathe affected parts often with following lotion:—
_Recipe_:
Wright’s Solution Coal Tar, 1 ounce.
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Glycerine Boracis, 1 ounce.
Distilled or Rain Water to 8 ounces.
Mix.
Or, apply following ointment twice a day:—
_Recipe_:
Resorcin, 1 scruple.
Cieolin, 20 minims.
Almond Oil, 1 drachm.
Lanoline, 1 ounce.
Mix.
Apply night and morning.
When skin very sore and raw, dust the affected places often with
following powder:—
Best Powdered Starch, 4 parts.
Boracic Acid Powder, 1 part.
Mix.
When the eczema is general—that is, more or less all over the dog—give
every four days a bath in Pearson’s disinfectant fluid diluted eighty
times with tepid water; that is, four tablespoonfuls to a gallon of water.
Internal Remedies.—Treat for worms, and give the following powders:—
Reduced Iron, 6 grains to 36 grains.[1]
Sulphate Magnesia, ½ drachm to ½ ounce.
Mix.
Divide into 12 powders—one to be given twice a day with food.
When the dog is in poor condition, or when the skin is very dry and
scurfy, try the following pills after the powders have been given for a
time:—
_Recipe_:
Arsenious Acid ⅛ grain to ½ grain.[1]
Reduced Iron, 6 grains to 36 grains.
Ext. Gentian, _q.s._
Mix.
Make 12 pills—one to be given twice a day.
=Elbow, Capped=:
_Symptoms_: The point of the elbow is hard, swollen, and tender, causing
the dog to go lame, or at any rate rather stiff. It is generally the
result of an injury.
_Treatment_: At first try hot fomentations, which continue three or four
times daily for some days; then apply the following lotion, dabbed on
frequently:—
_Recipe_:
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Laudanum, 1 ”
Spirits of Wine, 4 drachms.
Water to 8 ounces.
Later, if the swelling continues, rub gently into the swollen part a
little colourless tincture of iodine or iodine vasogen once a day. It is
essential in these cases to keep a good soft bed under the dog.
=Emaciation=:
_Symptoms_: Loss of condition and spirits, paleness of the mouth and
conjunctivæ membrane.
_Treatment_: First give medicine to remove worms; also cod-liver oil,
from half a teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful two or three times a day
after food, and from one to eight grains[1] saccharated iron two or three
times a day.
_Diet_: Feed liberally, allowing plenty of meat, mixed with Spratt’s malt
and cod-liver oil biscuits; also give plenty of milk to drink.
=Emetics=:
The most effectual one is hydrochlorate of apomorphia; dose, from
one-twentieth to one-sixth of a grain[1] in a teaspoonful of water. When
given injected under the skin, it acts almost instantaneously.
Tartar emetic, from a quarter[1] to one and a half grains, shaken dry on
the back of the tongue. If vomiting should not be induced in about ten
minutes, a few spoonfuls of warm water should be given.
Ipecacuanha wine, from half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1]; repeated
in ten minutes if vomiting not induced, and again ten minutes later if
necessary.
In cases of emergency, common salt may be given, from sufficient to cover
a sixpence to a teaspoonful[1] in warm water.
=Emissions=:
This nuisance is, as a rule, more troublesome amongst puppies than adult
dogs, for generally after they are a year old the bad habit ceases.
_Treatment_: A course of bromide is sometimes useful, but if the habit
continues after the dog is two years old castration is the only thing
that is of any use. This operation, which can be done under chloroform,
does not alter a dog’s nature as much as many people think, and when he
is only required as a pet there is nothing to be said against it.
=Emphysema=:
_Symptoms_: The whole body may swell through a small puncture in the
skin, which often cannot be found when a clog’s coat is thick. The
emphysema may be confined to the body or to the head, or even to one
or more limbs. In bad cases the dog swells out of all recognition. He
is unable to move, or does so with great difficulty; and when the head
is affected, the eyes are closed, the ears perhaps an inch thick, and
breathing is difficult. The swelling is soft, pits on pressure, and at
the same time a crackling noise is made.
When affecting the lungs, the breathing is heavy and laboured, and on
auscultating the chest a distinct loud, crackling noise is heard. The
heart is generally affected, its action, as a rule, being very weak; and
there is a chronic, husky cough.
_Treatment_: In cases of general emphysema, if the swelling is not
large it may be left alone, for it will gradually disperse of its own
accord; but when it is large, the original wound, if it can be found,
should be dilated, or one or more fresh ones made, and the air which
has accumulated under the skin pressed out. The wound should afterwards
be cleaned with a solution of some disinfectant like Pearson’s fluid or
boracic acid, dried, then covered over with some antiseptic gauze, and a
bandage or coat applied. Stimulants, as brandy, should be administered.
Treatment of emphysema of the lung is not very satisfactory, especially
when the patient is very old, which is generally the case; but some
relief may often be given by careful dieting. No food to distend the
stomach should be allowed, as pressure on the chest from a distended
stomach always increases the difficulty in breathing, therefore a
concentrated food like meat should be given, and it is best raw. It
should be given in small quantities three times a day.
Sedative medicine, unless the cough is very troublesome, is best avoided,
but some such mixture as the following may be tried:—
_Recipe_:
Tr. Digitalis, 1 drachm.
Tr. Nux Vomica, 1 drachm.
Ipecacuanha Wine, 2 drachms.
Water to 6 ounces.
From half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three times a day one hour
after food.
Inhalation of steam gives relief.
The bowels should be kept well opened by occasional doses of aperient
medicine.
=Enema=:
Enemas are necessary in cases of stoppage of the bowels; they are also
very useful to relieve constipation; and for dogs that are very ill it
is much better to give a small enema rather than a dose of purgative
medicine, which often causes sickness, which one particularly wants to
avoid when the patient is weak.
Just to cause an action of the bowels in cases of constipation, only a
small enema is required as, say for a little dog like a griffon, half
a teaspoonful of glycerine mixed with a couple of tablespoonfuls of
warm water. For dogs the size of fox terriers double the quantity may be
given. For collies, etc., four times the quantity; and for dogs like a St
Bernard half as much again of both the glycerine and water. Instead of
glycerine, soapy water may be used.
In cases of real obstruction of the bowels, give double the quantities
as advised in cases of simple constipation, and the enema should be
repeated in these cases three or four times a day. Very often in cases of
obstruction of the bowels, it is a very good plan to give an occasional
enema consisting of warm oil, or even from five grains to half a
drachm[1] of ox gall dissolved in hot water.
For little dogs a glass ear-syringe may be used which can be bought to
hold half an ounce or an ounce. For bigger dogs one of Higson’s enema
syringes are the best. The bone point, before inserting into the bowel,
should be well vaselined, and then it can be safely passed into the
rectum its whole length, which is about two inches. Care should be taken
when giving enema not to pump a lot of air into the bowel.
Another way of relieving constipation, when one wishes to avoid giving
medicine by the mouth, is to pass a suppository made of glycerine and
gelatine into the rectum. These have their advantage over enema, as they
do not wet the dog when the bowels operate, which is important in cases
of paralysis when dogs cannot stand whilst passing a motion. Failing
a glycerine suppository, a piece of yellow soap cut the shape of one
answers the purpose.
=Enteritis (Inflammation of the Bowels)=:
_Symptoms_: Attack often commences with vomiting. There is generally
slight rise of temperature and a quickened pulse, pain on pressure of
abdomen; there may be constipation or diarrhœa, but in any case mucus
is generally passed with the motion. The dog seems ill, lies about, and
is disinclined to move. There is loss of appetite, and the thirst is
generally excessive.
Chronic enteritis is a more common complaint; there is no temperature
as a rule, and the pulse is quiet, though it generally becomes very
weak as the disease advances. The appetite is not entirely gone, but
is very bad, and what is taken is often vomited, mixed with a quantity
of frothy mucus. When the food eaten is solid, and it is not vomited,
then it generally passes through the patient in an undigested state with
some mucus. The motions are copious and frequent, sometimes there is
diarrhœa, at other times the motions are formed and hard. There is pain
on pressure of the abdomen, and the coils of intestines may easily be
felt as the coats of the bowels are generally much thickened—the result
of the chronic inflammation. The patient becomes very anæmic and wasted,
the breath is foul, ulcers may form in the mouth, and the tongue is of a
rusty red colour.
_Treatment_: In the acute form a small dose of castor oil mixed with from
two to fifteen drops of laudanum,[1] and repeated in two or three days
if necessary. If there is diarrhœa, give from three[1] to fifteen grains
of carbonate of bismuth three or four times a day; also from two to ten
drops of chlorodyne[1] in water three or four times a day; when there is
much pain hot linseed meal poultices may be applied to the abdomen. The
diet should consist principally of milk—plain or with Benger’s food—a
little meat juice may be added. Later, scraped lean raw meat may be given.
The treatment of chronic cases is tedious, a cure is often difficult,
and under the best circumstances it takes many weeks of careful dieting
before improvement occurs.
The following powders to be given with or after food:—
_Recipe_:
Ingluvin, 1 drachm.
Carbonate Bismuth, 2 drachms.
Powdered Nux Vomica, 6 grains.
Mix.
Divide into 12, 24, or 48 powders[1]—one to be given three times a day.
The diet should consist principally of unboiled milk, given plain or with
Benger’s food, or beaten up with the white of an egg, and the quantity
of course must vary according to the size of the dog, say from half[1]
a pint to two quarts a day. Later, when the motions seem normal and the
condition of the tongue improves, scraped lean raw meat may be given in
small quantities.
=Epilepsy=:
_Symptoms_: An attack generally occurs quite suddenly; dog falls uttering
perhaps a loud cry, is violently convulsed, champs his jaws, and froths
at the mouth, and is unconscious. The attack generally lasts about half a
minute, when the dog looks around him in a sort of dazed condition, and
then often bolts off, not knowing where he is going to. Often one attack
is followed by more, so it is important that the dog should be put in
a place of security as quickly as possible, a good sized hamper is as
good as anything. During the convulsions of epilepsy or just after, the
patient unknowingly will bite his owner or anyone else, but there is no
danger from such a bite.
_Treatment_: During the convulsions, it is best to leave the dog alone,
unless one attack is being quickly succeeded by another, in which case
two[1] or three drops of nitrite of amyl held to the nose, on a piece
of blotting paper, lessens the severity of the convulsions. Chloroform
similarly applied answers the same purpose. Directly the patient is able
to swallow, give a dose of hydrated chloral and bromide of potassium,
from three[1] to twenty grains of each, in from two teaspoonfuls[1] to
two tablespoonfuls of water. This may be repeated in one, two, three, or
four hours, according to the necessity, and under any circumstance the
bromide alone should be given three or four times a day for a week or so
after the attack. When a dog has had a succession of fits, a long course
of bromide of potassium will often effect a cure.
_Diet_: Should be light, and consist principally of milk.
In all these cases, free purging does good.
=Epistaxis (Bleeding from the Nose)=:
_Symptoms_: When the blood comes from one nostril, the trouble is
generally local. When from both nostrils, it is more likely to be due to
some lung mischief.
_Treatment_: If the hæmorrhage is not severe, nothing is necessary except
keeping the dog quiet for a time, as it will soon discontinue. However,
should the bleeding persist, syringe up the nostril a saturated solution
of alum, or a teaspoonful of tincture perchloride of iron, mixed with a
tablespoonful of water. In very severe case, the local application of
adrenalin should be tried, and from half to two grains[1] of ergotine,
given subcutaneously, dissolved in a few drops of brandy. This may be
repeated every three or four hours. In some cases it is necessary to plug
the nostrils with strips of lint. When bleeding is severe, stimulants
should be freely given, and also scraped lean raw meat.
=Erysipelas=:
Uncommon in dogs, but occasionally seen.
_Symptoms_: Temperature quickly rises, and may go up to 106 or 107 degs.
F., and even higher—dog constantly shivering—total loss of appetite, but
as a rule thirst very great. Skin becomes thick, tense, and shiny—at
first red, and then perhaps of a purple colour; blisters may form;
affected parts much swollen.
_Treatment_: Give from two to fifteen grains[1] of chlorate potash every
four hours; dust parts with powdered boracic acid, mixed with three parts
of powdered starch.
=Erythema=:
_Symptoms_: Red and inflamed condition of the skin, the redness
temporarily disappearing on pressure. Condition often noticed on inside
of flaps of ears, inside of thighs and arms. It is accompanied sometimes
by a good deal of burning and irritation which makes the dog lick and
bite himself.
_Treatment_: Dust over with boracic powder often, or bathe parts with
thymol lotion. Treat for worms and give sulphate of magnesia, from
five[1] grains to one scruple, and reduced iron, from half[1] to four
grains, twice a day with food.
_Diet_: Meat may be given with other food in this case.
When the Erythema is spread more or less all over the body, a bath every
day or every other day made as follows gives relief:—
_Recipe_: Borax, two tablespoonfuls; fine oatmeal, eight tablespoonfuls;
tepid water, three gallons.
It is a good plan when the dog is wet to rub the yolks of three or four
eggs into the coat, which cleanses it, besides removing the dandruff from
the skin.
=Exhaustion (Result of great Exertion)=:
_Symptoms_: The dog is very languid, and perhaps unable to stand;
breathes heavily, pulse quick and weak. If very bad, the tongue and
membrane of the eye may be of a dark blue colour, the result of defective
circulation.
_Treatment_: Rest and stimulants, as from ten drops to two
teaspoonfuls[1] of brandy in a little water, which repeat every half
hour. When dog very bad and unable to swallow, the brandy may be injected
under the skin. As the dog comes round, Valentine’s meat juice or scraped
raw meat in small quantities may be given.
=Eye, Dislocation of=:
_Symptoms_: This is not an uncommon occurrence with dogs with prominent
eyes, such as pugs, Japanese and Pekingese spaniels, as well as King
Charles spaniels, and other such dogs. Generally it is caused by
fighting, or from some sudden blow just at the back of the side of the
eye.
_Treatment_: If attended to immediately the eye is easily returned,
especially if a little castor oil be poured over the front of the eye,
and then with gentle pressure with the fingers it slips back into its
place, and the eyesight is uninjured; but if left for some time, even for
an hour, the eye becomes distended, and then it is impossible to return
it without dilating the orifice. This must be done by making a small
slit at the outer corner where the eyelids meet, say about one eighth of
an inch long, and then pour a few drops of castor oil over the eye, and
with pressure return it. Afterwards carefully sew up the incision made,
and either put a couple of stitches through the lids, so as to keep the
eyelids closed, or else put a piece of lint double thickness, soaked in
boracic lotion, over the eye, and apply a bandage; but it is much safer
to put a couple of stitches through the lids, which may be removed
twenty-four hours later. The eye is sure to be inflamed and very painful
for a few days, but this may be relieved by hot poppy-head fomentation
made by boiling a couple of crushed poppy-heads in a quart of water for
ten minutes, and then straining through fine muslin.
[Illustration: How to apply a bandage to cover one eye]
After the eye has been out for an hour or two, one cannot tell for some
days whether the sight has been destroyed or not. As a rule it is.
=Eye, Haw of, Growth on=:
_Symptoms_: A small red swelling appears in the inner corner of one or
both eyes. It is particularly common in bull puppies, pugs, and young
bloodhounds.
_Treatment_: The only treatment consists in excising the swelling in the
following way: Paint the little red body several times with a 6 per cent.
solution of hydrochlorate of cocaine, then after waiting a few minutes
the swelling should be gently drawn out with forceps, or by passing a
thread through it with a needle, and then it should be quickly snipped
off with a pair of curved scissors. The bleeding will stop of itself in a
few minutes, and no further treatment is required.
=Eyelids, Sore=:
_Symptoms_: The membrane of the eye is much congested, and freely
discharges white matter; the skin around eye is swollen, inflamed, and
raw, which sometimes makes it difficult to see the eye.
_Treatment_: Apply following lotion often:—
_Recipe_:
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, ½ drachm.
Hydrochlorate of Cocaine, 6 grains.
Distilled Water to 3 ounces.
Apply frequently with a piece of absorbent wool. When the skin is dry
and inflammation less, anoint the lids three or four times a day with
following ointment:—
_Recipe_:
Hydrochlorate of Cocaine, 3 grains.
Water, 1 drachm.
Lanoline, 2 drachms.
Almond Oil, 1 drachm.
Mix.
Give a dose of purgative medicine, also some cooling medicine with food,
as from three to twenty grains[1] each of bicarbonate of potash and
sulphate of magnesia.
=Fainting=:
Dogs subject to asthma often have a weak heart, and when the cough is
severe frequently fall down in a faint, but as a rule it only lasts for a
few moments, and the dog soon seems all right.
_Symptoms_: When due to loss of blood, the dog lies in an apparently
lifeless condition, the mouth is white and clammy, the membranes of the
eyes are bloodless, the pulse is quick and weak, and the breathing slow
and laboured. The same condition occurs as the result of shock after
an accident, as a dog being run over, even when there is no internal
bleeding.
_Treatment_: In the first instances, when a dog faints as the result of
heart disease, the application of smelling salts to nose is generally
sufficient at the time, but the condition that causes it requires
attending to, and a course of some heart tonic should be given as the
following:—
_Recipe_:
Tincture Digitalis 1 drachm.
Tincture Convallaria (Maj.) 1 drachm.
Water to 6 ounces.
From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] to be given three times a day.
It is also a good plan to give a few drops of brandy in water after each
meal, and the best food in these cases is under-done meat. In the second
instance, as the result of hæmorrhage, let the animal lie perfectly quiet
on his right side; if he can swallow, give small quantities of brandy and
milk frequently; if this cannot be taken, inject under the skin from ten
drops[1] to a teaspoonful of brandy, in which has been dissolved from
half[1] to two grains of ergotine; repeat in an hour. To make up for the
loss of blood, inject slowly into the bowel from a tablespoonful to half
a tumblerful[1] of warm peptonised milk, which may be repeated in an
hour. If very cold, place hot-water bottles to back. As soon as dog is
able to swallow give Valentine’s meat juice with water, alternately with
milk and brandy, later small quantities of scraped lean raw meat.
In the third instance, viz., fainting as the result of shock, without
hæmorrhage, it is certainly difficult at first to know whether there is
any internal bleeding or not going on, but in the absence of this the
dog soon recovers. Brandy should be given as previously recommended, and
smelling salts held to the nose.
=False Conception=:
Bitches sometimes after being properly served, though not in pup, become
big and hard, and behave in every respect as if they were going to have
a large litter, and at the end of the period of the supposed gestation,
nothing but a little discharge comes away, and the bitch gradually
gets smaller. There is an accumulation of milk, but this is a common
occurrence seven or eight weeks after heat, even in maiden bitches.
=Favus (Form of Ringworm)=:
_Symptoms_: This is a form of ringworm which dogs often suffer from. It
is frequently caught from rats. It is recognised by circular patches
covered with yellow sulphur-coloured crusts. As a rule, there is not
much irritation of the skin, but the disease is very contagious, even to
people.
_Treatment_: The part should be painted daily with sulphurated calcium
lotion. The lotion should not only be applied to the parts, but half an
inch round the outer circumference of the patch. This should be continued
for about a fortnight. Then dress the place daily for another week with
a lotion of equal parts of methylated spirits, green soft soap, and oil
of cade.
=Feeding=:
_See_ APPENDIX.
=Feet, Cracked=:
_Symptoms_: The pads of some dogs are constantly cracking, especially in
hot, dry weather. As a consequence, the feet become very tender, and in
some cases the dog is quite lame when exercising on hard roads.
_Treatment_: Rub well into the pads night and morning some borate of
glycerine. The loose horn should be removed with scissors. Give the dog
cooling medicine, from three[1] to twenty grains of sulphate of magnesia,
also from two[1] to ten grains of bicarbonate of potash twice a day with
the food. Exercise the dog for a time on grass.
=Feet (Swelling between Toes)=:
_Symptoms_: A swelling often suddenly forms between the toes, which makes
the dog go exceedingly lame, and in fact, he is often unable to put the
foot to the ground. As the swelling increases in size, it soon becomes
soft, and as a rule quickly breaks.
_Treatment_: Directly the swelling is noticed, a hot bread poultice
should be applied, and repeated two or three times until the swelling is
quite soft, and then it should be freely opened and the parts scraped
out. The wound should be kept open for two or three days by packing it
with a little boracic wool or carbolic gauze, otherwise if it heals
too quickly it gathers again. The dog should have a dose of purgative
medicine, and in chronic cases when the swelling keeps reappearing first
in one foot and then in another, a course of arsenic should be given, as
from one[1] to eight drops of liq. arsenicalis in from one[1] to four
teaspoonfuls of water. Repeat the medicine twice a day, and give after
food. Dogs subject to this complaint should be fed principally on dog
biscuits.
=Fever=:
This is a condition of the body characterised by an increase of
temperature, shivering, lassitude, and loss of appetite; and, as a rule,
is a symptom of some specific disease; but on some occasions it occurs
as a result of some unascertainable cause, and generally in such cases
the rise of temperature, which may go up to as much as 104 degs. F., is
only temporary. This is more particularly the case in young puppies.
This condition also occurs in dogs after exertion, especially when not
in condition, as after a long walk on a hot day; but when due to such
causes, the temperature soon drops, and is normal in a couple of hours,
without any treatment. But if a dog, from whatever cause, ascertainable
or not, continues feverish, say over twenty-four hours, some medicine
should be given to relieve it, such as from two[1] to ten grains of
salicylate of soda, or from one-half[1] to five grains of phenacetin; but
this latter medicine should never be given to a dog in a low condition,
as there is always a danger of causing collapse by inducing heart
failure. Either of these medicines may be repeated every four hours, but
if after twenty-four hours the temperature still keeps more than two
degrees above normal, then salicylate of quinine should be tried: doses,
from one[1] to five grains given in a cachet, or made into a pill, and
repeated once in six hours. There are occasions when no medicine seems
to have any permanent effect upon the temperature, and in such cases the
application of an ice-bag to the head for an hour or so may be often
applied with great advantage. A sheep’s bladder makes a capital bag for
small dogs. The ice should be broken in small pieces, and the temperature
taken from time to time whilst the bag is on, so that one can see whether
the temperature is going down or not, as it is not advisable to reduce it
below normal.
=Fistula of Anus=:
_Symptoms_: A small wound running from the side of the anus in an inward
direction, and in many cases opening into the bowel. There is generally
some discharge from the wound, and a good deal of irritation, which keeps
the dog constantly licking the parts.
_Treatment_: The quickest and surest cure is to have the sinus freely
laid open, and afterwards foment and keep the wound clean with hot
boracic lotion—1 drachm to eight ounces of water.
=Fits=:
_See_ EPILEPSY, CONVULSIONS, etc.
=Flatulence=:
Symptoms: Dogs, especially large ones, become occasionally distended with
gas in the stomach. The abdomen becomes enormously swollen and hard; dog
breathes with difficulty; is much distressed, being in great pain. This
is a very fatal disease, as the stomach frequently ruptures as a result
of over-distention.
_Treatment_: Give stimulants freely, as brandy; and to disperse the gas,
give in a cachet from three[1] to fifteen grains of naphthol beta. This
may be repeated in an hour. In some cases the gas may be evacuated by
passing a tube down the throat into the stomach. (_See_ also WIND IN THE
STOMACH.)
[Illustration: POODLE, CHAMPION ORCHARD ADMIRAL.
The property of Mrs. Crouch, The Orchard, Swanley Village, Kent.
_Thos. Fall, photo._] [_face p. 120._]
=Flatulence (Simple)=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs occasionally, as a result of indigestion, suffer from
simple flatulence after eating. He is uncomfortable and restless, and
there are eructations of wind from time to time. The dog may also vomit,
and suffer from diarrhœa.
_Treatment_: A course of the following mixture is useful:—
_Recipe_:
Tincture of Rhubarb, 4 drachms.
Bicarbonate of Soda, 2 drachms.
Tincture Nux Vomica, 1 drachm.
Liquor Bismuth, 4 drachms.
Water to 6 ounces.
_Doses_: From one half to four teaspoonfuls[1] two or three times a day
after food. A little charcoal, say sufficient to cover a sixpence[1] to
a teaspoonful, may also be mixed with the food twice a day.
=Fractures=:
Fractures of the different bones of the limbs, also of the body and head,
are very common in the dog, especially of the first mentioned parts.
_Symptoms_: The symptoms of a fractured part are deformity, pain and
swelling at the seat of fracture, with crepitus or grating together of
the broken ends of the bone when the parts are moved. There are three
kinds of fractures. Simple, when one or more bones are broken in two
pieces, as in fracture of the two bones—radius and ulna—of the fore leg
or arm, and an absence of serious injury to the skin. Compound, when
besides fracture of the bones, the skin and other tissues are torn,
exposing the bones; and comminutive, when a bone is crushed into several
pieces. It is, of course, possible to have a compound comminutive
fracture. There is a false form of fracture that occasionally occurs
in puppies, especially of the larger breeds, more particularly when
affected with rickets; that is, the separation of the epiphyses from the
shaft of the bone. The epiphyses are the ends of the long bones, and in
young animals they are joined to the main shaft by cartilage, later this
becomes ossified or converted into bone.
_Fracture of the Metacarpal and Metatarsal Bones_: They are the bones
running from the knee and hock to the toes respectively; one or more of
these bones may be broken at a time.
_Treatment_: With the fingers bring the broken ends of bones together,
and in the case of the fore leg apply a thin wood splint to the front
of the leg, from just above the toes to an inch or more above the knee,
according to the size of the dog. The splint should be made of thin wood,
the same as is put to the back of pictures, and the part coming next to
the leg should be padded with a thick layer of wool which is best kept in
its place by winding a piece of bandage round it. In cases of fracture
of the metatarsal bones, the splint should be taken from the foot to the
point of the back of the hock. In either case, the splint must be kept in
its place by the application of a thin bandage, wound several times round
the leg, commencing (always) from the foot and working it upwards and
then downwards several times.
In treating fractures, it is important to get them set and bandaged
before the parts have had time to swell, otherwise in a few days when the
swelling has disappeared, the bandage will be found loose and perhaps
come off, necessitating resetting and bandaging. When the setting has
been properly carried out, there is no occasion to remove the bandages
in cases of simple fracture, at any rate for a month; but if the splints
have not been properly padded, they may rub the prominent parts of the
joints or bones, causing bad wounds. When such is occurring, the dog
is restless, and shows unmistakable signs of discomfort by constantly
licking the parts; then the splints and bandages must be removed, and
the sores washed and dressed by sprinkling the wound over with powdered
iodoform before applying the splints and bandages again. The wound may
require dressing every other day, or even daily if it is a bad and deep
one; in these cases a pad of some antiseptic gauze, as carbolic gauze,
should be applied.
_Fracture of the Radius and Ulna_: It is very seldom indeed that one of
these bones alone are broken; if one goes, the other does. They form the
arm; that is, the fore leg from elbow to the knee.
_Treatment_: In these cases four padded splints should be applied—one on
each side, and one at the back, and one in front of the leg. The one in
front must be shorter than the side ones, so as not to rub the front of
the elbow joint or the toes, and the one on the inside of the leg should
be slightly shorter than the one on the outside. One, two, or three
six-yard thin bandages must be fairly firmly applied, commencing right
down at the foot and carried up over the elbow joint.
It is a good plan to apply a few strips of Mead’s plaister over the
bandage; it keeps it from slipping.
_Fracture of the Lower Extremity of the Shoulder Bone, and Humerus_:
These fractures in the elbow joint almost always consist of a breaking
off of the inner condyle of the humerus, and as a consequence the limb
becomes shortened.
_Treatment_: These cases cannot be cured, and it is best not to bandage
them; in fact, they are best left to Nature, for whatever is done,
the dog remains always lame, but after a time he adapts himself to
circumstances, and makes good use of the shortened leg.
_Fracture of the Humerus_: This bone may be fractured through the shaft.
_Treatment_: it is a somewhat difficult bone to set, as it is situated
so close to the body that it is not easy to put a bandage round; but a
splint made of poro-plaister may be moulded to the bone, and kept in its
place with one-inch wide strips of Mead’s plaister. They should be cut
about six inches long.
_Fracture of Scapula or Blade Bone_:
_Treatment_: These fractures should be treated by fixing with hot pitch
an oval piece of thin, pliable leather, large enough to just more than
cover over the bone.
_Fracture of Hock_: Sometimes, as the result of being run over, the bones
of the hock become broken, and as a consequence a stiff joint results.
_Treatment_: A similar splint as illustrated, the same that is
recommended for fracture of the tibia, should be applied.
_Fracture of Tibia_: This bone extends from the stifle joint to the hock,
and is often broken when a dog is run over across the hind leg.
_Treatment_: A splint made of thin zinc, as depicted in illustration,
is the most suitable for these cases; it must be well padded. When the
patient is a big dog, it is advisable to have two splints, one on either
side of the leg. They should extend from the foot to the stifle joint or
just above.
The illustration shows a joint in the centre of the splint, but this is
not absolutely necessary, though it has its advantages. One is, the joint
does not become so stiff, as it allows just slight movement.
[Illustration: A splint with a joint for fractures of the back leg]
Over the bandage a few strips of Mead’s plaister should always be used to
prevent the bandage shifting.
_Fracture of Femur_ (_Thigh Bone_):
_Treatment_: Except in cases of fracture of the lower extremity, these
cases are difficult to treat, in consequence of the shape of the leg,
for one thing; and for another, the limb is so close to the body that a
bandage cannot with advantage be put round. Under these circumstances,
it is always best in cases of broken thigh, except when it occurs at the
lowest extremity—that is, just above the stifle joint—to leave it to
Nature, who, as a rule, makes a very good cure, except that the leg as a
result may be a little shorter than its fellow. The muscles around the
bone are so thick and strong that they take the place of bandages, and
keep the bone in its place; whereas when a bandage is applied, it does
harm, and as a consequence the bone seldom unites. At the lower extremity
it is different; the muscles here are not so thick, and the application
of a splint and bandage supports the broken bone. The best form of splint
is one similar to the kind recommended for fracture of the tibia, but
made to extend nearly to the top of the thigh. To fix this splint in its
place, an ordinary bandage should be applied nearly up to the stifle
joint, and then above this the splint is to be kept in its place by means
of strips of Mead’s plaister, as a simple bandage cannot be kept on the
thigh in consequence of its shape and position.
Fracture of the head of the femur occurs sometimes, especially in
puppies, which is often mistaken for dislocation of the hip joint, of
which I have never seen a case. The part that is really broken is the
neck of the ball of the head of the femur, which fits in the cup of the
pelvis that goes to form the hip joint. In these cases great pain is
caused by pulling the leg back or abducting it, and distinct crepitation
may be felt and heard when moving the limb. If there is any doubt about
the case, the exact condition of the parts can always be plainly seen
with the assistance of the X-rays.
After fracture of the neck of the head of the thigh bone, the top of
it—namely, the trochanter—sticks up higher than it did before, and this
will be particularly noticed if the injured joint is compared with the
corresponding one on the other side.
Treatment is useless in these cases, for the broken bone will never unite
again; but in time a false joint is formed, and though the limb will for
ever afterwards be shorter than its fellow, yet after a time it becomes
a very useful member, and the dog scarcely walks lame at all, except
perhaps after some unusual exertion, but the muscles never develop to the
same extent on the injured side as they do on the sound one.
In treating small dogs with fracture of the legs, it is very important
that the bandages should be as thin and light as possible. In these
cases have bandages made of thin muslin or butter cloth about one and
a half inches wide and four yards long, which soak in a thick solution
of gum acacia. This is put straight on the broken leg after it has been
set straight. A good many layers may be put on, and over this four thin
_unpadded_ splints are adapted, and then a few layers of ordinary bandage
to keep the splints in their place, and they with the outside bandage may
be removed in a couple of days, by which time the gum has dried and set
firmly.
_Pelvis, Fracture of_: Different parts of the pelvis become fractured as
the result of accident, generally from a dog being run over.
_Symptoms_: The dog goes very lame, in many cases with straddled legs,
and often for a time may not be able to walk at all. There is a good deal
of pain on manipulation and swelling of the fractured parts.
_Treatment_: The dog for a month or so must be kept very quiet, and a
jacket placed on the hinder parts assists in keeping them together.
In all cases of fracture, it is most important that the dog be kept
absolutely quiet for the first three weeks; if the dog must go out for
certain purposes, then he should be carried to a garden and back again.
If this is not attended to, the broken bone will not unite, and as a
consequence there is what is called a false joint formed—that is, a soft
union between the two broken ends of the bone—and as a result the dog is
never able to bear weight on the limb, and it is never straight.
In cases of comminutive fracture, the same treatment is required as for
simple fracture, but more time must be given for union to take place.
_Compound Fracture_ is more difficult to treat as the limb cannot be set
up permanently, as it is necessary to dress the wound daily, or at any
rate every other day for a time, and this disturbs the leg and interferes
with the mending of the bone. Before setting the limb in these cases,
the wound must be thoroughly cleaned with some antiseptic solution as
Pearson’s fluid, one in eighty parts of tepid water, or a solution of
chinosol, one grain to the ounce of water. All pieces of exposed loose
bone must be removed, and pieces of bone sticking through the wound
that cannot be put back must be sawn, or nipped off with bone forceps.
Then the limb, after being put in a natural straight position, should be
enveloped in several layers of some antiseptic gauze, before applying
the padded splints in the usual way. It is advisable, if possible, not
to place a splint over the wound, then by cutting a hole through the
bandages so as to expose the wound in the skin, which can be done when
it is small, it can be daily dressed without removing the whole of the
bandages every day, though it is necessary to do so once a week, as the
dressing becomes soiled with the discharge. The hole made in the bandages
must be kept packed with disinfectant gauze, as iodoform or carbolic
gauze, and be changed daily.
_Fracture of Bones of the Tail_ are best treated by setting up the tail
with strips of Mead’s adhesive plaister. Many layers must be applied so
as to keep the parts at rest. Adhesive plaister is advised, as it is
almost impossible to keep a bandage on the tail unless pitch or some
other such material is used, and this makes the dressing so heavy and
uncomfortable for the patient.
_Green Stick Fracture_: That is when a bone is broken, and the parts are
not displaced.
_Symptoms_: These cases are sometimes difficult to diagnose, however,
the parts are swollen and painful, and the dog is unable to put the
foot to the ground. With the aid of the X-rays the fracture is easily
discernible. The bone which I find by experience most liable to this form
of fracture is the radius or fore arm.
_Treatment_: The same as for cases of simple fracture, and it soon
unites, and the leg becomes strong again.
_Broken Back_, which occurs sometimes as the result of a dog being
run over, the part that generally breaks is across the loins—lumbar
vertebræ—well forward close to the dorsal vertebræ.
_Symptoms_: Acute pain at the part, some swelling of the soft tissues
covering the injured vertebræ, and loss of power and feeling of the parts
behind the injury.
_Treatment_: Useless; it is much the best to have the dog at once put out
of his misery.
_Fracture of the Cervical Vertebræ or Bones of the Neck_ may occur from
a dog being run over across the neck. Death, as a rule, quickly occurs.
There is nothing to be done.
_Fracture of Ribs_: This is not an uncommon occurrence.
_Symptoms_: Pain at the seat of injury, and some local swelling. The
fractured rib can easily be felt, and there is some crepitation when
manipulated. The broken ends of the rib are inclined to turn inwards.
_Treatment_: Place a fairly wide linen bandage, or, what is better still,
some wide strips of Mead’s adhesive plaister, round the chest. Union, as
a rule, of the broken rib soon takes place.
[Illustration: Showing how to bandage a dog’s chest for fracture of ribs
and other injuries to the chest]
_Fracture of the Bones of the Skull_, especially those of the forehead,
occasionally occur.
_Symptoms_: The broken bone will be generally found depressed; the
part is very painful, and swelling soon occurs. This injury is often
accompanied by a good deal of acute congestion of the brain, the result
of concussion, and as a result the dog often becomes unconscious soon
after the accident. This may continue for days, or until the pressure,
the result of the fractured bone on the brain, is relieved by operation.
The dog, of course, during the unconscious condition is quite paralysed
in all four limbs. After the pressure is removed, the dog soon regains
consciousness, and strength to the limbs gradually returns.
_Treatment_: In these cases it is important to keep the dog absolutely
quiet; to feed on liquid food, carefully given with a spoon or bottle,
in small quantities often. When the patient is very restless, an ice-bag
may be applied to the forehead, and small doses of bromide of potassium
given every four hours mixed with the food. When the fractured bone is
depressed, and is pressing on the brain, the sooner this is relieved by
operation the better. Of course, for some time afterwards the dog must be
kept very quiet.
_Fracture of the Upper Jaw_: This occasionally occurs as the result of a
blow, as the kick of a horse; also from being run over.
_Treatment_: A bandage cannot be easily applied here to any advantage. If
the mucus membrane has been torn, and the bone exposed, all loose pieces
must be removed, also broken and loose teeth; and the mouth should be
thoroughly washed out three or four times a day with a teaspoonful of
borax to half a pint of water, and the dog fed on sloppy food for a time.
These cases, as a rule, do very well.
_Fracture of Lower Jaw_: This is not an uncommon occurrence, as the
result of the same causes as fracture of the upper jaw.
