JOHNA.SEAVERNS
I \ •;
99
TRAIN YOUR DOG
TO TAKE HIS
" SPRATT'S BISCUIT
DRY ! ! !
AVOID SWEETENED, SOFT, AND MEDICATED FOODS
which cause indigestion, loss of coat, and attendant evils.
The name of "SPRATT'S" on an article is THE HALL-MARK OF QUALITY. . .
Ash your Tradesman for "SPRATT'S" and see you get them.
Send Postcard for Pamphlet on "COMMON-SENSE TREATMENT OF CANINE PETS" to—
24 and 25 Fenchurch Street, London, E.C.
PARIS :— " Society Francais, Spratt's Patent," 38 Rue Caumartin. BERLIN :— Spratt's Patent Akt. Ges., Rummelsberg, Berlin, O. AMERICA :— Spratt's Patent (America) Ltd., 450 Market Street,
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A. CANADA :— 988 Notre Dame Street West, Montreal.
FOR HARD MUSCULAR CONDITION.
DOG CAKES
GIVE AS CHANGE OF FOOD
MEAL FOR DOGS.
IN THREE GRADES:
Fine, for Puppies and Toys ; Medium, for Medium-sized Breeds ; Coarse, for St. Bernards, Mastiffs, and Large Breeds.
In Sealed Bags, per cwt, 20/-; also in Smaller Bags, and in 3d Packets.
PUPPY WHEATMEAL "RODNIM
Contains sufficient Meat, Wheatmeal, and other ingredients to make a successful diet for Puppies.
Per Cwt. Bag, 21/- ; also in 6d and 1/- Bags.
YOUR TRADESMAN WILL SUPPLY YOU.
s Patent, Ltd.
24 and 25 FENCHUKCH STREET, LONDON EC.
FOR
BULLDOGS
AND
TERRIERS.
SPRATT'S
PATENT
BULLDOG & TERRIER
MEAL
A Valuable Alternate Diet with
SPRATT'S PATENT DOG CAKES.
Sold by all Dealers, in Packets and Sealed Bags.
Pamphlet on Kennel Manage- ment post free.
kSpratt's Patent ,Ltd%
24 & 25 Fenohuroh St.,
LONDON, E.C.
For Puppies and Small Breeds,
SPRATTS PATENT PUPPY BISCUITS . .
FISH PUPPY BISCUITS
(A Phosphatic Bone Maker).
COD-LIVER OIL DOG
mcrillTC (Small Size). For Pet DIjUUII 3 Dogs and Puppies.
MALT AND COD-LIVER OIL BISCUITS.
PET DOG BISCUITS.
For Dogs requiring very little meat.
"TOY PET" MEAT FIBRINE DOG BISCUITS.
For very small Lap Dogs.
SPRATTS PLAIN PUPPY
\MVAI For healthy Pups from M.L1AL1. weaning time.
ORPHAN PUPPY FOOD.
Substitute for mother's milk foi till weaning time.
BONE MEAL. For Puppies
?•«%->
Puppy Wheatmeal "Rodnim."
Your Tradesman will supply you.
Send postcard for Pamphlet on Puppy Rearing and General Kennel Management to
SPRATTS PATENT LTD.,
24 & 25 Fenchurch Street, London, E.C.
NEW FOODS FOR CANINE INVALIDS.
FOR ASSISTING RAPID RECOVERY AFTER SEVERE ILLNESS.
RECOMMENDED BY
EMINENT VETERINARY EXPERTS.
"INVALID BISCUITS.'
1s- per Tin- Can be given dry, or soaked in milk or broth.
INVALID FOOD.
1s. per Tin.
This preparation is in a granulated form, and can be either given dry, or mixed with milk or broth.-1
YOUR TRADESMAN WILL SUPPLY YOU.
SPRATTS PATENT, LTD,
24 and 25 Fenchurch Street, London, E.C.
Parish's Steam Jacketed Cookers
S3U
For
FARM,
and
KENNEL.
By pouring Cold Water into Geyser Attachment, Hot Water can instantly be obtained with- out stopping cooking operations.
Illustrated Price List and Testimonials Free from
PARISH'S PATENT STEAM JACKETED COOKER CO.; LTD,,
E&
ft
37 Duke Street, Manchester Square, London, W»
Makers of-
VETERINARY AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.
Illustrated Catalogues sent Post Free on application.
TELEPHONE NO. 1413 PADDINGTON.
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS:
"SURGICAL, LONDON."
THE NEW NEBULA SPRAYER
For Veterinary, Horticultural, and General Disinfecting Purposes.
Emits a Cloiid-like Vapour which, when used •with suitable liquids, damps without wetting.
BY ROYAL LETTERS PBIEr.
KEEPS THE COAT SLEEK ERDMOTES HEALTH.
THE ACME OF SIMPLICITY & EFFECTIVENESS
Plain Zinc, 5/- ; Nickel-Plated, 6/-.
THE NEBULA SPRAY CO.,
123 Waller Rd., New Cross, S.E.
The Value of
Benger's Food
for Young Puppies.
" Baronshalt, The Barons, Dear Sir, E. Twickenham, March, igoj
I send you some photographs of my 1st prize litter of Pug puppies, which were fed on ' Benger's Food' as soon as they could lap. I think they show how well the food suited them, and they were much admired for their good condition at the Toy Dog Show. When any of my Pugs (Puppies or Adults) get at all out of show form I give them Benger's and find it does them a lot of good, and there is never any difficulty in getting the most dainty dog to take it.
I remain, yours truly,
C. Rosa Little."
Benger's Food is sold in tins by Chemists etc., everywhere.
PEARSON'S ANTISEPTIC DISINFECTANT
The World-Renowned Non-Poisonous and Non-Irritant Disinfectant, for KENNEL, STABLE, HOUSEHOLD and AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.
Literature, Price Lists and Pedigree Forms on application.
Pearson's Antiseptic Co., Ltd.,
15 Elm Street, Gray's Inn Road, London, W.C.
THE DOG'S MEDICAL DICTIONARY
H 5>
THE
DOG'S MEDICAL DICTIONARY
AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE DISEASES, THEIR
DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT, AND THE PHYSICAL
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DOG
BY
A. J. SEWELL, M.R.C.V.S.
Canine Surgeon to H.M. the King, also to H.M. the Queen, and to the Kennel Club, the Dogs' Home, the Dumb Friends' League, the Bulldog Club, etc., etc.
With numerous DIAGRAMS, ILLUSTRATIONS, and PORTRAITS of Prize Dogs
LONDON :
GEORGE ROUTLEDGE & SONS, LIMITED
New York: E. P. DUTTON & CO.
1907
LIST OF FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS
Fox Terrier 'Cesar,' the property of H.M. the King.
The Copthorne Brussels Griffons, the property of Mrs. Handley Spicer.
French Bulldog ' Sans Pareil,' the property of the Countess Sponneck-Mayer.
Pointer 'Pitchford Ranger,' the property of Colonel Cotes.
Poodle Champion 'Orchard Admiral,' the property of Mrs. Crouch.
Chow Chow Champion ' Red Craze,' the property of Mrs. Scaramanga.
Bulldogs 'Buck Stone,' 'British Stone,' 'Dick Stone,' ' Rex Stone,' the property of Mr. Walter Jefferies.
Old English Sheep Dog Champion 'Ragged Man,' the property of Mr. Aubrey Hopwood.
Smooth Fox Terrier Champion 'Donna Fortuna,' the property of Mr. Francis Redmond.
Japanese 'Chibi of Toddington,' the property of Mrs. Hugh Andrews.
Toy Spaniel Champion 'Windfall,' the property of the Hon. Mrs. Lytton.
THE DOG'S MEDICAL DICTIONARY
Abrasions :
Symptoms : The outer skin or epidermis is rubbed off, leaving a raw surface.
Treatment : Clean thoroughly with hot boracic lotion, made by dissolving a teaspoonful of boracic acid in half a pint of hot water ; carefully dry, and apply boracic ointment ; bandage the part, and prevent the dog from licking.
Abscesses :
Symptoms : Swellings, the result of the forma- tion of pus — commonly called matter — accom- panied by fever.
Treatment : Apply hot linseed meal poultices, over which should be placed a piece of oil silk to keep in the heat. Repeat poultices often. When swelling quite soft, it should be freely opened, all matter carefully squeezed out, and the cavity washed out with warm boracic lotion. The wound should afterwards be covered over with a few layers of boracic or carbolic gauze, and a bandage applied. Keep wound open two or three days.
Acidy, or Gastric Catarrh:
Symptoms: Great thirst, occasional sickness, loss of condition, and the passing of a quantity of clear-coloured urine.
Treatment : For few days give following mixture : —
Acne J
[Acne
Recipe :
Bicarbonate Soda, Tincture of Rhubarb, Tincture Nux Vomica, Tincture of Gentian, Liquor Bismuth, - Water to
i scruple to 2 drachms.
1 drachm to 4 drachms. 12 minims to 1 drachm.
\ drachm to 3 drachms.
2 drachms to 1 ounce, ii ounces to 6 ounces.
Dose : Half a teaspoonful to one tablespoonful l three or four times a day one hour before food.
Diet: Underdone mutton or veal mixed with Spratt's charcoal biscuits, or stale bread or toast, broken up small, and mixed with a little soup. Avoid fatty or starchy food, and give no sugar.
Acne:
Symptoms: Small red spots about the body, head, and limbs. There is not much irritation. More often noticed in the spring and autumn.
Treatment : Apply following lotion frequently :
Recipe :
Milk of Sulphur, Glycerium Boracis, Liquor Bismuth, Water to -
1 ounce. 8 ounces.
Give following powders twice a day with food : —
Recipe : Reduced Iron, Bicarbonate Potash, Sulphate Magnesia,
Mix.
6 grains to 2 scruples.1 1 scruple to 2 drachms. \ drachm to 4 ,,
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Albuminaria] O [Alopecia
Divide into 12 powders — one to be given twice a day with food.
Diet : Some meat mixed with green food (boiled dandelion leaves), and bread or biscuits.
Albuminaria :
Symptoms : Though the dog may be very hungry, and eats well, he loses condition ; is generally very thirsty ; coat staring ; passes water frequently and often ; and misbehaves in the house, especially at night. If some of the urine is boiled, a thick white sediment forms, due to coagulation of the albumen.
Treatment : Limit the quantity of water sup- plied to dog. Barley water or skimmed milk is better than plain water. Give from one to six grains 1 of ammoniated citrate of iron in water three times a day. In some cases, when symptoms very acute, from the tenth to a grain1 of powdered opium three times a day is useful.
Diet : Underdone mutton or veal, with toast or ship biscuits; also boiled fresh fish.
Alopecia :
Symptoms : Loss of hair ; baldness, the skin being clear and free of irritation.
Treatment : The Lotion :
Tr. Cantharides, - 2 drachms.
Oil Rosemary, - - - - 2 „
Glycerine, - - - - 4 „ Water to 8 ounces.
Mix.
Apply twice a day. Avoid the parts near eyes. 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Amaurosis] 4 [Anaemia
Or the application of kerosine, just dabbed on, may be tried.
In obstinate cases a single painting over the bare parts with liquor epipasticus is useful. This remedy should only be applied to a small part of the skin at one time.
Amaurosis :
Symptoms : A disease of the eyes attended with a diminution or total loss of sight — result, paralysis of nerves of the eye. The eyes are clear, with pupils largely dilated, which do not contract when exposed to strong light.
Treatment : Generally incurable. Following lotion may be tried : —
Recipe :
Sulphate Eserine, \ grain.
Distilled Water to i ounce.
One or two drops to be placed in the eye three
times a day.
Tincture nux vomica, from one x to five drops, should be given in water three times a day after food.
A blister or seton may be tried at the back of the head (pole).
Anaemia :
Symptoms : Mouth and eyes pale, caused by deficiency in quantity and quality of the blood. Loss of condition, often great thirst, constipation. The dog is very languid.
Treatment : Good food — plenty of underdone or raw meat, also milk. The arsenic and iron pills recommended for eczema. If there is 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Anaesthetics] 5 [Anaesthetics
constipation, add from two to twelve grains of rhubarb to each dozen pills. When the stomach is very irritable, from a half to three grains1 of reduced iron may be tried alone. The dose should be given three times a day with the food. Anaesthetics: The best way to administer chloroform is by one of Krohne & Sesemann's inhalers. When this is used, it is almost impossible to have any bad results, as the chloroform is given so slowly. Failing one of these appliances, it may be given on a napkin folded so as to make a pouch in which the nose should be put ; but it is necessary to muzzle the dog before commencing, otherwise he will be sure to bite the operator. In giving chloroform it is necessary to commence with very small quantities ; about twenty * drops to half a drachm should be poured inside the pouch formed in the napkin, and then placed over the dog's nose. This should be repeated every two or three minutes until the dog lies quietly, and the eye is insensible to the touch. When a dog is under the influence of chloroform it is most important to watch the breathing, and if it becomes very slow, discontinue giving the chloroform immediately. If the breathing stops, remove the muzzle, draw the tongue out as far as it will come, and hold to the nose, on a piece of lint, a few drops of strong ammonia, and resort to artificial respiration. Dogs always struggle very much against taking chloroform,
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Anaesthetics] u [Anaesthetics
therefore one should always be prepared with one or more assistants to hold the dog securely whilst it is being administered.
