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