[Illustration: A splint for fracture of bottom jaw]
_Treatment_: The removing of loose bone and teeth is to be carried out
the same as recommended in cases of broken upper jaw; but here a splint
can be applied, and is necessary, as there is not the same natural
support as there is in the upper jaw. Of course, there is some difficulty
in applying a splint and bandage in these cases to dogs with a very
short face, especially when the patient is very small—as, for instance,
a griffon—and moreover, it is not quite so necessary, as there is more
natural support in a short jaw than a long one, like a terrier’s or
greyhound’s. The splint should be made of perforated zinc, and of the
shape as depicted in the illustration, and be applied as well as the
bandages, as depicted in the illustration. The bandages must be put
on sufficiently tight, so that the dog cannot open the mouth. There
are cases when a dog will not tolerate a splint and bandages; in such
instances, the broken ends of the bone must be brought firmly together
with a strong silver wire suture, and fastened by twisting. The dog’s
strength in these cases must be kept up with milk and raw eggs, beaten up
together; also milk and Benger’s food or sanatogen, as well as beef tea,
as it is necessary that the splint and bandages be kept on for at least
three weeks, and even after this nothing but sloppy food must be allowed
for a time.
=Gall-stones=:
_Symptoms_: Acute abdominal pain, great tenderness of the abdomen, and if
relief is not soon given jaundice follows.
_Treatment_: To relieve the pain, give five[1] drops to a teaspoonful
of laudanum in a teaspoonful[1] to two tablespoonfuls of water. If pain
continues, the medicine may be repeated in an hour, and again an hour
later if necessary. Hot linseed meal poultices should be applied to the
abdomen. If jaundice follows, give from three[1] to ten grains of the
Homœopathic preparation of Merc: Sol: 3 × every three hours for three
or four days. Under the best circumstances treatment can only have but
temporary benefit.
=Gangrene=:
_Symptoms_: This may follow improper treatment of a severe wound, also
the result of a too tightly bandaged leg in a case of fracture, or as
I have seen, from an elastic band being placed on the leg, or in some
cases on a dog’s tail. The parts are at first very swollen, painful and
red, later skin turns blue or even black. Skin oozing very offensive
blood-coloured fluid, later the pain disappears from the part, and it
becomes cold and clammy, and turns green; in fact, becomes putrid.
_Treatment_: If from the too tight application of a bandage, or from
an indiarubber band, it should at once be removed. Hot linseed meal
poultices, dusted over freely with charcoal, applied every four hours,
and then the parts should be freely washed with a warm saturated
solution of boracic acid; carefully dried and wrapped in carbolic gauze,
and a bandage lightly applied. As a rule, there is a good deal of
constitutional disturbance in these cases, and it is advisable to give
some medicine such as salicine, say from three[1] to fifteen grains every
six hours, either in tabloid or cachet, also stimulants as brandy.
=Gastric Ulcer=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs suffering from this disease are occasionally seen
bringing up their food, sometimes tinged with blood, which is generally
of a bright red colour. The quantity of blood varies. Sometimes there
are streaks mixed with vomited matter, or there may be quite a quantity,
causing great exhaustion. They also lose condition, become anæmic and
languid.
_Treatment_: The principal thing in these cases is diet, which should be
light and of an easily digested nature, as milk with the white of egg, or
milk thickened with Benger’s food. When the dog is very weak, a little
Valentine’s meat juice should be added with each lot, but nothing solid.
When the bleeding is severe give ergotine, a half[1] to two grains every
two or three hours, in a teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful of water;
but when it is very slight the styptics are not necessary, but give
the dog each time a quarter of an hour before food from two[1] to ten
grains of carbonate of bismuth, and immediately after food from one[1]
to five grains of ingluvin. It is necessary in these cases to keep the
dog absolutely quiet. Do not allow the dog to drink a lot of water; if
very thirsty, give Vichy water and milk in equal parts to drink, as plain
water increases the vomiting.
=Gastritis (Acute)=:
_Symptoms_: Frequent and violent vomiting, also diarrhœa. The attack is
accompanied by great thirst.
_Treatment_: Keep the dog quiet, and prevent his drinking water. If he is
very thirsty, give Vichy water and milk to drink in equal parts, or ice
to lick. Give every four hours from three[1] to ten grains of carbonate
of bismuth shaken dry on the tongue. If this does not stop the sickness,
give the mixture as recommended for Specific Gastritis. In some cases the
sickness is so acute that if every care is not taken the dog dies from
exhaustion. In such instances the dog’s stomach should be given absolute
rest, the dog not being allowed to drink even water, or have ice, say for
six to twelve hours. To keep the dog’s strength up, give a peptonised
beef suppository every three or four hours. If there is any diarrhœa,
give an enema of a dessertspoonful to two tablespoonfuls[1] of milk,
thickened with starch, with from five[1] to twenty drops of laudanum
added, every four or six hours. When the sickness has stopped, food must
be given very sparingly by the mouth, and should consist of peptonised
milk or milk and Vichy, and just a small quantity of Brand’s, every hour
or so. After a couple of days, if the dog is doing well, a little scraped
lean raw mutton may be offered.
=Gastritis (Chronic)=:
_Symptoms_: In this complaint the dog occasionally vomits, bringing up
his food, is very thirsty, and loses condition. The tongue, instead of
being a nice pink colour, is brick-red colour and dry, and occasionally
diarrhœa occurs.
_Treatment_: For this a diet of raw meat for a time will put the dog
right, a small quantity three times a day; and an hour before each
meal give from three[1] to fifteen grains of carbonate of bismuth. In
very obstinate case, small doses of arsenic, as from half[1] a drop to
two drops of Fowler’s solution, with from two[1] teaspoonfuls to two
tablespoonfuls of water, and given before food, does good.
=Gastritis (Specific)=:
_Symptoms_: This is a contagious disease which has been prevalent amongst
dogs of late years. It is sometimes called German distemper, and often
terminates fatally. The dog generally commences with vomiting, and rise
of temperature; the breath becomes very offensive, teeth highly furred;
ulcers often form on the tongue, along the edge of gums, and inside the
cheeks. There is great wasting. As the disease progresses, the vomiting
increases, the dog often bringing up blood or coffee-coloured, offensive
fluid; also dysentery is present. Unlike ordinary gastritis, there are
generally two or three degrees of fever, but the temperature soon falls
below normal, and the pulse from the commencement is rapid, whereas in
ordinary gastritis you seldom get any rise in temperature or alteration
in the number of the pulse-beats. A very characteristic symptom of this
disease is a very congested condition of the eyes.
_Treatment_: The dog must be kept exceptionally quiet, and prevented
from drinking any water, as it only irritates the stomach. A liquid diet
is absolutely necessary, such as Vichy water and milk in equal parts to
drink, milk and white of egg or Benger’s food, and occasionally a little
Brand’s beef essence. For medicine, give from one[1] to five drops of
cyllin, which is best given in a gelatine capsule, three times a day. If
the vomiting is very severe, the following mixture can be given:—
_Recipe_:
Diluted Hydrocyanic Dil., 24 drops.
Liq. Bismuth, 3 drachms.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Doses_: From a half[1] to two teaspoonfuls every three or four hours.
It is very important to keep the mouth scrupulously clean. For this a
lotion of permanganate of potash may be used, five grains to a tumbler
of tepid water. If ulcers form, apply sparingly night and morning 5 per
cent. solution of bromic acid. There is always a danger of relapse in
these cases if a solid diet is permitted too soon. The liquid diet should
be continued for at least a week after the dog seems apparently well.
=Glandular Enlargement=:
[Illustration: A many-tailed bandage. A useful way of applying a poultice
or dressing to the upper part of the neck]
_Symptoms_: The glands about the throat are subject to swelling from
cold; also they may become enlarged when some injury resulting in
inflammation has taken place in the neighbourhood of the neck. The
lymphatic gland, situated at the lower part of the neck, just in front
and to the inside of the shoulder-joint, is much subject to enlargement
and the formation of tumour. Another favourite situation for similar
enlargements or growths to occur is the lower part of the abdomen
(pubes), between the hind legs, just above and on each side of the sheath
of the penis. Enlargements of the lymphatic gland, on the inside of the
elbow-joint, occur in cases of cancer of the breast.
_Treatment_: When from a cold, as enlargement of the throat glands, use
following liniment:—
_Recipe_:
Colourless Tincture of Iodine, 4 drachms.
Spirits of Camphor, 1 ounce.
Soap Liniment to 3 ounces.
A little to be gently rubbed into the swelling night and morning.
When enlargement of the sympathetic glands, the result of some
inflammation going on in the neighbourhood, no special treatment is
required, as the condition will cease as the inflammation subsides. The
tumefied glands, when situated near the front of shoulder, also under arm
or in the pubic region, may be treated with iodine vasogen for a time,
but any treatment except an operation is unlikely to be successful.
=Glandular Enlargement (Lymphadenoma)=:
_Symptoms_: This is a serious disease, and often affects all the
lymphatic glands of the system, they becoming much swollen and painful.
Those glands under the jaw are generally the first to show the disease,
and they often increase from a bean (normal size) to a walnut in size.
The disease extends to the other glands, as those in front of the
shoulders; also those under the arms. Those at each side of the penis,
the back of the hind legs, and even the gland situated in the abdomen
are affected; in fact, the dog is all lumps and bumps, and is a wretched
object.
_Treatment_: Is seldom attended with success; but occasionally large
doses of iodide of potassium, from one to ten grains,[1] well diluted
with water, seems to retard the progress of the disease for a time.
Removing the diseased glands by operation is not of any use.
=Glaucoma=:
_Symptoms_: The white of the eye is very red, and the ball is distended
and painful on pressure. The eye loses clearness. Disease usually begins
in one eye, but the other often gets affected later.
_Treatment_: Foment frequently with hot poppy-head tea, made by boiling
for a few minutes in a quart of water two crushed poppy-heads and then
strain through fine muslin. The tea should be applied as hot as the dog
can comfortably bear it. Also apply the following drops:—
_Recipe_:
Dionin, 2 grains.
Pilocarpine, 1 grain.
Sulphate Eserine, ½ grain.
Distilled Water to 4 drachms.
Two drops to be placed in the eye three or four times a day.
Glaucoma often requires surgical treatment, as puncturing the eye just
where the schlerotic coat joins the cornea. Sometimes it is necessary to
remove the eyeball, and this often has the advantage of preventing the
other eye becoming affected.
=Gleet=:
_See_ BALANITIS.
=Goitre=:
_Symptoms_: A swelling, varying in size from a pigeon’s to a goose’s
egg, situated low down in the neck, due to enlargement of the thyroid
gland. Almost always both lobes of the gland are affected, and there
is a swelling at both sides of the neck, though one may be slightly
larger than the other. As a rule, the condition does not cause much
inconvenience unless the glands are very big, or the patient very
young—say six weeks of age—when the breathing is often difficult, and
death takes place.
_Treatment_: When the patient is not very young, the hair over the
swellings should be cut short, and tincture of iodine applied every day
for three or four days; then, after waiting a week, the iodine may be
repeated if the swellings remain. When the patient is very young, say a
few weeks old—and the disease is rather common amongst pointers at this
age—the case is best treated with the homœopathic preparation of iodide
of potassium 3 x; dose, three grains thrice daily. Afterwards, when the
swellings are reduced, give cod-liver oil or malt.
=Gripping=:
_See_ COLIC.
=Gum, Growth on=:
_Symptoms_: A hard, irregular-shaped growth of a red colour, which is
somewhat constricted; occasionally grows on the gum, or rather from the
periosteum of the jaw-bone. It is called an epulis. It is more common in
old than young dogs, and it is difficult to cure. When the growth assumes
large proportions, it pushes the teeth quite out of the regular line, and
causes them to become loose.
_Treatment_: When possible, the application of a ligature of strong silk
tied tightly round the neck of the growth, and as close as possible to
the gum, is the best way of removing it. Sometimes this is not practical,
as the base is large. In such cases, the growth should be cut off close
to the gum, and the roots scraped down to the bone.
=Gumboil=:
_Symptoms_: A painful, swollen gum, generally the result of a bad tooth,
or may arise from cold.
_Treatment_: Extract tooth; wash mouth out after with a drachm of
chlorate of potash dissolved in a tumblerful of warm water. Give a dose
of purgative medicine.
=Gums, Bleeding=:
_Symptoms_: Occasionally the gums will bleed very freely, particularly in
old dogs, and often apparently without any reason, and in some cases the
bleeding is very difficult to stop.
_Treatment_: A simple and often an effectual remedy is placing a bandage
rather tightly round the nose for an hour or more, so that the dog is
unable to open his mouth. If this fails, the exact spot, or spots, as
there are sometimes several, must be found, and a solution of adrenalin
applied. Failing this, the tincture of perchloride of iron may be used.
=Hæmorrhoids: Piles=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs do not suffer from real piles, particularly internal
ones, but old dogs get a tumefied condition of the anus occasionally, and
the parts become swollen, red, and tender.
_Treatment_: Relief may be given by bathing with a solution of carbolic
acid, one in sixty of water, or a lotion made with a teaspoonful of
powdered alum dissolved in half a pint of tepid water, but used cold.
When the skin is broken apply the following ointment:—
_Recipe_:
Hydrochlorate of Cocaine, 4 grains.
Goulard’s Extract of Lead 10 minims.
Lanoline, 2 drachms.
Water, 2 drachms.
Mix.
Aperient medicine should be given.
=Hare Lip=:
_See_ CONGENITAL DEFORMITIES.
=Harvest Bugs=:
_Symptoms_: A collection of very small red insects looking almost like
red sand on different parts of the body and limbs, causing irritation and
scratching.
_Treatment_: Washing the parts daily for a few days with kerosene
one part, and butter milk six parts, mixed together; or Pearson’s
disinfectant fluid diluted eighty times with water will destroy them.
=Heart Disease=:
_Symptoms_: Heart affections are not particularly common in the dog,
except perhaps in Japanese spaniels, and I should think at least a third
of these dogs, by the time they are five years old, suffer from some
form of heart trouble, principally valvular or dilated heart, which
gives rise to difficulty in breathing, especially after exertion, a dry
cough, occasionally fainting and loss of condition. Later, as the disease
progresses, other complications arise, as enlargement of the liver and
dropsy (ascites).
_Treatment_: Keep dog as quiet as possible; do not allow any hard
exercise or running upstairs. Feed on a meat diet, and occasionally give
a course of following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Tincture Digitalis, 2 drachms.
Tincture Nux Vomica, 1 drachm.
Simple Syrup, 1 ounce.
Water to 6 ounces.
_Doses_: From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three times a day,
after food.
It is important to keep bowels open by occasionally giving aperient
medicine. If cough very troublesome, give two or three times a day, made
into a pill, from ⅟₅₀th[1] to ⅟₂₀th of a grain of hydrate of heroin,
with from half[1] to two grains of hydrate of terpin.
=Heat, The=:
_See_ ŒSTRUM.
=Hemiplegia=:
_Symptoms_: Paralysis of one side of body, including limbs.
_Treatment_: Unless attack is due to a known cause, as an accident or the
result of distemper, commence treatment with a dose of worm medicine,
followed by a brisk purge. If no better in a few days, give a course of
the following pills:—
_Recipe_:
Ergotine, 6 to 24 grains.[1]
Powdered Nux Vomica, 1 to 4 ”
Ex. cip. _q.s._
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills—one to be given three times a day after food.
When the paralysis is the result of distemper, the same pills may be
given, with from one[1] to three grains of reduced iron each time.
When the patient is a _small_ dog, the homœopathic preparation of Nux
vomica is the best medicine; of this, give five grains of the trituration
3 × three times a day.
Cases of hemiplegia are sometimes very slow in mending, and it is a long
time before the dog regains the proper use of his legs again; in such
instances, electricity should be employed, and a blister to each side of
the neck along the course of the spine applied. They should run from just
behind the back of the ears to just in front of the shoulder-joint, and
be from one to two inches wide, according to the size of the dog. The
blisters may be repeated in about a fortnight if necessary.
=Hernia=:
_Symptoms_: It is a rupture, or protrusion of an organ from its natural
position. The most common positions for rupture are the navel; here it
is called Umbilical Hernia, the Groin or Inguinal Hernia, and Perineal
Hernia, which shows itself by the side, or sometimes both sides, of the
anus.
_Treatment_: The only treatment to effect a radical cure is an operation,
but in the case of umbilical hernia, so long as it remains soft and
small, say not larger than a hazel nut or walnut, according to the
size of the patient, it may be left alone, as it does not cause any
inconvenience even to a bitch required for breeding purposes. Inguinal
hernia, which is only seen in bitches, and nearly always on the left
side, does not cause any inconvenience so long as it remains small; but
this form of hernia has a tendency to increase in size, and when such is
the case, more especially if it is intended to breed from the bitch, it
is advisable to submit to an operation, and, provided it is performed
under aseptic conditions, is unattended with danger.
In cases of old bitches suffering from this form of hernia, when from
some reason an operation is objected to, care must be taken to avoid
constipation. When this is done, seldom any harm occurs unless the hernia
is very large, and becomes hard and painful, caused by some obstruction
of the bowel in the hernical sac. If this happens, attention is required,
and means taken to reduce the hardness and swelling. This is best done by
placing the bitch, if a small one, upon a person’s knees. She should be
put on her back, with the head downwards, and then the swelling should
be carefully manipulated and massaged until it becomes soft and can be
returned into the body. In obstinate cases laudanum, from three[1] to
twenty drops in water, may be given every three or four hours; and after
the hernia has been reduced, a dose of aperient medicine is to be given.
The treatment of perineal hernia is always unsatisfactory. An operation
is not practical, and the only thing to do is to prevent constipation,
and then the dog may live for years without much discomfort. Should the
hernia become hard and distended, enemas of warm salad oil are to be
administered, the swelling softened by careful kneading, and the contents
of the rectum evacuated by means of a greased finger or handle of a small
spoon. A course of the following pills is useful in these latter cases:—
_Recipe_:
Extract of Belladonna, 2 to 6 grains.[1]
Powdered Nux Vomica, 1 to 4 ”
Powdered Rhubarb, 3 to 12 ”
Reduced Iron, 12 to 30 ”
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills—one twice a day after food.
=Hiccough=:
_Symptoms_: A sudden, jerky expiration of breath. Common in puppies.
Result of indigestion caused by worms. It is not a serious complaint.
_Treatment_: If a puppy, treat for worms. To relieve the spasmodic
breathing, give from three[1] to twenty grains of bicarbonate of soda in
milk; repeat in half an hour. If this fails, give from three to twenty
drops of turpentine in a little milk.
=Hoarseness=:
_Symptoms_: The bark is husky and hollow. May be the result of cold, also
from persistent barking, as when a dog is shut up in a strange place.
_Treatment_: If from cold, give frequently one[1] or more teaspoonfuls of
glycerine and water; if from over-barking, pacify the dog by removing the
cause.
=Hydrocele=:
_Symptoms_: A swelling of the scrotum, which may be either hard or soft.
_Treatment_: Apply following lotion often:—
_Recipe_:
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Tincture of Opium, 2 drachms.
Distilled Water to 6 ounces.
Mix.
In some cases the application of tincture of iodine is necessary, or even
the tapping of the swelling.
=Hydrocephalus: Water in the Head=:
_Symptoms_: May be seen in young unweaned puppies; in some cases it
occurs later. The head, especially the top of the skull, is large and
rounded, and the puppy waggles it from side to side as if it was too
heavy to hold up. The gait is unsteady, and the puppy frequently walks
in circles generally in one direction, is constantly whining and crying,
does not thrive, and later generally has convulsions and dies.
_Treatment_: There is really nothing to be done in these cases, and the
kindest thing to do is to put the puppy out of its misery.
=Hydrophobia=:
_See_ RABIES.
Though practically the same disease as rabies or canine madness,
hydrophobia is a misnomer when this disease affects the dog, as he is not
afraid of water; in fact, he will try to drink, but is unable to swallow
little or none of the fluid in consequence of the condition of the throat.
=Hypodermic Syringe: How to Use=:
The proper quantity of medicine or stimulant, or whatever is going to be
given, having been drawn up into the syringe, and the needle adjusted, a
small fold of skin should be pinched up between the forefinger and thumb
of the left hand, and the needle for about half an inch should be quickly
thrust into the skin at one end of the fold, and then by pressure on the
piston the contents of the syringe should be evacuated. If the operation
is done quickly, the dog knows nothing about it.
It does not in the least matter where the injection is made, so long as
the place selected is where the skin is loose, as over the ribs.
It is most important that the syringe and needles be kept very clean;
and each time after being used it should be washed out with a five per
cent. solution of carbolic acid or spirit. A wire (slightly vaselined),
several of which are supplied with the syringe, should always be kept in
the needle.
=Hysteria=:
Young puppies, especially at the time when they are changing their teeth,
have sometimes a form of hysteria brought about by excitement, especially
in hot weather.
_Symptoms_: The puppy rushes about here and there, not knowing where it
is going or what it is doing, biting and snapping at everything within
reach, and screaming and howling as if it was being unmercifully beaten.
Saliva pours from the mouth, and many a one has been destroyed during
such an attack, it being supposed to have gone mad.
_Treatment_: Place the puppy in a basket, and put in a quiet, dark place.
It cannot be made to swallow anything during the attack, but medicine in
the form of an enema may be given, as from ten[1] to thirty drops each
of laudanum and sulphuric ether in from one[1] to four tablespoonfuls of
tepid water.
A course of bromide must be given afterwards for some time to prevent a
recurrence of the attack. Dose from three[1] to ten grains with milk, or
in a little water, three times a day. Keep on a light diet and give no
meat.
=Ichthyosis=:
_Symptoms_: Hard, dry, thick skin which wrinkles, and the formation of
large scales or scurf.
_Treatment_: Dress places daily with following:
_Recipe_:
Oil Cade, 2 ounces.
Green Soft Soap, 2 ”
Methylated Spirits, 2 ”
Well mixed together.
Give a course of arsenic, from one[1] to five drops of Fowler’s solution,
twice a day, in a little water after food. After a week, gradually
increase the dose from two[1] to ten drops.
Once a week give a warm bath, adding one tablespoonful of borax to every
gallon of tepid water, and use 3% mercurial soap (Cook’s).
=Impetigo=:
_Symptoms_: Skin is red, small pimples containing matter form, which
break, discharging a sticky, creamy coloured pus which dries and forms
a thick crust. The disease is supposed to be contagious, but I do not
consider it so.
_Treatment_: Wash dog with Cook’s 3% mercurial soap, dress sores daily
with compound Naphthol Beta ointment. Treat dog for worms, and give a
course of arsenic as recommended for Ichthyosis.
=Impotence=:
Or the inability of an animal to propagate its species. In the dog it
may be due to many causes. Of course dogs castrated are impotent, so
they are when the testicles do not descend into the scrotum, though
able to perform the act of coition satisfactorily. Deformities of the
penis, fracture of the bone of the penis, stricture of the orifice of the
prepuce, so that the penis cannot protrude, this can be remedied by a
simple operation of dilating the orifice. In some cases the seminal fluid
is at fault. These cases can seldom be remedied, though I have found a
raw meat diet beneficial in some instances.
In cases of fracture of the penial bone, this, as a rule, in the course
of a month mends satisfactorily without treatment, but the dog should not
be used for stud purposes for a couple of months. Many dogs, especially
young, and also those too much used at stud, suffer from temporary
impotence due to lack of sexual desire. In the case of a young dog, a
dose of cantharides, three to twenty minims[1] in water, two hours before
trying to use him, often has the desired effect; if not, the medicine may
be repeated in six hours. The same medicine may be given to shy bitches.
Sterility or impotence often occurs in bitches. Some cases are curable,
but there are many which cannot be cured, for the simple reason that one
cannot find out the cause, and all one can say is, the bitch is barren.
The curable cases are those that are due to stricture of the vagina, a
not uncommon occurrence, then tumours, as polypi or other growths in the
vagina; a description of the treatment of these diseases will be found
in another part of the book. In some cases a bitch may miss breeding
through the discharge in the vagina being of a too acid nature. This can
be remedied by syringing the passage well out with a warm solution of
bicarbonate of soda, about one hour before service. The injection should
be made by dissolving one teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda in half a
pint of water.
Then there are congenital deformities of the pelvis and vagina,
occasionally met with in the bitch, which prevent successful coition, and
the parts may become deformed as the result of accident, as being run
over across the lower part of the back.
Again, an attack of metritis or inflammation of the womb, the result of
a chill during the period of heat or from other causes, generally causes
the bitch to be barren afterwards, and certain diseases of the ovaries
also cause sterility.
A bitch who is very fat or in any way out of condition, the result of
illness, or from insufficient and proper exercise, or too hard exercise,
will seldom breed. The proper treatment of these cases is indicated by
the cause.
=Incontinence of Urine=:
_Symptoms_: The involuntary passing of water. In puppies it is generally
the result of nervousness, and passes off in time. The condition is
generally present in most cases of paralysis, the bladder, after being
over-distended, simply overflows as it were. It is also a symptom of
stone in the bladder, especially in the bitch.
_Treatment_: If in cases of general paralysis the bladder is kept
empty either by pressure to both sides of the abdomen, just over the
seat of the bladder, or by the passing of a catheter, the condition of
incontinence is prevented. The former method is the best, as the frequent
passing of the catheter sets up great irritation in the dog, and often
does harm. The bladder should be relieved at least three times a day.
When the result of general paralysis of the hind parts, improvement is
not to be expected until strength returns in the legs; but when the
incontinence is caused by simply over-distention, as, for instance,
through keeping a dog very clean in its habits shut up a long time, then
after emptying the bladder a course of Nux vomica is often necessary to
assist the bladder to regain tone. Give from one[1] to five drops of
the tincture in water three times a day after food; also a free dose
of purgative medicine, oil being the best, and keep on a light diet,
avoiding meat and soups for a few days.
=Indigestion=:
_Symptoms_: In the acute form the dog vomits after everything eaten,
also after drinking water, and there is always great thirst in these
cases. The patient shows signs of discomfort after food, and occasionally
suffers from diarrhœa. The tongue loses its natural pink colour, and
becomes dry and of a rusty red. The breath is foul, and teeth become
coated with fur. The dog quickly loses condition.
In chronic indigestion the symptoms are similar, but not so marked.
_Treatment_: Should commence with a dose of castor oil, even though
the patient may be vomiting and suffering from diarrhœa. A few hours
afterwards commence the following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Acid Hydrocyanic Dil., 24 minims.
Liq. Bismuth, 2 drachms.
Aqua ad., 3 ounces.
From half to two teaspoonfuls[1] every four hours.
When the acute symptoms have passed, give the following powders:—
_Recipe_:
Ingluvin, ½ to 2 scruples.[1]
Carbonate Bismuth, ½ to 2 drachms.
Powdered Nux Vomica, 1 to 3 grains.
Mix.
Divide into 12 powders, and put in cachets—one to be given three times a
day after food.
_Diet_: First simply give milk and Vichy water in equal parts to drink,
a small quantity at a time; also occasionally a little Brand’s beef
essence. If sickness is very persistent, give stomach twelve hours’
absolute rest, during which time give every four hours a peptonised beef
suppository, then try the former diet again. When solid food is again
given, it should at first consist of scraped lean raw meat, beef, mutton,
or veal; for a change, boiled tripe. Thin barley water is better than
plain water to drink.
[Illustration: CHOW CHOW, CHAMPION RED CRAZE.
Born June 8th, 1901. Winner of 61 Firsts and Specials and 14
Championships. The property of Mrs. Scaramanga, 8, Sussex Square, Hyde
Park, W.
_Thos. Fall, photo._] [_face p. 156._]
=Inflammation=:
_Symptoms_: Redness, swelling, and tenderness of the part affected; rise
of temperature; thirst; an abscess may form.
_Treatment: External Inflammation_: Apply following lotion with lint and
bandage, or dabbed on part often:—
_Recipe_:
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Laudanum, 1 ”
Water to 6 ounces.
Mix.
If the temperature keeps up, say, to 3 or more degs. above normal, it
is pretty certain an abscess is forming, in which case hot linseed-meal
poultices should be applied. To keep the heat in the poultice, cover the
outside of it with a layer of oil silk.
_Internal Inflammation_: Keep patient quiet; give aperient medicine, as
from two to ten grains[1] of jalapin. If chest affected, put on flannel
coat lined with thermogen wool. When inflammation situated in abdomen,
apply heat to part, as hot flannels, hot-water bottles, or linseed-meal
poultices. When temperature very high, doses of aspirin, from two to ten
grains,[1] maybe given three or four times a day; and if there is much
pain, from two to fifteen[1] drops of laudanum may be given in water the
same time.
_Diet_: Light, as milk, with Benger’s food, stale bread or toast.
=Influenza=:
_Symptoms_: Dulness, loss of appetite, rise of temperature, pains in
the loins, quick pulse. There is generally a cough, and bronchitis or
pneumonia may develop. In some cases there is severe diarrhœa, and there
may be some discharge from nose.
_Treatment_: Place patient in a dry and comfortable room or kennel, the
temperature of which should be kept from 55 to 65 degs. F., according
to whether the dog has been accustomed to live in a house or kennel.
If there is constipation, give a small dose of castor oil; and if the
temperature is high, give from two[1] to ten grains of salicine three or
four times a day. When fever has passed, give salicylate of quinine, from
a quarter[1] to a grain, made into a pill, three times a day.
_Diet_: Light, whilst there is any fever; but when this has passed,
strengthening food is required, as under-done or raw meat with rice or
bread, also tripe and fish; and if appetite bad, offer some stewed rabbit
with rice or bread.
=Inguinal Hernia=:
_See_ HERNIA.
=Insect Bites=:
_Symptoms_: The parts may become much swollen and red, accompanied by a
good deal of irritation.
_Treatment_: Dab parts with ammoniated quinine; failing this, eau de
Cologne or methylated spirits. When place very tender, the lead and
laudanum lotion as recommended for external inflammation may be used.
=Invalid Foods=:
When nursing sick dogs the diet is important, as it is so much better to
get the dog to eat something for himself, rather than always pouring food
down its throat. Taking food voluntarily not only does the dog more good,
but it is less worrying to the patient, for when one has to feed with
the spoon or bottle it is necessary to give nourishment very frequently,
whereas when it is taken voluntarily, more, as a rule, is taken at a
time, and therefore it is not necessary to offer food so often. A good
meat tea is made with equal parts of veal, beef, and mutton—say half a
pound of each cut up very small, then slowly stewed for three hours in
a pint of water. This should be strained and given either cold or warm,
whichever the dog likes best.
A jelly made from rabbit is also very nourishing, and dogs, as a rule,
are very fond of it, and they will often take it when they refuse
everything else. It should be made as follows:
The whole rabbit should be cut up in small pieces, including the liver;
the leg bones should be cracked, the heads split open, and the whole
stewed in a pint of water for some hours; then strained off, and if there
is more than half a pint reduce it to that quantity, and set aside to
cool. This may be given either cold or hot; a small quantity at a time,
as it is, if made as directed, very strong.
Fish boiled in water, or boiled in milk; and a capital fish soup is made
by stewing white fish, such as whiting, in milk for some time, and then
straining off and giving the soup to drink. Also boiled fish stewed with
rice makes a good food, and the different kinds of fish alone boiled.
A food of this kind may be given to a dog even when he has a fever,
especially if he will take it himself.
Sheep’s brains boiled in milk make an excellent and tempting food.
Calves’ sweet-breads also boiled, or even grilled, dogs are very fond of.
Chickens’ livers grilled make an appetising dish for a dog; and when
a dog is convalescent, and the temperature is normal, he may be even
tempted to eat by offering grilled meat.
Milk of course is one of the best and most nourishing diets, and when
the dog is very weak the white of one egg to every cup of milk is very
strengthening food. For a change, milk, with plasmon added, should be
given, but too much of this latter food must not be given to dogs with a
high temperature.
Sanatogen is a most excellent, strengthening, and easily-digested food.
Dogs will often retain this when they are unable to take any other food.
Benger’s food with milk is also an easily-digested food, as it is
partially predigested. Cases often arise when a dog cannot possibly
retain anything in the stomach, then it is necessary to give nourishment
by the rectum, and it is astonishing what a long while a dog can be kept
alive and fairly strong in this way.
The best kinds of food for giving by rectum are peptonised milk, or
peptonised beef-tea, and peptonised beef suppositories. Burroughs
Wellcome’s are good nutritive suppositories. As to the quantity of milk
to be given per rectum, from one[1] to eight tablespoonfuls, just warmed,
every three or four hours alternatively with one of Burroughs Wellcome’s
meat suppositories.
In giving a nutritive enema, care must be taken to pass it very slowly
into the bowel so as not to excite action, or the enema will be
immediately rejected, and afterwards just raise the hind-quarters a
little bit so that the fluid runs well into the body, and hold the tail
down for a few minutes so that it cannot escape.
The milk can be peptonised with Fairchild’s peptonised powders, which can
be bought at any chemist’s shop.
Brand’s meat essences are excellent foods in cases of stomach disorders.
Benger’s peptonised beef jelly is a very easily digested preparation, and
very useful in cases of severe vomiting.
Raw meat beef-tea, made by soaking for a couple of hours half a pound of
scraped lean raw beef in half a pint of cold water, then stood in front
of a fire to get warm, then straining and squeezing through a coarse
tea-cloth. Or the juice may be pressed from raw meat with one of Dr.
Klein’s meat-squeezing machines. This is very nourishing and easily
digested, and dogs are fond of it, and often will take it voluntarily
when refusing other foods.
An excellent combined food for dogs very ill, especially with distemper,
when the patient is very weak, or during convalescence, is made as
follows:—
To a breakfast cup of milk, thickened with Benger’s food, add the white
of an egg, a full teaspoonful of invalid bovril, and a dessertspoonful of
brandy; of this give from one[1] to six tablespoonfuls every two or three
hours alternately, with some beef-tea or meat extract.
Messrs. Spratts’ Patent have recently introduced a new food for invalids.
It is a granulated meal, and they call it Invalid Food. It is a most
excellent preparation, and every dog I have offered it to has eaten it
with avidity. I have found it a very useful diet for distemper patients
mixed with milk; and I have given it to puppies just weaned, and they
have thriven well on it. Though this new food is called Invalid Food,
it is an excellent preparation either mixed with milk or soup for small
dogs; if meat is required it can easily be added, as it contains none,
but I am told that it contains a special meal, and that little or no meat
is necessary.
The same preparation is put up in the form of biscuits which are crisp
without being hard, and small dogs eat them with pleasure. No doubt
all dogs are better for having something hard to gnaw once a day. It
preserves the teeth, hardens the gums, and assists digestion.
Animal Kreochyle is an excellent extract of meat for use in cases of
great weakness, the result of distemper or from any other disease. It is
also an excellent remedy in stomach disorders accompanied by sickness.
Dogs, as a rule, take Kreochyle very readily, and it is easily digested
and assimilated.
=Irritation of Skin=:
_Symptoms_: Constantly scratching, biting, and licking the skin, which
when examined, there is often nothing to be seen. The condition occurs in
hot weather, especially during the shedding of the old coat.
_Treatment_: Give a sulphur bath made by dissolving one ounce sulphurated
potash in a pail of tepid water; repeat every two or three days. If
this does not give relief, bathe the dog in a warm solution of borax,
one tablespoonful to a gallon of water. Give saline aperient medicine,
as Dinneford’s fluid magnesia, to small dogs, and Epsom salts to large
ones. A meat diet is often beneficial in these cases, but sometimes it
increases the irritation; then, of course, it must be avoided, and other
food with green vegetables substituted.
=Itch=:
_See_ MANGE.
=Jaundice=:
_Symptoms_: Generally the result of congestion of the liver, caused by
chill; may be due to impaction of the duct with a bile stone, or worms;
or the opening of the duct into the bowel may be stopped by thickening
of the bowel membrane. The attack generally commences with sickness,
dullness, loss of appetite; and the membranes of the mouth and eyes turn
yellow, and so does the skin. There is generally obstinate constipation,
and what is passed from bowel is usually grey or slate colour. The urine
is scanty and high-coloured.
Jaundice is also a symptom of organic disease of the liver.
_Treatment_: When the result of congestion caused by a chill, I have
found, after many years’ experience, that the homœopathic preparations
of Nux Vomica 3 × and Merc. Sol. 3 × act well in these cases. Of the
trituration give from two[1] to ten grains of each every three or four
hours. If the bowels do not operate on the second day, give an enema of
from two tablespoonfuls to half a pint[1] of warm soapy water; repeat
daily if necessary. Hot linseed-meal poultices may be applied to abdomen.
_Diet_: Mutton broth (in which some green vegetables have been cooked),
with toast or stale bread; milk and Vichy water in equal parts to
drink; later boiled fish or tripe. When the condition is the result
of obliteration of the duct, there is nothing to be done; relief may
occur spontaneously, or an operation may be performed, but it is not
recommended. When jaundice is due to organic disease of the liver, it
cannot be cured, but the Nux Vomica and Merc. Sol. treatment will
sometimes give temporary relief. The application of iodine vasogen over
the enlarged liver in these latter cases is often useful in relieving
tension of the organ.
=Kennels, How to Disinfect=:
After dogs have been suffering from any contagious disease, like
distemper or mange, in a kennel, it is necessary to thoroughly disinfect
them, and it is best done in the following manner:—
In a strong tin dish from half to a pound of sulphur, according to
the size of the kennel, should be placed. A few drops of methylated
spirits should be poured on top of the sulphur, and a light applied, the
methylated spirits being added to make the sulphur ignite more easily.