If the patient is an old one, instead of giving pure chloroform, give a mixture consisting of equal parts of chloroform, ether, and alcohol mixed together, given in the same way as chloroform, or pure ether may be given. In this case it is necessary to give this anaesthetic very freely, the dog being muzzled. A dessert- spoonful, or tablespoonful, should be poured on a napkin, and held tightly over the dog's nose. This quantity should be repeated every few minutes until the dog is insensible.
A Simple Way of giving Chloroform
Cocoa, coffee, or other cans with holes punched round and tied over muzzle. A — Hole in the upper part of can to pour anaesthetic.
Another good way of giving chloroform, or the compound mixture mentioned, when a proper apparatus is not at hand, is out of a round tin canister, perforated round the sides to allow plenty of air to be mixed with the chloroform.
Anaesthetics] / [Anaesthetics
At the bottom of the canister a piece of sponge or lint should be fixed, on which the chloroform should be poured. More of the anaesthetic as required may be syringed through one of the lower holes. The tin can be fastened on the nose by tapes, which should be passed behind the ears and tied.
Cocaine, a Substitute for Chloroform : Cocaine is an alkaloid extracted from the leaves of the Erythroxylon Coca, which grows as a kind of shrub in Bolivia and Peru.
The hydrochlorate of cocaine is the preparation mostly used, as it is more soluble in water.
Cocaine is equal in its effects to chloroform in many operations where the parts to be removed are not very deep-seated ; besides, its use is much more economical, as not only is the drug itself of less expense, but when operating it is not necessary to have a separate attendant to administer it, as is the case when chloroform is given. Then it is much more easily given (by a hypodermic syringe), and the dog does not resist it at all ; whereas, chloroform is resisted by the patient with all its strength. In some cases three or four assistants are required to hold a big dog whilst it is being administered, and I have known some dogs to struggle so violently against taking chloroform that one has been obliged to discontinue giving it, for to have persevered would have endangered the doom's life. This alone is sufficient reason to make cocaine a more favourable anaesthetic than chloroform.
Anaesthetics] ° [Anaesthetics
Then as to the danger, there is no comparison between the two. I have only once had any bad results from the use of cocaine ; but with chloroform, sometimes, in spite of every care and precaution, the dog will, when under its influence, suddenly collapse. Besides, when a dog, in a case such as I have just described, struggles very much against receiving the chloro- form, it takes longer to get him under the influence of the drug than one taking it quietly ; and then, often as a consequence, the dog at last becomes exhausted, and if the chloroform is persevered with, it takes too strong effect — the heart's action becomes weak, the breathing heavy, and collapse may occur — the result is, one is obliged to leave off the operation to administer restoratives to save the patient's life.
In many operations, as the excising of tumours (even large ones, weighing six or seven pounds), removing thorns from the eye, sewing and dressing painful wounds, cocaine is equal to chloroform in its effects, for it completely deadens for a time the parts to which it is applied, though the animal retains complete consciousness.
It is particularly valuable when removing mammary growths, so frequently seen in bitches. On many occasions I have removed a growth of this kind weighing, in some instances, seven to eight pounds, without subjecting the dog to the least pain ; and I may here remark that the application of cocaine does not in any way retard the healing process.
Cocaine for most purposes is best used dis-
Anaesthetics] 9 [Anaesthetics
solved in water ; the quantity of the solution required depends upon the size of the growth that is going to be removed. For small tumours, say the size of a large walnut, a four per cent, solution is generally sufficient. Of this about twelve minims should be injected under the skin, say three drops at each corner of the growth, then in the course of about ten minutes the parts will be completely insensible to pain and ready for operation. The same strength of solution is also strong enough for eye opera- tions, including the removal of growths on the haw. In such cases the solution of cocaine must be dropped into the eye. About five or six drops is all that is required ; one drop to be placed into the eye every minute until the quantity required is given, then wait ten minutes for the cocaine to take effect. In cases of operation for inverted eyelid, the use of cocaine is invaluable.
When removing large growths; a five per cent, solution is necessary, giving the same quantity — about twelve minims — injecting one minim just under the skin all around the tumour, and where the skin is £oino- to be cut.
There are other local anaesthetics as eucaine, which is said to be safer than cocaine ; but in my opinion it is not nearly so good, at any rate with dogs, and the latter is perfectly safe when used in proper doses.
Eucaine is also used in conjunction with adrenalin, which has a wonderful power of preventing and stopping bleeding ; but in my
Anal Glands] IO [Aneurism
experience, when injected under the skin previous to an operation, the wound does not heal so readily, in consequence, I consider the blood- less condition of the skin, which continues for some time after, due to the application of this drug.
Anal Glands, Congestion and Irritation of:
Symptoms : Dragging themselves along the ground, which is often supposed to be due to worms, frequently licking the anus, suddenly looking round behind and tucking the tail in as if there was something pricking. In these cases there is a small swelling on each side of the anus due to an accumulation of the natural secretion of these glands. Occasionally a painful abscess forms.
Treatment : In simple cases all that is required is to squeeze the glands and evacuate the con- tents, and this, as a rule, gives immediate relief. In some dogs these glands require attention every three or four weeks. If an abscess forms, the swelling should be fomented with hot water, and when soft freely opened, the contents evacuated, and the cavity syringed out with a warm saturated solution of boracic acid. The wound should be kept open for a few days. In troublesome cases it is best to have the glands removed altogether by operation, and so save further inconvenience to the dog.
Aneurism :
Symptom: Dilation of an artery. Difficult to detect in a dog.
Treatment consists in ligaturing the artery.
Angina Pectoris] * * [Anus
Angina Pectoris :
Symptoms : Acute pain in chest, fainting, pallid tongue, difficult breathing, limbs feel very cold.
Treatment : Hold to nose, on a piece of blotting-paper doubled in shape of a funnel, from one x to five minims of nitrite amyl. Repeat in half an hour if necessary.
Diet : For a day or so after attack feed on Brand's beef or chicken essence and Benger's food with milk. After a day or two put patient on a raw meat diet, which continue for some time.
Anthrax: Uncommon disease in the dog.
Symptoms: A carbuncular swelling, commencing as a pimple accompanied by high temperature. Disease runs a quick course and is generally fatal.
Treatment : Free opening and scraping of the affected part. Apply hot linseed meal poultices, which should be freely dusted over with powdered charcoal, and give stimulants, as brandy or whisky, freely. If temperature over 105 degs. F., from one1 to ten grains of phenacetin may be given as well as the stimulants. Repeat medicine once in four hours.
Anus, Prolapsus of: A complaint often seen in young puppies, though it may occur in full- grown dogs. It is generally the result of straining caused by diarrhoea.
Symptoms : The lower bowel or rectum pro- trudes for an inch or more from the body, which, if not relieved, becomes inflamed and swollen, and the patient is constantly straining. 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Anus] 1 2 [Anus
Treatment: Return the protruding part as quickly as possible. This is best done by holding the dog up with the hind legs, and then after vaselining the part, applying firm pressure with the fingers, and the prolapsus will slip in. This is very simple and easy, but the difficulty is to keep it in. There are several ways of trying to do this, but first of all give a small enema, from one 1 to four teaspoonfuls of thick boiled starch, with from five * to twenty drops of laudanum to stop the straining. In a recent case this may have the desired effect, and the prolapsus not return ; if it does, then it must be put back as before, and to keep the bowel in, a couple of strong sutures should be placed through the anus, one from above downward, and the other crossways, or what is called a purse-string suture may be inserted. Another way is by inserting and fixing in the bowel by means of tapes the lower insertion portion of an enema tube, the tapes should be passed across the outside of the thighs, then crossed under the belly and tied over the back. But often, in spite of every care and treatment, the dog will keep straining and force the bowel out time after time. In such cases, the only thing to do is to remove the prolapsus by operation. This operation requires a consider- able amount of care, or fatal haemorrhage may occur, or the peritoneal cavity may be opened and peritonitis set up.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Apoplexy] 1 j [Appendicitis
Apoplexy :
Symptoms : Generally affects old dogs. Suddenly falling to the ground, convulsions, loss of consciousness. Tongue generally turns dark in colour, eyes prominent and congested. May be in an unconscious state for some time. Paralysis to a more or less extent may follow. Sometimes the head is only held on one side from muscles of neck being paralysed : blindness may result.
Treatment: Free purge from one1 teaspoonful to four tablespoonfuls castor oil, mixed with half the quantity of syrup buckthorn. Put dog in hot bath and apply ice to head. If convulsions are severe, give bromide of potassium and hydrated chloral. From two grains to one scruple of the former, and half the quantity of the latter, with water. Repeat every three or four hours until convulsions cease. Do not attempt to force any- thing- down the dog's throat whilst in convulsions or unconscious, and if this continues some time, give double dose of the medicines by enema.
Diet : Liquid food, milk with bread or Sanatogen, and light soup with bread or toast.
Appendicitis : This disease, strictly speaking, does not occur in the dog as there is no appendix to the caecum — but they do occasionally suffer from inflammation of this part.
Symptoms: Tenderness or pain over the
seat of the caecum, which is about the centre
of the abdomen ; vomiting and diarrhoea, or
even dysentery ; sometimes bowels constipated.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Appetite] J 4 [Appetite
Temperature often rises two or three degrees. Loss of appetite. In some cases the caecum may be easily felt, and is generally hard and swollen when inflamed.
Treatment : Rest and free administration of laudanum, from two x to fifteen drops, given in water every four or six hours.
In cases due to the impaction of some foreign body, as a stone, coin or key, etc., in the caecum, which may easily be detected by means of the Rontgen rays, an operation is necessary.
The caecum may be removed with a certain amount of safety.
Appetite, Want of:
Treatment : When not the result of actual disease, but to want of tone of stomach, often seen in delicate dogs, try following mixture : —
Recipe :
Bicarbonate Soda, - 12 grains to 1 drachm.1 Spirits of Nitre, - 1 to 4 drachms.
Tincture Nux Vomica, 6 minims to \ a drachm. Water to - - - \\ to 6 ounces.
Dose : One teaspoonful to a tablespoonful x three times a day one hour before food. Try a change of food, as raw meat. For little dogs, grilled chicken's liver or kidneys, with stale bread crumbs ; also stewed rabbit with rice.
Appetite, Morbid:
Symptoms: Picking up and eating all kinds
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Arthritis] 1 5 rArthritis
of rubbish and filth, stones, coal, and when out in the streets, horse dung, etc.
Treatment: Always give worm medicine in these cases. Dust over anything you know the dog will pick up with some cayenne pepper. In many cases one is obliged to resort to a muzzle, and make the dog wear one when out. Very often when this is persisted in for some weeks, the dog gets out of the habit.
Arthritis, Inflammation of a Joint :
Symptoms: The joint is swollen and very painful ; dog is very lame, and in some cases unable to put the foot to the ground.
Treatment: During acute inflammation rest is necessary, soothing remedies should be applied, hot poppy - head tea fomentations, or the following lotion : —
Recipe :
Laudanum, 2 drachms.
Goulard's Extract of Lead, - 1 drachm. Water to - - - - 6 ounces.
A piece of lint, large enough to cover and go round the joint, should be saturated with the lotion and applied. This should be covered entirely over with a piece of oil silk, and a bandage applied to keep dressing in place. Change the dressing three times a day.
A dose or two of aperient medicine should be given.
When acute inflammation has ceased, the
Asphyxia] * ^ [Asthma
joint should be massaged, and later, if the joint remains stiff, the dog should be made to swim.
Asphyxia :
Symptom: Interruption to breathing, from drowning and other causes.
Treatment: Dash hot and cold water alter- nately over the head, and inject stimulants, as ether or brandy, under skin — from ten1 to twenty drops of either.
Artificial Respiration: When the condition is due to partial drowning, hold the dog up, with his head downwards for a minute that the water may escape from the lungs, then place the dog on his back, draw the tongue out, and with the hand placed on the lower part of the chest — that is just where the chest and abdomen join — press downwards and forwards wjth some little force, then suddenly raise the hand to allow the chest to expand. This should be repeated every three or four seconds. Do not attempt to make the dog swallow whilst in an unconscious state.