The kennel should then be made as air-tight as possible by having strips
of paper pasted over all the crevices and around the window-frames, so
that the sulphur fumes cannot escape. The kennel should be kept sealed up
for forty-eight hours, after which the windows and doors may be thrown
open so as to thoroughly ventilate the place, and the following day the
whole of the inside kennel should be thoroughly washed with a strong
solution of Pearson’s fluid, 1 in 40. The walls and ceilings when dry
should be afterwards well lime-washed or sulphur-washed—that is, finely
powdered sulphur mixed with water and size, the same way as whitewash
is prepared. A day or two later, when everything is thoroughly dry, the
kennel will be quite fit to receive dogs, or even puppies, without any
fear of infection.
=Kidneys (Inflammation of, Acute)=:
_Symptoms_: The attack generally comes on suddenly; may arise from severe
chill, but generally the result of stone in the kidneys. There is great
pain over the loins; the dog walks with difficulty and arched back; the
temperature rises 3 or 4 degs. above normal; the pulse is quick and full;
the urine is high-coloured and scanty—sometimes it is the colour of
blood, and mixed with mucus and pus; the limbs may swell from dropsy, and
the dog is very thirsty and often frequently sick.
_Treatment_: Give saline purgative medicine, as Epsom salts, from twenty
grains to one ounce[1] in warm milk; repeat the next or following day.
Also give every four hours from five to thirty grains[1] of hyposulphite
of soda in a little water. As to food, it should consist principally of
milk mixed with equal parts of Vichy water, and a little boiled fish.
If sickness very severe, give from half to two drops[1] of diluted
hydrocyanic acid in a teaspoonful of water every two, three, or four
hours, and ice to lick. After the acute stages have passed, give tonics,
as the ammoniated citrate of iron, from one to five grains,[1] three
times a day, in from one teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful of water.
=Kidneys (Inflammation of, Chronic)=:
_Symptoms_: May be the sequel of an acute attack or a less severe chill,
and sometimes it is caused by gravel. There is tenderness over the
loins; the urine may be tinged with blood, or after passing water, which
may look quite clear and normal, the dog continues to strain, and a few
drops of blood escape and some mucus.
_Treatment_: A milk diet is important in these cases; it may be given
with rice, tapioca, Force, or bread. Red meat must be avoided, but tripe
and fish may be allowed. Vichy water mixed with equal parts of plain
water should be given to drink; and a course of hyposulphite of soda, as
recommended in acute inflammation, should be given, but only two or three
times a day. If gravel or a stone is suspected, a course of boro-citrate
of magnesia with bicarbonate of potash is advised. The dose of the former
is five[1] to thirty grains, and of the latter from two[1] to fifteen
grains mixed with the food twice a day, and be continued for some time.
=Lactation (Defective)=:
_Symptoms_: A small supply or total suppression of the mammary secretion.
_Treatment_: Give a raw meat diet, and stimulate the glands by massage;
also encourage the bitch to drink plenty of fine oatmeal gruel.
=Lactation (Excessive)=:
_Symptoms_: Excessive secretion of milk. The glands are swollen, hard,
and painful, and the milk often dribbles away. It may occur before the
puppies are born, or just after; and it often happens to a maiden bitch
to have a large secretion of milk, which shows itself about seven or
eight weeks after heat, and which lasts five or six weeks. A maiden
bitch in this condition is very restless and wretched. She appears to
be always looking for puppies. She will walk about with her tail down,
crying, and occasionally scratches and rakes at her bed, and twists round
and round as if making a nest.
_Treatment_: In the first instance, rub the glands with warm salad oil
to soften them, and draw some milk off night and morning. In the second
case, simply draw some of the milk off, and avoid if possible putting
anything on the glands, in case you should injure the puppies or put
them off their feed. In the case of bitches having milk who have not
been pregnant, purgative medicine—castor oil is the best—should be given
once or twice a week, and the glands rubbed with camphorated spirits,
or dabbed with a lotion made with two tablespoonfuls of gin and half a
pint of water. When the milk collects in large quantities as to cause
discomfort, it must be drawn off; but this should be avoided if possible,
as it has a tendency to stimulate secretion. Give the food dry; biscuits
are the best.
It is most important to thoroughly attend to maiden bitches when in this
condition, otherwise the milk curdles and becomes hard, and this is the
commencement of mammary tumours.
=Larynx (Inflammation of)=:
_Symptoms_: A dry, husky cough, the dog after coughing retches as if
about to vomit. If neglected, may go on to bronchitis. It is very
contagious.
_Treatment_: An emetic gives immediate relief, give from one quarter[1]
to a grain of tartar emetic shaken dry on the tongue, also give the
following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Liquor Hydrochlorate of Morphia, 2 drachms.
Syrup of Squills, ½ ounce.
Syrup of Tolu, ½ ounce.
Syrup of Lemons, ½ ounce.
Water to 3 ounces.
_Doses_: From half a teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful[1] two, three, or
four times a day, according to the severity of the cough.
Also give purgative medicine. Holding the head over hot water, in which a
little Friar’s balsam has been mixed, gives relief, and so do the fumes
of burning cresoline.
The dog should be kept dry and warm; in fact, in one temperature for a
few days.
=Lead Poisoning=:
_Symptoms_: Blue line on gums, vomiting, loss of appetite, great thirst,
generally constipation, but there may be diarrhœa. Colicky pains, and in
some cases convulsions, followed by paralysis of the hind legs.
_Treatment_: Give Epsom salts, from ten grains[1] to one ounce in some
sweetened milk. Also a course of iodide of potassium, from half to four
grains in from one teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful of water. For the
treatment of the paralysis, see Paralysis.
=Leucorrhœa=:
_Symptoms_: A pale, yellowish discharge from vulva. May occur before
heat, but more often afterwards, and frequently seen after pupping.
_Treatment_: Syringe with a weak tepid solution of Condy’s fluid,
about half a teaspoonful to half a pint of water. If the discharge is
persistent, syringe with one drachm of powdered burnt alum in half a pint
tepid water night and morning.
Give tonics, as from half[1] to three grains of sulphate of iron (made
into a pill), two or three times a day.
=Lice=:
_See_ INSECT.
=Liniment=:
The following is a soothing liniment for recent cases of sprains and
injuries to joints, etc.:—
_Recipe: The Liniment_:
Tincture Hydrocyamus, 4 drachms.
Methylated Chloroform, 4 drachms.
Spirits of Camphor, 1 ounce.
Soap Liniment, 2 ounces.
Mix.
Apply with friction night and morning.
A stimulating liniment for bronchitis, sore throat, pneumonia, etc.:—
_Recipe_: _The Liniment_:
Strong Solution of Ammonia (Liq. Ammon. Fort.), 3 drachms.
Soap Liniment to 4 ounces.
Mix.
Apply with friction night and morning.
_A Liniment for Chronic Sprains, Enlarged Joints, and Glands_:
Colourless Tincture Iodine, 2 ounces.
Soap Liniment, 2 ounces.
Mix.
Apply with friction once a day.
=Lips (Cracked)=:
_Symptoms_: The lips along the edges become dry, thick, and crack as the
result of eczema.
_Treatment_: Paint once or twice a day with sulphurated calcium lotion;
when cracks healed, anoint with boracic ointment. Give cooling medicine,
as bicarbonate of potash and sulphate of magnesia, from two to ten grains
of each,[1] twice a day with food.
=Lips (Sore)=:
_Symptoms_: Unhealthy-looking ulcers assuming the form of cancer or lupus
occasionally form on the lips.
_Treatment_: Clean frequently with a saturated solution of boracic acid,
and paint the ulcer with a twenty-five per cent. solution of chromic acid
twice a week.
=Liver (Sluggish)=:
_Symptoms_: Indifferent appetite and loss of condition, the coat staring;
bowels constipated, and the motions white or slate colour. Dog vomits in
the morning. Tongue white and coated, and the breath foul. Eyes congested.
_Treatment_: Give from one to six grains[1] of grey powder, which repeat
in a few days; also give a course of the following:—
_Recipe_:
Bicarbonate of Soda, 2 drachms.
Tincture Rhubarb, 4 ”
Tincture Nux Vomica, 1 drachm.
Water to 6 ounces.
From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three times a day.
_Diet_: Spratt’s biscuits soaked in soup, with green vegetables added.
[Illustration: A lever for forcibly opening the jaws in cases of
‘Lock-jaw’]
=Lock-jaw=:
_Symptoms_: A rare disease, but occurs occasionally, the result of injury
to the head or severe hurt to the eye, and may result from sunstroke.
It is seldom that the whole body as well as the jaw is affected in the
dog as in other animals and people, and, as a rule, it assumes a chronic
form. Though the dog is unable to open his mouth, he is generally able
to suck in fluid food, as milk with eggs and strong beef-tea. The muscles
of the head become much wasted.
_Treatment_: At first give sedatives, as from two to ten grains[1] each
of hydrated chloral and bromide of potassium in water three or four times
a day. After a time, means must be taken by aid of levers to gently force
the jaws apart. It must be done very gradually by increasing the extent
of the opening a little more each day. The treatment requires to be
continued some time to obtain permanent beneficial results; but directly
the dog is able to open his mouth a little, encourage the gnawing of
bones.
=Lumbago=:
_Symptoms_: A form of rheumatism affecting the loins. The dog shows signs
of much pain when walking or upon pressure to the parts. Dogs affected
with lumbago often lose all power for a time in the hind legs; in fact,
it is the cause of many cases of paraplegia.
_Treatment_: _See_ RHEUMATISM.
=Lungs (Inflammation of)=:
_Symptoms_: Not a common ailment of dogs, except in cases of distemper or
influenza, but it may result from cold. The attack generally commences
with rigors or shivering; the temperature rises to 103 or 104, in some
cases even higher; pulse is increased in frequency, full and hard. The
breathing is quick, and at each expiration the dog may give a suppressed
grunt. The chest is tender on pressure. If the ear is put to the chest,
crepitation will be detected; and as the disease advances, the parts of
the lungs affected become quite dull, and there are no sounds to be heard
except the air passing in and out of the large tubes. At the commencement
of the attack, the dog may have a husky cough, but it generally stops
after a day or so, to commence again later. The dog is generally off his
food, and the eyes are congested.
_Treatment_: Place the dog in a jacket lined with thermogen wool, or
apply hot linseed-meal poultices right round chest. If no better on
second day, apply a blister to front of chest; the liquor epipasticus
is as good as anything. The hair must first be cut off closely over the
part, and the blister rubbed into the skin for five minutes. If the
skin is not blistered the next day, rub a little red blister ointment
into the place. Care must be taken that the dog is not allowed to lick
the blisters, as they are poisonous. For medicine give from one[1] to
ten grains of phenacetin every six hours to reduce the temperature, but
it must not be continued for long; brandy may also be given in small
quantities often. If the dog becomes very weak and the pulse feeble, give
every four or six hours from two[1] to ten drops of Tincture Digitalis,
with from one[1] to five drops of Tincture Nux Vomica, in water. In bad
cases the inhalation of oxygen relieves the distressing breathing. It is
important to keep the bowels open; in fact, it is generally a good plan
to give a purge at first. The diet must be light, and consist of milk,
beef-tea, meat extracts, and such like food.
=Lupus=:
_See_ LIPS (SORE).
=Maggots=:
Dogs with a long coat kept in a dirty state sometimes become infested
with maggots, especially in those parts near the tail.
_Treatment_: Wash daily for a week with Pearsons fluid diluted eighty
times with warm water. Afterwards dry and comb out all mats. In very bad
cases it is best to cut the hair off short.
=Mange (Sarcoptic or Common)=:
_Symptoms_: This disease, which is very contagious from one dog to
another, and readily caught by people, is due to a small insect. The
complaint once contracted soon spreads more or less all over the body,
but the most favourite spots for it to attack is the skin around the
eyes, the outside of the ears, the elbows, and the outside of the hind
legs, as well as the skin covering the abdomen, and underneath parts
of the chest. Small red spots like flea-bites appear where the insect
burrows into the epidermis, and the acrid matter which they excrete sets
up intolerant irritation, causing the dog to constantly scratch, breaking
the coat, which is now very brittle, and leaving bare patches, besides
injuring the skin and creating sores which dry and scab. If there is any
doubt about the case, the skin should be scraped where bad with a knife,
and the scrapings examined under a microscope, and if the disease is
mange the parasite will be found.
_Treatment_: The disease is easily cured, and the specific remedy is
powdered sulphur, one part mixed with eight parts of vegetable oil, which
should be thoroughly well rubbed all over the dog every four days for
three times; three or four days after the last dressing, the dog may be
washed.
It is important to thoroughly disinfect the kennels by fumigation, and
well washing the walls and floors with a strong solution of Pearson’s
fluid; also all the collars, leads, combs, and brushes used for the dog,
should be disinfected by baking or soaking in a solution of Pearson’s
fluid.
=Mange (Follicular)=:
A skin disease confined principally to puppies, though adult dogs do
occasionally contract it. It is not contagious to people.
_Symptoms_: It is a slowly progressive disease, and may commence with a
single circular bare patch, about the size of a shilling, on the face or
side of nose. The disease is, of course, not confined to the head, as
the first sign may appear on some part of the body or one of the legs.
The patch is generally of a dirty grey colour, and upon which will be
found a number of reddish pimples or elevations of the skin, somewhat
larger than those seen in ordinary mange; some contain a blood-coloured
fluid, others ordinary pus, or matter tinged with blood, which is easily
evacuated by squeezing. This fluid contains the parasite, which looks,
when examined under the microscope, like a small silk-worm.
As time goes on, the original patch increases in size and others form,
the pimples break, one running into another, and unhealthy-looking
sores result. When these wounds heal, the skin has a dry, corrugated
appearance, and little excrescences of skin are formed, and the hair does
not always grow again.
The skin in follicular mange generally turns a dark greyish-blue or black
colour, and the disease is called by some people “black mange”.
_Treatment_: It is a most unsatisfactory disease to treat, for often
after months of hard work the dog is no better, but on the contrary
is much worse, the disease having progressed in spite of everything.
If the patient is not a valuable dog, and the attack a bad one, it is
much better to destroy him at once; however, when it is decided to give
the dog a chance, treatment should commence by having the dog, if a
long-coated one, clipped all over, so that the sores may be got at, and
then dress him all over with the following:—
_Recipe_:
Black Sulphur, 2 ounces.
Kerosene, 4 ounces.
Olive Oil, 4 ounces.
Cocoa-nut Oil, 4 ounces.
Castor Oil, 4 ounces.
Wright’s Solution of Coal Tar, 1 ounce.
Well mix.
With this, dress the dog all over once a week, but before each dressing
have him thoroughly washed, using Cook’s 3% mercurial soap, and carefully
dry before applying the dressing. To the spots apply Naphthol Beta
ointment daily. If this does not heal them, then dab on the sores twice
a day peroxide of hydrogen (20 volumes). For a change, the sores may be
dressed with the following:—
_Recipe_:
Oil of Cade, } Equal parts mixed together.
Methylated Spirits, }
Green Soft Soap, }
In treating follicular mange a change of dressing to the sores is
necessary. During the treatment an occasional course of arsenic often
does good; give from one[1] to five drops of liquor arsenicalis in water
after food; gradually increase the dose to from two[1] to ten drops.
Continue the medicine for about three weeks at a time, and after a week’s
interval give it again as before.
=Marasmus=:
_Symptoms_: Loss of condition, colour, flesh, and strength.
_Treatment_: A raw meat diet with tonics, or the following pills:—
_Recipe_:
Reduced Iron, 12 to 48 grains.[1]
Arsenic, ⅟₁₂th to ¼th ”
Extract Gentian, 6 to 20 ”
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills. One twice a day after food.
Cod-liver oil is also advised after food, from half a teaspoonful[1] to a
tablespoonful twice a day.
=Mastitis (Inflammation of Breast)=:
_Symptoms_: This complaint is not uncommon in bitches when nursing
puppies. One or more of the milk-glands may be affected. The breast is
swollen, red, and very tender. The bitch is off her feed, and there is
often a good deal of fever. An abscess generally forms, which should be
lanced as soon as it becomes soft and points.
_Treatment_: Hot water fomentations are the best, as it is difficult to
apply poultices when a bitch is nursing puppies. If the temperature is
very high, from two[1] to ten grains of salicylate of soda may be given
three or four times a day.
After the abscess has been opened, or has broken, tonics as from a
quarter of a grain[1] to one grain of sulphate of quinine should be given
three times a day.
=Meningitis (Inflammation of the Membranes of the Brain)=:
_Symptoms_: Occasionally occurs in young puppies, particularly when
suffering from worms, but is more often the result of a protracted attack
of distemper.
In young puppies, the patient rolls its head from side to side, is
constantly whining and crying, has convulsions, and the head is burning
hot. When the result of distemper, convulsions are always present, the
dog champs the jaws, emitting a quantity of frothy saliva. These are
what are called distemper fits. The eyes are congested, and there are
generally two, three, or more degrees of fever. The patient is frequently
crying or whining, denoting evident signs of pain. As a rule, in these
cases the patient becomes greatly emaciated and very weak—in fact,
paralysed; and often, as the inflammation extends to the spinal cord,
which it frequently does, chorea or St. Vitis’s dance sets in, which is
practically incurable.
_Treatment_: When occurring in young puppies, worm medicine should always
be given; and to allay the pain and stop the convulsions, small doses
of bromide of potassium be given—from two[1] to five grains in a little
milk three or four times a day. Ice may also be applied to the head in
a sheep’s bladder. When the convulsions have quite stopped, small doses
of cod-liver oil do good. When meningitis follows distemper, if the
attack is a bad one, there is little hope of recovery, and as a result
the proper course to pursue is to have the dog mercifully put out of his
misery. However, people seldom will agree to this without, as they say,
giving the dog a chance, and when the case is not a bad one recovery is
not impossible, though the chances are greatly against it, for usually
it is a progressive disease. If the bowels are not operating (but there
is generally diarrhœa) give a dose of castor oil, and commence a course
of bromide of strontia at once. Give from two[1] to ten grains, or even
fifteen grains, if the dog is a very big one, every three, four, or six
hours, according to the severity of the case. Apply an ice-bag to the
head for a quarter of an hour or longer at a time, and put a seton in
the back of the neck, just behind the ears, which dress with turpentine
ointment. Keep the dog absolutely quiet in a dark room, and feed entirely
on a liquid diet—as milk, with white of egg; Benger’s food or toast; and
some beef-tea. Brand’s essence or rabbit soup may be given occasionally,
but those latter foods are more stimulating than nourishing. The milk
foods mentioned are perfect food, and will support the dog an indefinite
time. For the treatment of chorea and paralysis, see the articles on
those subjects.
The bromide must be continued for some time, even though the convulsions
stop, but given in less quantities.
=Milk=:
It is not generally known how much stronger or more nourishing a bitch’s
milk is than cow’s milk, and when I had some samples analysed I was
surprised myself. Below I give the analysis of a fair sample of each
kind:—
Cow’s. Bitch’s.
Water, 87·4 66·3
Butter, 4·0 14·8
Sugar and Soluble Salts, 5·0 2·9
Caseine and Insoluble Salts, 3·6 16·0
Practically a bitch’s milk is nearly three times as strong as a cow’s,
and yet people, when giving the latter to puppies, often dilute it with
one-third of water, and thus add to its weakness. Consequently a much
larger quantity has necessarily to be given to a puppy for it to derive
sufficient nourishment to sustain it, and as a result the stomach is
over-distended. Indigestion follows, and the puppies do not thrive. All
breeders must have noticed how often puppies go back directly artificial
food is given them, even before being entirely weaned, and this, no
doubt, is in a great measure due to improper food in overloading the
stomach with a quantity of waste and superfluous fluid. Even when cow’s
milk is given pure, nearly three times the quantity in bulk ought to be
given than if bitch’s milk is used, and it is thus seen at a glance how
a puppy’s stomach, which is naturally small, is over-distended. A dog’s
digestive organs are arranged to receive food in a concentrated form—as,
for instance, dogs in nature eat only meat, and until they get this food
they have nothing else but the dam’s milk, which is also a concentrated
food. When about five or six weeks old the mother goes out in search of
food, and comes back with her stomach loaded, which, after a time, when
it is partially digested, she ejects by vomiting, and this the puppies
eat, and thus they get naturally partially-digested food suitable for a
puppy’s delicate stomach.
To treat cow’s milk so as to make it as like bitch’s milk as possible,
to every three-quarters pint of the former add two and a half ounces of
cream—that is, about three tablespoonfuls—two and a quarter ounces of
plasmon, and five ounces of water. First mix the plasmon with the water,
add the milk and slowly boil in an enamel saucepan for two minutes, then
add the cream when cold and well mix.
When feeding puppies with artificial bitches’ milk, it must be remembered
that only a small quantity is necessary—for instance, about the third
part one would give of cow’s milk.
=Milk (Defective Secretion)=:
_See_ LACTATION (DEFECTIVE).
=Milk (Excessive Secretion)=:
_See_ LACTATION (EXCESSIVE).
=Mouth=:
_See_ GUMBOIL, LIPS, TEETH, TOOTHACHE.
[Illustration: How to bandage a dog’s head]
=Mumps=:
_Symptoms_: Swelling of side of face, and just below the ear, which is
very tender. Dogs suffering from this complaint are generally rather
feverish. There is a loss of appetite and an excessive flow of saliva.
_Treatment_: Give a dose of purgative medicine and cover swelling over
with a piece of spongiopyline, or a pad of cotton-wool covered over with
oil-silk, and apply a bandage or put on a cap. Later, when the swelling
has commenced to go down, give the following tonic pills:—
_Recipe_:
Reduced Iron, 6 to 30 grains.[1]
Sulphate of Quinine, 4 to 12 ”
Common Mass. sufficient.
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills. One to be given twice a day one hour after food.
=Muscles (Wasting)=:
_Symptoms_: There may be general wasting of all the muscles of the body,
the result of some long illness, as distemper; or there may be wasting of
the muscles of one or more limbs, the result of want of use, as in cases
of injury; or some disease of the spinal cord, causing paralysis, and
occasionally wasting of the muscles of one or both sides of the head and
face, the result of some injury to the head.
_Treatment_: When the result of illness, no special treatment is required
beyond giving tonics, as cod-liver oil, for when the patient gets about
again the muscles will fill up as before. When one or more limbs are
affected as the result of disuse from lameness or paralysis, the limbs
should be massaged and galvanised. When the head is affected, the case
is often very obstinate, and sometimes the muscles never regain their
normal size, but the best treatment is massage galvanism, and encourage
the dog to gnaw big bones.
=Muzzling a Dog=:
[Illustration: A dog muzzled with tape]
[Illustration: How to muzzle a bulldog with tape
The piece over the forehead is necessary in a bulldog to draw the tape
off the short nose to permit easy breathing]
The best way to muzzle a dog effectually, so that he cannot bite, is
with a piece of strong tape which should be passed over the top of the
nose, tied twice under the chin, and then the ends should be carried
behind the ears, and again tied tightly.
Care must be taken in muzzling a bulldog, or you may interfere with his
breathing. Therefore, after tying behind the head, one end of the tape
should be passed under the tape which crosses the top of the nose, and
this part pulled well up and tied with the other end of the tape over the
forehead, so as to remove any pressure from the top of the nose. (_See_
ILLUSTRATION.)
=Nails (Cutting)=:
This cannot be safely done with scissors, but proper nail-clippers should
be used. When the nails are white, it is an easy matter, as the quick can
be seen, and the nail may be cut off within the sixteenth of an inch of
the quick; but when the nail is black, the quick cannot be seen, then the
first one must be cautiously cut a little at a time. The dog will soon
wince when the nippers are getting near the sensitive part. When one is
done, it is an easy matter doing the rest, as they may be cut off in the
same proportion as the first.
=Nails (Dew-Claws)=:
The dew-claws or side-nails should always be removed from the back legs
a few days after birth, by being cut off close to the limb with a pair
of sharp scissors. I always consider it would be a good plan if it was
a custom to remove the dew-claws from the forelegs of all dogs also; of
course, in some cases, as in fox-terriers and others, it is done.
=Nails (Injuries, etc.)=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs with defective action wear their nails away (more
particularly those on the forelegs) to the quick, which causes lameness.
Some dogs’ nails are very brittle, and they crack and split to the quick,
causing lameness. Toe-nails of dogs who do not have sufficient exercise
turn over as they grow, and the point becomes embedded into the pad,
causing swelling, suppuration, and great pain. The dew-claws of dogs who
do not get the chance of digging often grow to a considerable extent,
which weakens and makes them liable to break, which often happens, and
the quick becomes exposed and bleeds, causing the dog to go lame as if he
had a broken leg. If they do not break, they grow, entering the pad as
previously described.
_Treatment_: In cases of a dog wearing the claws away through defective
action, as a rule, treatment is of little use; but if the dog is made to
exercise on grass land, the nails will grow to an ordinary extent, and
the dog walk much better, but the relief is only maintained whilst he is
not allowed to run on hard roads. When the defective action of the limbs
causing undue wearing of the nails is due to partial general paralysis—as
the sequel of distemper, for instance—then it is only temporary, and
will pass off as the patient improves in health and strength. To remedy
the cracking and splitting of the nails is often a difficult matter.
In some cases benefit is derived by the application of tar ointment,
which should be well rubbed into the nails twice a day. The frequent
application of glycerine is also a good remedy. In very bad cases,
especially when only one nail is affected, it may be extracted.
When a nail has grown too long and injured the pad, the nail should be
cut close to the quick without making it bleed; and when there is any
festering, hot bread or linseed-MEAL poultices should be applied for a
day or so. Afterwards the wound should be dressed with boracic ointment,
and the foot kept in a canvas bag for a few days.
When a dew-claw becomes broken, it is nearly always through the quick.
In such cases it is necessary to remove the claw by extraction with a
pair of tooth forceps, and not by cutting, or the quick will be injured,
and the nail will grow deformed. Afterwards anoint the raw surface with
boracic ointment, cover over with a pad of boracic wool and bandage.
[Illustration: FOUR CELEBRATED STUD DOGS: BUCK STONE, BRITISH STONE, DICK
STONE, AND REX STONE.
The property of Walter Jeffries, 28, Grove Park, Denmark Hill, S.E.
[_face p. 188._]
=Nasal Catarrh=:
_Symptoms_: Sneezing; a watery discharge from nose, followed by a
semi-purulent discharge and coughing; but unlike distemper, the attack is
seldom accompanied by fever and with little loss of condition, and as a
rule, the dog is better in a few days.
_Treatment_: Put in a dry, warm room of a temperature about 60 degs. F.;
give a dose of aperient medicine as from two[1] to ten grains of jalapin.
The next day, when this has worked off, commence the following pills:—
_Recipe_:
Salicylate of Quinine, 2 to 12 grains.[1]
Solution Arsenic, 3 to 12 minims.
Solution Sulphate Atropine, ½ to 2 drops.
Extract Gentian, 5 to 20 grains.
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills—one to be taken every four hours.
When the discharge has ceased, and the appetite has become normal, if
the cough continues troublesome, give from half[1] a teaspoonful to a
tablespoonful of cod-liver oil two or three times a day.
=Nasal Parasites=:
_Symptoms_: Very occasionally dogs suffer from a worm in one of the
nostrils called Pentastioma Tænoides. It is a worm varying in size from
one and a half to two inches long, and about half an inch wide in the
centre, tapering slightly at each end. It develops at the back of the
nose, and whilst growing appears to cause no discomfort to its host;
but when it commences to move, it induces a good deal of sneezing and
a discharge of mucus from the nasal passage from the side where it is
lodged. The dog eventually dislodges it during a violent attack of
sneezing.
I have never seen more than one in a case, and the dog seems comfortable
directly it has got rid of its guest.
=Nasal Polypus=:
_Symptoms_: A growth with a narrow neck which forms in the nasal passage
causing irritation, sneezing and snorting, a purulent discharge which may
sometimes be tinged with blood.
_Treatment_: Consists in removing the growth by ligature if it can be
got at, or by an ecraseur or a snare; but it is a surgical case, and a
veterinary surgeon should be consulted.
=Necrosis (Diseased Bone)=:
_Symptoms_: Generally the result of some injury. The parts are swollen,
inflamed, and very painful, and generally an abscess forms, which, if not
lanced, bursts, discharging a thick, creamy and often offensive-smelling
pus. The bone, which is generally dead, lies exposed at the bottom of the
wound, which does not heal permanently until the dead bone comes away.
_Treatment_: At first, hot linseed-meal poultices dusted over with
powdered charcoal are to be applied, and continued for some days after
the abscess is open. Then lint saturated with carbolic oil, one in
forty, is to be placed over the wound, and kept in place with a bandage.
As a rule, after some time the dead bone exfoliates and comes away of
itself, and the wound then soon heals, but in many cases, an operation is
necessary to remove the dead bone.
=Nephritis (Inflammation of the Kidneys)=:
_Symptoms_: Generally commences suddenly with an attack of shivering and
a rise of temperature, there being often three or four degrees of fever
accompanied by a rapid pulse. There is pain in the back, vomiting, scanty
and high-coloured urine, or blood may be mixed with the water. In some
acute cases it is quite suppressed, and the dog then suffers from uræmic
poisoning. It may arise from a severe chill, but oftener from a stone in
the kidneys.
_Treatment_: Give milk and Vichy water in equal parts to drink, also
water to drink, to which has been added a teaspoonful of cream of tartar
to every pint. Administer a dose of Epsom salts, from one scruple[1]
to one ounce, dissolved in warm water, but given cold. If vomiting
persistent, give from half[1] to two drops of diluted hydrocyanic acid
in a teaspoonful of water, and ice to lick. After the acute stage has
passed, give from one[1] to five grains of ammoniated citrate of iron,
three times a day in water.
=Nettlerash=:
_Symptoms_: Generally arises suddenly, and often the result of a chill,
as, for instance, a dog plunging into cold water when hot after exercise.
When once a dog has had an attack, he is liable to a recurrence, and then
indigestion will often induce it. The skin becomes suddenly nodulated or
swollen in patches, the hair standing on end. The ears may be affected
and become half an inch thick; the head is often attacked, and the dog
is temporarily blind because the eyelids are swollen. Sometimes one or
more legs are the seat of the trouble, and become three or four times
their normal size; in other cases, large patches appear about the body.
As a rule, it passes away almost as quickly as it comes.
_Treatment_: Keep dog quiet and warm whilst the attack is on, and give
from half to two drops[1] of liquor arsenicalis (P. B.) in a little water
every two or three hours. Also give a good dose of aperient medicine. For
a few days after a dog has had nettlerash, he should be kept on a light
milk diet, and given a course of arsenic, as from one to eight drops[1]
of liquor arsenicalis in water, three times a day after food.
=Neuralgia=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs are affected with a form of neuralgia that attacks the
muscles and nerves of the neck and shoulders. The pain, which is very
acute, comes on quite suddenly, and the dog cries with it. The head is
drawn into the body, as it were. The muscles are swollen, and very tense.
There is a difficulty in walking; and when it is attempted, it is done
very slowly and stiffly. The attack may last a couple of hours, sometimes
longer, and then slowly passes off, and the patient may appear quite
well; when all at once it may come on again as bad as before, and so
keeps on for days, and sometimes weeks, unless some suitable treatment is
adopted.
_Treatment_: The dog must be kept very quiet in these cases, as very
often any sudden movement induces an attack. Give from two to ten
grains[1] of salicylate of soda three times a day, made into a pill;
and if the attacks of pain are very acute, also give two or three times
a day, injected under the skin, from one-twentieth to the eighth of a
grain[1] of hydrochlorate of morphia, with from ⅟₃₀₀th to ⅟₁₀₀th of a
grain[1] of atropine, in from five[1] to ten minims of distilled water.
At first these injections induce vomiting, but it soon ceases, and the
treatment is a specific for the disease.
=Nipples (Sore)=:
_Symptoms_: The nipples become swollen, inflamed, and cracked very often
after a bitch has been nursing puppies some weeks, so much so that at
last she will not allow the puppies to suckle.
_Treatment_: Wash the parts two or three times a day with boracic lotion,
and anoint with boracic ointment after drying.
=Nose (Bleeding)=:
_Symptoms_: May be due to injury of the head or face. It often occurs
in cases of pneumonia, and it is a symptom of a polypus in the nose or
ulceration of the membrane lining the nasal passages.
_Treatment_: When slight, no particular treatment is required; but if
persistent, the cause should be ascertained, and if possible removed.
When severe, as the result of some injury, ice may be held to the bridge
of the nose; and if this does not stop it, then pour or inject about
fifteen drops of the solution of adrenalin diluted four times with water
into one or both nostrils. It is not advisable to plug the nostrils, as
it distresses a dog to breathe through his mouth.
=Nursing=:
The first thing to be considered in nursing a sick dog is proper quarters
for the patient to live in, for in all cases of serious illnesses he
should not be allowed to run loose about a house and out of doors when he
likes. If a house dog, he should be put in a good, well-ventilated room,
with the temperature kept at as near 60 degs. F. as possible. Of course,
in very hot weather that cannot be done, but as much air as possible
must be given by keeping the windows wide open during the summer months.
In winter or cold weather, the temperature of the room should be kept
up to 60 degs. F. by means of artificial heat—an ordinary fire is best;
failing this, a paraffin stove—avoid a gas stove if possible. Of course,
with dogs who are in the habit of living out of doors it is different;
but even with them, dry, large, well-lighted and ventilated, comfortable
quarters, free from draughts, are absolutely necessary if the patient is
to have a fair chance, and the temperature of the place should be kept
up to 55 degs. F. A loose box in a stable that is kept _clean_ makes
a capital place; but unless the stable is kept very clean, it smells
of ammonia, which is fatal to a dog suffering from distemper, because
pneumonia and bad eyes are sure to develop.
Sick dogs should always be kept separate. It is a great mistake to put
three or four together.
As to diet for patients, see article on _Invalid Food_; when they will
not take food voluntarily, a small quantity, varying according to size
of dog, must be given often, about every two hours or oftener, day and
night. It is useless to feed a dog well for sixteen hours, and to leave
him to chance for eight. It is often during the night, when the system is
at its lowest, that a little good nourishing food, with some stimulant,
is most wanted; and it is this attention that saves the patient in many
cases.
The preparation of food is most important. It should either be done
by one’s self, or under the personal superintendence of a responsible
person. All milk food should be made fresh three times a day, and any
that is left over should be thrown away. All feeding utensils must be
kept scrupulously clean, and the spoon, bottle, or feeding-cup that is
used for food or medicine should be washed and dried immediately after
being used, ready for next time. The cooking utensils also must be kept
scrupulously clean. If these things are not attended to, diarrhœa and
sickness result, and the patient is weakened, and perhaps has a relapse.
Also keep the sick dog scrupulously clean. Each time after feeding
clean his lips with a little weak solution of Condy’s fluid on a pad of
cotton-wool—which should be thrown away immediately after using—and dry
with soft cloth; also cleanse the fundament and prepuce once a day with
the same preparation, and keep the eyes free of discharge with a little
weak boracic acid lotion, and also clean the teeth with a weak solution
of permanganate of potash. _This is very important._
As well as attending to the patient, the room or kennel requires frequent
attention. Do not make the air stuffy with strong disinfectants, but it
is a good plan to sprinkle the floor, whether a kennel or room, with pine
sawdust, and if the flooring be wood, to cover it over with sheets of old
newspapers, which may be covered with sawdust, and then all evacuation
can be carried away and burnt, for when a dog is very ill he ought not
to be allowed to go out. There are some dogs who are so clean that they
will not make themselves comfortable in a room, and it becomes absolutely
necessary to let them out rather than make them worse by keeping them
in. But a dog may be kept for some hours, twelve or even sixteen, to see
if he will not give way. Once he has relieved himself in the room, and
finds he is not scolded, he gains confidence, and is not so particular
in the future. To make an obstinate dog do what is necessary in a room,
especially when the weather is bad, and when perhaps it would be fatal to
let him out, I give either a dose of aperient medicine or an enema, which
invariably has the desired effect.
Do not always be fidgeting an invalid. Do what is necessary, and then
leave him alone.
Take the temperature regularly three times a day, at the same time each
day, and keep a record on a chart; also, if you can, at the same time
count the pulse and the number of respirations per minute, and record
them for reference. In all cases of severe illness, it is a good plan to
put the dog in a flannel jacket, as depicted in the illustration.
[Illustration: A coat covering the hind parts of a dog—useful after
operations upon the abdomen]
The points to be remembered are:—
1. Dry, well-ventilated, light quarters of a proper temperature.
2. Cleanliness of patient.
3. Cleanliness of the surroundings.
4. Cleanliness of everything used for the patient.
5. Not to fidget the patient, but to give him food and medicine
at regular stated times.
6. To keep the body warm, but the air he breathes fresh and
cool. Fresh air never kills, but foul air often does.
The best kind of bed for a small dog being nursed in a room is a basket
with a cushion in, which should be covered over with a white cloth or
towel to be changed daily. For a kennel or loose box a bench should be
supplied, raised a few inches from the ground, and long and wide enough
for the dog to lie out full length. Straw makes a good bedding, and
should be changed often.
In nursing surgical cases, cleanliness is even more important than in
medical cases, and the patient should be kept under similar conditions.
It is important to take the temperature twice a day at least, for a rise
of temperature is the first symptom of suppuration in a wound, and shows
that it is not healing in a normal manner; or if healing, by suppuration
it points to pus being pent up somewhere, and the surgeon’s attention is
required.
Clean bandages and dressing should be put on every time a wound is
dressed, and the bandages taken off should be washed in some disinfectant
like Pearson’s fluid, dried and ironed, ready for use again. The old
dressing which has been in contact with the wound should be burnt.
Bitches in the nest with puppies require, for the first week at least, as
careful nursing as an invalid, and the temperature for the first week
regularly taken. It is always a little above normal during the first few
days, about 102·4 degs. F. (taken in the bowel); but if it rises over
103 degs. F., the case is not taking a normal course, and an examination
should be made. Possibly there may be a dead puppy or one of the fœtal
envelopes left behind, which, of course, must be immediately removed,
and the womb syringed out with a solution of permanganate of potash,
one grain to the ounce of warm water; from two ounces to a pint[1] of
the solution should be used at a time, and the injection repeated in a
few hours. A saturated solution of boracic acid or clinesol, one grain
to the ounce, may be used instead of the potash. In bad cases, when the
temperature is over 104 degs. F., a solution of perchloride of mercury,
one in three thousand, is the best remedy; but about a couple of minutes
after giving an injection of this drug, the womb must be thoroughly
washed out with warm water.
=Obesity (Too Fat)=:
_Symptoms_: This is a common complaint of elderly pet dogs, especially
pugs; but it is not, as generally supposed, always the result of
overfeeding and want of exercise, for lots of dogs will put on flesh in
spite of careful dieting, and then I generally put it down in these cases
to a contented mind.
_Treatment_: In treating these cases, medicines are not advisable except
occasionally giving a free purge. If any good is to be done it must be
by dieting; and whatever food is given should be dry. Raw, or nearly raw,
meat is the best food, for nearly all fat dogs put on this diet lose
weight considerably, and at the same time improve in health by becoming
brighter and livelier, and more ready to take exercise; but the meat must
be given sparingly, say for a small dog like a pomeranian, one ounce and
a half twice a day; and for a dog the size of a fox terrier, three ounces
twice a day. The worst of this food is, it never seems to satisfy; in
fact, a dog fed on raw meat always seems hungry. Raw meat does not answer
in every case, for the dog sometimes gets fatter instead of thinner, as
required. Then a diet of dry biscuit should be tried. For small dogs,
Spratts’ pet-dog biscuits should be given—whole, if they will be taken
that way, otherwise they must be broken up in small pieces, and no other
food at all given; and the more exercise the better.
=Œrchitis (Inflammation of the Testicle)=:
_Symptoms_: In young dogs it occurs as the result of injury; in old ones
it arises from constitutional causes. The testicles become swollen and
very painful, the scrotum is red and shiny. The dog walks and sits down
with difficulty.
_Treatment_: Give a purge, as from two to ten grains[1] of jalapin.
Foment the parts often with hot poppy-head tea, made by boiling a couple
of crushed poppy-heads in a quart of water for ten minutes; then strain.
Sometimes the application of an ice-bag gives more relief than the hot
application.
=Œstrum=, or the period of menstruation of the bitch, generally appears
for the first time when the bitch is about eight or nine months old.
With some foreign breeds, as in chows particularly, it often occurs for
the first time sooner, even when the bitch is five or six months old.
Occasionally, with very small bitches, the first heat may not appear
until she is a year old. Once the period has commenced, it generally
occurs regularly twice a year, but in a few exceptional cases every three
or four months. The heat generally lasts from three to four weeks—that
is, right from the commencement until the end.
The condition is recognised by the external parts—vulva—swelling, and
a slight mucus discharge, which continues for about a week; then the
discharge is pinkish, and after a few days blood-coloured. This latter
condition continues for about eight or nine days, to be followed by a
mucus discharge again, until the heat has ceased, when the parts have
assumed their normal size.
=Ophthalmia=:
_Symptoms_: Generally both eyes are affected, the membrane (conjunctival)
is intensely inflamed, and there is a good deal of purulent discharge.
There is intolerance to light, and as a consequence, the lids are kept
partly, if not quite, closed.
_Treatment_: Keep the dog for a time in a darkish room, and bathe the
eyes three or four times a day with the following lotion:—
_Recipe_:
Laudanum, 1 drachm.
Sulphate of Zinc, 10 grains.
Rose Water to 6 ounces.
Anoint the edges of the lids at night-time with vaseline to prevent their
sticking together.
A good purge is beneficial.
Care must be taken to prevent the dog rubbing the eyes, or he may
severely injure them; and bandages should be placed round the ankles
covering the dew-claws.
=Otorrhœa=:
_See_ CANKER OF EAR.
=Ozœna=:
_Symptoms_: There is a chronic purulent or mattery discharge from the
nostrils which often has a very offensive odour.
_Treatment_: Syringe the nose thoroughly every day with from ten to
thirty drops[1] of tincture of hydrastis, mixed with one[1] to four
tablespoonfuls of tepid water. Give cod-liver oil, also iron and quinine
tonic pills.
=Palpitation=:
_Symptoms_: Increased action of the heart; if bad, it beats with a
thumping action, shaking the whole body, the dog is restless and pants,
and may in some cases faint.
_Treatment_: Put the dog on a raw meat diet for a time, and avoid violent
exertion, but the dog may have regular walking exercise. Give aperient
medicine and a course of the following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Tincture of Digitalis, 90 minims.
Bromide Potassium, 120 grains.
Water to 6 ounces.
From one teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful to be given three times a day
one hour after food.
=Paralysis=:
_Symptoms_: Not uncommon after distemper, and may follow fits; injury
to the back and rheumatics are frequently the cause. More often seen in
dachshunds than other dogs. The whole body may be affected, including all
four legs, but the back part of the body, including the two hind legs, is
the favourite seat of the disease. The dog is unable to stand, but drags
the back legs after him when he moves. The bowels are constipated, and
the dog is unable to pass water, though later it may dribble away. The
dog may not be ill in himself, and will generally take his food. When the
seat of the mischief is in the brain, all four limbs are useless, and the
dog lies on his side in a miserable, helpless condition, often even being
unable to raise his head from the ground.
_Treatment_: The condition of the bowels and bladder must first be
attended to. Aperient medicine should be given, and if it does not act in
a few hours, an enema of warm soapy water (from two tablespoonfuls[1] to
half a pint) administered, and repeated in a couple of hours if it does
not operate. The urine must be drawn off with a catheter if relief cannot
be obtained by pressure over the seat of the bladder. This, as a rule, is
sufficient, and should be repeated two or three times a day, until the
dog is able to relieve himself. If a catheter has to be used, twice a day
should do, but care must be taken to keep the instrument very clean. It
is a good plan to keep it lying in a saturated solution of boracic acid
when not in use.
When the paralysis is the result of an injury, do not give any medicine
at first, except a purgative, but keep the patient quiet and allow time
for the injured parts to heal. If there seems much pain—and there is
sometimes when there has been an injury—give two or three times a day
from three[1] to fifteen drops of liquor morphia in a little water. Do
not let the dog lie always on one side, but change him over about every
six hours. If in about a week there are no signs of movement, or return
of strength in the legs, give the following pills:—
_Recipe_:
Powdered Nux Vomica, 1 to 6 grains.[1]
Reduced Iron, 6 to 30 grains.
Ergotine, 6 to 24 grains.
Common Mass. sufficient.
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills—one to be given twice a day after food. Later, if
the paralysis continues, the following pills may be tried, and the
former discontinued:—
_Recipe_:
Anhydrous Phosphate of Iron, 3 to 12 grains.[1]
Sulphate Quinine, 2 to 12 grains.
Strychnine, ⅟₁₆th to ⅕th grain.
Arsenic, ⅟₁₂th to ¼th grain.
Common Mass. sufficient.
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills. One to be given two or three times a day after
food. The dog should be galvanised twice a day for about half an hour
each time. A continuous current battery is best, and a blister should be
applied to the loins, from the two last ribs to the points of the hips,
and from two to four inches wide.[1]
When all four legs are affected, the result of some injured or diseased
condition of the brain, the treatment should be the same as previously
mentioned, except a blister should be applied to each side of the neck,
along the course of the spine, instead of over the loins. The best
blister to use is the liquor epipasticus; the hair, of course, should
first be cut off close, or shaved, and the skin thoroughly washed and
dried, and the blister should be gently rubbed into the skin with a piece
of flannel for about three minutes. If it does not act well, rub a little
red mercurial blister ointment into the parts the next day for a minute.
Care must be taken that the dog does not lick the blisters, as they are
poisonous. Two days later, the parts may be carefully washed and boracic
ointment applied. Benefit is also derived in these cases by having the
muscles of the limbs massaged.
When paralysis is the result of rheumatism—and in these cases it is
generally the back limbs and loins affected—the attack commences with
pain and stiffness across the loins. Give first, after a purge, for a
week or so, suitable medicine for rheumatism, and then later, if the
patient does not improve, treat as for ordinary paralysis. Cases of
paralysis are often tedious, and keep about a long time, but in the
end, unless the spine has been seriously injured by some accident, they
generally recover.
=Paraphymosis=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs, particularly some of the small ones, sometimes get the
penis protruded out of the sheaf, and if the orifice is at all small
it contracts on the protruding part, and it cannot be relieved without
assistance. The part becomes swollen and very painful, and if it is
not noticed soon after happening, the point of the penis becomes much
inflamed and congested.
_Treatment_: A little oil should be poured on the red protruding part,
and the sheath should be taken hold of and pulled forcibly over it.
In some cases it is necessary to apply ice to the protruding part, when
it is very much swollen, before it can be returned.
=Parturient Eclampsia=:
_Symptoms_: This occurs in nervous and excitable bitches two or three
weeks after pupping. The bitch is unable to stand, or does so with great
difficulty. She generally lies on her side, with legs outstretched and
head drawn back, panting violently and frothing at the mouth. The attack,
though very distressing, generally lasts some hours, leaving the bitch
much prostrated; it is seldom attended with fatal results.
_Treatment_: As soon as the bitch is able to swallow, give from five[1]
to fifteen grains each of bromide of potassium and hydrated chloral in
water. The dose may be repeated in two or three hours if necessary.
Once a bitch has had an attack of this complaint she generally has
another in the course of a few days, but it may be prevented by giving
some bromide of potassium regularly for a time—as from three[1] to ten
grains three times a day with the food or in a little water.
_Diet_: Fish, tripe, and milk food may be generously given, but avoid red
meat.
=Pediculi (Lice)=:
_Symptoms_: Small, bluish-grey insects generally found with the head
stuck in the skin—standing on their heads, as it were. They may be seen
on all parts of the dog, but the favourite places seem to be the nose,
ears, and underneath the chest. The lice lay their eggs or nits on the
hair, to which they stick by a very adhesive material and are difficult
to remove.
These insects cause intolerable irritation, and as a consequence, the dog
is always scratching, and loses condition.
_Treatment_: Bathing in Pearson’s disinfectant fluid, diluted eighty
times with water—that is, four tablespoonfuls to a gallon—is a good
remedy, but it is necessary to continue the treatment for some time so as
to destroy the young lice as they escape from the eggs. Another effectual
remedy is bathing the dog in kerosene one part, separated milk six parts,
well mixed together. But neither of these remedies destroy the nits. To
do so it is necessary to mix either the Pearson’s fluid or the kerosene
with oil in the proportions previously mentioned, and thoroughly rub
it all over the dog and leave it on him for some days; in fact, it is
advisable to repeat the dressing again four days later, and not wash him
for a week.
To get rid of the lice entirely the kennels, also collars, leads,
brushes, in fact everything belonging to the dog, should be thoroughly
disinfected by fumigation and washed in a strong solution of Pearson’s
fluid.
When a sick dog, as one suffering from distemper, is infested with lice,
washing, of course, is out of the question at such a time. The only thing
to do, then, is to use some effectual insecticide powder.
=Penis, Growths on=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs, especially those used for stud, and particularly
bulldogs, are liable to growths on the penis. They are red in colour,
and look not unlike a raspberry. The dog suffering in this way often
has drops of blood at the orifice of the prepuce. These growths are
contagious, and a dog suffering from them should on no account be used
for stud purposes. The growths may not only be on the point of the penis,
but may be situated far back.
_Treatment_: The growths should be removed by being scraped off, and the
roots cauterised sparingly with a saturated solution of chromic acid,
which should be applied on a thin stick. The caustic should be repeated
in a week. It may be necessary to repeat it several times.
=Pericarditis (Inflammation of the Heart’s Sac)=:
_Symptoms_: It is difficult to detect it in the dog. There is some
pain on the left side of the chest, the pulse is quiet and small, the
temperature is two or three degrees above normal, the breathing is short
and quick, and there is a dry cough. If the heart be examined with a
stethoscope, a friction sound is heard with each movement of the heart.
When fluid collects in the sac, as it often does, the usual heart sounds
are almost inaudible.
_Treatment_: Apply hot linseed-meal poultices to left side of chest, keep
the bowels freely opened with purgative medicine. If temperature is very
high, give the following mixture:—
_Recipe_:
Salicine, 2 drachms.
Tr. Digitalis, 1½ drachms.
Simple Syrup, 1 ounce.
Water to 6 ounces.
From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three or four times a day.
When fluid collects, give from half[1] to two grains of iodide of
potassium in water three times a day.
=Peritonitis=:
_Symptoms_: Generally the result of some injury, but may be the result of
a chill. The abdomen is hard and very painful to the touch. The breathing
is quick, and the dog often utters a grunt with each breath. The pulse is
very quick, and the temperature rises to 105 degs. F. or over, and the
patient vomits frequently, especially after taking food or even water,
and quickly collapses, death often taking place within twenty-four hours
of the commencement of the illness.
_Treatment_: Apply flannels wrung out in hot poppy-head tea, made by
boiling for ten minutes a couple of crushed poppy-heads in a quart of
water. Give from five to twenty drops[1] of laudanum every four hours
in water; if the dog cannot retain it, inject under the skin from the
twentieth to the eighth of a grain[1] of acetate of morphia, in a few
drops of water, which may be repeated in six hours.
Give Vichy water and milk in equal parts to drink, and a little Brand’s
essence occasionally.
=Perostitis (Inflammation of Membrane covering Bone)=:
_Symptoms_: Generally result of injury. Parts are very painful and
swollen, the skin covering the inflamed spot discoloured, very often
purple. An abscess may form. In these cases there is a good deal of
constitutional disturbance, the temperature is high, perhaps 104 or 105
degs. F., the pulse quick, and the dog refuses food. Blood poison may
result.
_Treatment_: Keep patient absolutely quiet, and give a good purge. Apply
following lotion constantly on lint:—
_Recipe_:
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Laudanum, 2 drachms.
Water to 6 ounces.
Or an ice-bag may be applied.
If an abscess forms, it must be freely opened, and afterwards apply hot
linseed-meal poultices, dusted over with powdered charcoal.
=Perspiration=:
_Symptoms_: A dog does not perspire from the skin when in health, but he
occasionally does when suffering from some skin diseases; and puppies
in the nest, when ill and not thriving, will become quite wet from
perspiration. It is always a bad sign, and shows the dog or puppy is in a
very bad state of health.
_Treatment_: In the case of puppies, give the mother a dose of castor
oil, and dust the youngsters all over two or three times a day with
finely-powdered boracic acid one part, kaolin eight parts, mixed
together. In the case of adult dogs, give daily a sulphur bath, made
by dissolving one ounce of sulphurated potash in four gallons of tepid
water; after well drying, dust the inside of the thighs, abdomen,
armpits, etc., with the powder recommended for puppies. For medicine give
a course of arsenic, as from one[1] to eight drops of Fowler’s solution
in water after food.
=Phimosis=:
_Symptoms_: The opening of the sheaf or prepuce is so small that the male
organ cannot pass through.
_Treatment_: Nothing but a surgical operation is of any use, which
consists in enlarging the opening, and sewing the skin to the mucus
membrane.
=Phthisis=:
_Symptoms_: Chronic hacking cough; the temperature is always a degree
or two above normal; loss of condition; the muscles of the neck, body,
and limbs become wasted. If the expectorations are examined by the
microscope, the tubercle bacilli will be found.
_Treatment_: Generally incurable; but making the dog live out of doors,
and giving plenty of cod-liver oil, with a generous diet of raw meat,
sometimes does good.
It is a mistake to keep a dog suffering from consumption amongst people,
as the danger of infection is too great a risk.
[Illustration: OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG, CHAMPION RAGGED MAN.
The property of Mr. Aubrey Hopwood, 36 Sackville Street, W.
[_face p. 212._]
=Piles (External)=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs do not suffer from internal piles, but old dogs
occasionally have a form of external piles; then the anus becomes red,
inflamed, and swollen; small red pimples form about the part, inducing a
good deal of irritation, and causing the dog to drag the hind parts along
the ground.
_Treatment_: Dab the parts often with the following lotion:—
_Recipe_:
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Tincture of Opium, 1 ”
Water to 6 ounces.
Mix.
Or the following ointment may be tried:—
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Finely-powdered Boracic Acid, 1 scruple.
Cream, 1 ounce.
Mix.
Apply night and morning.
Some cooling medicine, as the following, does good:—
Cream of Tartar, 1 ounce.
Bicarbonate of Potash, 1 ”
Milk of Sulphur, 1 ”
Powdered Sulphate of Magnesia, 1 ”
From sufficient to cover a threepenny-piece to a teaspoonful[1] twice a
day with food.
=Poisons=:
_Strychnine_:
_Symptoms_: It all depends how the agent has been administered how
quickly it acts. If in a liquid form, the symptoms may commence in ten
minutes, or quicker; but if it has been given in a piece of meat, it
may be an hour or so before any signs appear. Then the animal becomes
restless; the limbs are stiff, and the dog walks with difficulty, and
with the hind legs stretched apart. Occasionally there is a violent
twitching or jerk of all the muscles of the body, as if the dog had a
galvanic shock, and then he suddenly falls to the ground, often in a
forward direction, and in acute tetanic spasm. The limbs are extended,
and as stiff as pieces of iron, the fore ones in a slightly forward
direction, and the hind legs in a backward direction. The head is
drawn back, and the back arched and the tail extended and stiff; the
eyes protrude, the mouth firmly closed, and the pulse extremely quick.
Respiration during the spasm, which lasts about half a minute or so,
entirely ceases. At the end of the attack the dog gives a few heavy
sighs, and then commences to pant hard. The least movement or touch, or
even a noise, will cause a return of the convulsions, which continue at
frequent intervals, unless the dog is relieved by some suitable antidote,
or until death occurs, which generally takes place during a paroxysm. In
some cases, though the acute symptoms may have been checked by treatment,
the dog afterwards dies from the effect of the exhaustion.
_Treatment_: In all cases of poisoning, more especially when due to
strychnine, prompt action is required, and means should at once be taken
to make the dog disgorge what has been swallowed. An emetic that will
act well and quickly must be at once administered; for this there is
nothing better than a dose of hydrochlorate of apomorphia. This medicine
acts in two ways: it is the quickest and surest emetic; and besides, it
relieves the spasms. The dose is the twelfth of a grain for small dogs,
and about a quarter of a grain for large ones, given in a teaspoonful of
water; but the best way of administering it is by injecting it under the
skin with a hypodermic syringe; then from three[1] to ten minims of the
one in fifty solution is to be given. I always advise persons who keep a
number of valuable dogs to have a solution of apomorphia by them ready
for emergency, for whilst it is being obtained the patient may die, and
if huntsmen would always carry a small bottle of the solution with them
many a valuable hound’s life might be saved. When this medicine is not
at hand, some other emetic must be given. Ordinary table salt can always
be quickly procured, and from one teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful
should be given in warm water. If the dose does not act freely, repeat
it in a few minutes; or instead, give from five[1] to twenty grains of
powdered ipecacuanha, or from half[1] to three grains of tartar emetic.
Either of these may be shaken dry on the tongue. The dog must be made
to vomit somehow; but anything like salt, requiring a quantity of
water, is difficult to administer, as the dog’s mouth is often tightly
clenched, and trying to open it induces paroxysm, during which time it
is impossible to give anything by the mouth; and here the advantage
of the subcutaneous injection of apomorphia comes in. This may also be
repeated in a quarter of an hour, if the vomiting has not been free.
Besides the emetic, some medicine is necessary to relieve the spasms. For
this there is nothing better than chloral and bromide of potassium. From
fifteen[1] grains to two scruples of each may be given in from one[1]
to three tablespoonfuls of water, if the dog can be made to swallow;
and half the quantity of each may be given again in twenty or thirty
minutes, and repeated, if necessary, in half an hour. When the dog is
unable to swallow, from two[1] to six minims of nitrite of amyl, held to
the nose on a pocket-handkerchief, is useful. This may be repeated in a
quarter of an hour, or chloroform may be given. Also, inject into the
rectum from one[1] half to two drachms of laudanum in from one[1] to four
tablespoonfuls of water, which repeat in a quarter of an hour, and again
in another fifteen minutes if the paroxysms continue.
After the severe symptoms have passed, and the dog is weak and prostrate,
from a quarter[1] to two teaspoonfuls of brandy added to some milk may be
administered, and repeated every half hour for a time.
_Arsenic_:
_Symptoms_: The dog, shortly after taking the poison, becomes restless.
Violent sickness soon commences, the vomited matter being mixed with
blood. There is also acute diarrhœa, accompanied by severe straining,
and a good deal of blood is often passed with the motions. The dog is
extremely thirsty, has an anxious countenance, showing evident signs
of great pain, and breathes heavily. There may be severe convulsions,
followed by paralysis, collapse, and death.
_Treatment_: The vomiting at first should be encouraged by giving
an emetic, as three[1] to ten drops of the one in fifty solution of
apomorphia with a hypodermic syringe. If this is not at hand, give
from the twelfth[1] to a quarter of a grain of the same medicine in
a teaspoonful of water. Failing the apomorphia, give from five[1] to
twenty grains of sulphate of zinc in a little warm water, or even salt
and water. The vomiting may be kept up by getting the dog to drink warm
water. Besides endeavouring to free the stomach of all the arsenic, an
antidote is required to remedy the ill effect of the poison. For this
there is nothing better than dialysed iron given in large doses, as from
half[1] a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful every half hour until several
doses have been given. This may be followed by a large dose of castor
oil. About an hour afterwards some carbonate of bismuth should be given,
shaken dry on the tongue, from ten[1] grains to a drachm, which may be
repeated every hour or two. When there is great prostration, stimulants,
as brandy, are required, and when the patient is unable to swallow or
retain it in the stomach, from one[1] half to a drachm may be injected
under the skin frequently. If the body is cold wrap the dog up in hot
blankets, and place hot-water bottles around him. As improvement takes
place, milk thickened with arrowroot, barley, or rice water may be given.
If the dog appears in much pain after the acute stage has passed, small
doses of laudanum may be given, and hot linseed poultices applied to the
stomach.
In chronic cases of poisoning by arsenic—a not uncommon occurrence, as
this is a favourite remedy for skin diseases, and too much is often
given, or the medicine is given too long—the dog loses appetite and
condition, becomes very weak and emaciated, frequently vomiting a white,
frothy mucus as well as food.
There is often severe diarrhœa, and blood is passed with the motions.
There are signs of tenderness on pressure over the region of the stomach,
and excessive thirst. The membrane (conjunctiva) lining internal surface
of eyelids is red and congested.
_Treatment_: Discontinue the use of the arsenic immediately, give tonics,
as reduced iron, from one[1] to three grains made into a pill with an
extract of gentian. If the sickness continues, give from three[1] to ten
grains of carbonate of bismuth, shaken dry on the tongue, every three or
four hours.
For food, lean raw mutton, in small quantities, every three or four
hours, and milk to drink. If the latter is not retained, try it
peptonised with Fairchild’s powders, which can be obtained at most
chemists. When the sickness is very severe, Brand’s beef essence is
recommended, given in jelly form, in small quantities frequently.
_Phosphorus_:
_Symptoms_: There is vomiting, but not to the same extent as is seen
in cases of arsenic poisoning. The vomited matter, when taken into the
dark, is generally luminous, and it gives off that well-known odour of
phosphorus which resembles the smell of garlic; the same perfume may
be detected in the breath. If the dog survives the acute stage, in the
course of a few days the symptoms of jaundice may develop; there is
also a tendency to hæmorrhage from the nose. Poisoning by phosphorus is
often followed by convulsions, but sometimes coma; in other cases noisy
delirium.
_Treatment_: In treating cases of poisoning by phosphorus, oils and
other greasy substances must be always avoided, as it easily dissolves
in anything of an oily nature, and when such occurs greater mischief
happens. An emetic of sulphurate of zinc, from five[1] to twenty grains
in warm water, should be given as quickly as possible, and repeated in
ten minutes. If it has not acted, salt and water or ipecacuanha wine may
be given instead of the zinc, when the latter cannot be obtained.
After the sickness has ceased, administer a free dose of Epsom salts, and
keep the dog’s strength up with Brand’s beef-tea jelly; also give barley
or rice water to drink.
_Carbolic Acid_:
_Symptoms_: The dog shows signs of great pain, and is violently sick;
the lips, mouth, and tongue are white, swollen, and hard. There is great
prostration and signs of collapse, the lips and ears being cold. The
urine is of a dark brown colour, sometimes even black, or it may be
altogether suppressed. When a fatal dose has been taken, the pupils are
contracted, the dog soon becomes comatosed, breathing difficult, and
death follows. It is rather characteristic of carbolic acid poisoning
that the patient, a short time before death, often seems to rally, making
one (even persons of experience) think that the worst has passed, and
that he is going to get better. But a sudden collapse often occurs, and
death takes place unexpectedly. All cases do not run this acute course;
the membrane of the tongue and mouth may be badly burnt, which peels off,
leaving a large raw surface, which ulcerates. The same may occur in the
throat, and even in the stomach and bowels; and the dog gradually dies
from exhaustion, or even blood poisoning, a week or ten days after the
accident has happened.
_Treatment_: Give a large dose of Epsom salts at once, to be followed a
few minutes afterwards by an emetic, the apomorphia being the best—from
one[1] to two teaspoonfuls of one grain to two ounces of water solution.
Failing this, salt and water, or from five[1] to twenty grains of
sulphate of zinc in water; also give the white of an egg or olive oil to
relieve the burning irritation in the stomach. If symptoms of collapse
occur, give stimulants, as brandy and ether. When the patient is very
bad, these are more beneficial if injected under the skin; wrap the body
in hot blankets and apply hot-water bottles. The ulcers that form in
the mouth, the result of the caustic action of the acid, are often very
troublesome, and the discharge from them is most offensive. When such
is the case, keep the parts clean by sponging them frequently with a
saturated solution of chlorate of potash.
_Mercury_:
_Symptoms_: There are signs of pain, violent vomiting, accompanied by
profuse purging, the evacuations being mixed with blood; the lips,
tongue, and mouth are swollen and white. The patient soon shows signs of
collapse. The lips and ears become deadly cold; the breathing is heavy
and difficult; the secretion of urine is suppressed; coma and convulsions
follow, then death occurs.
_Treatment_: Encourage the sickness by giving warm water; also administer
large quantities of raw white of egg, flour and water and barley water.
Give brandy or ether subcutaneously, if signs of collapse occur.
In cases where slow poisoning by mercury occurs, caused by the
injudicious use of some of the preparations of this agent for the skin,
especially that called blue ointment, I have seen this salve applied as
freely all over a dog as one would use lard, with the result I need not
mention. Then there is the green iodide of mercury—a favourite remedy
of the late Stonehenge. This is a valuable preparation for old wounds,
for chronic eczema, and other skin diseases, used sparingly, and not
over a large surface. Then, again, repeated doses of calomel act very
injuriously.
_Symptoms_: Diarrhœa, the evacuations being stained with blood; loss of
appetite, sickness, great wasting; profuse flow of saliva from the mouth;
gums at first red and inflamed, subsequently become ulcerated—the breath
being horribly foul; a rash often appears on the skin, pustules form and
break, giving forth a fœtid discharge, and the hair falls off in patches.
These cases usually terminate fatally, the result of exhaustion, though
occasionally a patient may be saved when the case is taken in time.
_Treatment_: At first, give a mild dose of castor oil, with from three[1]
to ten drops of laudanum; the oil, etc., may be repeated in a couple of
days. Large and frequent doses of subnitrate of bismuth should also be
given. When the diarrhœa is very profuse, and there is much blood being
passed, tannic acid is useful, given in the following formula:—
_Recipe: The Pills_:
Tannic Acid, ½ to 4 drachms.[1]
Powdered Opium, 2 to 12 grains.
Ex. cip., _q.s._
Mix and divide into 12 pills.
_Dose_: One pill to be given every four or six hours, according to the
severity of the diarrhœa.
The mouth and gums should be kept clean by being frequently sponged with
a saturated solution of boracic acid.
Keep the strength up with strong beef-tea, thickened with isinglass, and
each time the dog is fed, give from half[1] to a teaspoonful of port
wine. Let the patient have milk with white of an egg added, or barley
water to drink.
A warm bath and a free application of some soap is beneficial. This is
more particularly the case when the attack is due to absorption of the
poison through the application of some ointment containing a mercurial
compound.
If the skin is very moist, apply to the parts freely some finely powdered
Fuller’s earth.
When the dog has become convalescent, some iron or bark tonic will assist
the patient to regain strength. Raw meat should also be given in small
quantities five or six times a day.
_Iodine and its Compounds, as Iodide of Soda or Potash, etc._:
_Symptoms_: A person can take ten times as much iodide of potassium as
a dog, without any bad result. The tincture of iodine is often used to
reduce tumors or swellings. It seldom has any beneficial results, except
in cases of goitre, when it is sometimes useful; and if the application
is continued too long, or the preparation is applied over too large a
surface, sufficient becomes absorbed to cause severe constitutional
disturbance. If a large quantity of pure iodine or the tincture is given
to a dog, the mouth and tongue will be found discoloured (dark brown);
there is great pain in the throat and stomach; severe purging and
vomiting—the vomited matter may be yellow or brown from the iodine, or
blue, if there is any starchy matter in the stomach; and the breath has
that peculiar unmistakably iodine odour. Dogs very seldom, indeed, are
poisoned with iodine in this way, though it is not at all an uncommon
occurrence for dogs to be slowly poisoned with iodide of potassium, or
in some cases by the pure iodine, through absorption into the system by
the skin. The latter should never be given, and only the former in small
doses, say from half[1] to two grains, and even this quantity should not
be continued too long. When it is, or large doses are given, the dog soon
loses flesh; he has an almost unquenchable thirst, the result of gastric
catarrh. Vomiting is frequent, especially after taking a large quantity
of fluid; diarrhœa may be present; the tongue is of a dark brick-red
colour; saliva flows freely from the mouth, and there is no desire for
food.
_Treatment_: In cases of acute poisoning, if the patient does not vomit
freely, an emetic should be given, as from five[1] to twenty grains of
sulphate of zinc in water or some ipecacuanha wine; give starch and
water, also white of egg, and water in large quantities, and allow milk
_ad libitum_.
If there is great prostration, inject ether or brandy under the skin. In
cases of chronic or slow poisoning by iodide of potassium, the medicine
must, of course, be instantly stopped; and diluted hydrochloric acid,
from two[1] to six drops in a dessertspoonful[1] to two tablespoonfuls
of water given three times a day. If this does not stop the sickness
and great thirst, the subnitrate of bismuth may be tried, in doses from
five[1] to twenty grains, shaken dry on the tongue, every three or four
hours. The dog must not have any water to drink, as it only increases the
sickness; but plenty of ice placed in a perforated dish to lick, also
iced barley or rice water. As there is often great weakness in these
cases, nourishing food of an easily digested nature is required—Brand’s
beef essence, given in jelly form; milk peptonised, or thickened with
Benger’s food. As the case improves, lean raw meat in small quantities
may be allowed.
_Tartar Emetic_:
_Symptoms_: The proper dose varies from a quarter[1] of a grain to
one and a half grains. The symptoms, the result of a large dose, are
continued sickness, with violent retching, and often diarrhœa; great
thirst; coldness of lips, ears, and limbs, with severe depression and
weak pulse, difficult breathing, collapse, and death. Sometimes just
before dying the patient may be much convulsed.
In cases of poisoning by tartar emetic, there is generally an absence of
blood in the vomited matter and bowel evacuations, which is not the case
in poisoning by arsenic, as blood is passed freely both ways.
_Treatment_: Give a copious draught of warm water, with the idea of
washing the stomach out; this, of course, is almost immediately brought
up. A few minutes afterwards give from five[1] to thirty grains of gallic
acid in water, which repeat every time the dog is sick, and let the
animal have barley water or white of egg beaten up in water to drink. If
there is great collapse, inject brandy or ether, from fifteen[1] minims
to one drachm, under the skin with a hypodermic syringe; keep the patient
warm, and as quiet as possible. When large doses of tartar emetic have
been given, there is very little hope of recovery.
_Turpentine_ is rather a favourite antithelmintic, though it is not so
much given for this purpose now as it used to be; but it is still a
good deal used by some keepers, and when not carefully and sparingly
administered often proves fatal, especially in young patients.
_Symptoms_: Convulsions; coma; heavy stertorous breathing, with pupils
contracted. A great assistance in the diagnosing of these cases is the
smell of the turpentine in the breath; the bladder is very irritable; the
urine has the odour of violets, and is passed frequently.
_Treatment_: Give an emetic as soon as possible. The best in these cases,
as in many others, is the apomorphia, from two[1] to five drops of the
one in fifty solution, injected under the skin, or double the quantity
poured down the throat. Failing this, give from five[1] to twenty grains
of sulphate of zinc, in water, or some powdered ipecacuanha. When the
effect of the emetic has passed, a full dose of sulphate of soda, from
one[1] drachm to one ounce, in water, should be given. The dog may be
allowed to drink milk or white of egg, with water or rice water.
When there is much pain about the abdomen, a morphia suppository inserted
into the bowel gives relief.
_Oxide of Zinc_, either in the form of lotion, ointment, or the powder,
is a household remedy, and an exceedingly good one, too, for many forms
of non-contagious skin disease; but like almost everything else, when
applied to the dog’s skin, he makes it his business to remove it with
the tongue as quickly as possible. A small quantity does no harm; but
when the ointment or lotion is applied over a large surface, and the dog
licks a large quantity off, serious disturbances of the system often
follow. Acute cases of this kind are not so fatal, as a rule, as chronic
ones—that is, as in those cases of long-standing skin trouble when
the zinc has been in daily use for some time, and the animal has been
systematically licking it. In these cases the ill effects of the zinc are
first noticed by the dog vomiting after food.
_Symptoms_: There is great thirst and loss of condition; soon the dog
refuses food altogether, the sickness increases, and becomes very
frequent. If the mouth is examined, the inside of the lips and tongue
will be noticed extremely pale—in fact, quite blanched—and the membrane
of the eyes is in a similar condition. The dog is very cold and dejected.
Diarrhœa often comes on, which adds to the weakness.
_Treatment_: In treating these cases, the application of the oxide zinc
in any form, of course, should be immediately discontinued. A purge
should be given; for this, from two[1] to fifteen grains of jalapin is as
good as anything. This should be repeated in two or three days. Medicine
to strengthen the system and stop the sickness should be given, as the
following mixture:—
_Recipe_: _The Mixture_:
Dialysed Iron, 2 to 8 minims.[1]
Solution of Arsenic (Fowler’s), ½ to 2 minims.
Bicarbonate of Soda, 3 to 10 grains.
Compound Tincture of Gentian, 5 to 20 minims.
Water, from one[1] to four teaspoonfuls. Repeat three or four times a day.
Strong beef-tea in jelly form, either home-made or Brand’s beef essence,
should be given in small quantities frequently. Milk with soda water, if
it does not induce vomiting, may be allowed.
When there is great prostration, stimulants, as brandy, are necessary,
and should be given in small quantities frequently; and scraped lean raw
meat is very beneficial in these cases, when the patient may be induced
to take it.
_Santonine_ is a most useful remedy for expelling round worms, especially
in young puppies, but very often too much is given. As a result,
violent convulsions are induced, which in many cases terminate fatally.
Full-grown dogs will stand a good dose without any bad effects, but young
puppies are particularly susceptible to its action.
_Treatment_: The patient should be made to vomit as quickly as possible,
but this cannot be done whilst the convulsions continue. However,
directly the dog is able to swallow, a dose of ipecacuanha should be
administered, from two[1] to ten grains (in a little water). This may
be repeated in a few minutes, if it has not acted. If the convulsions
are very severe, an injection of ether and laudanum should be given—from
fifteen[1] to sixty drops of the former, and from seven[1] to twenty
drops of the latter diluted freely with water. The injection should
be repeated in half an hour, if the symptoms continue. A warm bath is
sometimes useful.
Whilst on this subject, I may mention the proper doses of this medicine.
For small puppies, toys, fox-terriers, etc., when five or six weeks
old, a quarter of a grain in a teaspoonful of salad oil; collies,
St. Bernards, and other big puppies, half a grain in a couple of
teaspoonfuls of oil. The dose may be repeated twice a week.