Asthma :
Symptoms: Heavy breathing, troublesome cough. If the ear is applied to the chest a crackling noise will be heard with each in- spiration. The heart is weak and the pulse irregular.
Treatment: Aperient medicine should be given, and be repeated once or twice a week, also the following mixture :
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Bad Breath] l 7 [Bad Breath
Recipe :
Liquor Morphia, - - \ to 3 drachms. x
Hoffman's Spirit, - - |to3 drachms.
Paregoric, - - - - 1 to 4 drachms.
Syrup of Squills, - - 2 to 8 drachms.
Water to - - - - \\ to 6 ounces.
Doses: One teaspoonful to a tablespoonful three or four times a day, or from ten drops to a teaspoonful of glyco-heroin in a little water may be given three or four times a day.1
When the condition is the result of heart disease, which is often the case, give the following mixture : —
Recipe :
Tincture Digitalis, - 20 drops to i| drachms.1
Tincture Nux Vomica, - 12 drops to i| drachms. Compound Sulphuric Ether, \ to 3 drachms. Syrup, - - - - 2 drachms to 1 ounce.
Water to - - - 1 \ to 6 ounces. Mix.
Doses: From one1 teaspoonful to one tablespoonful three times a day after food. Aperient medicine should be frequently given.
Diet: Raw or very tender-cooked meat, given in small quantities, three times a day. No other food.
Back (Injuries to) : See Appendix.
Bad Breath:
Symptoms : General result of a diseased condition of teeth, the accumulation of tartar on the teeth, and as the result, ulcers form on
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Bad Breath] l ° [Bad Breath
the gums and cheeks. Bad breath may also arise from a disordered condition of the stomach, or as a result of some disease of the lungs, or the membrane lining nasal passages.
Treatment: Remove the cause. If it arises from the condition of the teeth, remove the tartar by scaling, and clean mouth and teeth twice daily, using a small soft tooth-brush and the following" wash : —
Recipe :
Salol, x drachm.
Tr. Myrrh, ----- 2 drachms.
Spirits of Wine, - . - 10 drachms.
Formalin, 1 drachm.
Mix.
Half a teaspoonful to be added to half a tumblerful tepid water. If the breath remains offensive after the mouth has been made healthy, give a pill three times a day containing from a quarter * to two grains of permanganate of potash, or twice a day give from two to ten grains of salol.1
When the condition is the result of some disease affecting the lungs, suitable remedies for this must be administered ; or if the result of an offensive discharge from the nose, a dessert- spoonful to two tablespoonfuls 1 of the following lotion should be syringed up each nostril once or twice a day : —
Recipe :
Chinosol, 6 grains.
Water to 8 ounces.
Mix.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Balantitis] * 9 [Bed-sores
Balantitis :
Symptoms : Purulent discharges from prepuce.
Treatment : After thoroughly cleaning prepuce out with tepid water pumped into sac with syringe, syringe twice a day into the passage from one to four x tablespoonfuls following lotion : —
Recipe :
Chinosol, 6 grains.
Water to 8 ounces.
Mix.
Sometimes this complaint is very obstinate. In such cases the base of the penis should be ex- posed and painted with a four per cent, solution of nitrate silver. Repeat twice a week.
Baldness: See Alopecia.
Bed-sores :
Symptoms: Dogs, after severe illness, when they have become very thin, often have large, unhealthy-looking, offensive-smelling wounds, or ulcers form on the hips, points of the buttocks, shoulder, and other parts.
Treatment: Well foment and thoroughly clean parts with a warm saturated solution of boracic acid or Pearson's fluid diluted sixty times with warm water two or three times daily. Gently dry and then freely dust over with powdered boracic acid or amyloform powder. Take pressure off wound by encircling it with a ring of thick felt fixed with some adhesive material. In obstinate cases powdered iodoform
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Biliousness] ^O [Biliousness
may be used to dust (sparingly) over wound instead of boracic.
Baths: A tepid bath should register about 90 deg. F., a warm bath 100 deg. F. A soothing bath for an irritable and red skin can be made by adding to three gallons of tepid water, one ounce of borax, eight tablespoonfuls of fine oatmeal, in which the dog should be immersed for ten or fifteen minutes, and re- peated two or three times a week. When the dog is dirty he may be cleaned whilst in the bath by rubbing the yolks of three or four eggs into the skin and coat, and then rinsing off with the oatmeal water.
A suitable bath for the treatment of eczema and to destroy insects on the skin, may be made by adding three tablespoonfuls of Pearson's disinfectant fluid to a gallon of tepid water.
Sulphur Baths: A valuable remedy for skin diseases. Are made by dissolving one ounce of sulphurated potash in a pail of tepid water, in which the dog may be immersed for ten minutes.
Biliousness :
Symptoms: Severe vomiting, great thirst, occasionally diarrhoea, refusal of food. In bad cases the skin, eyes, and mouth turn yellowish.
Treatment: First give dose castor oil, say half teaspoonful to two tablespoonfuls,1 with from two l to ten drops of laudanum, or a pill containing from a quarter to two grains of calomel, with the eighth to one grain of powdered opium. Later, if sickness is persistent, give from three to ten
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Bites] 2 l [Bites
grains of carbonate of bismuth shaken dry on the tongue, or the following mixture may be tried : —
Recipe :
Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid, - - 20 drops.
Liquor Bismuth, - 1 ounce.
Water to 6 ounces.
From one1 teaspoonful to a tablespoonful every three or four hours.
To keep strength up give occasionally every hour, from a quarter1 to a teaspoonful Brand's beef essence, allow Vichy water and milk in equal parts to drink — no plain water — but the patient may have some ice to lick. When sickness is very persistent, the stomach should be given complete rest for about twelve hours, and the dog's strength kept up during this time with peptonised meat suppositories (B and W), one being given every three or four hours. When these cannot be obtained, an enema of peptonised milk with from five1 drops to one teaspoonful of brandy, may be given every three hours. Hot linseed meal poultices to the stomach are sometimes useful.
Bites: A deep punctured wound caused by the bite of a dog, if allowed to scab over, usually results in the formation of an abscess ; so the wound should be kept open for a few days by being fomented often with a warm solution of boracic acid lotion. When not fomenting, the wound should be covered over with a piece of
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Bladder] 2 2 [Bladder
lint (once doubled) soaked in a solution of boracic lotion ; this should be entirely covered with a piece of oil silk, and a bandage applied. This treatment may be continued until the wound has healed. When the wound consists of a tear of the skin, after thoroughly cleansing the parts with some disinfectant — as a solution of Pearson's fluid — the wound may be sewn up, a few layers of carbolic gauze laid over the wound, and a bandage applied. It is best to renew the dressing daily in these cases, as there is always a danger of suppuration, and if such occurs, two or three stitches should be removed at the lowest part to allow the pus to escape. After an abscess has formed, the parts require keeping very clean, and should be kept covered with carbolic or other gauze. A dog should not be allowed to lick a wound.
Bladder, Irritable:
Symptoms : Constantly straining to pass water even when indoors ; urine high-coloured and often cloudy, strong smelling. Blood may be mixed with the water, or come in drops after the passing of water. These symptoms must not be confounded with those the result of a cystic calculus (stone), for in these latter cases the dog strains continuously, and if a small calculus happens to pass from the bladder into the passage (urethra), it generally becomes fixed in the canal just behind the bone in the penis, and the dog is unable to micturate at all, or only in drops. When a dog is seen to be frequently straining, he requires careful watching
Bladder] 2 3 [Bladder
to see the kind of urine passed, or whether any is being passed at all.
Treatment: If there is much pain, give every three or four hours from two x to fifteen drops of tincture of hyoscyamus in water ; if there is not much pain, a course of hyposulphite of soda is all that is required, and should be continued for some time.
Dose : From three grains to half a drachm * in water, and a careful diet of milk, with bread or Spratt's biscuits, or Force, milk puddings, etc. Milk and barley water may be given to drink. When the irritation is due to calculus urgent surgical assistance is required.
Bladder, Paralysis of:
Symptoms : The dog at first is unable to pass water, later it dribbles from him. May be the result of general paralysis caused by injury to spine, or brain, or to the abdomen ; it may also be the result of stone in the bladder.
It sometimes occurs in dogs of very clean habits as the result of being shut up for a long time, and the bladder becomes over distended, and can be felt in the back part of the abdomen as a large ball.
Treatment : Relieve the bladder. If there is no mechanical obstruction as from a stone in the canal, the bladder can be emptied by pressure on the walls of the abdomen over the seat of the bladder ; if this fails, a catheter must be passed.
Speaking of catheters, for very small dogs o.o size is required. For terriers, No. I size in
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Bleeding] 24 [Bleeding
diameter, and about fourteen or sixteen inches long. For dogs size of collies, etc., No. 2 size, and about eighteen or twenty inches long, and for larger dogs one about four inches longer is necessary. If there is a small stone or gravel in the passage, there is sometimes difficulty in passing the catheter, but with care a passage may generally be made with a fine grooved silver probe.
When there is an absence of mechanical obstruction and inflammation in these cases, to improve the tone of the bladder give from one to seven1 minims of tincture nux vomica three times a day, in water and after food. In chronic cases iron (ammoniated citrate) may be added to the medicine. Nux vomica must not be given when there are any signs of convulsions.
Bleeding, From Stomach :
Symptoms: Vomiting of blood, sometimes of a bright red colour, at other times dark red or venous blood ; and when it has been retained in the stomach some time, it comes up liquid of a coffee colour.
Treatment : Give the following mixture : —
Recipe :
Tincture Thalaspi, - - - 24 drops. Liquor Bismuth, - - - \ ounce.
Water to - 3 ounces.
Doses: One teaspoonful to a tablespoonful l every three or four hours.
Diet: Milk, also Benger's food with milk,
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Blindness] 2 5 [Blisters
kreochyle with Vichy water. Brand's essence and milk, either peptonised or plain, is the best food. When sickness is very severe, stomach should be rested for twenty-four hours, and the dog fed with nutritive enema, say from one1 to six tablespoonfuls peptonised milk every three hours alternately, with a beef suppository (B and W). These may be purchased in different sizes.
Blindness, Amaurosis:
Symptoms : Eyes clear and bright, pupils large, with a greenish look. Loss of colour to eye — as the iris is so dilated, cannot be seen or scarcely seen. Sometimes follows distemper ; a result of fits ; great excitement or exertion, as violent vomiting. Pupil will not contract when exposed to light, except very strong sunlight.
Treatment : Disease seldom curable. Try following eye drops : —
Recipe :
Sulphate Eserine, \ grain.
Water to 1 ounce.
One drop to be placed in the eye three or
our times a day. Give one 1 to seven drops
tincture nux vomica three times a day in water
after food. Blisters or seton to back of neck
can be tried ; also galvanism.
Blisters: Collection of blood, water, or serum under first skin ; result of a burn as a rule.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Blisters] ^6 [Blood Poisoning
Treatment: Cut blister, squeeze out contents, apply boracic ointment on lint, and bandage.
Blisters, To Apply : It is somewhat difficult to raise a good blister on a dog — much more so than on a horse, or even a person ; but a fluid called liquor epipasticus will do so if properly applied. The hair should at first be cut off closely from the part where it is intended to apply the blister ; the skin should be then thoroughly washed with warm water and soap, and afterwards well dried. Then the blister should be rubbed on with a piece of wool tied around a stick for about five minutes. The person applying the blister should be careful not to get any of it on his fingers, as it may make them very sore. Over the blister put a piece of either grease-proof paper or brown paper, and apply a bandage. This blister is very poisonous, and the dog must not be allowed to lick it on any account. The next day, if the skin is not well blistered, rub in for two or three minutes a little red blister ointment. Forty-eight hours after the first application of the blister it may be washed off, the parts carefully dried with a soft cloth, and then anointed with boracic ointment.
Blood Poisoning :
Symptoms: Rise of temperature, 104 deg. F. and over ; shivering, vomiting, congested eye, thirst. If complaint goes on for some time, ulcers form in mouth, and breath becomes very foetid. Often caused by retention of a dead puppy, or urine, diseased kidneys, also inflammation of womb (metritis) from bitch taking cold when on heat. May follow severe and deep bites.
Boils] 2 7 [Bowels
Treatment: Remove the cause. I fan abscess, open freely at once, evacuate contents, and syringe cavity out with solution Condy's Fluid, one teaspoonful to half-pint water. Give large dose salicylate quinine one 1 to ten grains ; repeat in six hours ; give brandy somewhat freely. If patient cold, apply hot-water bottle to back and feet.