_Lead_ is another poison which is occasionally the cause of death. Many
dogs are poisoned by this agent, but it is only an exceptional case that
terminates fatally. I have known the acetate or sugar of lead to be
given in mistake for Epsom salts, and I have also known puppies and even
full-grown dogs to pick up and swallow pieces of white lead (carbonate of
lead). I have also seen dogs very ill through licking their feet after
walking on wet paint, and I have heard it mentioned that some dogs will
deliberately go and lick a place that has been newly painted. However, I
can scarcely believe this; but everyone knows a dog will try to clean his
coat of whatever may get on it. Dogs will sometimes get a bad attack of
vomiting by remaining in a house where painting is going on, just from
the smell.
_Symptoms_: Vomiting, colic, pain sometimes being acute; diarrhœa often
at first, followed by constipation. The muscles of the stomach feel hard
and rigid. There is great thirst, and in some bad cases paralysis of the
hind legs and convulsions.
_Treatment_: Encourage the sickness by giving a dose of sulphate of zinc
or ipecacuanha wine. Stimulate the action of the bowels with free doses
of Epsom salts; give milk to drink, with white of egg added. If the pain
is very severe, an enema of laudanum and ether will soothe. When there
is great prostration, Brand’s essence may be given—a teaspoonful or so
every hour.
[Illustration: A dog in a bag which is very useful when it is necessary
to keep his tongue and teeth away from a wound or when some poisonous
dressing has been applied]
=Prepuce Orifice, Too Small=:
Puppies are occasionally born with the opening in the prepuce too small,
so that the penis is unable to be protruded.
[Illustration: A wide leather collar to prevent a dog from turning his
head round]
_Treatment_: The difficulty is removed by a small operation—that is, by
increasing the opening by making a small incision, and then sewing the
skin to the mucous membrane. It is best not to do this operation until
the puppy is three or four months old, and care must be taken during the
healing that the wound is not licked. This is best done by making the
puppy wear a wide collar, or keeping him in a sack for a few days, with
the head only protruding as depicted in the illustration.
=Prepuce Orifice, Too Large=:
Occasionally puppies are born with the opening in the prepuce so large
that the penis is always protruding.
_Treatment_: The opening may be partly closed by scarifying the edges of
the skin, and then sewing it up. Care must be taken that the dog does not
lick the part during the healing.
=Prostate Gland, Enlargement of=:
_Symptoms_: Difficulty in passing water—straining; also difficulty in
passing a motion—constipation. When very large, they may be felt by
manipulation of back part of abdomen (the pubic region) just in front of
the thighs.
_Treatment_: If dog unable to urinate properly, the water must be
drawn off with a small-sized catheter. The bowels must be kept in a
semi-relaxed condition by mixing with the food, twice a day, from half
to a dessertspoonful[1] of salad oil. Also, give twice a day, from a
quarter[1] to two grains of iodide of potassium in a little water. The
extract of prostate gland may be tried—dose, from half a grain to two
grains.[1] An operation for enlarged prostate gland in the dog is not
satisfactory, but castrating a dog suffering from this disease often has
a good effect.
=Prostatitis (Inflammation of Prostate Gland)=:
_Symptoms_: Increased frequency of passing water, and straining after
emptying bladder, when a few drops of blood are often passed. Big dogs
are more subject to the disease than small ones.
_Treatment_: Do not take the dog for long walks; feed principally on
milk, with biscuits, bread, toast, rice, etc. Fish may also be given, but
avoid meat. Give aperient medicine, castor oil is the best, also tonic
medicine, as the following pills:—
_Recipe_:
Powdered Nux Vomica, 1 to 6 grains.[1]
Reduced Iron, 12 to 30 grains.
Extract Gentian, _q.s._
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills—one to be given twice a day after food.
=Pruritus Ani (Inflammation of Skin about Anus)=:
_Symptoms_: The skin around anus is red and inflamed, and very irritable;
the dog draws himself along the ground on the back parts, and is also
frequently trying to lick himself.
This condition is often associated with a swollen and congested state of
the anal glands.
_Treatment_: Try the ointment recommended for external piles, or bathe
parts with following lotion—
_Recipe_:
Carbolic Acid, 1 drachm.
Glycerine, 2 drachms.
Water to 8 ounces.
Mix.
If the anal glands are distended, empty by squeezing. (_See_ article on
ANAL GLANDS.)
In medicine, give from two[1] to fifteen grains of milk of sulphur twice
a day.
In feeding, avoid much meat.
=Psoriasis=:
_Symptoms_: A dry and scaly condition of the skin, with small red spots
here and there, particularly when the elbows, knees, and hocks are
affected, which are the parts more often attacked.
_Treatment_: When the disease is spread more or less all over the dog,
a dressing made of cocoanut oil six parts, and glycerine one part, well
mixed together and applied all over the dog, and repeated once in four
days, is beneficial. The dressing should be washed off after a week,
using sulphur soap, and then the dog should have two or three times
a week, for a time, a sulphur bath made by dissolving one ounce of
sulphurated potash in a pail of tepid water.
When the disease affects only the joints, apply the following dressing
twice a day:—
_Recipe_:
Methylated Spirits, } Of each one ounce.
Green Soft Soap, }
Oil of Cade, }
Mix.
Give the dog worm medicine, also a course of arsenic, from one[1] to six
drops of liquor arsenicalis P. B. in water twice a day after food. The
dose may be doubled a week later. This medicine should be continued for
about a fortnight, but should it cause vomiting, diarrhœa, or loss of
appetite, it is at once to be discontinued.
=Puerperal Fever=:
_Symptoms_: It may occur three or four days after pupping—commences
with an attack of shivering—the temperature rises probably to 105, the
pulse is quiet and weak. There is great thirst and vomiting, and perhaps
diarrhœa. The discharge from vagina ceases, and the secretion of milk
stops. The abdomen is distended and painful.
_Treatment_: Give a large dose of salicylate of quinine, from two[1] to
ten grains made into a pill, or put in a cachet. Apply hot linseed-meal
poultices to abdomen. Well wash the womb out with a solution of
perchloride of mercury, 1 in 2,000—that is, one grain to about every four
ounces of warm water. Of this solution use about two ounces for a small
bitch, and half a pint for a large one. About two minutes after injecting
the solution of mercury, wash the womb well out with plain warm water,
using from four[1] ounces to a pint. The syringing may be repeated in
twelve hours. When the mercury is not at hand, a saturated solution of
boracic acid may be used, or one of permanganate of potash, one grain to
each ounce of water.
To wash the womb out properly, a clean Higson’s enema syringe should be
used, and the long insertion tube well vaselined passed up the passage as
far as it will go.
_Diet_: Should be light, as milk with Vichy water to drink, also Brand’s
beef essence, or Valentine’s meat juice, given with Vichy water.
If the vomiting is very troublesome, give the mixture recommended for
gastritis, and keep up the bitch’s strength with nutritive enemas and
peptonised meat suppositories.
=Pulse=:
A dog’s pulse varies in the number of beats per minute, according to his
size. The number is less in a big dog than a small one. A St. Bernard’s
pulse, for instance, beats about 70 times per minute, and a small dog’s,
say, like a toy terrier, 100 times per minute, and a dog’s pulse is often
intermittent in its beat.
In disease, the pulse, in most cases, is increased in frequency. It might
be for big dogs 100 to 120, and for small dogs from 120 to 150 or 160
times a minute.
In some instances, as in some cases of heart disease, or in pneumonia,
when the heart is affected, the pulse is very slow indeed. A big dog may
go down to 50, and a small dog to 70. A very slow pulse is more serious
than a fast one. In such cases, some such mixture as the following should
be given:—
_Recipe_:
Tincture Digitalis, 2 drachms.
Tincture Nux Vomica, 1 drachm.
Simple Syrup, 1 ounce.
Water to 6 ounces.
_Doses_: From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] every four or six
hours.
The pulse not only varies in number of beats per minute during illness,
but also in character—for instance, after great exertion the pulse is
full and fast, and in cases of internal inflammation it is small and wiry
as well as fast.
In some diseases of the nervous system the pulse is very slow. During a
prolonged illness, or after a severe illness, the pulse can scarcely be
felt; it is then said to be weak, and stimulants and tonics are indicated.
The pulse is always quicker in young dogs and old ones than it is in
those in the prime of life. The best place for taking the heart-beats
or pulse is at the femoral artery, just as it crosses the inside of the
thigh-bone.
=Pupping=:
To discover whether a bitch is in pup, let her be placed upon a table,
and her fears or excitability banished by caresses; then lay her upon her
side, and with the fingers gently manipulate the abdomen. If the womb is
impregnated, the person, directing his attention first to the situation
the uterus occupies, near to the rim of the pelvis, and inferior to the
rectum, will there detect round smooth bodies, like little eggs. These
may not be perceptible if the bladder be loaded; but if the catheter be
employed to draw off the urine, they will surely be felt. If the rectum
be full of faeces, it serves as an admirable guide to the position of
the uterus, though he who is acquainted with anatomy needs no such
assistance. Some globular substance being detected, the fingers are
advanced; and if more than one pup be conceived, another similar to it
will speedily impinge upon the touch; then another, and so on, until
the whole of the promised family have been thus announced. The last is
the most difficult to discover; for should there be more than two or
three, it may, and will generally, occupy the extremity of a horn, and
in that situation may escape observation. There are to the womb of this
animal a pair of horns, which are long, and extend to the region of the
kidneys. Both cannot be traced at the same time, and there is a chance
of the two being confounded; therefore it is not well to be positive as
to the precise number of young the bitch will bring forth. And I never
presume to speak confidently upon the point; for though, in the majority
of cases, my opinion may have been corroborated, nevertheless I have
often known a pup more than I supposed the uterus contained to have been
delivered. From the end of the fourth week, the litter, as it were, go
away, or are lost; but when the sixth week arrives, the contents of the
abdomen may be plainly detected; and if the bitch be taken upon the lap,
and her belly supported with the hand, they at this period will be felt
to move, and the motion even of their limbs is clearly recognised.
Milk appears in the teats about the middle of the eighth week, and
sometimes sooner, and occasionally later.
For a bitch to be in proper condition at the time of parturition, she
requires some attention during pregnancy. One or two hours’ walking
exercise daily is essential during the early part of the time; but when
the bitch becomes very heavy, as is often the case the last fortnight,
then half an hour slowly walking is enough, unless the bitch is inclined
to take more. During the first five weeks it is not necessary to make any
alteration in the diet. If the bitch is in the habit of being fed only
once a day, so let it continue; but after the time mentioned, food should
be given twice a day, and should be of good nourishing kind, as soaked
biscuits with a little under-cooked meat—three parts of the former to one
of the latter. When she is delicate, and has a poor appetite, extra meat
may be allowed; and in some cases, especially towards the last, if she is
disinclined to take her ordinary food, meat, raw or cooked, alone may be
given two or three times a day.
Spratt’s small special cod-liver oil biscuits, which contain 10 per cent.
of the oil, make first-class food for bitches of poor condition. They may
be given dry, also broken up small, soaked in soup, and mixed with meat
in the proportion as previously stated. The principal thing is to feed
regularly, and not to give too much at a time.
Bitches when in pup are best without a lot of medicine; but I consider
it a good plan, about three weeks after service, and when all signs of
heat have quite disappeared, to give a vermifuge, not with the idea
of preventing the puppies becoming infested with worms, as that is
impossible, before birth; but no bitch can be in good health, which is
so essential at this time, if the bowels are full of worms. I do not
advise a strong drastic dose, but one of medium strength, and it should
be repeated the following week. It is very important to examine the
bitch’s skin from time to time, so as to check any cutaneous disorder
early; for if the bitch has any skin disease when the puppies are born,
they are sure to contract it, and nothing thwarts their growth more
than an irritable skin, for it prevents rest, when plenty of sleep is
so essential for a puppy’s welfare; so if there are symptoms of mange,
have her at once dressed all over with some mild preparation like sulphur
ointment made with vaseline, which should be repeated two or three times
in the course of a week, and after a few days washed off. In case of
eczema, a bath in Pearson’s fluid diluted eighty times with water, or
after the seventh week sponging all over with a solution of the same,
will in most cases be all that is necessary. In some cases of eczema, at
these times a little cooling medicine is useful, as an occasional dose of
syrup of buckthorn and castor oil, or a small dose every day for a week
of some alterative powders, as the following:
Cream of Tartar, } Equal parts.
Powdered Magnesia, }
Bicarbonate of Potash, }
Milk of Sulphur, }
_Dose_: From sufficient to cover a sixpence to a dessertspoonful.[1]
If a bitch has been in the habit of being regularly washed, this may be
continued as usual, when the heat has passed, until about the seventh
week, when it is not advisable to put the bitch right into warm water in
case abortion might be induced.
While on the subject of abortion, I may mention that a bitch ought never
to be sent on a journey by train during the last two weeks, for a shaking
of this kind is more likely to cause premature confinement than anything
else I know.
It is very important that the bitch should be quite clean at the time of
parturition, and it is a good plan to wash the stomach and breast, also
the vulva and surrounding parts, with a strong warm solution of Pearson’s
fluid, about one in forty. Some treatment of this kind is more likely to
prevent young puppies from having worms soon after birth than anything
else. It is a common custom, and I think a very good one, to give a bitch
in pup a dose of castor oil about three days before she is due. In many
cases, especially when the bitch is a bit gross, it is advisable to give
a dose of the oil a week before her time is up, and again in three or
four days.
Bitches, as a rule, have their puppies on the sixty-second or sixty-third
day, the day of service being included; but some will pup on the
sixtieth day, or even a day or so earlier, and the puppies may be fairly
strong; but when born before the fifty-seventh day they seldom live. On
the other hand, many, especially those of the larger breeds, will go two
or three days over the specified time without inconvenience; and I have
known one to go as long as seventy-three days, and then to have a litter
of strong, healthy puppies, but this does not often occur when there is a
large litter.
One who is accustomed to dogs can tell within a few hours when a bitch is
going to pup. There is disinclination for food, the vulva is swollen, and
there is a discharge of thick mucus from the vagina, and, as a rule, she
seeks a quiet spot to be alone.
At this time, after making the bitch comfortable with a nice clean straw
bed—there is nothing better than straw, which should not be supplied
too plentifully—she should be left by herself for a time. As the labour
pains come on, she becomes restless, and pants; is frequently looking
around, and licking herself. When such occurs, labour in earnest may
be considered to have commenced; and if all is going well, one or more
puppies should be born in the course of an hour or so. If after two hours
there are no signs of a puppy appearing, it is well to examine the bitch;
but if a bladder (fœtal membrane) is protruding from the vagina, there
is no hurry to interfere, as this is a sign, as a rule, that matters are
taking a normal course, and that more time is required; and the bitch,
after being offered some milk, may be left again for another hour or
two. Bitches at their first pupping should always be given more time than
one which has had two or three litters, and this is more especially the
case when she is three or four years old, or even older. I have known
bitches when over nine years of age to have a litter of puppies for the
first time, and, as may be expected, it often goes very hard with them,
though with care they may live through it. Once the membrane protrudes,
which the bitch generally ruptures by biting, the first puppy, if
everything is all right, soon makes its appearance; and, as a rule, by
the time the cord is divided, and she has attended to the young arrival’s
toilet, another youngster is nearly born, and in the course of an hour
the bitch may have given birth to three or four puppies; then, perhaps,
if there are any more, there is an interval of two or three hours, which
gives the bitch time to recover her strength, and take some refreshment
in the way of thin oatmeal gruel or plain milk, and in most cases this
is quite sufficient; but if there are signs of exhaustion, some Brand’s
essence, or the white of an egg beaten up with milk, and a small quantity
of brandy, may be given. After this, in cases of the smaller breeds, when
the average number is four or five, the last of the puppies soon makes
its appearance; this also refers to terriers, though they may have five
or six, or even more puppies, as they are such strong dogs compared to
toy spaniels, pugs, etc.
Very often a bitch will have all her puppies but one with the greatest
ease (for it is seldom a bitch cries out whilst pupping after the first
litter), when the pains seem to cease altogether, and do not return for
many hours afterwards, perhaps not until the next day. In such cases, a
dose of some medicine to excite the action of the uterus is necessary,
but this will be dealt with later on.
Bitches of the larger breeds which have big litters of twelve, fourteen,
sixteen, and more puppies, invariably take all day, even in normal cases;
but after twelve some assistance and great care are required, for by this
time the mother is getting exhausted. Good gruel should be offered, and
about every three hours the white of an egg beaten up with a teacupful of
milk and a dessertspoonful of brandy should be given.
Bitches that have had their puppies easily do not require much food
during the next twenty-four hours, the fœtal envelopes, which are always
eaten, affording a certain amount of nourishment; therefore, if some
thin oatmeal gruel or Benger’s food made with milk be offered, it is
sufficient. Plain milk may also be given to drink. The same diet does for
the following two days, with the addition of some soup or sheep’s-head
broth with bread or crushed dog biscuits, a small quantity twice a day.
After the third day a more liberal diet may be allowed; boiled fish, as
fresh haddock, with bread, also the meat from a sheep’s head, and bread
or broken biscuit soaked soft in the soup. By degrees the quantity and
quality of the food may be increased, for after a fortnight, when there
is a large litter, a good deal of nourishment is required, if the bitch
is to be kept strong and the puppies fat.
Very often, two or three days after parturition, the bitch has diarrhœa.
As a rule, it is not severe, and passes off in the course of twenty-four
hours. Should it continue after this time, a dose of castor oil and
laudanum may be given. In small bitches, as toys, a teaspoonful of the
oil with three drops of laudanum; for terriers, a dessertspoonful of the
former and five drops of the latter; collies, etc., a tablespoonful, and
ten drops of tincture of opium; and large bitches, two tablespoonfuls
and ten drops. The dose should be repeated in six hours. If the diarrhœa
continues after the oil has worked off, from five[1] to twenty grains of
bismuth may be given three or four times a day, shaken dry on the tongue.
During the diarrhœa, the milk should be thickened with arrowroot, and the
soup be given with rice instead of bread or biscuit.
Some bitches, when due to pup, and though in good health and fairly
strong, have not sufficient labour pains to bring forth their young; the
water-bag may break and there is the usual green-coloured discharge, but
the throes are so slight as to be of little use. Of course, once the
fœtal membrane is broken, and the fluid escapes, the puppy soon dies
if not born; therefore, it is necessary to use means to stimulate the
contraction of the womb—in other words, to induce labour pains—and for
this there is nothing better than ergotine, which is a strong extract
of ergot of rye. Until recently the latter was used, the seed being
coarsely powdered, and from ten[1] to sixty grains administered in warm
milk or coffee, the dose being repeated every two or three hours until
several had been given. There are other preparations of ergot, as the
ammoniated liquid extract, and ammoniated tincture. The former is the
next best preparation to ergotine, and should be used when ergotine
cannot be obtained. The dose varies from ten minims to one drachm,[1]
which may be given with water, or in a little milk, and repeated every
two hours until the pains have been induced, or six doses given; but
these preparations are not so good as ergotine, for not only does the
latter act with more certainty, but there is another advantage in its
administration, and that is, it may be injected under the skin, and
consequently the stomach is not irritated and perhaps the bitch made
sick, which often happens when these medicines are given by the mouth.
The dose of ergotine is from one[1] to three grains, given in from
ten[1] to forty minims of brandy. There is no advantage, as is often
recommended, in injecting it deeply into the muscles in the region of the
pelvis, as it is quite sufficient to introduce it just under the skin.
I generally do so behind one of the shoulders on the side of the chest,
where the skin is loose. The action of the drug, when given in this way,
may generally be observed within a quarter of an hour, and the dose, if
necessary, may be repeated in a couple of hours.
It is not an uncommon occurrence, as before observed, in cases of
parturition, for bitches that have large litters, to give birth to all
the puppies quickly, and with a certain amount of ease, until the last,
and in some instances two puppies. Then the pain seems to cease, and the
bitch appears fairly comfortable for some hours, and it is often thought
by the attendant she has finished, and there is no further cause for
anxiety; but in about twelve hours, or perhaps the next day, the bitch
becomes restless again, refuses her food, and is inclined to neglect
her pups, and is constantly wanting to go out, and after passing water,
sits and strains for a few moments. When these symptoms are noticed, the
bitch should be immediately examined, and if it is found there are more
puppies, and that the foremost one is not unnaturally situated, a dose of
ergotine should be at once given, and some nourishment also administered,
as milk and brandy, or Brand’s beef essence, or even a little scraped
lean raw meat.
Breeders should make it a regular practice to examine a bitch when it is
thought she has finished pupping, by gently manipulating the abdomen,
also by passing carefully a well-oiled finger into the vagina, for it is
often impossible to tell for certain, without examination, if there is
only one left, more especially in cases when the mother has had a large
litter. Many a valuable bitch is lost through this not being regularly
done. Because the pups, when left behind, if not already dead, die,
and quickly decompose and set up blood-poisoning, which invariably
terminates fatally within twenty-four hours.
[Illustration: SMOOTH FOX TERRIER, CHAMPION DONNA FORTUNA, K.C.S.B. 869 B.
Sire Ch. Dominie, K.C.S.B. 24,044, Dam Ch. Dame Fortune K.C.S.B. 38,153.
Described by Mr. J. C. Tinne as “absolutely the best Fox Terrier of all
time.” The property of Mr. Francis Redmond, Whetstone House, Totteridge,
N.
[_face p. 248._]
Considering the number of young a bitch has, and the variety of size the
puppies often are, I think it is wonderful they get through their trouble
as well as they do, more especially when it is taken into consideration
the artificial life dogs generally live. There are some breeds which
are always a source of anxiety to their owners, especially the toys, as
spaniels and griffons, which have frequently a habit of throwing back to
the size of their ancestors, which were no doubt much larger dogs than
the modern specimens. The same remarks refer to Yorkshire terriers as
well as to the other small breeds, but the fault very often lies with the
owner in trying to breed from very small bitches. Bull-bitches, again,
often have difficulty in bringing their puppies into the world, and this
is in a great measure due to the modern dogs having such large heads.
In addition to the difficulty mentioned, this breed is no doubt of
a naturally weak constitution, and their organs of reproduction are
very liable to disease. Of course there are many of what one may call
accidental cases, as when a fox-terrier or dachshund has puppies by a dog
the size of a collie. I have known many cases of this kind, and, as may
be expected, the bitch has trouble in giving birth to such youngsters,
though sometimes they are born without any difficulty at all. Then
there are other cases of difficult parturition, due to stricture of the
vaginal passage, the result of injury to the pelvic bones, as when a
bitch has been run over across the hips, or as the result of congenital
deformity of these parts. There is nothing to be done in these cases but
to have the Cæsarean operation performed, when some of the puppies may be
saved and the bitch too, if the operation is done in good time.
There is another form of stricture of the vagina, and it is generally
found just inside the vulva. It is due to a strong band of mucous
membrane, which refuses to dilate as the surrounding parts do at this
time, and in some cases it is so strong that one is not able to dilate it
in the ordinary way; therefore, the only thing to do is to cut through it
with a blunt-pointed knife (bistoury), which I generally do at the side,
and always with good result.
Difficulties arise at parturition in consequence of the unnatural
position of the fœtus; a puppy should come with the head first, the
nose extended, and the fore legs placed one on either side of the neck.
Another easy position for birth is when the hind legs come first, but in
these cases, unless the puppy is delivered quickly, it dies from asphyxia.
From some unaccountable reason a fœtus frequently assumes a wrong
position, which renders its birth extremely difficult. In such cases it
is useless giving ecbolics or medicines to stimulate the labour pains,
but means must be taken to place the puppy, if possible, in a proper
position, and then a dose of ergotine is useful. Perhaps the most common
malposition is when both fore legs are thrown in a backward direction,
causing the shoulder to project, thus inducing a mechanical impediment to
birth. These are not very troublesome cases, as a rule, for the legs, by
means of a blunt-pointed round hook, may be drawn forward; if there is
nothing better at hand, a long button-hook will answer the purpose.
This accomplished, the puppy should come away easily; but if the bitch is
weak from long straining, it is advisable to remove the puppy entirely,
especially if it is thought there are more to come. I may mention here
when one has to use instruments of any kind to assist the patient, the
puppy is generally in some way injured, so that if it does not die at the
time, it usually does very soon after; but after all, this is of little
consequence compared with the life of the mother.
In some instances the puppy presents itself at the mouth of the womb with
the top of the head foremost, the nose being pressed down against the
chest; if it is at all large, birth is very difficult in this position.
In such cases, one should try and elevate the nose with the point of the
finger; when the bitch is not a large one this is often possible, but
when she is, it is necessary to employ a crotchet or crook—as mentioned
before, a button-hook with a long handle does very well—and, if possible,
it should be fixed in the mouth and the nose drawn up; this is rendered
more easy, if one can, by means of the finger of the other hand, press
the neck backwards towards the body of the bitch. It is, however, often
impossible to raise the head, and the only thing to be done is to seize
the neck firmly with a pair of forceps, and by traction at each time of
straining, extract the puppy. Care must be taken not to injure the bitch,
or inflammation, which may prove fatal, will occur.
In other cases the head may be bent in a backward direction, the front of
the neck presenting. These cases, though somewhat more difficult, require
similar treatment to the previous kind. When all other means have failed,
the neck may be divided and the head removed by forceps; the body will
then generally come away by itself.
The fœtus assumes numerous other positions besides those mentioned—as,
for instance, lying transversely, the puppy’s side presenting to the
mouth of the womb, and when the labour pains are strong, no amount of
manipulation will put the body in a normal position. Rather than let the
bitch waste her strength uselessly, the puppy should be divided or broken
up by means of a sharp-cutting hook, and removed by means of forceps.
When a fore and a hind leg are presented into the vagina, the former
should be pushed back into the womb, and the hind leg seized with forceps
and made fast with a piece of tape. (It is easy to distinguish one leg
from the other by feeling for the hock-joint in the hind limb.) When
this is done, the other back leg should now be felt for, and when its
position is ascertained, it should, if possible, by means of a small pair
of forceps (ordinary dressing forceps answer very well for this purpose)
or crotchet, be drawn into the vagina, or made fast with tape like its
fellow, and then by gentle traction on both limbs the puppy is delivered.
It occasionally happens, in cases of head presentation, that the hind
legs are bent forward on the body, which renders the delivery difficult,
and unless the passage is large, and the pains are very strong, the bitch
cannot bring forth the pup without assistance. This is best rendered
by grasping the puppy across the hips with a small pair of thin-bladed
parturition forceps, and gently pulling the puppy during each throe.
It frequently occurs that though a puppy may lie in a normal position,
the mother is unable to give birth to it in consequence of its being
too large. The nose may be just inside the vagina, and there become
fixed in spite of the bitch’s straining for hours. I have seen hundreds
of such cases. It is a mistake to leave the bitch in this condition
too long, thinking matters will come all right, as it is wasting time
and the mother’s strength; and if there are other puppies to come, she
probably will not have strength either to expel them herself or help
anyone who may try to assist her. In this instance, the head is so firmly
fixed in the mouth of the womb that it is impossible to take hold of
it with forceps, however small or thin the blades may be, but the hook
of the crotchet may generally be passed into the mouth of the puppy,
and by fixing it well into the palate a good hold is obtained, and the
puppy drawn through the passage by main force. If care be taken, it is
astonishing what amount of force may be used in promoting delivery
without at all injuring the bitch, but it is best not to pull on the
puppy except during the labour pains, if there are any.
It is the custom of some veterinary surgeons to give the bitch, during
labour, a hot bath if the parts are not considered sufficiently relaxed,
or if the pains are dull; at the proper time the tissues always become
sufficiently dilated, providing the parts are in a normal state—that is,
bar a stricture in the vagina, or something of the kind—and if there is
any abnormal condition, a warm or hot bath, in my opinion, does more harm
than good by often checking the pains.
Sometimes when the ergot fails to induce or stimulate the throes, I have
applied with advantage to the abdomen an ice-bag; but what I find the
best of all, when one or two subcutaneous injections of ergotine have not
worked satisfactorily, is to put the bitch in some vehicle and give her a
drive, and if nothing else will induce the labour pains this shaking up
will do so in most cases.
The worst of all, are those cases when the bitch is due to pup, the parts
are relaxed, and there are no labour pains to expel the fœta. Examined
per vaginum, no puppy can be felt, and no amount of excitement of the
parts by passing a cold instrument into the passage, or injections of
ergot, causes contraction of the womb. If the patient seems all right, it
is best to wait some hours, during which time everything should be done
to try and excite contraction of the parts. If the means taken do not
succeed, then there is nothing to be done except the Cæsarean operation,
as it is not safe to attempt delivery with forceps or the crotchet when
the puppies cannot be felt with the finger.
The best forceps for using, in my opinion, in cases of parturition, are
those made by Messrs. Krohne & Sesemann, of Duke Street, Manchester
Square, London. They are made after the pattern of Will’s ovariotomy
forceps, of very fine hard steel; the blades are extremely thin and
small, and deeply serrated, so that when a puppy is taken hold of they
do not easily slip off. My crotchet was also made by the same firm,
and, if care is used when working with it, it is a most valuable little
instrument. When from causes due to mechanical impediment either on the
part of the bitch or puppies, or from want of proper labour pains, it is
impossible to obtain the birth of the puppies through the proper channel,
the abdomen should be opened. If the operation is done in good time (that
is, before the bitch has become weak), and proper antiseptic precautions
taken, there is a chance, though the operation is a dangerous one, of
saving the mother’s life. At any rate, some of the puppies can be almost
certainly brought forth alive; whilst if the operation is not undertaken
in these circumstances, one knows that not only the bitch but all the
puppies are sure to die.
Prolapsus, or inversion of the womb or uterus, into the vagina,
sometimes, but very rarely, occurs during parturition, due to very
severe straining, or as the result of too much force being used to remove
a puppy with forceps, or by other artificial means. Care must be taken in
these cases not to mistake protrusion of the uterus for prolapsus of the
vagina or a polypus. The latter may be recognised as a solid, pear-shaped
body with a narrow neck, whilst a prolapsed vagina is generally a large,
solid, oval body, which almost fills the vaginal canal, if it does not
protrude externally. It has a broad base, and rises at the back part
of the passage, just in front of the meatus or opening to the bladder.
The uterus is soft, reducible, and rough, and tubular in shape, besides
showing dark-coloured patches where the placenta has been attached.
After the womb has been cleansed by being sponged with a weak, tepid
solution of permanganate of potash, it should, if possible, be returned
by gentle pressure on the fundus of the uterus with a piece of whalebone,
with the point covered with a sponge. The returning is assisted if the
hind legs are raised—in fact, by the bitch being held upside down. Care
must be taken not to use undue force, or the uterus may be ruptured.
After the return, it is a good plan to inject a quantity of cold water
into the vagina to act as an astringent.
When the protruding uterus shows signs of having been injured, or is much
congested, or decomposition has set in, amputation is advisable. This
is best done by drawing the part gently out and applying a strong silk
ligature as high up as possible, and cutting off the free portion.
The bitch, when she has finished pupping, requires little attention
beyond a change of bed and a fair supply of nutritive food. She does
best when least noticed; but it is well to see that she takes sufficient
exercise. On the following day she should be taken out two or three
times for a few minutes to relieve herself, and every day after that she
ought to be about pretty much as before. Some bitches, however, are such
devoted mothers as to sacrifice health, and occasionally life itself,
to enjoy the pleasure of being with their young ones. This excess of
affection must be controlled, for, if not checked, it will seriously
injure both parent and offspring. All animals, however, are not thus
distinguished. Some bitches cannot be induced to suckle the pups they
have given birth to; and others, though less frequently, will eat their
progeny. The disposition to desert or destroy their young seems to
prevail among the parentage of this world. In the female of the dog the
maternal instinct is most powerful, but under certain conditions of the
animal’s body the natural impulse seems to be perverted, and she takes
the life she would else have perished to preserve.
Some persons entertain a notion that the bitch which has once devoured
her litter will ever after retain the disposition. This is a false idea.
On the next occasion, if properly treated—that is, if not persecuted,
chastised, alarmed, and annoyed, but properly dieted—she may prove, and
most likely will prove, an excellent mother, the very excitability
which, when over-stimulated, induced her unnatural impulse, making her,
when tranquil, the more alive to the instincts of her nature.
For the first week the bitch is, as a rule, very attentive to her family,
and as it gives her pain when one is taken up, it is better not to handle
the pups more than is absolutely necessary. She should be well fed; not
crammed, but nourished; and she will require more food than formerly, for
there are many mouths to feed through hers. The quantity of support she
needs may be conjectured from the rapid growth of the pups.
A small bitch of my own had a litter of four. The mother weighed seven
pounds six ounces, and between the second and fourth week the young ones
daily added one ounce and a half each to their bulk. It would require
some amount of milk to supply such a quantity of flesh; and we have also
to remember that, during the rapid growth, the process of consolidation
is simultaneously going forward. Good nourishing food, sufficient in
bulk, is absolutely imperative; for if the pups be stinted, the dogs will
assuredly be weak.
A strong bitch may be able to bring up five or six young ones, though
I have known some instances where a bitch has reared successfully as
many as ten; but the animals of the smaller or choice breeds are seldom
possessed of such capabilities. The very diminutive will not generally
rear two pups without suffering; and four are a very heavy drag upon the
majority of the animals kept as pets, even though they be in no way
remarkable on account of size.
If anything happens to the bitch, and she is unable to rear her puppies,
either a foster-parent must be found (and a cat will rear a small pup
very tenderly), or the litter must in part be brought up by hand.
This last is more troublesome than difficult to do. The pups want to be
fed early and late, consequently they must be taken into the bedroom; and
when the feeding-time arrives, the soundest sleeper will be reminded of
his duty. A bottle, such as is used for infants of the human kind, must
have a sort of nipple made of wash-leather fitted to it. The leather is
to be pricked all over with a fine needle, and within it is to be placed
a small piece of sponge to give substance and form to it. There is need
to do that, because the pup, when it sucks, wraps the tongue round the
teat, and unless the body it thus grasps has bulk, it cannot extract the
liquid. This, therefore, being attended to, the little creatures very
soon learn their lesson, and all that is subsequently to be done will be
to hold them to the bottle and the bottle to them. Each pup occupies from
ten to fifteen minutes at a meal; and they may be allowed to decide the
quantity that will do them good, unless one should obviously be morbidly
gluttonous, when the indulgence of its appetite should be restrained.
The best food for such young puppies is to give artificially prepared
bitches’ milk, made by adding cream, etc., to cows’ milk. (_See_ article
on MILK.)
There is only one circumstance needed to be pointed out when pups are
brought up by hand. The sponge and leather of the false nipple are apt
to become sour; and therefore, after they have been used, they should be
kept in water rendered slightly alkaline with the carbonate of soda.
If the puppies are strong, one may commence to wean them when between
five and six weeks old; but when they are weakly or delicate, it is best
to wait another week before commencing to take them away from their
mother; and under any circumstance it must be done gradually for the
mother’s sake. For the first three days separate the bitch from the
puppies all day except for half an hour, middle day; then keep her away
entirely during the day, only allowing her to be with them at night; and
then, after a few days later, only allow her to visit her puppies for a
short time night and morning. This must continue so long as the bitch has
any desire to go to the little ones, or so long as she has any milk.
As to feeding the puppies, _see_ the article on FEEDING in the Appendix.
=Purgative Medicine=:
A dose of purgative medicine, judiciously administered, is a good remedy
for many minor complaints, and often makes what looks like being a very
sick dog into a healthy one.
Castor oil is a good household remedy, but causes constipation
afterwards; but in cases of diarrhœa, when it is necessary to clear the
bowel of any irritating matter, there is nothing better than castor oil.
The dose varies from half a teaspoonful to two tablespoonfuls.[1] When
the dog is showing signs of abdominal pain, from three[1] to fifteen
drops of laudanum may be added to the dose.
The following is a mild aperient mixture, and does not bind afterwards:—
_Recipe_:
Castor Oil, } Equal parts.
Syrup of Buckthorn, }
Salad Oil, }
Well mixed.
_Doses_: From half a teaspoonful[1] to two tablespoonfuls, fasting, in
the morning.
For little dogs suffering from constipation, salad oil mixed daily with
the food answers well. Give from a half[1] to a teaspoonful once or twice
a day.
Some dogs refuse to take their food with oil in it. In these cases, fluid
magnesia is a nice mild laxative; and one,[1] two, or three teaspoonfuls
may be given with a little milk at breakfast-time. A little gingerbread
cake, given at night, keeps a small dog’s bowels very regular; besides,
it is appreciated.
For a purge for small dogs, one or two of the following pills may be
given:—
_Recipe_:
Extract Colocynth, 12 grains.
Extract Jalap, 6 ”
Septandrin, 3 ”
Extract Gentian, 6 ”
Podophyllum, 3 ”
Gingerine, 1½ ”
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills.
Sometimes it is difficult to give a dog a pill. In these cases, a powder
may be administered, as jalapin. Two grains is the dose for a very small
dog, and twelve grains for a big one like a great Dane or St. Bernard. It
may be just shaken dry on the tongue or mixed with a little thick gruel.
The following is a good cathartic pill for dogs varying in size from a
fox-terrier to the biggest kind:—
_Recipe_:
Barbadoes Aloes, 24 grains.
Gamboge, 12 ”
Jalap, 24 ”
Colocynth, 12 ”
Powdered Soap, 12 ”
Calomel, 12 ”
Gingerine, 3 ”
Excip. sufficient.
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills—one, two, three, or four[1] to be give on an empty
stomach.
In cases of skin disease, when purgative medicine is necessary, Epsom
salts is the best. The dose varies from fifteen grains to one ounce,[1]
given in some sweetened milk.
=Purpura=:
_Symptoms_: Extravasation of blood into the skin in very small pin-like
spots, or may be in large patches. They are first bright red, then turn
darker, and afterwards become brown in colour. The same symptoms may
occur on the tongue, also the cheek, and on the white parts of the eye,
and they occur also on the internal organs.
_Treatment_: When the spots are very small and few in number, no notice
need be taken of them; but when there are large patches of extravasated
blood, give from half a grain[1] to two grains of ergotine with double
the quantity of reduced iron, made into a pill, two or three times a day.
After a few days, commence a course of arsenic, give from one[1] to six
drops of liquor arsenic (P.B.) three times a day in water after food.
In these cases, avoid giving much meat.
=Pyæmia=:
_Symptoms_: This is an uncommon disease in dogs, but when it does occur
it usually runs a rapid course, death often taking place in a few days.
It generally results from some severe internal operation, though it
may not come on until some months after the operation has taken place,
then a large abscess forms in the liver. The attack commences, as a
rule, by severe shivering, the temperature rises 3 or 4 or more degs.
above normal; the pulse is very quick, often going up to 150. The dog
refuses all food, is very thirsty, frequently vomits, and loses condition
quickly. If the abscess bursts in the abdomen, peritonitis follows, and
death soon takes place; but if it dries up (becomes caseated), then the
dog gets better for a time, but other abscesses are almost sure to form,
if not in the liver, kidneys, or lymphatic glands, they may in the lungs,
when there is a recurrence of all the symptoms previously described.
_Treatment_: There is little to be done in these cases; a large dose of
salicylate of quinine, say from two to ten grains,[1] should be given,
and repeated once in six hours. If no improvement takes place by the
following day, it is worth while to see what a surgical operation will
do, though the chances of a cure by this mode of treatment are never very
bright.
The dog’s strength should be maintained with good strong beef-tea, also
Plasmon with milk, and nutritive suppositories and enemas. Brandy, too,
should be freely given.
=Pyrosis=:
_Symptoms_: The rejection from the stomach of a quantity of watery fluid.
This is generally preceded by discomfort and restlessness, and rumbling
in the stomach.
_Treatment_: Put dog on a milk diet for a few days; it may be given with
Benger’s food, Plasmon, or Spratt’s invalid food, or toast; also three
or four times a day, about a quarter of an hour before food, give from
two[1] to ten grains of subnitrate of bismuth. Do not give any meat.
=Rabies=:
_Symptoms_: As in all illnesses, this one commences with a loss of
appetite, and a rise of temperature from 2 to 3 degs. above normal. The
dog may be constantly licking himself at one particular spot, which is
probably the place where he was bitten and inoculated.
The dog’s disposition entirely changes, the cheerful one becomes morose
and sullen, the quiet one is restless, and the good-tempered dog
quarrelsome, and there is an inclination to hide in dark corners, though
when called by his owner he comes forward and is very affectionate,
licking the hand and even the person’s face if allowed.
A rabid dog is generally depicted with a quantity of frothing saliva
flowing from the mouth, like one suffering from epilepsy. This is a
mistake, the mouth may certainly be a little moister than usual at
first, but it soon becomes dry and of a dark red colour. The rabid dog
is much inclined to attack others, the small, timid pet will, without
provocation, bite both small and large dogs, and it is generally done
cunningly, for he will often go quietly up to his victim and smell him,
in the usual doggy way, and then suddenly bite him, and perhaps give a
sort of howl immediately afterwards.
A rabid dog’s voice is quite altered, and it is very characteristic of
the disease, but it is rather difficult to describe on paper; it is half
a bark and half a howl; it commences with a bark and finishes up with a
dismal howl. A rabid dog is much disposed to wander if he can only get
his liberty, and once he gets out he often goes for miles on a sort of
jog-trot, with head and tail down, going out of his way to attack other
dogs, but not so much people, unless they get directly in his way, or
interfere with him. He may wander for hours, or perhaps a day and a
night, and then return home. A rabid dog, though he refuses good food,
will gnaw and eat all sorts of foreign substances; for instance, if he
is in a kennel, he will gnaw and eat the woodwork; if behind railings
or chained up, the ironwork, even to the extent of breaking his teeth.
If confined in a room, he will gnaw the door, legs of chairs, carpets,
curtains, etc. I have known one to eat his way through a two-inch door in
a couple of hours. A rabid dog is not afraid of water; in fact, he drinks
a good deal at first, before the symptoms are fully developed, and even
during the latter stages, though he is unable to swallow, he will thrust
his muzzle into a basin of water and try to drink.
As the disease advances, he becomes weak in the back legs, and ultimately
quite paralysed, and if not killed, dies within four or five days; but
some have been known to live as long as seven days.
In dumb rabies, so called, the lower jaw is dropped in the early stages
through paralysis, and the dog is unable to close the mouth. This is
sometimes rather deceiving, as a person may think, perhaps, there is a
bone fixed on the teeth, and opening the mouth to see, may get wounded by
the teeth.
It is not often a rabid dog will attack his owner unless the person
tries to restrain him; but he will generally go for a stranger without
hesitation or provocation. Rabies cannot arise spontaneously, or from any
other cause whatever but inoculation by a bite from a dog suffering from
the disease. The inoculative period varies from a fortnight to six weeks;
it has been known to extend for three months. There is no doubt that the
saliva from a rabid dog’s mouth, going into the eye of another dog, would
in all probability induce the disease.
_Treatment_: There is no cure for this disease. Directly it is
established, the dog should at once be destroyed, and shooting is the
best and safest way of destroying such an animal.
I wish to dispel the idea which so many people have, that if a dog bites
another, or even a person, and that dog should ever go mad, the dog and
also the person will go mad too; such a thing is impossible, even though
the disease may be lying latent in the dog the time he inflicted the
bites. Pasteur, who was a great authority on rabies, used to say that a
bite from a dog, even two days before there were any visible symptoms of
the disease observed, was not dangerous.
=Ranula=:
_Symptoms_: A large, bladder-like swelling under the tongue, which
prevents the dog eating properly. Saliva, as a rule, flows freely
from the mouth, and in some cases the dog is unable to close the teeth
together. The cause, in some cases, is due to some blockage of the duct
of the gland which is situated under the front part of the tongue.
_Treatment_: A probe passed through the duct generally allows the
accumulated fluid to escape, but in some cases the fluid in the swelling
has become so thick that it cannot escape through the natural passage,
even though cleared with a probe; then the sac should be freely opened,
and after squeezing out its contents, the cavity should be syringed well
out with a solution of boracic acid—a teaspoonful of the acid to half a
pint of warm water.
=Redness of Skin=:
_Symptoms_: A flushed or red condition of the skin often occurs in white
dogs. It is particularly noticed on the inside of the flaps of the ears,
the inner side of the thighs and skin of the belly, or it may be general.
The redness disappears on pressure, but returns when pressure is removed.
_Treatment_: Dust the part over three or four times a day with
finely-powdered boracic acid. Treat dog for worms, and give some tonic
medicine, as following pills:—
_Recipe_:
Sulphate of Iron, 6 to 24 grains.[1]
Sulphate of Quinine, 3 to 18 ”
Confection of doses, _q.s._
Mix.
Divide into 12 pills—one to be given twice a day.
A mild saline aperient should be given once a week.
=Respiration (Artificial)=:
When a dog has been nearly drowned, before resorting to artificial
respiration he should be held upside down for a few moments, to drain
the lungs of water, and then placed on his back with head extended, and
after drawing the tongue slightly forward between the teeth, so as to
keep throat quite clear, apply pressure to the chest (just where it joins
the abdomen) with the open hand, in a forward and downward direction, so
as to expand the chest—this should be repeated from eighteen to thirty
times a minute, according to the size of the dog. After pressure, the
hand should be removed quickly, that the walls of the chest may assume
their normal position. Whilst this is going on, another person should
inject brandy under the skin, and rigorously work the legs so as to try
and promote circulation. As soon as possible put hot-water bottles around
the dog.
=Rheumatic Gout=:
_Symptoms_: There is no doubt that dogs do occasionally suffer from this
disease, it affecting generally the knees and hocks, but other joints may
be attacked. The dog is very lame, the joint swells and is very tender,
and there is a difficulty in bending it. Even after the inflammation has
dispersed, the joint remains thickened and stiff for some time, in some
cases permanently.
_Treatment_: Give a brisk purge, and also from two to fifteen grains[1]
of salicylate of soda three times a day in water after food. If joint
very painful, use following lotion:—
_Recipe_:
Tr. Opium, 4 drachms.
Water to 6 ounces.
Soak a strip of lint in the lotion, which wind round the joint; cover
entirely over with oil-silk and bandage; change every six hours. When
the inflammation and pain is less, cut the hair closely off over the
joint, and paint with strong tincture of iodine, which repeat once in
twenty-four hours. The iodine must not be applied to flexure side of
joint.
When the joint remains enlarged and stiff for some time, a course of
iodide of potassium, say from a quarter[1] to two grains, may be given
three times a day in a little water after food.
=Rheumatism=:
_Symptoms_: This disease may affect almost any part of dog, and also
dogs of all ages, though old ones are no doubt more liable to it. When
it attacks the muscles of the neck, it often assumes a spasmodic form,
and the pain is sometimes very acute; the dog is unable to move his head
in any direction, the muscles, from contraction, appear swollen, are
very tender to the touch, and the dog cries with the pain. The attack
generally lasts some hours, then it gradually subsides, and the dog seems
all right for a while, when it may come on again. Then, rheumatism often
affects the shoulders, and when it does, it is called “Chest Founder”.
The parts are painful and stiff, and the dog walks with difficulty,
dragging the fore feet along the ground. Bitches, when in low condition
after rearing a litter of puppies, often suffer from this form. Then the
loins, again, are the frequent seat of this disease, and when it affects
this part it is called lumbago. The dog walks with arched back, and very
stiffly—and as when the other parts of the body are affected, there is a
good deal of pain. As the result of lumbago, a dog often loses the use of
the hind legs for a time, and in fact becomes quite paralysed.
The disease is not confined only to these parts mentioned, as the joints
of the fore and hind legs are liable, and a very characteristic symptom
of rheumatism is its changing about quickly from one part to another,
which is unlike any other disease. For instance, one day the dog may be
going dead lame in one of the back legs, the next day the other hind leg
may be affected, and the one that was bad the previous day quite free of
pain, or the disease may leave the hind parts and go to one of the fore
limbs. But this is not always the case, as the disease may settle in a
joint, or some muscles, say of the loins, and remain stationary for a
long time.
_Treatment_: This is practically the same at first, at any rate, whatever
part may be affected. The thing is to try and get the disease out of the
system. It is always a good plan to commence with a good purge; after
this has worked off, give a course of salicylate of soda, from two to
fifteen grains[1] three times a day, either in tabloid form, put up in
cachets, or even dissolved in a little water. If this medicine does not
give relief in twenty-four hours, try aspirin or salicine, the doses
are the same. When the muscles of the neck are affected, the pain is
often very acute, as mentioned before. In such cases it is frequently
necessary to administer some sedative medicine, and for this I find there
is nothing better than giving, subcutaneously, from the twentieth to the
eighth of a grain[1] of acetate of morphia, with from ⅟₃₀₀th to ⅟₁₅₀th
of a grain[1] of sulphate of atropine, the two to be dissolved in from
five[1] to ten minims of water. The dose should be repeated night and
morning for a few days. At first these injections may cause vomiting, but
this soon ceases.
In cases of chest founder, or rheumatism in bitches in a weak condition,
which occurs after rearing puppies, salicylate of quinine is often the
best medicine to give, in doses from half to three grains[1] (made into a
pill), three times a day.
Dogs suffering from rheumatism should be kept quiet, the affected parts
covered over with a thick layer of thermogen wool, and bandaged or rubbed
with some liniment, as the following:—
_Recipe_:
Methylated Chloroform, 4 drachms.
Laudanum, 4 drachms.
Spirits of Camphor, 1 ounce.
Soap Liniment, 1 ounce.
Well mix.
Apply with friction night and morning.
_Diet_: Unless the patient is in poor health, should be light, red meat
being avoided; and so should meat extracts and soups to a great extent.
When the disease has assumed a chronic form, and settled in some joint,
like the knee—a favourite place—strong tincture of iodine should be
painted over the front and on each side of the joint every day for three
days, or a strong blister applied, and iodide of potassium, in from half
to two-grain[1] doses, be given two or three times a day.
=Rickets=:
_Symptoms_: A disease affecting puppies; if it does not commence before
six months of age, it is not likely to occur. In some puppies it
commences before they have left the nest, but, as a rule, it does not
show itself before the puppy is two months old. The joints, especially
the knees and hocks, become enlarged and irregular in shape; the pasterns
weak, the puppy walks on the backs of his legs; the arms are bowed, the
stifles enlarged and standing out, whilst the hocks turn inwards, giving
a “cow-hock” appearance. The bones of the face may be swollen, and there
may be a curvature of the spine.
The puppy, when suffering from rickets, is always dwarfed in growth, very
thin and miserable-looking, with pot belly, and always more or less in
pain. The cause of rickets is improper feeding, want of sufficient fresh
air, light, and liberty; also worms.
_Treatment_: Puppies suffering from this disease, when much below their
normal size and weight, and badly crippled, should be destroyed. When
it is decided to treat a case, give worm medicine, also some chemical
food, from ten drops[1] to a teaspoonful twice a day after eating, either
in water or mixed with cod-liver oil. Bathe the limbs with sea water,
or a solution of sea salt twice a day; but if very weak, bandage with
strips of adhesive plaster, applied so that it does not interfere with
the bending of the joints. The puppy should live out of doors, in a big
gravelled yard if possible, and where there are people about to attract
attention and to encourage movement. Give plenty of raw meat on a bone,
if possible—the act of gnawing it off much improves the digestion; also
give Spratt’s malt and cod-liver oil biscuits, dry, as well as soaked
in good soup. The puppy may have milk to drink instead of water. No
treatment is of any use without fresh air, sunshine, and liberty.
=Ringworm=:
_Symptoms_: Almost bare and nearly circular patches of skin, which is
rough and scaly, and sometimes there are a few small red pimples on
the places and a few short stumps of broken hair. The disease is very
contagious to other animals, and also to people. Rats and mice are very
subject to ringworm, and frequently infect dogs.
_Treatment_: Dress all the spots daily with sulphurated calcium lotion,
applied with a brush. After a week, dress the spots daily with borate of
glycerine.
=Rupture=:
_Symptoms_: A swelling in the groin, navel, scrotum perineum, etc.; and
it may occur at any part of the abdomen, the result of an injury, when it
is called ventral hernia. The swelling may be round or elongated; it is
generally broader at its free extremity than at its point of connection
with the abdominal surface. It becomes enlarged when the dog strains, or
when constipated, and it also has a tendency to increase in size as the
dog gets older.
_Treatment_: Navel rupture, which is generally congenital, has a tendency
to become smaller as the puppy gets older; and often by the time he or
she is a year old it may have quite disappeared. Trusses are useless in
the treatment of hernia in dogs, they fidget the animal so; but a radical
cure can be effected in most cases, with every chance of success, by a
surgical operation, which is not a dangerous one. (_See_ HERNIA.)
=Scalds=:
_Symptoms_: Skin inflamed and red, and very painful; blisters appear,
which break, and matter forms. Unhealthy wounds are the result, which
take a long time to heal. Hair removed, the result of a burn or scald,
never grows again.
_Treatment_: To remove the pain and inflammation, dab the parts freely
with a dressing made of lime-water one part, linseed-oil two parts,
mixed together. Later apply boracic ointment on lint and bandage. The
wounds must be kept clean by being occasionally sponged with warm boracic
lotion.
=Sea Sickness=:
_Symptoms_: Depression, loss of appetite and vomiting. Some dogs, when on
a voyage or living on a yacht, the first few days appear very listless
and dejected in spirits; and although there may be no sickness, food is
refused, and they get very thin and miserable-looking.
_Treatment_: It is not a serious matter, as a rule, for the nausea
generally soon passes off, and the dog starts to eat; but if it continues
more than a couple of days, a small dose of bromide of potassium, say
from two[1] to ten grains, may be given in a little water three or
four times a day, and the dog encouraged to take Vichy water and milk
in equal parts; and some tempting food, as a little chicken and stale
bread-crumbs, or stewed rabbit with rice, may be offered. Once the dog
commences to eat, he generally quickly regains his former condition.
=Seton, How to put in a=:
Clip the hair closely over the parts of the skin for about the size of
half-a-crown where the needle is to enter the skin, and also where it
is to pass out; then wash with warm water and soap, and dry. The needle
should be slightly curved and sharp-pointed, and threaded with a piece
of half-inch tape, which should be smeared over with a little turpentine
ointment for about two inches in the centre, which is the part that is
to be left under the skin. _The dog being muzzled_, a fold of skin from
an inch and a half to four inches[1] should be well raised between the
forefinger and thumb from the muscles underneath; then the point of the
needle should be passed quickly through the raised skin where the hair
has been removed; then draw the needle right through, and detach the
tape. A knot should be tied at each end of the tape, about half an inch
from the wounds, to prevent the seton coming out. The ends of the seton
must be drawn backwards and forwards twice daily to allow the discharge
to escape, and a little turpentine ointment rubbed on the tape every day
for three or four days. The wounds must be kept very clean. A seton may
be allowed to remain in from one to four weeks.
[Illustration: Seton]
A seton placed on the back of the neck, running from just behind the back
of one ear to the other, is a useful form of counter irritant in cases of
chronic epilepsy, also for distemper fits.
In cases of general paralysis, when all four legs are affected, a seton
placed on either side of the neck, running along the course of the spine,
often do good; and so they do when placed in the loins, one on either
side of the spine, in paraplegia or paralysis of the hind quarters.
In pneumonia a seton may be placed in front of the chest, running from
the inside of one shoulder-joint to the other.
Troublesome cysts that are difficult to disperse, like those found in the
flaps of the ear, may often be cured by running a seton through it, and
keeping it there for a few days.
A small seton placed in the throat, just in front of the larynx, is
useful in cases of chronic cough.
=Sexual Excitement=:
_Symptoms_: Some dogs are constantly worrying themselves, getting on
people’s feet and legs, and working their body, which is, to say the
least, most disagreeable. Very often any amount of chastising fails to
stop the disagreeable habit, but if the dog is young, there are always
hopes that he will improve with time, for, as a rule, when he is a year
old the disagreeable habit ceases; but there are dogs who continue to
misbehave themselves whenever an opportunity occurs the whole of their
lives, and the only cure is to have them castrated, which is a certain
cure. This operation does not seem to affect a dog’s health or spirits.
=Shaking Palsy=:
_Symptoms_: Trembling of the limbs, particularly the back ones, when
standing, although when walking the dog may go with a normal gait. It
is a condition that is more often seen in big dogs than small ones,
particularly those with straight hocks and stifle joints. It may also
occur as the result of advanced age even in small dogs.
_Treatment_: Medicine is seldom of any use, although sometimes a course
of Nux Vomica appears to do some good, and is worth a trial, unless there
is some physical defect. The dose is from one to eight drops,[1] given in
water after food, and repeated two or three times a day.
=Shock=:
_Symptoms_: The dog is generally in a semi-comatose or unconscious
condition, lying on the side; the breathing is feeble and slow; the pulse
almost, if not quite, imperceptible; the mouth and also the membranes
of the eyes are quite white; the limbs are cold, and if the temperature
be taken, it is often 5 or 6 degs. below normal. This condition may
be due to loss of blood or the result of internal injury, as after an
accident—for instance, being run over with some vehicle.
_Treatment_: Place the dog on his right side, and keep the head low; give
stimulants, as brandy, from ten drops to a couple of teaspoonfuls[1] in
a little water. If the dog is unable to swallow, inject from ten[1] to
sixty drops under the skin. This may be repeated in half an hour, if
necessary. Also apply hot-water bottles to the back, and well hand-rub
the limbs.
=Snake Bite=:
_Symptoms_: Swelling, redness, and great pain at the part bitten. The
breathing becomes heavy and laborious; paralysis sets in; and later,
convulsions and death.
_Treatment_: A ligature applied as tightly as possible above the part
bitten, and the application of a saturated solution of permanganate of
potash (Condy’s fluid undiluted) to the wound. Give stimulants, as brandy
or sal volatile, freely, the latter well diluted with water.
=Snoring=:
_Symptoms_: This condition is particularly noticed in old, fat dogs,
especially pugs, and other dogs with a short nose.
_Treatment_: When a dog has naturally an exceptionally short nose, there
is little to be done. Sometimes when the snoring is worse than usual, a
dose of purgative medicine gives some relief. When the dog is very fat,
take means to make him thinner. (_See_ article on STOUTNESS.)
=Snorting=:
_Symptoms_: The dog stands with all four legs outstretched and nose
extended, and draws the air sharply through his nose as if trying to
remove some obstruction in the nasal passages or throat. It may occur at
any time, but more often when first going out of doors into the cool air.
Snorting often occurs after a cold or distemper. It is also a symptom
of a polypus in the nose, and worms in the nasal passages; and dogs
suffering from stomach disorders often snort.
_Treatment_: When the result of some simple obstruction of mucus, as
from cold or distemper, syringing the nose thoroughly with a solution of
common salt (five grains to each ounce of water) gives relief. If the
irritation proceeds from the fauces or throat, an emetic should be given,
and purgative medicine is indicated if the stomach be deranged. When
the condition is due to a polypus, a surgical operation is necessary.
Parasites in the nose are difficult to dislodge, but sometimes an ounce
of a solution of Pearson’s disinfectant fluid (one in a hundred) syringed
up each nostril has the desired effect. I may add that worms in the
nostrils of dogs living in England are of rare occurrence.
=Spaying=:
This is an operation occasionally performed on bitches to prevent
breeding. Though it succeeds in this respect, it seldom prevents the
bitch operated upon coming into heat to a more or less extent, and being
troublesome with male dogs. For this and other reasons, the operation is
not recommended.
=Sprains=:
_Symptoms_: Pain and swelling of the injured parts, followed, as a rule,
by discolouration, lameness.
_Treatment_: If where a bandage can be applied, the following lotion on
lint is recommended:—
_Recipe_:
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Laudanum, 2 drachms.
Water to 6 ounces.
Mix.
A piece of lint should be soaked in the lotion, placed over or around the
injured part; this should be covered with a piece of oil-silk, taking
care that it entirely covers the lint, and then a bandage applied. Repeat
every eight hours. If the injury has occurred where a bandage cannot
easily be applied, the following liniment is recommended:—
_Recipe_:
Chloroform, 4 drachms.
Tincture Hyoscyamus, 4 drachms.
Spirits of Camphor, 1 ounce.
Soap Liniment, 2 ounces.
Mix.
Apply with gentle friction twice a day.
In cases of sprains, keep the dog quiet for a week or so, and then give
gentle exercise, swimming, for preference, if the weather is suitable,
and the dog takes quietly to the water.
In these cases, a free dose of purgative medicine, given as soon after
the accident as possible, is beneficial.
=Stifle Joint, Injury to=:
This joint appears to be a particularly weak one in dogs, and is very
liable to injury, due from slipping, or twisting of the leg.
_Symptoms_: The dog is very lame, and often carries the leg. If he puts
it down, he stands with only the points of the toe touching the ground,
and placed just behind the other leg. The joint becomes swollen, more
particularly on the inside, and is very painful.
_Treatment_: These cases are always long ones, and a bad injury to this
joint means the dog being lame very often for two or three months. If the
case is taken in hand at once, hot poppy-head fomentation is the best
application, which should be applied two or three times a day. After
three or four days, the following liniment may be applied night and
morning all around the joint, but particularly on the inside, where the
principal swelling is:—
_Recipe: The Liniment_:
Chloroform, 4 drachms.
Tincture Hyoscyamus, 4 drachms.
Spirits of Camphor, 1 ounce.
Soap Liniment, 2 ounces.
When the inflammation has passed, the dog often continues to go lame for
some time, due to the joint being stiff. This condition is relieved by
rubbing the swelling, which will be found on the inside of the joint,
daily with colourless tincture of iodoform.
In all cases of injury of the stifle joint, the dog should be, for the
first two or three weeks, kept absolutely quiet, and then gentle walking
exercises may be given, and later, it is a good plan to give the dog
swimming exercise.
=Stings=:
_Symptoms_: Pain, swelling and redness of the part. A dog sometimes gets
stung on the tongue with a wasp, and the swelling which afterwards occurs
is often serious.
_Treatment_: When possible, extract the sting, and apply a solution of
ammonia; ammoniated tincture of quinine is one of the best preparations
for this purpose. When the tongue has been stung, after extracting the
sting and applying the ammonia _sparingly_, ice should be applied to
reduce the swelling.
=Stoutness=:
_Symptoms_: A general increase of the fatty constituents of the body; the
neck becomes thick and seems shorter; the body is enlarged, especially
the abdomen, which is hard and distended. The dog walks with difficulty,
is constantly panting, and often has an asthmatical cough. The heart’s
action is generally weak and feeble.
_Treatment_: More good is to be done by dieting in these cases than
medicine, and often great benefit is derived by feeding sparingly and
entirely on lean raw meat. As to quantity, this, of course, must depend
on the size of the dog, but if half the quantity in bulk is given to what
the dog has been in the habit of having, this should be about the right
amount. Feed twice a day. Also give, at least once a week, a dose of
purgative medicine, and make the dog take some exercise, which should be
gradually increased. Do not allow the dog to drink much water.
=Stye=:
_Symptoms_: A small hard red swelling on the edge of the eyelid. This
condition sometimes occurs in dogs during or after distemper.
_Treatment_: It can often be cured at once during the early stages by
extracting the eyelash around the roots of which the stye has formed.
If treated later, the parts should be fomented with hot poppy-head tea,
with the addition of boracic acid. This should be made by boiling for ten
minutes two crushed poppy-heads in a quart of water, then strain through
fine muslin and add a dessertspoonful of boracic acid. Apply with piece
of absorbent wool for ten or fifteen minutes as hot as can comfortably be
borne. Repeat three or four times a day.
=Suffocation=:
_Symptoms_: Those of interruption to breathing. May be the result of
partial drowning, also from a piece of food or some foreign body being
fixed in the fauces or throat. The dog gasps for breath; the eyes are
staring and prominent; the mouth is generally fixed open, and the tongue
is of a dark blue colour.
Dogs are often suffocated in hot weather whilst travelling, through being
shut up in a too small or badly-ventilated box. As a rule, such cases
are not found out until the dog arrives at his destination, when the box
is opened, and he is found lying dead at the bottom of it. Sometimes the
dog is not quite dead, though unconscious. The breathing is very slow and
shallow; the pulse imperceptible. The body is cold, and the tongue a dark
blue colour.
_Treatment_: At once remove the cause if possible. If some foreign body
or food is lodged in the throat, it must be removed—brought up or pushed
down. If no forceps are at hand, one can often remove the substance with
the finger, bent in the form of a hook. If it cannot be brought up, it
must be pushed down, so that the breathing may be relieved as quickly as
possible. If the dog is unconscious, dash cold and hot water alternately
on the face; slap the body hard with the hand. If the suffocation is due
to partial drowning, artificial respiration is necessary. (_See_ article
on that subject.)
In cases, the result of insufficient air, take the dog out into the open,
that he may have as much air as possible. Hold from one to three drops[1]
of nitrate of amyl upon a piece of blotting-paper or handkerchief to the
nose; repeat in ten or fifteen minutes. Well hand-rub and work the limbs
to promote circulation; and if not soon better, bleed rather freely from
the jugular vein if possible; if not, then from both ears.
=Sunstroke=:
_See_ APPENDIX.
=Superfluous Hair=:
_Symptoms_: The only place that I have seen this occur in a dog is on the
cornea of the eye, which causes a constant watery discharge; and there is
a tendency to keep the eye closed.
_Treatment_: Nothing but an operation is of any use. This consists in
carefully cutting off the small piece of skin on which the hair grows.
There is little or no blemish the result of the operation. Afterwards,
for a few days, bathe the eye occasionally with boracic lotion, half a
drachm to six ounces of water.
[Illustration: TOY SPANIEL, CHAMPION WINDFALL.
Winner of 6 Championships, 24 Firsts and 25 Cups, Gold Medals and Special
Prizes. The property of the Hon. Mrs. Lytton, Crabbet Kennels, Poundhill,
Crawley.
[_face p. 286._]
=Synovitis (Inflammation of a Joint)=:
_Symptoms_: Great lameness, the dog probably not being able to put the
leg to the ground at all. The joint is much swollen, very painful, and
red. It is generally the result of an injury.
_Treatment_: Give at once a dose of purgative medicine, and use the
following lotion:—
_Recipe_:
Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Laudanum, 2 drachms.
Distilled Water to 6 ounces.
Saturate a piece of lint sufficiently wide to cover the joint, and long
enough to go round it; cover over entirely with oil-silk, and apply a
bandage. The lotion should be repeated every four or five hours.
If, after the pain and inflammation has passed, the joint remains
swollen, rub sparingly into the part once a day a liniment made with
equal parts of colourless tincture of iodine and soap liniment. Should
the joint become stiff and callous, it may be necessary to apply a
mercurial blister.
=Tail, Sores at the Tip of=:
_Symptoms_: Big dogs with long tails, especially great Danes, and those
confined in kennels, frequently suffer from a sore at the tip of the
tail, which, in many cases, is most difficult to cure.
_Treatment_: Thoroughly cleanse the wound with a solution of chinosol
lotion, ten grains to eight ounces of water, and when well dried, dust
over with powdered iodoform and cover the sore with a few layers of
gauze, and as it is impossible to keep a bandage on, several layers of
Mead’s plaster should be placed over the end of the tail, which prevents
further bruising. In some cases it is necessary to make the dog wear a
leather bag over the tail. This should be fastened around the loins. The
part covering the tip should be of double thickness.
When well, it is a good plan when a dog is always banging his tail about,
to pad his kennel with sacks stuffed with straw, to prevent his injuring
it again, for once a tail has been hurt, it remains tender, and is more
liable to injury.
=Teats (Crack in)=:
_Symptoms_: A bitch, when nursing puppies, often suffers from the teats
cracking; the parts become swollen, inflamed, and very painful.
_Treatment_: Keep clean with boracic lotion, and anoint night and morning
with boracic ointment. A few grains of bicarbonate of potash, mixed with
the food, cools the blood.
=Teeth=:
Dogs, like most other mammals, have two sets of teeth. The first are
temporary, and, from their whiteness, they are often called the milk
teeth; they are twenty-eight in number. The second set are permanent, and
therefore not deciduous; they are forty-two, and sometimes forty-four, in
number.
A set of teeth consists of three different kinds. Those situated in
front or anterior part of the mouth are called the _incisors_, and
those placed immediately behind the incisors are called the _tusks_ or
_canines_, and behind those are the _molars_.
Each tooth is divided into three parts. The free, or part that is seen
when looking into the mouth, is called the crown; then there is the neck
or constricted part, which is encircled by the gum, and divides the crown
from the fang or root, which is inserted in a cavity (the Alveolus) in
the jaw-bone.
Each tooth is made up of three different structures. The external, or
enamel, which gives the new tooth its beautiful white appearance, and
consists only of a somewhat thin layer, and covers the crown of the
tooth only. Immediately underneath the enamel, is situated the ivory or
dentine, of which the tooth, including the fang, principally consists.
In the centre of the fang is a foramen, or small cavity, containing the
pulp, consisting of a membrane nerve and small blood-vessels to supply
nourishment, etc., to the tooth.
The _incisors_, twelve in number, both in the temporary as well as in
the permanent set, are for distinction divided into _nippers_, which are
the two centre ones; the _intermediates_ are those situated between the
nippers and _corners_, the latter being placed next to the tusks.
The crown of an incisor tooth presents three prominences—a middle, which
is the strongest, and two lateral. On the internal surface of the tooth
is noticed a slope, somewhat resembling that found in an ox’s or sheep’s
tooth. The root is well developed, longer than the crown, and flattened
on both sides.
The tusks, four in number, in both sets are strong, elongated organs,
conical in form, and curved in an outward and backward direction. The
upper fangs are the strongest, and there is a small space between them
and the corner incisor teeth, in which the lower tusks are situated when
the mouth is closed. Most of the molars terminate in sharp lobes, and,
consequently, are well adapted for tearing and crushing. They are, as a
rule, twenty-six in number, seven on each side of the lower jaw, and six
on each side of the upper one; but sometimes there are seven on each side
of the upper jaw, the same as the lower. It is not an uncommon occurrence
for a dog with a short face, like bulldogs, spaniels, and pugs, to have
only five upper molars, and six lower molars. But there are only twelve
temporary molars—three on each side of both jaws.
A puppy, when born, has no teeth visible, though the milk ones are formed
and in the gums, and in some cases, their outline may be seen through the
mucous membrane.
The milk teeth are smaller, softer, and more pointed than the permanent
ones, and they are not situated so closely together. The tusks, too, are
slightly pink in colour just above the neck, which is not the case with
the second ones.
Puppies of different breeds vary in the time when they cut their teeth,
those of the larger kinds cutting them earlier than small dogs; and
though a fox-terrier puppy’s teeth appear earlier than a toy terrier’s,
yet St. Bernards have them still earlier.
The process of dentition of the milk teeth is usually carried on without
any trouble at all to the puppy. Such is not the case with respect to the
cutting of the permanent ones, for it is a very common occurrence for
puppies at this time to have convulsions. In other cases, at this period,
eczema is very often troublesome, which, in some instances, continues
after dentition is completed.
With regard to the cutting of the deciduous teeth, the first that appear,
in most cases, is the middle molar on each side of the lower jaw. These
pierce the gums in puppies of large breeds like St. Bernards, about the
eighteenth or nineteenth day after birth. Puppies, like greyhounds,
retrievers, fox-terriers, and others of similar size, do not cut these
same teeth until about four days later, whilst puppies of the toy class
are often a week later still.
About a day after the second lower molars have appeared, the upper
incisors show themselves; the nippers and intermediates are the first
to make their appearance. These are followed the next day by the upper
corner incisors, and about the same time the lower corner incisors pass
through the gums, and the tusks are erupted; but it often happens that
all the incisors pass through the gums together, and the tusks at the
same time, or just a day or so later.
About the fourth week, the last or third lower molar, and also the first
one, have been cut, and are fairly well up; and about two days later,
the middle upper molar is just appearing. In a day or two more, the last
upper molar is erupted; and a couple of days afterwards, the first upper
molar, which is the last to be cut, now makes its appearance.
By this, it will be seen that large puppies, like St. Bernards, have a
complete set of milk teeth by the fifth week. Puppies of the smaller
breeds are, as previously stated, a few days later.
It may be here remarked, that bitch puppies invariably cut their teeth
rather better, and somewhat earlier, than dogs. Winter puppies are a
little later in getting their teeth than those born in the spring.
The milk teeth are seldom placed close together, and as the puppy grows,
they become still wider apart. This fact is useful in helping one to
ascertain the age of a puppy.
The deciduous teeth are much softer than the permanent ones, and when a
pup is three months old, if it has had any hard food, the points of the
tusks and incisors are worn off.
When a puppy is about three and a half to four months old, the upper
incisor nippers are loose, and sometimes have fallen out, and the
permanent ones are just coming through the gums at this part. At the
same time, the fourth upper molar, which is the fourth from the tusk,
makes its appearance. (It will be noticed that though the lower temporary
molars are cut before the upper ones, the reverse is the case with the
permanent teeth.) In the course of another few days, or a week, the
other upper deciduous incisors are shed, and the permanent ones appearing
in their place, then the lower milk incisors commence to fall out, and
the new ones to make their appearance. About the same time the tusks are
showing themselves through the gums. In some cases, the tusks do not
appear until all the other teeth are up. This is about the general order
in which the teeth are cut, but of course there are exceptions, and in
some instances, the permanent tusks appear just after the eruption of the
upper centre incisors.
It does not always happen that the temporary teeth are shed before the
permanent ones appear, and the latter shoot up either beside, in front,
or behind the milk teeth. Then the latter teeth should always be drawn,
or the permanent ones may not come straight and regular.
With regard to the permanent molars, the first to appear, as previously
stated, is the fourth one. It makes its appearance just behind the last
temporary molar. Before it is fully up, the fifth upper molar has passed
through the gum. At about this same time the fifth, or large permanent
lower molar, is appearing; this is quickly followed by the sixth, and
again by the seventh. About the same time as these two latter teeth are
erupting, the temporary molars in the same jaw are falling out, and their
places are being filled by permanent ones. About a week later, the first
lower milk molar is shed and the permanent one cut; this is followed by
the second and third ones. The corresponding teeth on each side of the
jaw, as, for instance, the fourth molar on the left and right sides,
are erupted simultaneously. By the time puppies, such as St. Bernards,
mastiffs, retrievers, and others of similar size, are about four months
old, the process of dentition is complete. Fox-terriers, and other dogs
of this size, are in some cases a fortnight later, and small toy dogs are
often from six to eight months of age, or even later, before the mouth is
fully furnished.
It is impossible to tell the age of a dog with any certainty after
dentition is finished, but up to then one can judge the age to within
a fortnight, if it is borne in mind how the teeth are erupted. After
this time, and up to a year or eighteen months, if, together with the
condition of the incisor teeth, whose middle prominences at this time
show signs of wear, one takes into consideration the general appearances
of a dog, a fair judgment as to age may be formed.