Boils: Small red swellings, which suppurate and break. Situated, as a rule, on inside of thighs, arms, and belly, but may appear all over dog. Sometimes seen in cases of distemper ; also seen in young puppies, especially on inside of thighs and belly, when suffering from worms.
Treatment: If accompanied by distemper, no special treatment required ; if very painful and sore, anoint with Balsam Peru ointment. When affecting young puppies, give worm medicine ; afterwards small doses of chemical food.
Bowels, Inflammation of, Colic:
Symptoms : Pain in abdomen ; patient restless, and, if a puppy, whines and cries ; generally diarrhoea, and quantity mucus passed ; may be constipation ; vomiting a frequent symptom. Seldom a rise of temperature without case very acute, though the pulse is often much quickened. Often caused by worms and indigestion, and may be result of chill.
Treatment: As a rule, a doze of castor oil, say half a teaspoonful1 to two or more table- spoonfuls, with from two1 to fifteen drops of laudanum, is the best treatment at first. After 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Bowels] 2 ° [Bowels
this has worked off, if pain continues, give following mixture : —
Recipe :
Laudanum, - - - i drachm.
Chloric Ether, - 2 drachms.
Liquor Bismuth, ... 4 drachms. Water to - - 3 ounces.
Dose: One x teaspoon ful to a tablespoonful e very- two, three, or four hours until pain relieved. Apply hot salt bags continuously to belly. Later, worms should be removed by suitable remedies.
Bowels, Intussusception of:
Symptoms : This is a disease that more often attacks young puppies than adult dogs. It may- be caused by worms ; it also results from eating stones and other hard substances, and may be due to colic as a result of indigestion. The pain is very acute, the dog constantly crying and whining. During the early stages there may be vomiting ; there is also diarrhoea, and the passing of mucus tinged with blood. If the abdomen be manipulated with the fingers, a long hard swelling will be felt, due to one portion of the bowel telescoping into another.
Treatment : Give fairly large doses of laudanum, say for a fox terrier puppy two or three months old, five drops every four hours with a dessertspoonful of water. Give nothing but liquid food as milk or Benger's food, or beef tea. If no better in twenty-four hours, the puppy should be relieved by operation. If the operation
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Breast] 29 [Breathing
is postponed too long, it is as a rule not successful, but when done during the early stages there is every chance of effecting a cure, and giving the puppy immediate relief. Besides, the operation, when done early, is much easier, for then, as a rule, the intussusception can be reduced by pulling on the bowel.
After such an operation no food should be given for twenty-four hours ; and then liquids only for a few days.
Breast, Inflammation of:
Symptoms : Gland is swollen hard, red and very painful. There is a rise of temperature which shows pus is forming. After two or three days the swelling becomes softer, points, and breaks and freely discharges.
Treatment : Hot poppy-head fomentations, and the application of hot linseed meal poultices frequently changed. Lance abscess directly soft. Give aperient medicine. Sometimes it is necessary to remove puppies, when milk should be drawn off two or three times a day.
Breathing, Difficulty in Bulldogs: Many bulldogs, especially those with a very short face, have a chronic difficulty in breathing. Each inspiration is performed with an effort ; the sides heaving, and the dog is constantly bringing up quantities of white frothy mucus, especially when first let out.
In some instances, especially of toy bulldogs, the inspirations are so difficult that if a dog gets much excited it may fall over partly asphyxiated. In these cases the heart is always weak.
Bronchitis] 3^ [Bronchitis
Treatment: The principal thing to do in these cases is to give a diet composed entirely of raw meat, cut up in small pieces, given three times a day, so as not to overload the stomach at any time. Also after each meal give from one * to seven drops of tincture nux vomica, according to the size of the dog, in a little water, immediately after food, or for a change, from three * to six grains of lacto-peptin.
In some cases I have attempted to relieve these distressing symptoms by an operation, that is by removing the false palate, but it has not been altogether a success, though I have sometimes thought it has given some relief. Of course an operation of this kind must be done under the influence of chloroform.
Bronchitis :
Symptoms: Severe and frequent coughing, difficult breathing, rattling of phlegm in windpipe. In bad cases, dog unable to lie down.
Treatment: Place in fairly warm room, and keep a kettle going to moisten air. When breathing very difficult and the throat seems full of phlegm, give an emetic.
Recipe :
Hydrochlorate of Apomorphia, - \ grain. Water to i ounce.
Dose: Half1 to two teaspoonfuls ; repeat in one hour if it has not caused vomiting. When sickness stopped, commence following mixture : —
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
c -
1 =
07S
v °
U =
° a
|
Bronchitis] 3 L |
[Bronchitis |
|
Recipe : |
|
|
Liq. Morphia, |
i drachm. |
|
Hoffmann's Spirits, |
2 drachms. |
|
Paregoric, |
i^ drachms. |
|
Ipecacuanha Wine, |
i drachm. |
|
Syrup of Squills, - |
i ounce. |
|
Water to |
3 ounces. |
Dose : One teaspoonful to a tablespoonful * every four or six hours. Apply hot linseed meal poultices to throat and front of chest. Give aperient medicine. The emetic, if the cough and breathing remain bad, may be repeated in two days. When the active symptoms have passed and the cough better, petroleum emulsion may be given. During early stages light diet should be given ; later meat.
Bronchitis (Chronic Husk):
Symptoms : Though the dog may appear very well, with good appetite, there is a frequent dry, hard cough, which is generally worse at night and early morning,' but any exertion or excitement induces a fit of coughing. After each attack, the dog retches as if he had something in his throat, and was going to vomit.
Treatment: Give aperient medicine occasion- ally, and the following mixture : —
Recipe :
Tinct. Nux Vomica, 24 drops. Ipecacuanha Wine, - 1 drachm.
Water to - 3 ounces.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Bruises] 32 [Burns
Doses : One teaspoonful to a tablespoonful l three times a day. When cough is very- troublesome give a dose of the mixture recom- mended for acute bronchitis at night, or from fifteen x drops to one teaspooarful of Smith's glyco-heroin in a little water.
Diet: The diet in these cases is very important, and I find under-done meat the best possible food, as it nourishes the dog well without distending the stomach and causing pressure on the chest.
Bruises :
Symptoms: Discoloration of the skin from effusion of blood under result of injury.
Treatment : Apply following lotion often : —
|
Recipe : |
|
|
Goulard's Extract Lead, |
i drachm, |
|
Liquor Opium, |
i drachm, |
|
Distilled Water to |
8 ounces. |
When in a suitable part, so that a bandage may be applied, the lotion is more efficacious if applied on lint, which should be covered over with a piece oil silk, and then a bandage.
Give aperient medicine, and keep dog at rest for a few days.
Burns :
Symptoms : The skin may be scorched and the coat frizzled, but the roots not destroyed ; or the skin may be destroyed and a large blister form, which sooner or later suppurates. Burns, the
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Calculi] 33 [Calculi
result of boiling water, are practically as severe as those of fire, for in either case the hair never grows afterwards.
Treatment: When the skin only is scorched, apply lime water and linseed oil. One part of the former, mixed with two parts of the latter, should be dabbed on two or three times a day. In severe burns the part may be smeared over with boracic ointment, and when the blister has broken the same ointment should be applied on lint, which must be kept in its place with a bandage or coat. Repeat dressing two or three times a day.
Calculi (Stones in the Kidney):
Symptoms : Blood, and also in many cases pus, is passed with the urine. The dog at times seems very ill, the temperature may go up to 103 or 104. Pain on pressure over the loins, sickness, loss of condition, and great wasting. In severe cases there is collapse, and death follows the result of uraemia poisoning.
Treatment : Open the bowels freely. Apply hot fomentations or poultices to the loins, and give following medicine : —
Recipe :
Bicarbonate of Potash, - - 1 drachm.
Boro-citrate of Magnesia, - - 1 ounce.
Mix.
Give from sufficient to cover a sixpence to a teaspoonful,1 two or three times a day, mixed with food or milk.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
c
Calculi] 34 [Calculi
Diet: Give plenty of milk mixed with equal parts Vichy water. Also Benger's food with milk, tripe, and fresh boiled fish, with well-cooked rice. Avoid red meat.
Calculi in Bladder:
Symptoms : In the dog the stones are generally small, varying in size from a millet seed to a pea, though occasionally one does find a large one. In bitches the stone is generally not dis- covered until it has become a good size, and set up irritation of the bladder. In the dog, when the stones are small they, as a rule, do not seem to do any harm or cause inconvenience until one or more escape from the bladder, pass into the urinary passage or urethra, and become lodged in the canal just behind the bone in the penis where the passage is smallest. If the stone is quite round — which, fortunately, is not always the case — it acts like a cork in a bottle, and the dog is unable to pass any water. He stands or stoops like a bitch, and keeps strain- ing ; but nothing comes away, except, perhaps, a single drop occasionally of blood-stained urine. If the stone happens to be not quite round, then he is able to pass a small quantity of highly- coloured water by great effort. To ascertain for certain if these symptoms are the result of gravel or stone, a small sound or catheter should be passed ; and if there is any blockage in the passage it is easily ascertained, for in that case it will be impossible to pass the instrument for more than a few inches instead of from 6 to 24 inches, according to the size of the dog ;
Calculi] 3 5 [Calculi
and besides, the hard piece of gravel or small stone will be felt. In some cases when the stone is not quite round the instrument will pass to the side of it, and then one can easily feel the grating of the stone against the instrument as it passes, more especially as it is withdrawn.
Treatment : Medicines are of little use, though a sedative like hyoscyamus will sometimes relieve the spasm of the parts, and enable the patient to pass a little water when the passage is not com- pletely blocked ; when it is, the stone may sometimes be pushed back to where the passage is larger, and thus enable the dog to relieve himself; but in all these cases arrangements should be immediately made for an operation, which is the only cure.
In bitches the symptoms of a calculus in the bladder are somewhat similar to those shown by the male : she is constantly straining to micturate, even after the bladder is emptied of water ; the urine is high-coloured and smells strong, and often a few drops of blood are passed at the end of micturition, or the water may be blood- stained.
Treatment: Operation. Dogs once suffering from calculi are always liable to a recurrence. This may sometimes be prevented by giving occasionally a course of the following : —
|
Bicarbonate of Potash, |
2 drachms, |
|
Boro-citrate of Magnesia, |
2 ounces. |
|
Mix. |
Cancer] 3^ [Caries
Doses: From sufficient to cover a sixpence to one teaspoonful 1 twice a day with food or given in water, and continued for a long time. Avoid meat as much as possible with the food.
Cancer :
Symptoms : A tumour which usually sooner or later ulcerates, emitting an offensive-smelling discharge mixed with blood. The animal loses condition and becomes very weak. A cancer may form anywhere, but the most frequent parts affected are : the mouth, inside of the throat, milk glands, the rectum, and the organs in the abdomen.
Treatment: An early operation is the only chance of effecting a cure ; once suppuration has commenced, the case is practically hopeless.
Caries :
Symptoms: Ulceration of bone — generally result of some injury. Abscesses form, resulting in unhealthily discharging wounds which are difficult to heal. If the parts be probed, roughened exposed bone may generally be felt, which after a time separates from the healthy structure and escapes with the discharge.
Treatment : These cases must always be given time for the dead bone to separate from the healthy bone. Hot linseed meal poultice, dusted freely over with powdered charcoal, should be applied, and repeated two or three times a day, and as soon as the dead structure is loose, the wound, if not large enough, should be dilated with a knife and the dead bone removed. If this is successfully done, the wound generally 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Cataract] 37 [Cataract
heals quickly. In some cases when a limb is affected, and the inflammation has been very extensive, amputation may be necessary. Dogs do very well with three legs.
If after the dead bone has been removed the wound does not heal, syringe into it every other day about half a drachm of tincture calendula, and apply boracic ointment on lint and bandage. Wounds in cases of caries require keeping very clean with some disinfectant, as a saturated solution of boracic acid, or a solution of Pearson's fluid ; Condy's fluid is also useful.
Cataract :
Symptoms : The formation of an opaque spot in the lens or pupil of the eye. In young dogs, when it occurs, which is not frequent, the whole pupil seems to be involved at once, but in old dogs it generally commences as a small speck, and gradually increases. The cornea or front of the eye generally remains clear. Of course there is loss of vision of the affected eye to a more or less extent, according to the size and density of the cataract.
Treatment : The following drops improve the sight when the cataract does not affect the whole pupil : —
Recipe:
Sol. Sulphate of Atropine, - - 10 drops. Sulphate Zinc, - \ grain.
Distilled Water to - - i ounce.