Later, the wear of the teeth gives no good idea of the age, because so
much depends upon the kind of food the animal eats, whether it is hard
or soft. When a dog is fed on bread and gravy or meat, the teeth will
show little or no signs of wear when he is two or three years old, while
the incisor teeth of another dog of the same age will commence to become
blunted if biscuits form the staple food. The teeth become still more
worn if a large number of bones are given as a part of the diet. And
again, dogs who are always playing with and carrying stones often wear
the incisor teeth right down to the gums, and the tusks become worn in
the course of a few years.
As a rule, if a dog is fed on a mixed diet, as bread and vegetables,
soaked biscuits, etc., and not given many bones, and is not allowed to
carry stones, then the teeth (incisors and tusks) preserve their shape
and position until the fourth year. But by this time the teeth have lost
their _very_ white colour, and have become of a palish yellow colour. As
the dog advances in years the teeth become still more yellow, besides
becoming coated with tartar just above the neck of the tooth, if they
have not been occasionally scaled. The tusks, too, now become blunted,
and to some degree are altered in position, being inclined to take a
more outward direction. It is, therefore, an easy matter to distinguish
between an old and a young dog.
The teeth of dogs that are pig-jawed, and those that are undershot like
bulldogs, do not, of course, wear to the same extent as when the incisors
meet, forming an even mouth.
When the permanent teeth come up crooked, it is a most difficult thing
to redirect them, especially when the tusks are at fault, and they are
generally the offenders; for these teeth are so firmly and deeply fixed
in the jaw-bone that it is impossible, without employing great force, to
move them, and from their conical shape it is almost impossible to fix a
rubber band or wire to them unless a small niche is made in the enamel,
and this damages the teeth and renders them liable to decay. When the
tusks grow inwards so as to injure the palate, I have, after a great
deal of trouble, fixed a wedge made of hard wood between the two tusks
of the lower jaw, but it always comes out within a few hours. Again,
when the incisors, or front teeth, come up twisted or crooked, and one
tries to turn them with forceps, the operation is seldom successful; the
tooth is almost sure to break, as dogs’ teeth are so brittle. More good
is to be done by pressing the erring teeth in the right direction with
the fingers; and when they are not very badly misplaced, a good deal of
benefit may be derived by this simple treatment. It should be done two
or three times a day for ten minutes at a time. Pressure of this kind
is very useful to the upper or lower incisor teeth in slight cases of
undershot—that is, when the lower incisor teeth project in front of the
upper ones; or when the upper incisor teeth project in front of the lower
ones—called “pig-jaw.” Either of these conditions is a great drawback to
a terrier; and some judges, who are particular, and examine the mouth,
will often put a dog back for this defect. In bad cases I think he is
right to do so; but it is rather hard on the dog when there is only a
slight unevenness, because I think he can hold just as well as one with
an even mouth.
There is no doubt a pig-jaw is a much more serious malformation than one
that is underhung, as it is absolutely impossible for a dog with a mouth
like this to bite or seize his prey firmly and hold it. This is a very
common deformity with collies and greyhounds, and very ugly it looks—the
former are not required to bite, but at the same time the condition, when
very marked, should disqualify a dog on the show bench, for there is no
doubt that it is hereditary. Another condition of the teeth, and one
which judges often put a terrier back for, is canker. It is a diseased
condition of the enamel, which gives the teeth a speckled appearance.
In my opinion, canker of the teeth is not hereditary; and it is in nine
cases out of ten the result of a dog having distemper in early life—I
mean before the eruption or cutting of the permanent teeth. The high
fever which accompanies distemper seems to eat away the enamel. Teeth
when badly affected in this way are soft, and wear away quicker than
sound ones; besides, they look bad. There is nothing to be done in these
cases, except brushing them occasionally; to scrape them does harm.
Toy dogs’ teeth go wrong much quicker than bigger ones, more especially
Yorkshire terriers, spaniels, and pugs. I have seen many a Yorkshire
terrier three years old with half the teeth gone, and the remaining ones
covered thick with tartar. The condition, in a great measure, is due to
feeding, but some bad teeth are no doubt also hereditary. All dogs should
have something hard to gnaw every day, either a hard dog-biscuit or
bone—not game or poultry bones, of course, or cutlet or chop-bones, for
these are more dangerous than game bones, but a good big bone; for small
dogs a leg-of-mutton bone, and for large ones a marrow or some other such
bone. Puppies, from the time they are weaned, should be given bones, as
this often prevents their eating stones and other indigestible articles.
Tartar should never be allowed to remain and accumulate; it irritates
the gums, and causes them to recede, and then the teeth soon get loose.
Therefore, in all cases where there is a disposition for tartar to
collect, it should be scraped off from time to time. As a rule, if it is
done about three times a year, the teeth may be kept fairly clean. Once
the teeth are cleaned, they may be kept white if people will take the
trouble to brush them daily, using some powder. The best kind I know of
is carbolated eucalyptus powder, as prepared by Messrs. Hucklebridge, of
116 Ebury Street, London, S.W. I mention the name and address, as I do
not know of anyone else who makes it, and carbolic powder is not suitable
for dogs. The scaling or scraping of the teeth may be done with the point
of a penknife or an ordinary steel nail-cleaner, but one must be careful
in using these instruments or the gums may be injured. To lessen the risk
of doing so, it is much better to buy a proper instrument, which can be
bought for half-a-crown at a place like Krohne & Sesemann’s, Duke Street,
Manchester Square, London, W.
Loose teeth should be removed, as they only do harm when left, besides
causing inconvenience to the dog whilst eating. Sometimes it becomes
necessary in very old dogs to remove all the teeth; and when the food is
given soft, and cut up small, they appear to do very well without them,
and their breath is certainly a good deal sweeter.
Occasionally an abscess forms at the root of the large upper molar
tooth; the face swells just under the eye. The abscess, after a few
days, generally breaks. The swelling should be fomented with hot
boracic lotion, but to effect a cure, the tooth must be removed. It is
a difficult one to extract unless it is loose, and no amateur should
attempt to do it. An anæsthetic ought always to be given.
=Teeth, Cutting the Tusks=:
It is sometimes necessary with sheep dogs, dogs used for catching deer,
and dogs in the habit of biting and fighting, to cut the tusks level with
the incisor teeth. This is best done with a pair of strong bone or wire
nippers. The operation apparently causes very little inconvenience or
pain, for the dog is always ready to eat immediately afterwards.
=Teeth, Tartar on the=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs always fed on soft food and never having anything hard
to eat, get their teeth covered with brown-coloured tartar early in life,
even sometimes before two years old. If this is not from time to time
removed, it continues to increase, until at last the whole tooth becomes
thickly encrusted, and to such an extent, in old pet dogs particularly,
that the mouth is unable to be closed. As the result of the tartar, the
gums become swollen, inflamed, and tender; they recede from the neck
of the teeth, which become loose. A dog with teeth in this state is
always dribbling, and eats with difficulty, and the breath is often most
offensive.
_Treatment_: Dogs should always be encouraged to eat something hard
daily—a piece of dog-biscuit does very well; if this is refused, a hard
bone, one that cannot be eaten, should be given to gnaw. This, of course,
is only a preventative, and when regularly attended to, the teeth and
gums remain good and sound for years. When once tartar has accumulated,
nothing will remove it but scraping; which should be done regularly two
or three times a year, and if this is done, and the teeth daily cleaned
with an ordinary tooth-brush, moistened with warm water and a little of
the following powder sprinkled on it, they will keep clean and white, and
the breath sweet so long as the dog lives:—
_Recipe: Tooth Powder_:
Powdered Boracic Acid, 10 grains.
Camphorated Chalk, 1 ounce.
Well mix.
Removing the tartar from a tooth that is somewhat loose does not tighten
it, though it preserves the tooth, and for a time often prevents it
becoming looser. It is impossible to remove tartar from a very loose
tooth, and for the dog’s comfort, it should be extracted at once.
=Temperature=:
To know the temperature of the body is very important in treating
disease, more especially in cases of distemper; for it is a fact that so
long as a dog does not have a high temperature when suffering from this
complaint, the attack is not a severe one, and the dog, bar accident or
relapse, has a good chance of recovery. When the temperature is high,
say, 104 or 105, and continues so for some days, the case is always a
serious one, and if it continues, complications, especially those of the
nervous system, are almost sure to ensue. These remarks not only refer
to distemper, but to all other diseases in which a high temperature is
one of the symptoms; as, for instance, inflammation of the womb, blood
poisoning, pneumonia, peritonitis, diseases of the brain, formation of
abscesses, etc.
In many cases it is not necessary to take much notice of the temperature
beyond watching it carefully, and keeping a daily record of its rising
and falling, but when it keeps persistently high, say, such as over 104,
then special medicine must be given to try and reduce it. There are many
medicines which have the power of reducing the temperature, and when
they are going to have a good effect they generally work quickly, and if
they do not succeed in reducing the temperature, say, within forty-eight
hours, they should not be persevered in, as then they only do harm.
Antipyrin, in doses from two[1] to ten grains, given in a cachet, is one
of the best antipyretics. Phenacetin, given in doses varying from half
a grain[1] to five grains; salicylate of soda, aspirin and salicine, in
doses from two to fifteen grains[1] in a cachet, tablet, or dissolved in
water, and repeated three or four times a day.
In some cases when these fail, salicylate of quinine will have the
desired effect, in doses from one[1] to five grains, given in a cachet.
If this fails to reduce the temperature, then an ice-bag may be tried,
applied to the top of the head for an hour at a time, and then all
medicines discontinued. A little brandy, say, from five drops[1] to a
teaspoonful, given in water or milk every two, three, or four hours is
advisable.
A very low temperature, say, when the thermometer will not rise above
95 degs. F., is much more dangerous than a very high temperature. In
such cases, prompt measures must be taken to try and warm the animal.
Hot sponges should be applied to the head; also hot-water bottles
applied to the back and to the feet. From five[1] to twenty drops of
sulphuric ether may be given every hour or so, in from a teaspoonful[1]
to a tablespoonful of water. Strong coffee may also be given, from a
teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful, repeated every half hour. If the dog
is very much collapsed, and unable to swallow, strong coffee may be given
as an enema, say, from a dessertspoonful[1] to two ounces, and repeated
every half hour. Brandy may also be given, injected under the skin, say,
from ten drops[1] to a teaspoonful, or very minute doses of strychnine
may be given, from the four hundredth part of a grain[1] for a small dog
to the one hundred and fiftieth part of a grain for a large one. This
medicine may be given dissolved in from two[1] to ten drops of tincture
digitalis.
In such cases as these the dog must be given, if he will swallow, small
doses of some strong beef essence, as from ten drops[1] to a teaspoonful
of Valentine’s beef juice, in from a teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful of
milk, and repeated every half hour or so.
=Testicle (Inflammation of)=:
_Symptoms_: The gland is swollen and very painful to the touch, the
scrotum is generally inflamed, red, and thickened. The dog walks with
stiffness in the hind legs, and there is generally a rise of two or three
degrees of the temperature.
_Treatment_: Frequent hot poppy-head tea fomentations, made by boiling
for ten minutes two crushed poppy-heads in a quart of boiling water
and then straining the solid matter out through fine muslin. Aperient
medicine should be given and the dog kept on a light diet for a few days.
=Testicles (Enlargement of)=:
_Symptoms_: The gland or glands are more or less enlarged, and they have
become so as the result, in most cases, of some injury; but occasionally
the causes cannot be traced: this is especially so with old dogs. The
condition is not of an uncommon occurrence. It is not often that both
glands are affected.
_Treatment_: Medicinal treatment in these cases is useless. If the gland
is much enlarged and continues to increase in size, it should be removed
by operation; but very often after getting to a certain size it ceases
to increase, and if it does not cause any discomfort by hanging very low
and interfering with the dog’s walking, or looks very unsightly, it may
be left alone, especially if the patient is an aged one, and it is an old
dog’s complaint.
=Tetanus=:
_Symptoms_: A rare disease in dogs, but does sometimes follow a bad
wound, particularly to the eye. Often it is difficult to account for
the cause. The disease, when it attacks dogs, generally only affects
the muscles of the jaw (_see_ LOCK-JAW), but when the whole body is
affected, it commences with stiffness of the muscles of the limbs and
neck, followed shortly afterwards by violent spasms of the whole body,
including the muscles of the jaw, which cannot be forced open, and the
throat is also affected, making it impossible to swallow. The pain during
the spasms is acute and the temperature very high, often over 107. The
disease generally terminates fatally.
_Treatment_: Keep patient quiet in a dark place, and relieve spasms
by giving from one-twelfth[1] to one-fourth of a grain of acetate of
morphia, with from ⅟₂₅₀th[1] to ⅟₁₀₀th of a grain of sulphate of
atropine in a few minims of water, injected under the skin. The dose may
be repeated every six or eight hours.
To keep up the strength, try and get the patient to swallow white of egg
and milk; also Sanatogen mixed with milk or water. When unable to swallow
the strength must be maintained by nutritive enemas, as peptonised milk,
from one[1] to six tablespoonfuls given every three hours alternately
with one or two peptonised beef suppositories. Brandy, if necessary, may
be given with the milk.
=Thermometer=:
The little instrument for taking the temperature, or for ascertaining
whether there is fever or not, is called a clinical thermometer. The kind
used for animals is the same as used for people. Those that register the
heat of the body in half a minute are certainly the best for dogs.
The temperature is best taken in the rectum—bowel, for here there is less
danger of breaking the instrument, but it may also be taken in the mouth,
as well as under the arm or inside the thigh. The normal temperature in
the mouth is 99·6, under the arm 100·4 to 101, in the bowel 101·4.
When it is intended to take the temperature in the bowel the point of
the thermometer should be greased, and inserted into the bowel for an
inch and a half, so as to be sure the mercury is quite covered. When the
temperature is taken under the arm or inside the thigh, care must be
taken that the point of the instrument is well buried in the skin, or
a wrong temperature may be taken. At least a minute and a half should
be allowed when taking the temperature in these parts, even when a
half-minute registering thermometer is used.
=Thirst=:
_Symptoms_: Excessive drinking of water in large quantities when it can
be obtained. A dog, when he is suffering from catarrh of the stomach or
diabetes, which induces great thirst, will drink anything, the craving
for fluid being so great, even soapy or muddy water, and he will even
lick up his own urine when other fluid cannot be found. There is loss of
condition, the appetite is poor, the muscles waste, particularly about
the neck and limbs, whilst the stomach often becomes full and pendulous.
_Treatment_: The quantity of water allowed in these cases must be
regulated. Dogs in health drink very little except in hot weather, or
when taking hard exercise, but under the abnormal circumstances in
question, much more than what is taken in health may be allowed. Small
dogs may be given half a pint a day, divided into four or five lots, and
big dogs two quarts a day, similarly divided into small quantities. For
medicine give half a drop[1] to two drops of liquor arsenicalis (P.B.)
three times a day, mixed with the drinking water. If after a week the
thirst continues, give from the eighth[1] to a grain of powdered opium
two or three times a day made into a pill.
_Diet_: Avoid meat, but you may offer stewed rabbit with rice, also fish,
tripe, milk, pudding, etc.
=Throat (Sore)=:
_Symptoms_: The back of the throat (fauces) is inflamed and slightly
swollen, causing some difficulty in swallowing; the lips are moist from
excessive secretion of saliva, and the glands about the outside of the
throat are enlarged. The dog is often off his food, dull and listless.
_Treatment_: Give a teaspoonful of following medicine frequently:—
_Recipe_:
Chlorate of Potash, 1 drachm.
Water to 6 ounces.
Mix.
A light diet should be given for a few days, and the external enlarged
glands rubbed gently, night and morning, with spirits of camphor. If
the fauces remain inflamed after a few days, paint the parts night and
morning for two or three days with a two-per-cent. solution of nitrate of
silver.
=Ticks=:
_Symptoms_: These parasites are generally obtained from sheep in England.
They are small, blue-coloured little creatures with pointed heads, with
which they dig into the dog’s skin and suck the blood, and as they do so
they gradually increase in size to a tick bean. They naturally cause a
good deal of irritation, and make the dog bite and scratch.
_Treatment_: They should be carefully picked off the dog with forceps,
avoiding breaking them if possible. The little spot caused by the bite
of the tick soon heals, and does not require any special treatment.
=Tongue (Chorea in the)=:
_Symptoms_: The tongue is continually being popped in and out of the
front of the mouth for an inch or more. This is a rare disease, and I
have only seen one case, and that was in a collie. As in ordinary chorea,
it is the result of distemper.
_Treatment_: _See_ CHOREA.
=Tongue (Inflammation of)=:
_Symptoms_: Swelling and redness of the tongue; it often hangs out of the
mouth, the result of temporary paralysis, and the dog is unable to lap.
The condition is generally caused by injury from the teeth, as a bite
during a fit, or a sharp tooth. Wasps’ stings will also induce the same
condition.
_Treatment_: Wash the mouth and tongue thoroughly several times a day
with a solution of borax, one teaspoonful to half a pint of water. To
any wounds or ulcers apply sparingly night and morning a two-per-cent.
solution of nitrate of silver. When the tongue is very swollen and
protruding beyond the mouth, apply ice.
=Tongue (Paralysis of)=:
_Symptoms_: The tongue hangs out of the mouth generally, to one side
sometimes, but not often, in front, and there is inability to retract
it. The protruding part has a dead and cracked appearance, and loses its
natural pink colour. There is a difficulty in eating and drinking. This
condition may follow injury to the head; it is sometimes present in cases
of general paralysis, the sequel of distemper or from other causes, and
it is often seen in old dogs, especially those with a short face, as pugs
and Japanese spaniels, due to loss of teeth.
_Treatment_: Medicine has little effect in these cases. When the result
of injury or distemper, as the dog improves in general health the tongue
regains strength. A course of Nux Vomica as recommended for general
paralysis assists.
=Tongue (Warts on)=:
_Symptoms_: Small greyish-coloured excrescences appear all over the
tongue, as well as on the cheeks and lips. Warts on the tongue and mouth
are only seen in puppies. I do not remember seeing them in an adult dog.
Sometimes they appear in such numbers as to inconvenience a puppy when
feeding. Thick, dirty-looking saliva dribbles from the mouth; the breath
is offensive. They are contagious from one puppy to another.
_Treatment_: Wash the mouth out two or three times a day with a
teaspoonful[1] or a drachm of common washing-soda dissolved in half a
pint of warm water. Do not cut the warts to make them bleed, as that only
increases the number. When the solution of soda does not take them away
dress the warts (only a few each day) with a five-per-cent. solution of
chromic acid applied sparingly on the end of a wooden match.
In obstinate cases a course of Donovan’s solution of arsenic does good;
give twice a day after food from one to five drops[1] in a little water,
or it may be mixed with the food.
=Tongue (Wounds and Ulcers of the)=:
_Symptoms_: The wound may be a simple, punctured one induced by one of
the tusks during a fit, or the tip of the tongue may be bitten off, the
result of an accident. Abrasions and ulcers occur along the sides of the
tongue, due to friction against the molar teeth when thickly encrusted
with tartar. Very severe and dangerous ulcers appear on the sides
and point of the tongue in cases of acute gastro-enteritis or German
distemper, and occasionally in this disease the point of the tongue
sloughs off.
_Treatment_: In ordinary wounds of the tongue, when there is no
suppuration, simply washing the mouth often with borax and water—one
teaspoonful to half a pint—several times a day is sufficient, but when
there is suppuration and ulceration of the parts, besides keeping
clean with the borax, the ulcers should be painted twice a day with a
five-per-cent. solution of chromic acid. The teeth should be thoroughly
cleaned by scraping, especially on the inside. When the point of the
tongue dies—in which case it turns to a greyish-white colour—it should be
clipped off with scissors and the wound caused by the operation dressed
two or three times a day with the chromic acid lotion.
=Tonsilitis=:
_See_ THROAT (SORE).
=Toothache=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs’ teeth, as the result of their formation, do not often
decay, but as the result of the accumulation of tartar the gums recede,
the fangs become exposed, and suppuration takes place around the neck
of the tooth, which extends into the socket or alveolar cavity. The
adjoining gum becomes swollen and tender.
_Treatment_: As a rule, in these cases it is best to extract the tooth at
once, which quickly gives relief, but this is sometimes objected to by
the owner. In these circumstances the tooth should be thoroughly cleaned
by scraping, and strong carbolic acid applied very sparingly around the
neck of the tooth on a piece of sharp wood or a pointed wooden match.
The mouth should be kept clean by being sponged night and morning with a
saturated solution of boracic acid.
The offending tooth has to be extracted sooner or later.
=Tumours=:
_Symptoms_: New growths, causing swelling and enlargement of the part of
the body in which they appear. A tumour, unlike an abscess, generally
forms slowly, and is at first usually not painful, and moreover, is not
accompanied during the early stages by a rise of temperature as is found
when an abscess is forming.
_Treatment_: It is seldom that a tumour of any kind can be reduced or
removed except by a surgical operation. I have sometimes thought that
gently rubbing the tumours formed on the milk glands, especially when
small, daily for some time with iodine vasogen has checked their growth.
Directly a tumour has been diagnosed, unless the patient is a very old
one, it is best to have it removed before it has developed into a large
growth; the operation, unless the tumour is situated in the neck, is
a simple one, and the wound, with ordinary aseptic precautions, heals
in seven or eight days. Of course there are some exceptions, as, when
the tumour is a cancer or some other malignant growth, it is not always
advisable to sew the wound up after operation, but then of course it
takes much longer to heal.
=Ulcers=:
_Symptoms_: These are unhealthy wounds or sores left after decay or
destruction of some superficial parts of the body.
_Treatment_: Keep them clean by sponging two or three times a day with
Pearson’s fluid—one teaspoonful to half a pint of water. For a day or
two apply either hot linseed-meal poultice dusted over with powdered
charcoal, or a piece of lint soaked in a saturated solution of boracic
acid, placed over the wound and covered with oil-silk, then bandage. When
the wound looks cleaner, healthier, and discharges less, and there are
signs of healing by the formation of new skin around the edges of the
wound, simply cover it over with some carbolic gauze squeezed out in a
solution of boracic acid, and apply a bandage.
When an ulcer is healing very slowly, lint dipped in the following lotion
and applied to the ulcer stimulates healthy action and healing:—
_Recipe: The Lotion_:
Tincture Calendula, 3 drachms.
Sulphate of Zinc, 1 scruple.
Water to 6 ounces.
Mix.
Apply as directed two or three times a day. In some cases dusting the
wound over with a powder made with one part of iodoform mixed with eight
parts of boracic acid. Amyloform is also another good healing powder.
It is necessary to keep the dog’s tongue away from it, otherwise he is
continually licking off the new skin as it forms.
=Uræmia=:
_Symptoms_: This condition generally follows some severe illness
affecting the kidneys or bladder when the suppression of the secretion
of urine has occurred. Anything that stops the flow of water from the
bladder, as stone or stricture, may cause it; it also occurs in bad cases
of stone in the kidney. In these cases the dog is very ill, there is
an entire loss of appetite and often severe vomiting; a heavy, sleepy
condition soon comes on, and the temperature is very high. The white of
the eyes are greatly congested, and any urine passed is of dark colour
and may be mixed with blood. Sometimes there are convulsions, but the dog
soon sinks into a comatose state. As a rule these cases terminate fatally.
_Treatment_: It is often difficult to give medicine by the mouth in these
cases as the vomiting is generally so severe and frequent, but the dog
is able, as a rule, to drink milk and Vichy water in equal parts. If
possible, give a purgative, Epsom salts being about the best. The dose
is from fifteen grains to one ounce,[1] given in water, or with milk
and Vichy water if the dog can be persuaded to take it. Small doses of
urotropine stimulates the action of the kidneys, from one[1] to eight
grains in a cachet may be given every four or six hours. Hot linseed-meal
poultices to loins relieve the kidney congestion.
As to diet, milk and Vichy water are quite sufficient to sustain the dog
for two or three days, when, if patient is better, fish may be given,
but when this cannot be digested, peptonised milk, from one to six[1]
tablespoonfuls, may be given every two hours.
=Urethritis=:
_Symptoms_: Pain when passing water, or when handled; mattery discharge
often tinged with blood from passage. The penis is swollen and red from
the inflammation. This condition is generally caused by the passage of
gravel, and it may also be the result of frequently passing a catheter.
_Treatment_: Hot poppy-head fomentations do good. For medicine give from
three[1] to twenty grains of hyposulphite of soda in water three times
a day. If there is much pain, from two[1] to ten drops of tincture of
henbane may be given with each dose of the above.
Feed principally on a milk diet; some boiled fresh fish may be given, but
meat must be avoided.
=Urine (Incontinence)=:
_See_ INCONTINENCE OF URINE.
=Urine (Sediment in)=:
_Symptoms_: The urine may be passed white and cloudy, or clear, but of a
high colour, and when cold there is a thick, yellowish-white deposit.
_Treatment_: When accompanied by some illness with a high fever, no
special treatment is necessary, as the condition will pass away as the
health improves, but when the symptoms described are present and the dog
seems otherwise apparently well, give a course of hyposulphite of soda,
from three to twenty[1] grains two or three times a day in water or a
little milk. A dog will generally take this medicine himself when mixed
with milk.
_Diet_: Milk, tripe, stewed rabbit, etc., with rice or bread, but avoid
red meat.
=Urticaria=:
_See_ NETTLERASH.
=Uterus, Inflammation of (Metritis)=:
_Symptoms_: This disease generally occurs after heat, and is a condition
which old bitches are more subject to than young ones. The exciting cause
is generally due to something which stops the natural discharge, as a
chill, the result of washing a bitch during heat, or from getting wet
by rain. Once this disease has occurred it often follows every period
of œstrum. The signs of inflammation of the womb do not come on very
suddenly like other inflammations, there is for two or three days a loss
of appetite and dulness, the bitch is thirsty, and if the temperature
is taken, there will be generally found two or three degrees of fever.
There is generally loss of flesh, though the abdomen will be noticed
large and harder than usual, and painful to the touch. The symptoms
gradually increase in severity, and the bitch becomes very ill and weak
and refuses food of all kinds, and if forced with any it generally
induces vomiting. About the third week there are signs of some discharge
from the vagina, pinkish in colour and very offensive, which quickly
increases in quantity and seems to pour away, a small bitch often getting
rid of half a pint or more in a short time. Once the discharge commences,
the bitch appears better, the temperature falls, she is brighter and is
inclined to take some nourishment, but there is always a danger of the
matter accumulating again. When the discharge does not come away through
the natural passage, the womb ruptures, inducing acute peritonitis. Then
there is a sudden collapse of the patient, the mouth and limbs go cold,
the abdomen is very painful, the pulse becomes very rapid and almost
imperceptible, and death occurs within twelve hours.
_Treatment_: There is little to be done in these cases. The bitch should
be kept very quiet, in a dry, warm place; hot linseed-meal poultices
should be applied to the abdomen for four or five hours daily—of course,
being changed from time to time. When the poultices are removed, a
flannel bandage is to be placed round the abdomen. Hot boracic lotion
should be freely pumped into the vagina night and morning to relax
the neck of the womb. Medicine is generally not of much use, though,
if the discharge does not come away, from a half to two[1] grains of
permanganate of potash made into a pill with resin ointment, and given
three times a day, is beneficial in some cases.
It is important to keep the patient’s strength up. Give plenty of milk;
if it is not retained try it with equal parts of Vichy water; also
give Brand’s beef essence and raw-meat juice. Tripe and fish may also
be tried, and when there is great weakness and food is not retained by
the stomach, peptonised beef suppositories may be made use of. Small
quantities of brandy occasionally do good.
Once the discharge has come away tonic medicine is to be given, as the
following pills:—
_Recipe_:
Salicylate of Quinine, 2 to 12 grains.[1]
Reduced Iron 6 to 36 grains.
Extract of Gentian, _q.s._
Mix.
Make twelve pills—one to be given two or three times a day.
Once the temperature is normal, scraped raw meat and other strengthening
foods must be given.
=Vagina (Discharge from)=:
_Symptoms_: Bitches occasionally suffer from a white mattery discharge
from the vagina, sometimes before or more often after being on “heat”.
Sometimes after pupping a bitch will continue to discharge a thick,
tarry-looking blood for weeks, which causes weakness, and often upsets
the milk.
_Treatment_: In the former case, if the bitch is coming on heat, do not
interfere with it beyond keeping the external part clean by sponging
occasionally with a weak solution of Pearson’s antiseptic fluid; but when
it occurs after the heat, even though the bitch may have been served,
means must be taken to stop the discharge, which is very weakening.
Syringe the vagina night and morning with a warm solution of burnt alum,
say ten grains to every ounce of water, and use from two to ten[1] ounces
of the solution each time. The syringe should be one with a long nozzle,
and after being vaselined be passed into the passage as far as it will go.
Tonics should be given as from half[1] to three grains of sulphate of
iron made into a pill. Repeat twice a day after food.
When the discharge is of a bloody nature, as occurs after pupping,
syringe as just recommended, and give from half[1] to two grains of
ergotine added to each iron pill.
[Illustration: JAPANESE CHIBI OF TODDINGTON (IMPORTED).
The property of Mrs. Hugh Andrews, Toddington, Winchcombe, Glos.
_Norman May & Co, photo._] [_face p. 318._]
=Vagina (Injuries to)=:
_Symptoms_: Occurs sometimes during the birth of a puppy, even when being
naturally expelled, and it is often caused by instruments carelessly
used to extract a puppy. Injuries to the passage at this time are always
dangerous, as blood-poisoning often follows. The vagina may also be
injured by dragging apart a dog and bitch when “locked” together. This
is quite an unnecessary procedure, as they will quickly separate if the
dog’s testicles be gently but firmly pressed.
The vagina is also frequently injured by the passage of some foreign
substance into it, as a peg or stick, as I have seen done in cases of
prolapsus of this part. In these cases there is generally a mattery
discharge, and when the injury has occurred during the birth of a puppy
it may be very offensive, and in these cases there are symptoms of
blood-poisoning, as a high temperature, loss of appetite, vomiting, etc.
_Treatment_: In the latter mentioned cases—that is, when the injury
occurs during parturition, the passage should be first thoroughly
washed out with a tepid solution of perchloride of mercury, one in
three thousand, using from two to twenty tablespoonfuls,[1] and about
two minutes afterwards all traces of this should be removed by again
syringing the passage with water that has recently been boiled, used
just warm. Afterwards repeat the injections night and morning, now using
a saturated solution of boracic acid. If temperature is high, give from
one to five grains[1] of salicylate of quinine in a cachet, and if
temperature is not reduced in six hours, repeat the dose.
In ordinary cases of injury, simply washing the passage out night and
morning with a saturated solution of boracic acid or with a solution
of permanganate of potash—one grain to every ounce of warm water—is
sufficient.
=Vagina (Polypus of)=:
_Symptoms_: A pear-shaped growth with the narrow end attached to the
membrane of the vagina. In these cases the bitch is frequently straining
to pass water, and she is constantly licking the parts; and there is
generally some mucus discharge. After a time, especially when she comes
in season, the growth may show itself externally.
_Treatment_: It consists in drawing the growth gently out as far as it
will come, and placing a ligature of strong silk or catgut tightly round
the neck or narrow part, then severing the polypus by cutting through
the neck between the ligature and growth a full half-inch away from the
ligature. Afterwards syringe the passage out night and morning with a
warm solution of boracic acid.
=Vagina (Prolapsus of)=:
_Symptoms_: A condition that only occurs during the “heat” or œstrum of
a bitch. It is more common amongst large and bull-bitches than other and
smaller ones.
It shows itself as a pinkish, glistening body at the entrance to the
vagina (vulva). As the parts become more relaxed during the “heat” the
protrusion increases in size and prominence, and in a large bitch may be
as big as an orange. As the result of exposure, and being rubbed along
the ground when the bitch sits, the parts become sore and inflamed. The
protruding part is merely a fold of thickened and relaxed membrane of the
vagina, arising just forward of the passage to the bladder. The swelling,
which has a broad base (and in this respect is unlike a polypus, which
has a narrow constricted base), can be usually easily returned, but
it comes out again almost immediately. Once a bitch has suffered from
prolapsus of the vagina it generally occurs afterwards at each period of
heat unless removed by operation, though sometimes when a bitch has been
bred from, it does not occur again.
_Treatment_: The swelling disappears of itself as the “heat” passes, and
when the prolapsus is small and does not cause much discomfort it is just
as well to leave it alone, especially in cases where it is not intended
to breed from the bitch, and even when one does wish to breed, the
swelling can be returned just immediately before service and then there
is no difficulty, and under ordinary circumstances she will prove in pup.
When the prolapsus is very large and there is a difficulty, or it is
impossible to return it, it should be removed by operation, which is not
dangerous if ordinary aseptic care is taken, especially if an ecraseur is
used. When the prolapsus is removed by ligature, as recommended by some,
blood-poisoning and death sometimes occur.
After removal, all that is necessary is to syringe the vagina out night
and morning with a warm solution of boracic acid for a few days, and keep
the bitch on a light diet.
=Vagina (Stricture of)=:
_Symptoms_: This frequently occurs with bitches, more particularly with
griffons and bulls. It does not cause any inconvenience, and it is seldom
found out until it is wished to breed from her, and then proper service
is not possible in consequence of the passage being constricted with a
sort of fibrous ring.
_Treatment_: It consists in forcibly dilating the passage either with
dilating forceps, or if these are not at hand it can easily be done with
a well-greased finger. It is best to pass the point of the small finger
first, and then afterwards the forefinger. Care must be taken not to use
too much force to injure the parts. There is no objection to the bitch
being served immediately after the dilatation has taken place.
=Vagina (Tumour of)=:
_Symptoms_: The vagina is subject to a variety of tumours, as cancer,
sarcoma, and particularly to a form of growth of a malignant and
contagious nature to which bull-bitches seem especially liable. They are
red, with broad base, and have the appearance of a ripe raspberry, but
often larger. They vary in size from a raspberry to a Tangerine orange.
They are particularly vascular, bleeding at the slightest touch. The
growths extend inwards and outwards, often eating the vulva away. There
is always more or less of a blood-like discharge.
_Treatment_: There is no cure for cancer or sarcoma when once
established: the bitch should be mercifully destroyed. With regard to
the other form of tumour described, with treatment the disease can be
checked and the bitch may breed, but it is seldom or ever radically
cured, and it is a question whether it would not be the soundest policy
to destroy all bitches affected with this disease in consequence of its
contagious nature, for although one bitch does not contract it from
another, a bitch going to a dog when affected in this way is certain
to infect the dog, and it may be some time before it is found out with
him, and in the meantime he may, if a popular stud dog, have infected
many bitches. If treatment is decided upon, the affected parts should
be thoroughly curetted or scraped, and when the bleeding has ceased the
raw surface from where the growths have been removed should, with the
aid of a speculum, be dressed with chromic acid mixed with equal parts
of water. The caustic must be repeated once or twice a week, and the
scraping occasionally, if there are signs of the tumours growing again.
The treatment is often a long and tedious one.
=Varicocele=:
_Symptoms_: A swelling, varying in extent in the scrotum and along the
spermatic cord, feeling not unlike a bag of worms. It generally occurs
on the left side. The affected testicle of the same side generally gets
smaller and soft, and the complaint is sometimes accompanied by a good
deal of pain.
_Treatment_: Attend to general health, keep bowels well open, give
regular exercise, and avoid much meat. The local application of cold
water often does good. When no improvement takes place, and the condition
causes the dog much discomfort, it is advisable to have the testicle of
the affected side removed by operation. Such treatment does not interfere
with stud work.
=Vertigo=:
_Symptoms_: Old dogs suffering from chronic asthma, accompanied by a weak
heart, often turn giddy and fall after a severe attack of coughing. The
attack seldom lasts for more than a few moments, and the dog jumps up
again looking rather vacant, but is soon himself.
_Treatment_: Give a good dose of purgative medicine, as from two to
twelve[1] grains of jalapin, as the liver is often engorged with blood in
cases of chronic asthma or chronic bronchitis. Afterwards, a course of
the following mixture is advised:—
_Recipe_:
Tincture Nux Vomica, 1 drachm.
Tincture Digitalis, 2 drachms.
Water to 6 ounces.
_Doses_: From one to four[1] teaspoonfuls three times a day after food.
For small dogs a quarter or half the above quantity of mixture may be
made.
_Diet_: Raw meat.
=Voice (Loss of)=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs sent away from home or confined anywhere, and are
constantly barking one hour after another as they will do, often lose
their voice, and after a time, when attempting to bark, they simply make
a husky noise.
_Treatment_: The condition soon rights itself when the cause is removed
and the dog leaves off trying to bark. A teaspoonful of glycerine and
water, or a little vaseline, soothes the throat in these cases.
=Vomiting=:
_Symptoms_: Vomiting is a symptom of disease, as indigestion, gastritis,
gastric catarrh, kidney trouble, peritonitis, enteritis, stoppage of the
bowels, biliousness, poisoning, etc.
_Treatment_: This must depend on the cause, and the case treated
accordingly.
Many cases of simple vomiting may be checked by giving iced Vichy water
to drink, also allowing the dog to lick ice, and in severe cases the
following mixture will often be found useful:—
_Recipe_:
Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid, 24 drops.