Operation, except for improving the appearance
Catarrh] 3" [Catheter
of the eye, is useless in the dog, as wearing of spectacles is impracticable. Catarrh of the Nose:
Symptoms : Generally follows a chill from exposure to cold or from careless washing ; shivering and sneezing, thin mucous discharge from nose, which is not sticky as in distemper ; water discharge from eyes ; a husky cough. The dog is dull for a few days, and perhaps off his food, but as a rule there is no rise of temperature as in distemper, and the teeth do not become discoloured as in the latter disease.
Treatment: Keep quiet in a dry, warm room for a few days, and give the following mixture : —
|
Recipe : |
|
|
Tr. Aconite, .... |
24 drops. |
|
Spirits of Nitre, - |
2 drachms. |
|
Concentrated Solution of Acetate |
|
|
of Ammonia, - |
1 drachm. |
|
Water to |
3 ounces. |
Doses: From half a teaspoonful to a table- spoonful x three times a day. Give sloppy food for two or three days, and then the ordinary diet and cod-liver oil.
Catheter, How to Pass : The passage (called the urethra) to the bladder is very small in the dog in consequence of there being a bone in the penis. It is also very long. The best kind of catheters are made of gutta-percha, and for small dogs the size called o is large enough. For
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Catheter] 39 [Catheter
dogs the size of terriers No. i size is required ; for collies, etc., No. 2 size ; and for larger dogs No. 3. These numbers refer to the diameter. As to length, they must, of course, vary also according to size of the dog — 10 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, and 2 feet respectively. Before being passed, the catheter must be well smeared over with vaseline, and the wire left in. The dog should be placed on his left side, with the right hind leg well drawn forward ; the penis should be exposed for some inches, and held by means of a soft cloth ; the catheter may then be gently passed. After going a short distance, that is to where the penis bends round, it will stop going in, or, at any rate, at this point it will be found a little more force is required to pass the instrument. When this part is reached, the wire should be drawn out for one or two inches, according to the size of the dog, then it will be found the catheter will pass on easily again ; and when the bladder is reached, if it is full of water, it will commence to drip or dribble away — it never runs away fast, as the orifice in the catheter is small. Let the catheter remain in so lono- as urine continues to flow, and then gently withdraw it. «
A catheter should never be passed more than twice a day. The instrument, when not in use, should, without the wire, be kept in a basin of saturated solution of boracic acid. The wire should be thoroughly cleaned and vaselined, and be put into the catheter just before being used.
Cerebral] 4° [Chalky
Cerebral Congestion:
Symptoms: Often seen in distemper. The dog may be dull and heavy, or he may be very excited ; eyes very congested ; temperature high, 104 to 1050 F. ; constant working of the temporal muscles. Dogs in this condition are often ravenous for food, and diarrhoea may be present. If relief is not given, convulsions usually follow.
Treatment: Keep dog absolutely quiet in a darkened room. If bowels constipated, give purgative medicine, also give from three grains to one scruple of bromide of strontia x in water three or four times a day. Apply ice in a water- proof sponge bag or sheep's bladder to forehead for fifteen minutes or so at a time several times a day.
Diet: Liquid food should only be given, as milk with Benger's food, egg and milk — the yolk of the egg should not be given if there is much diarrhoea; some mutton broth or Brand's essence may be allowed occasionally. In severe cases a blister or seton at the back of the neck should be applied.
Chalky Stones:
Symptoms : Affects principally the knees, hocks, and stifle joints occasionally of old dogs — the result of the deposit of urates.
Treatment: From a quarter to two grains of iodide of potassium three times a day, or from five x grains to two scruples of the boro-citrate of magnesia in water thrice daily. This medicine
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Choking] 4 * [Choking
may be given with the food. Vichy water to drink instead of plain water.
Choking :
Symptoms : Dogs frequently choke themselves when eating bones, especially chop or cutlet bones ; also occasionally with a large piece of meat which may become impacted in the gullet. But this is not so serious, as it can easily be pushed down into the stomach if it cannot be pulled upwards. When an offending bone or other matter becomes lodged in the back of the throat the dog coughs and retches violently, and may even die from asphyxia. But as a rule the bone does not stop there, but passes down until the gullet passes over the heart, where it is rather smaller, and then the bone is stopped, which causes the dog great distress. He keeps gulping as if trying to swallow, and occasionally retches. In a day or two the distress passes off and the patient seems fairly well and often ready to eat, but if any solid food is taken directly it reaches the part where the obstruction is it is brought up, and this continues to happen so long as the obstruction remains, but the dog as a rule is able to swallow liquids as milk, egg and milk, beef teas, etc.
Dogs, especially puppies, often swallow needles and pins, which generally become embedded in the back of the tongue, but sometimes they reach the gullet and pass through, causing a bad abscess to form in the throat just behind the angle of the jaw.
Treatment : When the bone or meat or other matter becomes lodged in the back of the throat,
Chorea] 42 [Chorea
it is generally easily removed with the finger. Failing this, forceps must be used ; but the symptoms are often very distressing, and prompt relief is necessary. When the bone has passed far down in the gullet and become fixed just over the heart, relief is much more difficult. Sometimes if the dog can be induced to take a few pieces of meat it will force it on. If this fails, forceps must be tried, and if the bone cannot be removed with them, then one must try to push it downwards into the stomach with a probang. Too much force must not be used or the gullet may be ruptured, which is fatal. If it cannot be removed, the dog must be fed on liquid food, and in time the points of the bone may become dissolved, and then it will be easier to push it down with a probang.
In removing needles from the back of the tongue or fauces, which is best done with forceps, care must be taken not to break them. The tongue should be drawn well forward out of the mouth by taking hold of it with a cloth so as to bring into view the back of the tongue and fauces.
Chorea, St. Vitus's Dance :
Symptoms ; Irregular contraction of the muscles. Almost any part of the body may be affected, and even the tongue, the dog poking it out of the mouth constantly. But the disease more often affects the limbs, perhaps one fore leg and one hind leg, or the muscles of the shoulder and neck ; occasionally the muscles of the abdomen, the dog always appearing to be suffering from hiccough. The temporal muscle is a common
Coins] 43 [Coins
seat of chorea, and in such cases the dog is constantly snapping his teeth together. It is almost invariably the result of distemper.
Treatment; In bad cases the disease is incurable, though often with time — in the course of months — the twitching becomes less, but never entirely disappears. There is no specific for chorea ; what appears to do one case orood seems to do harm in another. Small
o
doses of arsenic with bromide is sometimes a useful remedy, as the following mixture :—
Recipe :
Bromide of Strontia, - - i drachm.
Fowler's Solution of Arsenic, - 48 minims.
Water to ----- 3 ounces.
Dose : From half a teaspoonful to a table- spoonful x three times a day after food.
In other cases Easton's syrup answers better-
Dose: From three or four drops to half a drachm,1 in a little water, three times a day after food. Later, especially if there is much wasting, cod-liver oil should be given.
Coins, etc., Swallowing of:
Symptoms: The dog has a big swallow, and it is astonishing what can pass down his throat into the stomach. I have known small dogs as fox terriers to swallow coins the size of a penny, and smaller dogs still to swallow brooches, ear - rings, and finger - rings, and also keys, without even seeing any bad results to
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Coins]
44 [Coins
the dog, though the owner has been much alarmed as to what was going to happen ; but corks are dangerous, as they block up the intestines, and so are big round stones, but small stones dogs swallow with impunity. Dogs, even small ones like pups, swallow occasionally meat skewers, but even such things as these do not always prove fatal. I recently had under my care a small puppy who swallowed a hat-pin ten and a half inches long, the head passed into the stomach all right, but the puppy was too small to take the whole length of pin, and the point, piercing some of the vital parts of the throat, killed him.
As a rule, a dog does not show much discomfort after swallowing things like coins, bones, small stones, etc., when they once have reached the stomach, though with young puppies the latter often cause severe colic ; but large round stones and corks often cause serious mischief by blocking up the bowels, inducing inflammation, which, if not relieved by operation, soon causes death. Skewers and long hat-pins when swallowed seldom pass beyond the stomach, where they often remain for some considerable time, but sooner or later the point generally pierces the stomach, and peritonitis follows, which quickly terminates fatally ; but sometimes the sharp point passes direct from the stomach through the walls of the abdomen and skin, and it may be seen sticking out and can be removed. The dog seems none the worse after a few days, as the wound soon heals.
It is often difficult by manipulation to detect
Cold] 45 [Colic
things that have been swallowed, for as a rule, as before mentioned, they remain in the stomach for a considerable time before passing into the intestines. I have known coins to remain there for five or six months before being passed ; how- ever, with the Rontgen rays coins, keys, jewellery, stones, etc., can always be detected.
Treatment: Unless the foreign body swallowed is doing the dog visible harm, it is best left alone. Feed on solid food as suet puddings, rice, bread, meat and such like foods, so as to distend the bowels as much as possible and to cause big motions, and the foreign body, in all probability, will pass out safely ; do not give purgative medicines, which only cause contraction of the bowels and do harm, but if there is pain give from two x to ten drops of laudanum in a little water, three or four times a day, or oftener.
When the substance swallowed causes real obstruction in the bowel, the laudanum may be given a trial for two or three days, but as a rule an operation becomes necessary, which consists in opening the abdomen, finding where obstruction is, and opening the bowel and removing the offending matter. It is an operation requiring aseptic pre- caution and some care, and the sewing up the incision made into the bowel wants carefully doing or a stricture may result.
Cold in the Head : See Catarrh.
Colic :
Symptoms: Generally affects puppies from eating rubbish, but may also affect adult dogs, especially 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Collapse]
46
[Collapse
after receiving strong medicine as worm medicine. Restlessness, crying and whining, or even howling when pain very severe ; abdomen tucked up and muscles feel hard and rigid. The attack may be accompanied by severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
Treatment : Give immediately, if there is no diarrhoea, a dose castor oil, which should be followed by an enema if it does not operate in about an hour. The enema may consist of half1 to two teaspoonfuls of glycerine, mixed with one l to eight tablespoonfuls of warm water. Also, give following mixture : —
Recipe :
Chloric Ether, Laudanum, Water to
1 1 drachms. \\ drachms. 3 ounces.
Doses: From half a teaspoonful to a table- spoonful1 every two, three, or four hours until pain relieved.
Collapse :
Symptoms : The dog lies in a semi-unconscious condition ; the body feels cold ; the membranes are pallid, eyes glassy ; the breathing slow and heavy ; pulse weak. This condition may arise from shock, and is often seen in dogs after being run over. It may also occur as the result of haemorrhage.
Treatment: Allow the dog to lie perfectly quiet on his right side. Give stimulants, as brandy, with from one1 to ten drops of tincture nux vomica if given by the mouth, but only
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Coma]
47 [Coma
half if injected under skin. If this cannot be done, give an enema of milk and brandy, or strong black coffee. If body very cold, put hot- water bottles round it.
Coma:
Sy7iiptoms: Entire loss of consciousness, heavy breathing, pupils dilated, etc. This condition may result from injuries to head ; sometimes follows a severe attack of epilepsy, apoplexy, and it is the last stage previous to death of many illnesses.
Treatment : This entirely depends on the cause. If as the result of epilepsy, the patient is best left quite alone for many hours ; if the body becomes cold, hot-water bottle may be placed under it and also to the back. After some time, if there are no signs of return to consciousness, the body and limbs may be well hand-rubbed, and brandy injected subcutaneously. If the result of injuries to head, should the skull be fractured an operation may be necessary ; but if there is simply concussion of the brain, you must give the animal time — the condition may last three or four days, and yet the dog may recover. Besides quietness, there is not much to do. Should the dog be very restless, apply an ice-bag to head ; and to maintain strength give about every four hours an enema of peptonised milk, from one tablespoonful to a cupful,1 or one or two meat suppositories. When coma is the result of the last stage of illness, there is little to be done. The inhalation of oxygen may be tried ; brandy or 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Condylomata] 4" [Constipation
strychnine, -o^th to T£oth of a grain x may be injected under the skin, and an enema of strong black coffee given.
Condylomata : See Warts.
Conjunctivitis (Sore and Weak Eyes):
Symptoms : The conjunctival membrane lining the inside of the eyelids is much congested, and of a dark red colour, there is a constant flow of watery discharge ; in bad cases there is a discharge of white pus which causes the lids to adhere tog-ether. The hair falls off around the lids, and the cornea, or front of the eye, may become cloudy and ulcerate.
Treatment: In simple cases an application of boracic lotion, made by dissolving half a teaspoon- ful of boracic acid in half a pint of water, which should be applied often, is generally sufficient to effect a cure. In bad cases when the discharge is purulent, the following should be used :
Recipe :
Chinosol, ----- 3 grains. Water to 6 ounces.
Apply several times a day, letting a little run on the inside of the lower lids. Iodoform dusted on the inside of the lower lid is also useful.
The edges of the eyelids should be kept smeared with vaseline to prevent them from sticking together.
Constipation :
Symptoms: The motions are big, hard, and dry, and difficult to pass ; and instead of having 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Constipation] 49 [Constipation
an action at least once a day, the dog may only have one every two or three days.
Treatment : A good deal can be done by diet. Spratt's biscuits have a tendency to keep the bowels open and regular ; for small dogs the Pet- Dog biscuits should be given, and for large dogs the big biscuits. They should be broken up and soaked in some soup, and mixed with a little meat and some green vegetable added ; this makes a very good principal meal. For a second or evening meal the biscuit may be given dry. For a change of diet give meat, brown bread, and green vegetables in equal parts moistened with soup. In obstinate cases some laxative may be necessary. Milk of sulphur answers very well ; from sufficient to cover a threepenny-piece to half a teaspoonful * may be given daily for a fortnight, or a teaspoonful * to two tablespoonfuls of Dinneford's fluid magnesia may be given every morning in a little milk. In some cases salad oil answers best, from half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful * mixed daily with the food. In chronic cases a course of the following pills is useful : —
Recipe :
|
Ext. Belladona, - |
i to 6 grains.3 |
|
Powdered Rhubarb, |
3 to l8 n |
|
Reduced Iron, |
4 to 24 „ |
|
Powdered Nux Vomica, |
i to 6 „ |
|
Mix. |
Divide into 1 2 pills — one to be given twice a day after food.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
D
Consumption] 5^ [Convulsions
Consumption :
Symptoms: A rare disease in dogs. At first a dry cough, later becoming looser with ex- pectoration of phlegm ; wasting, though appetite may at first be fairly good ; the patient gradually becoming very weak, and occasionally having diarrhoea. There is always present one or more degrees of fever, and the temperature is generally higher at night. If the phlegm be examined with a microscope the tubercle bacilli will be found if it is a case of consumption, ki bad cases there is bleeding from the lungs, the blood coming as a rule through both nostrils.
Treatment: Seldom curable, but the best chances of a recovery are obtained by letting the dog live out of doors and giving cod-liver oil. Feed liberally, giving plenty of meat, also fish, milk, raw eggs, and cream.
The patient should be kept away from other dogs, and certainly should not be allowed to sleep in a room where there are people.
Convulsions in Puppies :
Symptoms: Young puppies, generally as the result of worms or during second dentition, often have convulsions. The immediate cause of the attack is generally due to excitement, more par- ticularly on a hot day. The puppy, which may be apparently quite well, suddenly tumbles over on its side, kicks violently with its legs, champs the jaws, and froths at the mouth. In a minute it gets up, and looks about in a dazed manner ; then, if not restrained, gallops off barking, not knowing where it is going. Sometimes one attack may
Corns] 5 ' [Corns
follow another in quick succession until it dies from exhaustion.
Treatment : The puppy should be held to prevent it knocking itself about. (I may here remark that there is not the least danger from a bite of a dog when suffering- from fits of any kind.) As soon as the puppy can swallow, a dose of the following mixture must be given : —
|
Recipe : |
|
|
Bromide of Potassium, |
i drachm, |
|
Hydrated Chloral, - |
i drachm, |
|
Water to - |
3 ounces. |
Dose ; From a teaspoon ful to a tablespoonful * to be given every two, three, or four hours, according to the severity of the symptoms. If the puppy is unable to swallow, double the quantity should be injected into the bowel, mixed with equal quantity of tepid water. In severe cases a hot bath is beneficial ; also ice may be applied to the head. Keep the puppy in a dark room for some hours after the attack. To prevent a recurrence of the convulsions, treat puppy for worms. Feed on a milk diet for a few days.
Corns : Horny elevations which form on the pads of the feet.
Treatment : They may be removed by cutting, or destroyed. The best way is by the application of a solution of chromic acid, one in four. It should be applied sparingly to the part with a glass rod about twice a week.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Coughs] 52 rcuts
Coughs :
Symptoms : May arise from many causes ; but a simple cough, the result of some irritation of the larynx caused by cold, is of a common occurrence during the winter and spring when the winds are cold.
Treatment : Give following mixture : —
Recipe :
Liquor Morphia, - - - 2 drachms.
Syrup of Squills, - 1 ounce.
Syrup of Lemon, 1 ounce.
Water to 3 ounces.
Dose : From half a teaspoonful to a dessert- spoonful three or four times a day.1 When it is difficult to give a mixture, the following pills may be tried : —
Recipe :
Hydrochlorate of Morphia, - | to 1 grain.1
Powdered Ipecacuanha, - - 1 to 6 grains.
Powdered Rhubarb, - - 2 to 12 grains.
Compound Squill Pill, - - 6 to 20 grains.
Mix and divide into twelve pills, one to be given night and morning. A dose of aperient medicine should occasionally be given.
Cuts:
Symptoms ; Division of structure, generally described as a solution of continuity ; there is generally more or less bleeding.
Treatment: Thoroughly cleanse the cut with
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Cystitis] 53 [Dandruff
a warm solution of boracic acid, Condy's fluid well diluted, or one per cent, solution of Pearson's disinfectant fluid. Stop bleeding by applying pressure with fingers, or a pad of absorbent boracic wool, and bandage. When very severe, apply a ligature to the vessel above the part.
After cleaning the wound and stopping the bleeding, the edges of the cut should be brought together with a few stitches, about a sixth of an inch apart ; a pad of some disinfectant gauze applied, also a bandage. If no swelling or dis- charge, the dressing need not be disturbed for about six days, when the stitches can be removed. Afterwards re-bandage for another day to protect the part from dog's tongue.
Cystitis : See Bladder, Irritable.
Cysts :
Symptoms: A sac containing fluid or semi- fluid substances, or even hair and other foreign substances. A form of cyst often seen in flap of the ear.
Treatment: Cysts can only be removed by cutting. In the case of the ear, it should be freely opened at the most depending part and a tube inserted, or at any rate the wound should be kept open for a few days, otherwise fluid will collect again. No other treatment required except keeping the parts clean. The dog must not wear a collar.
Dandruff (Scurf) :
Symptoms : Dryness of the skin and hair, and the rising of branny greyish-white scales from the former, and mixing with the coat.
Deafness] 54 [Deafness
Treatment: As a rule, a thorough wash once a week, using a tar soap like Sherley's shampoo, and putting a little borax in the rinsing water, with daily brushing of the coat, will effect a cure in mild cases ; but in bad cases greasing the dog all over with some such preparation as the following is necessary : —
Recipe :
Oil of tar, i drachm.
Almond Oil, \ pint.
Mix.
To be thoroughly worked into the skin twice a week, and after a few days washed off, using the soap mentioned. A course of arsenic is useful ; give from one1 to eight drops in water twice a day for two or three weeks, but it must be discontinued if it causes sickness or diarrhoea.
Deafness :
Symptoms : In many cases, especially in white dogs, as bull terriers, it may be congenital. In ordinary cases it is often due to an accumulation of hard wax, or from growths in the canal of the ear. In old dogs it may be due to thickening of the drum of the ear.
Treatment : When congenital it is incurable. If result of growths in the ear, these must be removed by operation. When caused by accumulation of hard wax, a little warm almond oil should be poured into the ear, and the next day the ear should be thoroughly syringed with five ounces of tepid water in which has been
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Debility] 5 5 [Deformities
dissolved a scruple of carbonate of soda. When the deafness is due to a thickening of the drum of the ear, which is often seen in old dogs, there is nothing to be done.
Debility :
Symptoms : May be due to constitutional causes, as is often seen in highly-bred puppies, or it may result from severe illness, particularly after distemper. The pulse is quick and weak, loss of appetite, and disinclination for exercise, poor condition, and membranes pale.
Treatment : For puppies, Sherley's chemical tablets answer well. When result of illness, the following tonic may be given : —
|
Recipe : |
|
|
Ammoniated Citrate of Iron, - |
| drachm. |
|
Tincture Nux Vomica, |
40 minims. |
|
Tincture Gentian, |
3 drachms, |
|
Water to |
3 ounces. |
From half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful l three times a day one hour before food.
Deformities, Congenital : These are numerous in the dog. Inverted eyelids : puppies are some- times born without eyes, squinting small eyes, eyelashes growing in. Hare lip, cleft palate, pig jaw, deformities of the feet and limbs : particularly the stifle joint, the patella being out of its place, and the leg contracted or drawn up. Deformities of the chest : this condition is common in Japs, but seems to do no harm. Puppies are sometimes
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Deformities] 5" [Deformities
born without tails ; though a good feature in schipperke and bob-tail sheep dogs, one does not like to see a pug or a dachshund without a tail, and when he is good in all other points, it is disappointing. A screw tail is objectionable in all breeds except the bull-dog, and some people object to it in these dogs. Absence of one or both testicles.
Treatment: Many cases of deformity may be remedied by operation, but in others there is nothing to be done. Inverted eyelids can be cured by operation, an elliptical piece of skin and also the muscle underneath being cut out immedi- ately under the lower eyelid, when that one is affected, or immediately over the upper eyelid, if it is that one that is turned. The cutting is best done with curved scissors, and should extend nearly the whole length of the lid. As the wound made heals, it draws the lid out.
In-growing eyelashes must be plucked out with forceps from time to time. Very often as the puppy grows older and stronger, the lashes assume a normal position, and cease to be a trouble, but if they continue to turn in after the dog is twelve months old, a similar operation as for inverted eyelids is recommended, but in these latter cases it is not necessary to divide the muscle, but only the skin. Squinting may be cured by operation, but it is not recom- mended, as the defect does no harm, and with Japanese spaniels, who often squint, it rather adds to their quaintness.
In cases of unnatural small eyes, which often
Deformities] 57 [Deformities
occur in fox terrier puppies, an operation is not of any use ; but with time, it may be months, perhaps a year, the condition often improves. Matters are helped by giving the puppy affected something to stare at, as, for instance, placing his food for a time behind some railings, so that he can see it, but cannot get at it. Anything, in fact, that attracts attention, and causes the puppy to stare. A stuffed cat behind the railings does for a change, a lump of raw meat or a bone. Hare lip can be cured by operation, but in consequence of the position, it is difficult to keep the edges of divided lip together after sewing them, as the puppy will rub his nose on the ground if he has a chance, besides constantly licking at the stitches. The operation should not be undertaken before the puppy is three months old, and then just before operation a good square meal of meat should be given ; this will take some time to digest, and will satisfy the puppy for a long while ; at any rate, nothing more should be given for twenty-four hours, by which time the healing has made good progress, and for some days after the operation the puppy should be fed from the fingers, piece by piece, certainly no dish should be given for him to rub his nose in.
As to the operation, the edges of the split lip should be freely scarified, and also be loosened from the gum by cutting through the mucus membrane, then the two edges of the lip should be brought firmly together with pin sutures, and a few layers of collodion painted over the external part, and dusted over sparingly with powdered
Deformities] 5* [Deformities
iodoform. It is not necessary to give chloroform for an operation of this kind, a few drops of a 4°/0 solution of cocaine injected into each side of the divided lip is sufficient.
There is no cure for cleft palate, and a puppy born with this condition should be destroyed.
Pig jaw is incurable.
As to deformities affecting the feet, a dog may be born without toes, or with only two or three toes ; in such cases, of course, nothing can be done, but sometimes there may be an extra toe. If a show dog, it spoils the appearance of his foot, and interferes with his gait, and so must be removed.
Dew-claws are not a deformity, but they are a useless appendage, and should be cut off close to the leg about three days after birth ; if left they are a constant nuisance, either through being frequently broken, or torn off at the quick, or else turning and growing into the flesh, which causes a good deal of pain.
Nothing can be done for deformity of the stifle joint, it causes no pain, though it renders the leg useless ; but if the subject is a bitch, and well bred, she may be kept for breeding purposes. A screwed tail may be remedied, if not too badly twisted, by breaking, setting it straight, and applying an adhesive bandage.
In cases of absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum, there is nothing to be done. A dog with both testicles absent is useless for getting stock, though he is able and will serve a bitch, but in cases where only one is missing, it does not prevent such a dog being useful for stud purposes.
Delirium] 59 [Destroy
Delirium :
Symptoms : Restlessness, constantly howling and barking. Dogs in this state lose flesh very rapidly. Delirium is seen in some bad cases of distemper.
Treatment : Unsatisfactory ; bromide of strontia may be tried ; from two 1 to sixteen grains in water three or four times a day. Ice bags should be applied to head.