Liq. Bismuth, 3 drachms.
Water to 3 ounces.
From half to two[1] teaspoonfuls to be given every three or four hours.
Small quantities of Brand’s beef or chicken essence, or Benger’s
peptonised beef-tea, may be given in jelly form.
When the sickness is very obstinate the stomach should be given absolute
rest for six hours or longer, and if there is great weakness nourishment
should be given by rectum, as just warm peptonised milk from one[1] to
six tablespoonfuls every four hours alternately with peptonised beef
suppositories.
=Warts=:
_Symptoms_: Excessive growth of the papillæ of the skin, resulting in the
formation of small nodules of a roughened and scaly nature. They grow
or develop in all parts, and old dogs, especially dachshunds, are very
subject to them.
_Treatment_: When the wart has a narrow neck it is best removed by tying
a ligature of silk tightly round it, but when it has a broad base this
treatment is not practical; then some mild caustic should be applied,
as acetic acid, tincture of iodine, or a twenty-five per cent. solution
of chromic acid. It is only necessary just to touch the wart with the
caustic on the end of a wooden match once a day. When the wart is very
large, it is best removed by being cut out and the skin wound brought
together by a few stitches, and then treated as an ordinary wound. Warts
on the eyelids must never be cauterised, but always removed by ligature,
unless there is a broad base, when they should be cut out with the points
of a pair of probe-pointed scissors. Warts on very old dogs are best left
alone unless they are troublesome and are frequently bleeding, when they
should be removed in the ordinary way.
=Water on the Brain=:
_See_ HYDROCEPHALUS.
=Weaning=:
Puppies must not be weaned suddenly, but by degrees, as the milk
continues to be secreted, and if not drawn off by the puppies or
artificially, it collects in large quantities, causing much pain and
often abscesses to form. When there is a large litter, and the mother is
not very strong, the youngsters may be taught to lap, when three or four
weeks old, artificially prepared bitches’ milk made as follows:—
_Recipe_:
Cow’s Milk, 15 ounces.
Casein or Plasmon, 2¼ ”
Cream, 2¼ ”
Water, 5 ”
Mix the casein into a paste with the water, then add the milk, thoroughly
stirring. Put in an enamel saucepan and bring gradually to a boil, and
boil for two minutes. Set aside to cool, and when cold, add the cream,
and well stir again.
For a change, Sanatogen may be given with milk or Spratt’s invalid food.
Cows’ milk diluted with water should never be given as is often done, and
the puppy’s digestion ruined by over-dilating the stomach, for the puppy
has to take such a quantity to get sufficient nourishment, whereas dogs
have only a small stomach and require concentrated food.
Puppies should commence to be weaned when about six weeks old. The bitch
at first should be kept away from her offspring during the day, say for
three or four days; afterwards she should be allowed to visit them night
and morning, say for about an hour each time, so long as there are any
signs of milk being secreted.
To help to disperse the milk, a dose of castor oil, from one teaspoonful
to three[1] tablespoonfuls, may be given the bitch occasionally.
If anything is rubbed on the milk glands, like methylated spirits and
water, or spirits of camphor, etc., it must be carefully washed off
before the bitch is allowed to return to the puppies. If the glands
become hard and knotted they must be kneaded with camphorated oil until
soft, and then the contents drawn off with the fingers or a proper
breast-pump.
For hints how to feed young puppies, _see_ article on FEEDING in the
Appendix.
=Wen=:
_Symptoms_: A small roundish or oval tumour of smooth surface situated
just under the skin, and one that moves freely about, it being
unattached. It is a simple growth and quite painless.
_Treatment_: The only thing to be done in these cases is removal by
operation, which is quite a simple matter, for when the skin covering the
wen is cut through the little tumour is easily squeezed out. The wound
should be afterwards sewed up, some carbolic gauze applied, which should
be kept in its place with a bandage or jacket.
=Wind in the Stomach=:
_Symptoms_: Dogs, especially big ones, occasionally suffer from a
very bad form of “wind or gas in the stomach”, which is a very serious
illness, often terminating fatally in a few hours, due to rupture of
the stomach, the result of over-distension. The gas is formed by a germ
generally present in all dogs’ stomachs and bowels, and called “Bacillus
Communis Colli”, and sometimes without any apparent reason or cause they
take on an active form with the result as above mentioned. The attack
usually comes on shortly after eating. The dog becomes restless and
breathes quickly, the abdomen is full and tense, the dog has an anxious
look, the eyes are congested, and the pulse very quick and small. The
distension continues to increase, the abdomen often assuming an enormous
size and hard as a drum, and the pain is acute. Unless relief is quickly
obtained the dog suddenly collapses, the stomach having ruptured and the
contents escaped into the abdominal cavity. Acute peritonitis sets in,
and the dog dies in a few hours as much from shock as the disease.
_Treatment_: It is generally unsatisfactory, as the symptoms are so
acute that there is little time to do anything before the dog becomes
collapsed; however, now and then benefit is derived by giving a strong
dose of antiseptic medicine, as cyllin, from two to six[1] minims, which
can be obtained in gelatine capsules; the dose may be repeated in a
couple of hours. If cyllin cannot be obtained give from two to fifteen[1]
grains of Naphthol Beta in a cachet; this also may be repeated in a
couple of hours. Failing this medicine, then give from five to forty[1]
drops of Pearson’s Antiseptic Fluid in a gelatine capsule or cachet, and
this too may be repeated in a couple of hours if necessary.
Sometimes benefit is derived by washing the stomach out with a solution
of the fluid just mentioned diluted two hundred times with tepid water,
using from one ounce to half a pint of the solution.[1] This must be
done with a stomach pump. When everything else fails, it is advisable to
submit the dog to an operation, which consists of opening the abdomen,
and then puncturing the stomach to allow the gas to escape, but care
must be taken not to let any of the contents of the stomach escape into
the abdominal cavity. The wound made in the stomach must be afterwards
carefully closed by Lembert’s sutures.
=Womb (Inflammation of)=:
_See_ UTERUS (INFLAMMATION OF).
=Worms in the Heart= (_Filaria Immitis_):
_Symptoms_: A common disease in China and not uncommon in Japan, but I
believe there has never been a case in England when the dog has been born
here, though some few dogs that have been imported from the countries
named show symptoms of suffering from these parasites soon after arriving
in this country by frequently suffering from convulsions, weakness in the
back legs, and in some cases paralysis. A dog’s heart is often irregular
in action, but in these cases it is particularly so, and after some great
exertion the dog dies suddenly, the result of the worm interfering with
the action of the heart.
In making _post-mortem_ examinations of dogs having died from the effect
of these parasites, I have found as many as sixty worms in the heart,
many of them measuring seven inches long.
_Treatment_: There is no known treatment that is likely to be of any
service.
=Worms in the Stomach and Bowels=:
_Symptoms_: Round worms are more frequently found in young puppies than
tapeworm, but occasionally the latter are found in puppies six or seven
weeks old, whilst the round kind, called Ascaris Marginata, are present
in puppies ten days old, when they look like pieces of cotton about an
inch to an inch and a half long, and pointed at both ends. When present
in such very young puppies they generally cause enteritis and death. A
puppy suffering badly from worms does not thrive and grow, he generally
eats voraciously. The stomach is distended sometimes to a very great
extent, causing difficulty in breathing, the muscles waste, the legs and
neck becoming quite thin. The action of the bowels is irregular, but as a
rule, there is diarrhœa to a more or less extent, and sometimes vomiting,
when the worms have passed into the stomach, and, if the worms are not
got rid of, rickets is often the result.
With tapeworms the symptoms vary considerably. Some dogs may be infested
with worms and yet not lose flesh, but as the result suffer from eczema,
which disappears when the worms have been expelled; but as a rule, a dog
eats well but does not put on flesh, and has a tucked-up appearance.
The bowels are often irregular, the breath offensive, the coat dull and
staring, and the dog is listless. The most positive symptoms of worms is
when segments looking like small pieces of dried rice are found about the
underneath parts of the tail and on the dog’s bed.
Worms occasionally cause paralysis of the hind legs. People often
wonder how dogs get worms, especially pet dogs, who seldom leave their
mistresses’ side, but it is easily accounted for, first, when it is
taken into consideration how susceptible they are to these parasites; a
dog, for instance, fed on raw meat or uncooked milk, or if he eats grass
where there are sheep or rabbits, or if he drinks out of a pool which
drains from land on which sheep are grazing, he is almost certain to get
tapeworm, for sheep and rabbits are the intermediate host of some of the
most common kind. Lice, again, act as the intermediate host of other
sorts. I may here mention that tapeworms do not breed in a dog, but the
eggs or larvæ must pass out of him and be swallowed by some other living
creature, who is called the intermediate host. Here they develop into
cysts or bladder-worms, and if these in their turn are swallowed by a dog
they develop into a tapeworm, and so the cycle is completed.
_Treatment_: It is most important that house dogs should be kept free of
worms, for if by chance or accident a person swallows an egg or larva
from a tapeworm there is the danger of a cyst or bladder-worm forming in
one’s liver, which is a most serious and often fatal disease. As to the
treatment of worms in young puppies, unless the case is serious it is not
advisable to commence dosing before the puppy is five weeks old, and then
a dose of the following medicine may be given three times a week, half an
hour before food:—
_Recipe_: _Worm Mixture_:
Santonine, 1 scruple.
Liquor Senna Dulc., 1 ounce.
Glycerine, ½ ounce.
Syrup Aniseed, 3½ ounces.
Well mix.
_Doses_: For small puppies like griffons, etc., when five or six weeks
old, a quarter of a teaspoonful; fox-terrier puppies, same age, half
a teaspoonful; retriever puppies, etc., same age, three-quarters of a
teaspoonful; St. Bernard puppies, one teaspoonful—to be given half an
hour before the first morning meal. Repeat twice a week. The doses may
be gradually increased, according to age and size of puppies. The bottle
must be well shaken before pouring out the dose.
If the mixture is not retained, from an eighth[1] to half a grain of
santonine, with from half[1] to two grains of jalapin, may be given,
made into a pill, twice a week half an hour before food. When six weeks
old, fox-terriers and other breeds of similar size and strength, and
also, of course, bigger ones, may be dosed with powdered areca nut and
santonine. Give one grain of the former to every pound the dog weighs,
and to the dose of this medicine add from the eighth[1] to half a grain
of santonine. This may be given in a cachet, and about half an hour
afterwards give the puppy a drink of warm milk. Should the bowel not
operate freely in the course of an hour, from half[1] to two teaspoonfuls
of castor oil is recommended. Repeat the vermifuge in the course of a few
days. “Ruby” is also an excellent remedy for worms in young dogs.
It is a good plan to dose puppies regularly from time to time, say once a
month, for worms.
With regard to the treatment of tapeworms in adult dogs, there is nothing
better than the old-fashioned remedy, freshly powdered areca nut. The
dose is one grain to every pound the dog weighs, but more than two
drachms should never be given at a time to the biggest dog. Unfortunately
this medicine often induces vomiting, but if it is given in cachets it
is less likely to do so. About half an hour after the medicine has been
administered some warm milk or clean soup may be given the dog to drink,
and a couple of hours after the dose from a dessertspoonful[1] to two
tablespoonfuls of castor oil should be given.
Another good remedy for tapeworm is the oil of male fern, and the doses
are the same as for areca nut. This medicine may be bought in gelatine
capsules, but castor oil must be given afterwards, as recommended after
the previously mentioned remedy.
It is advisable to dose all adult dogs for worms, whether they exhibit
any symptoms of having these parasites or not, about three or four times
a year.
=Worm (Maw)=:
_Symptoms_: A dog is said to have maw worms when pieces or segment of
tapeworm are found adhering to the back parts. These are not distinct
worms, but segments of tapeworm, which come away naturally when a worm is
breaking up in the bowels, due to natural causes and changes.
_Treatment_: The same as for tapeworms.
=Wounds=:
_Symptoms_: There are five kinds. An incised wound is a clean cut with a
sharp instrument; a lacerated wound is when the skin and other parts are
torn; contused when the skin, etc., is torn and the edges are bruised,
as when caused by a blow by some blunt instrument or a fall. A punctured
wound is one made by some sharp-pointed instrument. A wound of this kind
is also often caused by the bite of a dog, one of the tusks penetrating
the skin and underneath tissues. Then there is another kind of wound
called a fistulous wound, which generally externally is small, but runs
deep into the tissues as in fistula of the anus; but the most common
seat of a fistulous wound in the dog is in the face, just under the eye,
caused generally by some external injury which may not break the skin,
but injure the ridge of bone called the zygomatic ridge, resulting in the
formation of an abscess which will not heal until the large molar tooth
(which is situated underneath the fistula) is removed, and then it heals
of itself quickly even though it may have been running for months.
Fistulous wounds may form anywhere when an accident has happened to a
part and a bone has been injured, and as the result of the inflammation
the bone dies, and the wound will not heal until the dead bone comes away
either naturally or by operation.
Another example of a fistulous wound is found when a dog has swallowed
something sharp, such as a pin, needle, bone, or a corn sheck, which may
pierce that part of the gullet situated in the neck; as the result, a
large abscess often forms, and until the foreign body has come away the
wound, the result of the bursting or lancing of the abscess, will not
heal. These cases are often very troublesome, as the foreign body causing
the mischief may be buried very deeply in the tissues, and when small is
difficult to find even with the assistance of the X-rays.
_Treatment_: The first and principal thing to do in the treatment of all
wounds is to clean them; but sometimes if the bleeding is very severe it
may not be possible to do it thoroughly at once, for the dog may bleed to
death, so when there is severe hæmorrhage this must be stopped as soon
as possible. As a rule, a thick pad of medicated wool or antiseptic
gauze, or failing either of these, a clean sponge wrung out in some
hot water and bandaged firmly over the wound, will generally answer.
This is cleaner and better than applying a stringent, as the tincture
of iron or Friar’s Balsam, though in some cases it may be necessary,
and the pressure afterwards applied. Four or five hours afterwards the
temporary dressing may be removed, and after cutting off the hair from
the edges of the wound it should be thoroughly cleaned with a solution
of Pearson’s Disinfectant Fluid, 1 in 120 of warm water, or with a
teaspoonful of boracic acid in half a pint of warm water. All dirt,
clots of blood, hairs, etc., must be removed, and if it is an incised
wound the edges should be brought together with stitches of strong silk,
catgut, or silver wire; failing any of these, pin sutures may be used in
the following way: A pin should be run through the skin on either side
of the wound about a quarter of an inch from the edge, and the severed
edges brought close together and kept there by winding a piece of cotton,
figure-eight fashion, round the pin. Each pin should be placed about the
third or half an inch apart, and after applying the cotton the point and
head should be cut off. Afterwards cover the wound over with a few layers
of dry antiseptic gauze, and bandage. Two days afterwards the gauze may
be changed, but the wound need not be interfered with so long as it is
dry and there is no swelling. If there is much swelling, one suture
should be removed and the fluid gently squeezed out, afterwards apply the
dry dressing as before. When there is much discharge the dressing must be
repeated once or twice daily, the surface of the wound being cleaned with
a solution of Pearson’s Fluid or boracic acid. On the sixth or seventh
day the sutures may be removed, but the dressing should be continued for
another day or two or until the parts are quite sound.
_Lacerated and Contused Wounds_ require practically the same treatment;
they must be thoroughly cleansed with a warm solution of some
disinfectant, all shreds or loose and hanging bits of skin removed with
scissors, then dust over the wound a powder made with powdered iodoform
one part, powdered boracic acid eight parts, mixed together, a few layers
of antiseptic gauze applied and the parts bandaged. When there is much
discharge the dressing should be repeated twice a day, otherwise once a
day is sufficient. Do not continue the compound iodoform powder for more
than three or four days. After a week or so, if the wound is healing very
slowly, apply instead of the gauze some boracic ointment on lint, which
may be occasionally changed for the following lotion:—
_Recipe_:
Sulphate of Zinc, 1 scruple.
Tincture Calendula, 2 drachms.
Water to 8 ounces.
This should be applied on a piece of lint doubled once and just big
enough to cover the wound, which should be covered over with oil-silk
and then bandaged. Repeat the dressing twice a day. When proud-flesh, or
excessive granulations—that is, the newly-formed tissue to fill up the
wound—forms and grows above the surface of the surrounding skin, nitrate
of silver in the form of a stitch should be applied by just wiping it
once across the surface of the parts. These wounds often take a long time
to heal.
In treating punctured wounds the principal thing to do is not to let the
skin heal before the parts underneath have, otherwise an abscess is sure
to form, and there is a danger of blood-poisoning. A puncture wound may
be cleaned by being syringed out with a solution of some disinfectant,
then a small strip of disinfectant gauze should be placed in the wound
to prevent its healing. This is to be covered over with a few layers of
gauze and a bandage applied. Repeat the dressing twice a day, and so long
as there is any discharge the wound on the skin must not be allowed to
heal.
_Fistulous Wounds_ are sometimes very difficult to heal, and often
require operating upon before they will do so—especially in cases of a
fistulous wound in the anus which may extend to and open into the bowel.
However, before submitting the patient to an operation try the following
lotion:—
_Recipe_:
Chloride of Zinc, 6 grains.
Tincture Calendula, 1 drachm.
Water to 1 ounce.
A little to be gently syringed into the wound once every other day.
In cases of fistulous wounds the result of diseased bone, time must be
given for the dead bone to come away. The application of hot linseed-meal
poultices dusted over with powdered charcoal do good, but it is often a
matter of weeks, sometimes months, before the dead bone separates from
the healthy bone. When the case is very obstinate the services of a
veterinary surgeon should be obtained.
_Wounds_ the result of the bite of a dog suffering from rabies should be
immediately and freely cauterised with fuming nitric acid or a saturated
solution of chromic acid, but unless the dog is a very valuable one, he
should be destroyed, as it is running a great risk to keep a dog that has
been bitten by one suffering from this disease. Besides cauterising the
wound, the bitten dog should be very securely isolated for three months
so that he cannot possibly come in contact with either man or other
animal.
APPENDIX
=Back, Injuries to=:
May be the result of a blow, or due to a sprain when jumping. It often
occurs as the result of a dog being run over across the back.
_Symptoms_: Pain on pressure to the part; in bad cases the dog walks with
difficulty, and with back arched and tail down. In slight cases, though
there may be pain on pressure, the dog walks, when first starting out,
fairly well, and seems bright; but after going a short distance he soon
lags behind, loses his spirits, and droops his tail. In other instances
of a slight nature, the dog is able to walk easily but is unable to jump,
and, if he attempts to, he cries out.
_Treatment_: It consists principally in giving the dog rest. Sometimes
several weeks’ quiet are necessary, as well as rubbing the back with some
anodyne liniment, as the following:—
_Recipe: The Liniment_:
Chloroform (meth.), ½ ounce.
Tincture Hyoscyamus, ½ ounce.
Spirits of Camphor, 1 ounce.
Soap Liniment, 1 ounce.
Mix.
Apply with gentle friction once or twice a day to the painful parts. A
dose of aperient medicine does good, and whilst the dog is at rest a
light diet should be given.
=Feeding=:
Dogs require concentrated food, and to keep a dog in the best condition,
meat should form half his diet.
Taking first the toy breeds. When puppies are weaned, it must be
remembered that the mother’s milk is far stronger than cows’ milk, and
when possible, goats’ milk should be given; cows’ milk thickened with
Plasmon is a good substitute. The mother should be allowed to feed her
puppies during the night in the initial stages of weaning.
At five weeks old, puppies should be given a little scraped raw meat—very
small quantities, a small eggspoonful once a day—and they should be
treated for worms. As they get stronger, and are entirely weaned (at six
to seven weeks), Benger’s food, a little rusk and broth, rusk and milk,
and scraped raw meat, can be given alternately four times a day in small
quantities. Directly the teeth begin to come through, one of Spratt’s
invalid biscuits should be given them to amuse themselves with. At four
months old, the meals should be reduced to three in number, say, stale
brown bread and milk in the morning, raw meat, or cooked meat, and stale
bread in the middle of the day, and some puppy biscuit at night. At six
months old, two meals a day will be sufficient, consisting of dry biscuit
in the middle of the day, and at night a raw meat meal, twice a week; on
other days, fine Rodnim or stale bread with broth, sheeps’-hearts or
skirts, and other cooked meats, chopped up finely, mixed with it.
Non-splintering bones are very good for puppies to have once or twice a
week, as it helps them during teething, and with dry biscuits, acts as
the dog’s tooth-brush. Bones of game and poultry should on no account be
given.
Both in the matter of biscuits and meat foods, the greatest possible
variety obtainable should be given. Sheeps’-heads and hearts, tripe,
skirts, New Zealand mutton, bullocks’-heads and hearts, and fish, all
help to vary the dog’s diet.
The same remarks apply to the terriers and dogs of that size, but fine
Rodnim, a little meat and broth, and less expensive foods will obtain the
same results, as the dogs have stronger constitutions than the toys.
In the large breeds where size and bulk are required, two meat meals
should be given the puppies from four to six months old, and those who
have a plentiful supply of eggs will find that raw eggs, although costly,
help to increase growth. The same number of meals should be given as
directed for the toys. When the puppy is full-grown, unless he is taking
a great deal of exercise, hard biscuit and Rodnim, with a small quantity
of meat added, and broth poured over it, should be sufficient. Onions
boiled with all these foods, and mashed up in the broth, will be found
excellent. Other fresh vegetables should not be given, although lentils
and rice are both good.
=Sunstroke=:
_Symptoms_: Dog is usually taken suddenly ill, and generally falls to
the ground in an unconscious condition. The breathing is heavy, slow,
and laboured, the pulse full and quick, the tongue and membrane of the
mouth are of a bluish colour, and the eyes are very congested. The dog
may vomit and have diarrhœa. The attack may quickly terminate fatally, or
paralysis follow. I have seen lock-jaw result from sunstroke.
_Treatment_: Give a hot bath and apply ice to forehead. As soon as the
dog is able to swallow give a good purge, as from half[1] to three
drops of croton oil in from one[1] teaspoonful to two tablespoonfuls
castor oil. If there are convulsions, give medicine as for epilepsy and
convulsions.
FOOTNOTES
[1] According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
INDEX
Abrasions, 1
Abscesses, 1
Acidy, or Gastric Catarrh, 1
Acne, 2
Adrenalin, 9
Albuminaria, 3
Alopecia, 3
Amaurosis, 4, 25
Anæmia, 4
Anæsthetics, 5
Anal Glands, Congestion and Irritation of, 10
Aneurism, 10
Angina Pectoris, 11
Anthrax, 11
Anus, fistula of, 119;
inflammation of skin about, 234;
licking of, 10;
prolapsus of, 11
Apoplexy, 13
Appendicitis, 13
Appetite, want of, 14;
morbid, 14
Arsenic poison, 216
Artery, dilation of an, 10
Arthritis, 15
Artificial respiration, 16, 269
Asphyxia, 16
Asthma, 16
Back, broken, 130;
injuries to, 341
Bad breath, 17
Balanitis, 19
Baldness, 3
Bark, loss of, 324
Bed-sores, 19
Biliousness, 20
Bite, snake, 279
Bites, 21
Bladder, calculi in, 34;
irritable, 22;
paralysis of, 23
Blade-bone, fracture of, 124
Bleeding gums, 143
Bleeding from nose, 193;
from stomach, 24
Blindness, 25
Blisters, 25
Blisters, to apply, 26
Blood-poisoning, 26
Boils, 27
Bone, diseased, 190;
inflammation of the membrane covering, 210;
ulceration of, 36
Bowel, lower, protrusion of, 11
Bowels, inflammation of the, 27, 106;
intussusception of, 28;
worms in, 331
Brain, inflammation of the membrane of, 179;
water on the, 149
Breast, inflammation of, 29, 179
Breath, bad, 17
Breathing, difficulty of, in Bulldogs, 29
Breeding, 238
Bronchitis, 30, 31
Bruises, 32
Bugs, harvest, 144
Bulldog, difficulty of breathing in, 29;
how to muzzle, 185
Burns, 32;
blisters after, 25
Calculi, 33;
in bladder, 34
Cancer, 36
Carbolic acid poison, 220
Caries, 36
Cataract, 37
Catarrh, nasal, 38, 188
Catheter, how to pass, 38
Cerebral congestion, 40
Cervical vertebræ, fracture of, 130
Chalky Stones, 40
Chest, acute pain in, 11
Chloroform, 5
Choking, 41
Chorea, 42
Chronic gastritis, 137
Claws, dew-, 58, 186
Cocaine, 7
Coins, swallowing of, 43
Cold in the head, 38
Colic, 27, 45
Collapse, 46
Coma, 47
Compound fracture, 128
Conception, false, 116
Condylomata, 326
Congenital deformities, 55
Congestion, cerebral, 40
Conjunctivitis, 48
Consciousness, loss of, 46
Constipation, 48
Consumption, 50
Convulsions, 13;
in puppies, 50
Corns, 51
Coughs, 52
Cracked feet, 117
Crack in teats, 288
Cuts, 52
Cutting the teeth, 299
Cystitis, 22
Cysts, 53
Dandruff, 53
Deafness, 54
Debility, 55
Defective lactation, 167
Deformities, Congenital, 55
Delirium, 59
Destroy dogs, how to, 59
Dew-claws, 58, 186
Diabetes Insipidus, 60;
mellitis, 61
Diarrhœa, 61;
in puppies, 63
Discharge from ear, 64;
from vagina, 317
Disinfect kennels, how to, 165
Dislocations, 65
Distemper, 70
Docking, 85
Doses, 86
Dosing, 86
Dropsy, 87
Drowning, 16
Dysentery, 90
Dyspepsia, 91
Dysuria, 92
Ear, cyst in the flap of, 95;
growths in, 96;
polypus in, 97;
scurfiness of, 97
Ear-ache, 92
Ear-canker, 64, 92
Ear-flap, cysts in, 53, 95
Eclampsia, parturient, 206
Ecthyma, 98
Eczema, 99
Elbow, Capped, 101;
dislocation of, 66
Emaciation, 101
Emetics, 102
Emissions, 102
Emphysema, 102
Enema, 104
Enlargement of prostate gland, 233;
of testicles, 303
Enteritis, 106
Epilepsy, 108
Epistaxis, 109
Erysipelas, 109
Erythema, 110
Eucaine, 9
Excessive lactation, 167
Excitement, sexual, 278
Exertion, result of great exhaustion, 111
Exhaustion, 111
Eye, disease of (glaucoma), 141;
dislocation of, 111;
formation of an opaque spot in the lens or pupil of, 37;
growth on haw of, 113
Eyelashes, ingrowing, 56
Eyelids, inverted, 56;
sore, 113
Eyes, blind, 25;
diseased, 4;
sore and weak, 48;
unnaturally small, 56;
weak (ophthalmia), 2
Fainting, 114
False conception, 116
Fatness, 199
Favus, 116
Feeding, 342
Feet, corns on, 51;
cracked, 117;
swelling between toes, 117
Femur, fracture of, 125
Fever, 118;
puerperal, 236
Filaria immitis, 330
Fistula of anus, 119
Fits, 50, 108
Flatulence, 120;
simple, 120
Foods, invalid, 159
Fracture, compound, 128
Fractures, 121
Gall-stones, 134
Gangrene, 134
Gas in the stomach, 120, 328
Gastric ulcer, 135
Gastritis, acute, 136;
chronic, 137;
specific, 137
Gland, prostate, enlargement of, 233;
inflammation of, 234
Glandular enlargement, 139;
lymphadenoma, 140
Glaucoma, 141
Gleet, 19
Goitre, 141
Gout, rheumatic, 269
Green stick fracture, 129
Gripping, 45
Groin, hernia, 146;
swelling in, 274
Growths on penis, 208
Gumboil, 143
Gums, bleeding, 143;
growth on, 142
Hæmorrhoids, 143
Hair, loss of, 3;
superfluous, 286
Hare lip, 57
Harvest bugs, 144
Haw of eye, growth on, 113
Head, water in the, 149
Heart disease, 144;
worms in, 330
Heart’s sac, inflammation of, 209
Heat, the, 201
Hemiplegia, 145
Hernia, 146
Hiccough, 148
Hoarseness, 149
Hock, dislocation of, 68;
fracture of, 124
Humerus, fracture of, 123-4
Husk, chronic, 31
Hydrocele, 149
Hydrocephalus, 149
Hydrophobia, 150, 265
Hypodermic syringe, how to use, 150
Hysteria, 151
Ichthyosis, 151
Impetigo, 152
Impotence, 152
Incontinence of urine, 154
Indigestion, 155
Inflammation, 157;
of a joint, 287;
of bowels, 27;
of breast, 29, 179;
of heart’s sac, 209;
of kidneys, 190;
of membrane covering bone, 210;
of membranes of the brain, 179;
of prostate glands, 234;
of skin about anus, 234;
of testicle, 200, 303;
of tongue, 308;
of uterus, 315;
of womb, 315
Influenza, 158
Inguinal hernia, 146
Injuries to back, 341;
to stifle joint, 282;
to vagina, 318
Insect bites, 158
Insects in coat, 175;
(ticks), 307
Internal inflammation, 157
Intussusception of bowels, 28
Invalid foods, 159
Iodine and its compounds, poison, 223
Irritable bladder, 22
Irritation of skin, 163
Itch, 175
Jaundice, 163
Jaw, fracture of the upper and lower, 132;
lock-, 172, 304
Joint, inflammation of, 15, 287
Kennels, how to disinfect, 165
Kidney, inflammation of the, 166, 190;
stones in the, 33
Kill, how to, a dog, 59
Knee, dislocation of, 65
Lactation, defective, 167;
excessive, 167
Larynx, inflammation of, 168
Lead poison, 169, 230
Leucorrhœa, 170
Lice, 158, 207
Liniment, 170
Lips, cracked, 171;
sore, 171
Liver, sluggish, 171
Lock-jaw, 172, 304
Lumbago, 173, 270
Lungs, inflammation of, 173
Lupus, 171
Lymphadenoma, 140
Maggots, 175
Mange, follicular, 176;
sarcoptic or common, 175
Marasmus, 178
Mastitis, 179
Maw worm, 335
Medicine, how to give, 86;
purgative, 260
Membrane covering bone, inflammation of, 210
Meningitis, 179
Mercury poison, 221
Metacarpal bone, fracture of, 121
Metatarsal bone, fracture of, 121
Metritis, 315
Milk, 181;
defective and excessive secretion, 167
Mouth, 143, 171, 288, 310
Mumps, 183
Muscles, wasting, 184
Muzzle, how to, a dog, 185
Nails, cutting, 186;
dew-claws, 186;
injuries to, 187
Nasal, _see_ Nose
Neck, fractures of bones of, 130;
swelling on (goitre), 141
Necrosis, 190
Nephritis, 190
Nettlerash, 191
Neuralgia, 192
Nipples, sore, 193
Nose, bleeding from the, 109, 193;
catarrh of the, 38, 188;
parasites in, 189;
polypus in, 190
Nursing, 194
Obesity, 199
Œrchitis, 200
Œstrum, 201
Ophthalmia, 201
Orifice of prepuce too small and too large, 212, 231, 233
Otorrhœa, 92
Oxide of zinc, poison, 227
Ozœna, 202
Palate, cleft, 58
Palpitation, 203
Palsy, shaking, 278
Paralysis, 203;
of bladder, 23;
of one side, 145;
of tongue, 308
Paraphymosis, 206
Parasites, nasal, 189
Parturient eclampsia, 206
Patella, dislocation of, 69
Pediculi, 207
Pelvis, fracture of, 127
Penis, growths on, 208
Pericarditis, 209
Perineal hernia, 146
Peritonitis, 210
Perostitis, 210
Perspiration, 211
Phimosis, 212
Phosphorus, poison, 219
Phthisis, 212
Pig jaw, 58
Piles, 143, 212
Pill, how to give, 87
Pimple, 11
Poisoning, blood-, 26;
lead-, 169, 230
Poisons, 213
Polypus in ear, 97, 190;
of vagina, 320
Prepuce, opening of sheaf of, too small, 212, 231;
too large, 233
Prolapsus of vagina, 320
Prostate gland, enlargement of, 233
Prostatitis, 234
Pruritus ani, 234
Psoriasis, 235
Puerperal fever, 236
Pulse, 237
Puppies, convulsions in, 50;
diarrhœa in, 63
Pupping, 238
Purgative medicine, 260
Purpura, 263
Pyæmia, 263
Pyrosis, 264
Rabies, 265
Radius, fracture of, 123
Ranula, 267
Redness of skin, 269
Respiration, artificial, 16, 269
Rheumatic gout, 269
Rheumatism, 270
Ribs, fracture of, 130
Rickets, 273
Ringworm, 116, 274
Rubbish, eating of, 15
Rupture, 275
St. Vitus’s Dance, 42
Santonine, 229
Scalds, 275
Scapula, fracture of, 124
Scrotum, swelling of, 149, 323
Scurf, 53
Scurfiness of ear-flap, 97
Sea-sickness, 276
Sediment in urine, 314
Seton, how to put in a, 276
Sexual excitement, 278
Shaking palsy, 278
Shock, 279
Shoulder-bone, fracture of the lower extremity of, 123
Shoulder-joint, dislocation of, 67
Sickness, 325;
sea-, 276
Skin about anus, inflammation of, 234
Skin diseases, 98, 99, 110, 151, 152, 235, 263, 273;
irritation of, 163;
redness of, 268;
outer, rubbed off, 1
Skull, fracture of the bones of, 131
Sluggish liver, 171
Snake bite, 279
Snoring, 280, 284
Sore eyelids, 113
Sores at tip of tail, 287
Sore throat, 307
Spaying, 281
Specific gastritis, 137
Spermatic cord, swelling in, 323
Spot in the lens or pupil of the eye, 37
Spots, small red, about the body, 2
Sprains, 281
Squinting, 56
Sterility, 153
Stifle-joint, deformities of, 58;
injury to, 282
Stings, 283
Stomach, bleeding from, 24;
gas or wind in, 120, 328;
ulcer of, 135;
worms in, 331
Stones, chalky, 40;
in bladder, 34;
in kidney, 33
Stoutness, 284
Stricture of vagina, 322
Strychnine, poison, 213
Stye, 284
Suffocation, 285
Sunstroke, 344
Superfluous hair, 286
Swallowing of coins, 43
Synovitis, 287
Syringe, hypodermic, 150
Tail, cutting (docking), 85;
fracture of bones of the, 129;
sores at the tip of, 287
Tartar, emetic poison, 225;
on the teeth, 299
Teats, crack in, 288
Teeth, 288;
cutting the tusks, 299;
tartar on the, 299
Temperature, how to take, 300
Testicles, absence of, 58;
enlargement of, 303;
inflammation of, 200, 303
Tetanus, 304
Thermometer, how to use, 305
Thigh-bone, fracture of, 125
Thirst, great, 1, 306
Throat, sore, 307
Tibia, fracture of, 124
Ticks, 307
Toes, dislocation of, 65;
dog born without, 58;
swelling between, 117
Tongue, chorea in, 42, 308;
inflammation of, 308;
paralysis of, 308;
warts on, 309;
wounds and ulcers of, 310
Tonsilitis, 307
Toothache, 310
Tumour of vagina, 322
Tumours, 311
Turpentine poison, 226
Ulceration of bone, 36
Ulcers, 312;
of stomach, 135;
of tongue, 310
Ulna, fracture of, 123
Umbilical hernia, 146
Uræmia, 313
Urethritis, 314
Urine, incontinence of, 154;
sediment in, 315
Urticaria, 191
Uterus, inflammation of, 315
Vagina, discharge from, 317;
injuries to, 318;
polypus of, 320;
prolapsus of, 320;
stricture of, 322;
tumour of, 322
Varicocele, 323
Vertigo, 324
Voice, loss of, 324
Vomiting, 325
Vulva, discharge from, 170
Warts, 326;
on the tongue, 309
Water, frequent passing of, 92;
on the brain, 149
Weaning, 327
Wen, 328
Wind in the stomach, 120, 328
Womb, inflammation of, 315
Worm, maw, 335
Worms in the heart, 330;
in the stomach and bowels, 331
Wounds, 335;
of tongue, 310
Zinc, oxide of, poison, 227
THE END
_Printed by Cowan & Co., Limited, Perth._
TRAIN YOUR DOG TO TAKE HIS “SPRATT’S BISCUIT” DRY!!!
_AVOID SWEETENED, SOFT, AND MEDICATED FOODS_
_which cause indigestion, loss of coat, and attendant evils._
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Send postcard for Pamphlet on Puppy Rearing and General Kennel Management
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_The Value of Benger’s Food for Young Puppies._
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E. Twickenham, _March, 1905_
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C. ROSA LITTLE.”
BENGER’S FOOD IS SOLD IN TINS BY CHEMISTS, ETC., EVERYWHERE.
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ANIMAL KREOCHYLE LIQUID MEAT
_FOR DOGS AND CATS._
This will Save Your Dog’s Life.
(See Page 163, etc.)
=ANIMAL KREOCHYLE= is made from =BEST ENGLISH BEEF=, and contains the
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By A. J. SEWELL, M.R.C.V.S.
Dogs:
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The Horse, in the Stable, and in the Field:
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With additional chapters on Horsemanship and Hunting, by S. SIDNEY. 240
pp., with illustrations. _Cr. 8vo, boards, 2s._
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