Diet : Give easily digested food — as Benger's with milk, kreochyle with water, and well-boiled tripe or fish, with rice or stale bread.
Destroy Dogs, How to : There is no doubt that the quickest and most painless way of killing a dog is by shooting, providing it is done properly, and the man is a good shot and can be relied on. The best place to hit a dog is either behind the ear, or in the middle of the forehead ; but there are many people who don't like an old favourite destroyed in this way. Personally, I don't like it. I con- sider a large dose of morphia, and then chloroform, is better. At any rate, it does not seem such a harsh way of taking an old favourite's life.
To destroy a dog with morphia and chloroform, from half to two grains of acetate of morphia 1 should be injected under the skin ; then after waiting until the dog is in a heavy sleep, chloroform should be slowly administered. It is necessary to do it very slowly indeed, or else the dog will wake up. In this case don't place 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Diabetes] °° [Diabetes
anything over the dog's nose at first, but pour a trifle on a handkerchief or napkin, and hold it from six to eight inches away from the dog's nose, then gradually get nearer and nearer until at last you cover the dog's nose over with the cloth. The chloroform must be continued until the dog has stopped breathing for five minutes.
The administering of half1 to a dram of prussic acid is also a very sudden and quick way of destroying a dog, but it is a debatable point whether this causes acute pain. At any rate, the dog invariably cries out loudly after it has been administered a few moments, and so he often does when going under the influence of chloroform. However, death by freshly prepared and strong prussic acid is very certain and sudden.
When administering this acid, one should be very careful never to stand in front of a dog, for if he coughs while it is in his mouth, and some goes into the eye of the person giving it, the con- sequences may be serious, as it is most deadly.
Diabetes Insipidus :
Symptoms: Increased secretion of urine of a watery nature — great thirst. For a time the dog's condition does not alter, but if the disease is not checked then he loses condition, the muscles waste, the legs become thin, the ribs prominent, and the abdomen distended as the result of the large quantity of water taken. This is a disease to which old dogs are particularly liable.
Treatment : Limit the quantity of water given 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
^
PQ
* &u A
Diabetes] " * [Diarrhoea
the dog to drink ; for a small dog, say half a tumbler- ful * to a couple of pints for a large dog. Feed on dry food. For medicine, give from half a drop x to two drops of Fowler's solution of arsenic in water three times a day before food. If this does not benefit the case, give from an eighth ! toa grain of powdered opium twice a day in the form of a pill. Treatment is often unsatisfactory.
Diabetes Mellitus:
Symptoms: Large quantities of urine con- taining sugar are passed ; great thirst, voracious appetite, and gradual wasting of body. The tongue is dry and parched, and is of a red- brick colour ; coat stares, and the dog looks generally unhealthy.
Treatment : Food containing sugar or starch must be avoided ; meat given nearly or quite raw is the best diet. As to medicine, though it is practically an incurable disease, codeine does in some cases mitigate the symptoms. Of this medicine, give from a twelfth1 to half a grain three times a day. After a fortnight or so the dose may be doubled.
Diarrhoea :
Symptoms : Frequent watery motions, which may vary in colour — white, slate, brown, black, and sometimes green — accompanied very often by great thirst and loss of appetite.
Treatment: In most cases a small dose of
castor oil at the commencement of the attack
does good, and in many cases effects a cure.
Should the symptoms continue after the effects
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Diarrhoea] " 2 [Diarrhoea
of the oil have passed off, give from five1 to twenty grains of carbonate of bismuth three or four times a day before food, or the following mixture : —
Recipe : The Mixture for Diarrhoea : Laudanum, i drachm.
Tincture of Rhubarb, - - 4 drachms. Peppermint Water to - - 4 ounces.
From one teaspoonful to two tablespoonfuls l three times a day. Or the following pills may be tried : —
Recipe : Pills for Diarrhoea :
Extract of Kino, ... 1 drachm.
Powdered Ipecacuanha, - - 12 grains. Powdered Opium, ... 6 „
Ex. cip. q.s.
A sixth, fourth, half, or the whole l may be mixed and divided into twelve pills. One to be given three or four times a day. If the motions are very offensive, from two1 to ten grains of salol may also be given three or four times a day.
Diet : At first liquid, as milk, thickened with equal parts of arrowroot and Benger's food ; after two or three days, raw beef cut up very fine may be given alone or mixed with equal parts well-boiled rice; rice water to drink. In chronic diarrhoea a liquid diet should be given for some time, and in addition to the milk diet
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Diarrhoea] "3 [Diarrhoea
previously mentioned, home-made beef-tea (with all fibrine removed) may be given slightly thickened with isinglass, and the following mixture tried : —
|
Recipe : |
|
|
Diluted Sulphuric Acid, - |
2 drachms, |
|
Laudanum, |
i drachm. |
|
Water to - |
8 ounces. |
Dose : From a teaspoonful to two table- spoonfuls1 three times a day. When there is much straining accompanying the diarrhoea, it is a good plan to give an enema consisting of one teaspoonful to two tablespoonfuls 1 of thick- boiled starch, with from three x to fifteen drops of laudanum mixed. When the diarrhoea is due to disordered liver, which is generally the case when the motions are white or grey, from one1 to six grains of grey powder may be given at first instead of castor oil.
Diarrhoea in Puppies :
Symptoms : Very often the result of worms, but may be due to indigestion, the result of improper or too much food. Motion liquid and frequent, generally of a yellowish colour.
Treatment: If worms are suspected give Sherley's worm tablets for puppies, otherwise first give a small dose of castor oil, and after it has worked off give from two1 to six grains of carbonate of bismuth every four hours. If the diarrhoea is accompanied by colicky pains give also from two1 to ten drops of paregoric in a little water three or four times a day.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Discharge] 64 [Discharge
Diet: If the patient has been kept on a milk food, discontinue this, and give scraped lean raw meat, a small quantity four times a day ; but when a meat diet has been given and the diarrhoea continues, then give milk with Benger's food or Plasmon. In very obstinate cases from a quarter1 to one grain of grey powder once or twice a day for three days is often useful.
Discharge from Ear (Canker):
Symptoms : The canal of the ear is red, inflamed, and painful ; in slight cases there is often a brownish discharge ; in chronic and severe cases the discharge is foetid and generally purulent, and may be tinged with blood. In these cases the ears are very painful, and the dog cries when he shakes his head.
Treatment: In very mild cases cleaning the ears daily with a weak solution of Condy's fluid will often effect a cure ; but if the ears are in flamed after cleaning them the canal should be painted twice a day with the following lotion : —
Recipe : Lotion for Ears :
Benzoated Oxide of Zinc Ointment, - 2 drachms. Almond Oil, - - - • - - * ounce. Well mixed.
Each time before dressing the ears they should be carefully wiped out with medicated cotton wool.
In bad cases, when the discharge is purulent, 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Dislocations] o 5 [Dislocations
the ears should be syringed morning and evening with two tablespoonfuls of methylated spirits added to half-a-pint tepid water, and after letting the dog shake his head, wipe the ears out as dry as possible with absorbent cotton wool, and then fill with powdered boracic acid by the aid of a quill and a piece of india- rubber tube attached. If this treatment does not cure, then wash the ears out night and morning with peroxide of hydrogen — x vols. Some cases of canker are very obstinate. Dislocations : Toe, Dislocation of: Symptoms : The dog is very lame — in fact, cannot put the foot to the ground ; the joint is swollen, and painful to manipulate. If the injured toe is compared with a sound one, it will be found that the lower bone which assists in forming the joint that is dislocated sticks up much more than is natural.
Treatment : As a rule, especially in a recent case, the reduction is not difficult. The toe should be pulled straight with the fingers of one hand, and with those of the other the projecting bone should be pressed into its place. In some cases it may be necessary to give chloroform. A padded splint extending from the back of the knee or hock to just below the foot should be put on, and a bandage applied to prevent the foot being used for a kw days. Knee, Dislocation of :
Symptoms : This generally occurs in conjunc- tion with fracture of the radius, but it may happen alone. The dislocation generally occurs sideways,
Dislocations] °° [Dislocations
and the foot either turned outwards or inwards. The parts are very painful, and soon swell.
Treatment : The reduction should be attempted as quickly as possible after the accident, other- wise it will be necessary to wait until the swelling is reduced, and this can be helped by the appli- cation of crushed ice placed in a woollen bag and applied right round the joint.
It is best to give the patient chloroform before attempting the reduction of a dislocated knee ; and when the dog is well under the influence of the anaesthetic the foot should be seized with one hand and pulled in straight direction from above downwards, and with the fingers of the other hand, during the pulling, the joint should be pressed into their place. As a rule, in dislocation of the knee the ligaments of the joint are often much injured, therefore when the reduction has been completed padded splints and bandages should be applied, as is recommended for fracture of the radius or arm, and be kept on for about three weeks.
Elbow, Dislocation of :
This does not often occur in adult dogs, but is not uncommon in delicate puppies as the result of some violence.
Symptoms : Lameness, and if the dog attempts to put weight on the leg, the elbow turns out. The joint as the result of the dislocation is wider than the one on the other side, but there is not much pain on pressure, as is the case of fracture at the elbow when the inner condyle of the shoulder bone (humerus) is broken off.
Dislocations]
67
[Dislocations
Treahnent : In reducing this dislocation chloroform is not necessary. The arm should be flexed on the shoulder, and then by bearing pressure on the head of the bone and a twist of the head of the bone inwards the reduction is completed. The joint is to be afterwards fixed in its place with strips of adhesive plaister applied as depicted in the illus- tration annexed. If the bones cannot be kept in their place with the plaister, a splint cut out of thin zinc and of the shape of the elbow joint must be applied. The inside of the splint should be slightly concave to fit the leg, and of course well padded before being put on.
Shoulder Joint, Dislocation of :
Symptoms : Lameness ; pain at the seat of injury, which is increased by putting leg forward ; and some slight swelling, and the leg is perceptibly shortened. When there is any difficulty in diagnosing the case, all doubt is removed by making the dog stand evenly on both fore legs and comparing the sound shoulder with the injured one.
Treatment: In all cases I have seen of dis-
How to bandage the fore- leg for fractures and other injuries
Dislocations] ^)* [Dislocations
location of the shoulder joint the head of the shoulder bone, which fits in a cup at the bottom of the blade bone, shoots upwards — of course only to a slight extent, as the bone is held in its position by strong muscles and tendons as well as by the capsule of the joint. Chloroform having been given, an attendant must hold the dog firmly by clasping his hands between the fore legs in front of the chest, or by fixing a towel in a similar position ; and then the operator, seizing the paw with one hand, must pull the limb in a forward and downward direction, and at the same time with the fingers of the other hand press the head of the shoulder bone into its position. It is well afterwards to put a wide bandaging on round the chest over the shoulder joint, and keep the dog quiet for a few days.
Hock, Dislocation of:
This does not often occur except in con- junction with fracture at this part.
Symptoms : The dislocation occurs generally sideways, and may be either outwards or inwards, the foot being placed almost at right angles. The joint quickly swells, and is very painful.
Treatment : The reduction is carried out in a similar way as advised for reducing a dis- located elbow ; afterwards the same kind of splints as recommended for treating fracture of the tibia are to be applied with bandages, and should be allowed to remain on for at least three or four weeks, and even after this it may
Dislocations]
69
[Dislocations
joint with a few
is a small bone
be necessary to support the strips of plaister for a time.
Patella, Dislocation of:
Symptoms : The patella situated in front of the stifle joint, and is more liable to dis- location than any other part, especially in small dogs. With some dogs it is con- stantly slipping out of its place when running along, and then after a few steps it goes back again of its own accord. The bone almost always becomes displaced towards the inside of the leg, the dog in some cases being un- unable to put his foot to the ground ; if he does attempt to put any weight on the leg, the stifle joint bends outwards. There is little or no pain caused by this dislocation.
Treatment : The patella is easily returned to its place, but as often as not it slips out again. The best way of reducing this dislocation is to
How to bandage the hind leg for fractures and injuries to the stifle, &c.
-Sticking-plaister Bandage -Linen Roller Bandage
Distemper] /O [Distemper
straighten the leg and draw the foot towards the elbow of the same side, and then with the fingers of the other hand push the patella into its place ; afterwards, to keep it there, bind the joint with several layers of Mead's plaister as depicted in the illustration. The plaister should be continued for some distance above the joint.
Distemper : The first symptom of distemper is a rise of temperature — if a dog is dull and off his food, take the temperature. It is best to take it in the rectum, where the normal is 101 degs. to ioi|- degs. F. ; if taken under the arm or inside of the thigh it is i deg. lower. If the thermometer registers 2 or 3 degs. of temperature above normal, you may be sure there is some- thing wrong-, and the dog should be isolated at once ; and by doing this the infection may often be prevented spreading. If the disease is distemper, other symptoms will soon develop, as a husky cough, loss of appetite and condition, and occasionally vomiting. The eyes are weak and sensitive to light, and there is often a little gummy discharge which collects along the edges of the lids ; the breath is offensive, and the teeth become furred. Diarrhoea may, or may not, occur. If the illness is only some passing ailment, the temperature will soon be normal, and the dog assume his usual condition. But the temperature, even in distemper, after two or three days, may go down to normal ; but do not be deceived by this, and think the dog is all right, but look out for some of the other symptoms mentioned, and if the dog is in for
Distemper] 7 * [Distemper
that disease they are sure to appear, and the fever will return again in a couple of days or so.
People often think a dog cannot have distemper unless there is a discharge from the nose ; this is a mistake, but it certainly does occur in most cases, though it does not appear as a rule until the dog has been ill for some time. If the lungs become affected, the breathing is short and quick, not panting with the mouth open ; the chest is tender on pressure. At first there is no cough, but after two or three days there is a suppressed painful cough, with retching. The pulse is often much accelerated, the beats varying from no to 140 per minute. In some cases the pulse is very slow, and may only be 48 to the minute ; of course, this refers to a big dog. A pulse of this kind is worse than a fast one with pneumonia. When it is between 60 and 70 in a small dog, it is also serious with lung complications. The heart's action in dogs is very frequently intermittent even in health. The eyes during distemper are often a source of anxiety, and in those dogs with prominent orbits, as spaniels, pugs, etc., there is always an inclination for ulcers to form, which are extremely painful.
The worst complications of all in distempers are those affecting the nervous system ; the brain and its membranes may become inflamed, and fits follow, or the spinal cord and its membranes attacked, and paralysis or chorea, or perhaps both, occur. These complications
Distemper] 7 ^ [Distemper
of the nervous system may often be prevented by not letting the dog out too soon after dis- temper. The temperature should be regularly taken, and the patient not allowed to go out of doors or be excited in any way until the temperature has been normal at least ten days. Sometimes suddenly changing the diet from liquid to solid food will induce fits.
Occasionally in distemper a crop of pustules appears on the inside of the legs and over the stomach — in fact, in some cases all over the body. This is rather a good sign than other- wise, for they seem to relieve the system of the distemper poison.
To treat distemper successfully, good nursing and dry, warm, comfortable quarters for the patient are the two essential things. For out- door dogs, a loose box in a stable makes a capital place, and in cold weather the temperature should be kept as near 55 deg. F. as possible. Dogs who are in the habit of living indoors should be put in a well-ventilated room, and the temperature kept up between 60 and 65 deg. F. It is a good plan to cover the floor with sawdust, which should be changed at least once a day, and oftener when neces- sary. The dog should not be let out of the box or warm room for anything. Very often at first there are difficulties with very clean dogs, but it can generally be overcome with perseverance. Sometimes a little soiled straw from a kennel thrown down in the room is useful. Some dogs may be taught to use a
Distemper] 73 [Distemper
tray or box filled with sawdust or mould. Directly a dog shows signs of distemper he 'should be sewn up in a flannel coat to keep the chest warm.
As to diet, if it is only a slight case, a light meal of bread or crushed biscuit with gravy or milk may be given three or four times a day.
— ^-V^*5
A coat covering the chest ; useful in cases of distemper to keep the chest ■warm, especially when lung affected
For a change, a little well-boiled fish with rice, or sheep's head broth and rice, or bread. Milk may be given freely to drink.
In all cases of distemper it is important to keep the eyes free of discharge by cleaning or bathing them frequently with some warm boracic lotion, made by dissolving half a teaspoonful of
Distemper] 74 [Distemper
boracic acid in half a pint of warm water. When the discharge is very free and continues, in addition to keeping them clean with this lotion a little of the following may be run on to the eyes, especially on the inside of the lower lid : —
The Lotion for Eye :
Chinosol, 3 grains.
Water to - - - - - 6 ounces.
To be applied three times a day after cleansing with the boracic.
In severe cases where the discharge is very profuse and offensive, a little powdered iodoform may be dusted over the front of the eye two or three times a day. If ulcers form they are to be treated the same way : and if the eyes are very painful, add to every half-pint of boracic lotion four grains of hydrochlorate of cocaine.
As the dog recovers from distemper, and the discharge ceases, if there is any opacity of the corners left, the following ointment should be used : —
The Ointment for Eyes :
Yellow Oxide of Mercury, - 1 grain. Vaseline, ----- 1 drachm.
Mix.
A small piece should be placed between the lids, and then gently rub the upper eyelid over the eye for one minute so as to work
Distemper] 75 [Distemper
the ointment in. Repeat twice a day. In some cases the opacity is very obstinate, and cannot be removed by the ointment, then the following drops may be tried : —
Divine Stone, 2 grains.
Solution Sulphate Atropine, - 12 maximum. Distilled Water to - - - |- ounce.
One or two drops to be placed in the eye twice a day.
The dog should be held for a few minutes after this lotion has been applied or he may rub the eye.
After distemper, eczema often follows as the result of weakness ; tonics should be given and the disease treated in the ordinary way.
Some dogs during distemper, especially in bad cases, discharge a thin, purulent, offensive matter or pus from the skin around the mouth, head, under the neck, and inside of ears. This condition, which is more often seen in blood- hounds than other dogs, is a very bad sign.
The parts should be thoroughly cleansed once a day by being washed with Pearson's Antiseptic diluted eighty times with warm water, carefully dried with soft cloths, and then freely dusted with some absorbent powder, as anylyform, or with the following : —
Powdered Burnt Alum, - - 1 ounce.
Powdered Boracic Acid, - - 1 ounce.
Powdered Starch, 6 ounces.
Mixed together.
Distemper] 7^ [Distemper
Tonics, especially quinine, are indicated during this condition, as the discharge is very weakening.
When the appetite is very bad, the patient may be tempted with some giblet soup or a little well-stewed rabbit and bread, or rice. Very often, in bad cases, the dog absolutely refuses all food ; he must then be drenched with strong meat tea, or with milk thickened with Benger's food. When there is an inclina- tion to diarrhoea, the beef tea and milk should be thickened with cornflour or arrowroot. One of the best ways of making meat tea is with beef, mutton, and veal, say half a pound of each cut up very fine ; this should be gently simmered with a pint of water for three or four hours, and then strained off. Of this, from a tablespoonful 1 to a small teacupful may be given every three or four hours alternately with the milk food. In addition to this, if the doer will drink raw beef tea, which they will often do, it may be given freely. This is best made as follows : Half a pound of lean raw meat passed through a sausage machine ; to this add half a pint of water, and place in an earthenware jar in front of a fire for two or three hours, stirring occasionally ; then strain off through a cloth. Some pressure is required to get all the juice out of the meat. It requires to be made fresh every day. When the patient is very weak and exhausted, feeding is necessary every hour or two, as only very small quantities of food can be retained. Then strong meat extracts are 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Distemper] 7 7 [Distemper
required. Plasmon may also be tried mixed with milk, and Valentine's meat juice with milk. Of this latter from fifteen x drops to a teaspoonful, with one1 to four teaspoonfuls of milk. Invalid Bovril may be given instead of Valentine's for a change in the same proportions, but fresh meat juice from raw meat is as strong as anything. As to stimulants, there is no doubt, when the doe is very low and the pulse weak, from ten 1 drops to a teaspoonful of brandy does good. When the dog is eating all right himself, it may be given in a little water after food, but when one is drenching the food it should be mixed with it.
There is no doubt that dogs who continue with a good appetite through distemper do much better, and have a better chance of recovering, no matter how severe the attack may be, than those bad feeders who refuse food and have to be drenched. A little food taken voluntarily does much more good than a lot forced upon the dog ; therefore I advise tempting the patient with a variety of diet, so as to get him to eat something himself — of course, given in small quantities, particularly when the case is bad. I always commence with soup and milk alternately, mixed with bread, biscuits, or rice ; as the dog gets tired of these, I add a little meat, say from a sheep's head or stewed neck of mutton ; for a change some fish, boiled tripe, or stewed rabbit, and if the dog goes off these I try scraped raw meat. I never commence forcing food if I can help it, for I 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Distemper] 7" [Distemper
find, once this is started, there is always a difficulty in getting the dog to eat anything himself.
As to medicine, the more experience one gets the more one finds this is quite secondary in treating distemper. I do not believe in specifics, and, do what one may, the disease under the best circumstances will run a certain course. In simple cases, where the temperature is not very high, an occasional mild dose of syrup of buck- thorn and castor oil is often all that is required. This is necessary, as the dog cannot go out and take exercise ; therefore the bowels often get constipated, and if this is neglected troublesome diarrhoea may occur. After the temperature is normal and remains so for a few days, and the dog does not feed well, then some tonic is useful, as the following : —
Recipe : The Pills :
Salicylate of Quinine, - - 12 grains.
Extract of Gentian, - - - 30 „ Mix, and divide into 24 pills.
Dose : From half to two pills l to be given three times a day.
Quinine does not suit all dogs, for in some cases, instead of improving the appetite, for which it is given, it has the opposite effect, when the following mixture may be tried instead : —
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Distemper] 79 [Distemper
Recipe : The Mixture :
Tincture Nux Vomica, - - 40 minims. Diluted Nitro-hydrochloric Acid, 1 drachm. Compound Tincture Gentian, - 5 drachms. Simple Syrup, 1 ounce.
Water to - - - - - 6 ounces.
Dose : From one teaspoonful to a table- spoonful three times a day.1
It is not necessary to take notice of a relaxed condition of the bowels so long as the motions are not very frequent, but diarrhoea (frequent watery motions) must not be allowed to go on. As a rule, a small dose of castor oil — say from one teaspoonful x to a tablespoonful — will usually stop it by removing the cause. If it continues after the oil has acted, give, shaken dry on the tongue, from 31 to 15 grains of salicylate of bismuth three or four times, or oftener, a day. Thicken the food with cooked arrowroot, and give boiled rice with soup and meat if the latter is being given.
If bismuth does not stop the diarrhoea, try the pills as per prescription below : —
Recipe : The Pills for Diarrhoea :
Powdered Extract of Kino, - 1 drachm. Powdered Ipecacuanha, 8 grains.
Powdered Opium, - - 6 „
Mix, and divide into 12 pills.
Dose : From half to two pills to be given three or four times a day.1
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Distemper 1 *0 [Distemper
In complications affecting the lungs, as soon as they are noticed the chest should be sewn up in gamgee wool covered over with flannel. I have no faith in ordinary liniments ; and poultices, unless they are applied by a pro- fessional hand, often do more harm than good. In very acute cases the hair may be closely cut off over a small patch on each side of the chest, and strong liniment of iodine applied with a camel's-hair brush. This may be repeated in four hours, and again four hours later, if the application has not made the skin inflamed and swollen. Of course, the size of the patch must vary according to the size of the dog — from a five-shilling piece to the palm of the hand.
No very special medicine is required unless the heart is affected, which is often the case, when the following mixture is useful : —
|
Recipe: The Mixture |
||
|
Tincture Digitalis, - |
- |
i drachm. |
|
Tincture Nux Vomica, |
- |
i drachm. |
|
Concentrated Solution |
of Ace- |
|
|
tate of Ammonia, - |
- |
2 drachms. |
|
Water to - |
- |
6 ounces. |
From one1 to four teaspoonfuls to be given every four or six hours, according to the severity of the symptoms. If the fever is very high, from two l to ten grains of bicarbonate of potash may be added to each dose. Some brandy may also be given with advantage, from
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Distemper] ° l [Distemper
ten 1 drops to a dessert-spoonful every two or three hours, given as previously recommended. When the nervous system becomes affected during distemper, or just afterwards, it is always a serious matter ; in fact, when the brain is attacked and fits are the result, the case is prac- tically hopeless, and if the fits are very severe and frequent it is better to destroy the dog at once, rather than waste time and money in con- tinuing*; the treatment. When the disease attacks the spinal cord, St Vitus's dance (chorea) generally follows. This is also practically an incurable disease, and in severe cases it is best to put the dog out of its misery, for if it lives it will always be a hopeless cripple. Slight cases improve with time and judicious treatment, but the twitching never entirely disappears, though the dog may recover sufficiently to be shown, and also to be bred from. The disease is not heredi- tary, though I have sometimes thought that puppies of parents suffering from chorea are more disposed to the disease than others. Again, as the result of distemper, the patient may become paralysed to a more or less extent in different parts of the body or limbs — generally the back legs, though occasionally the fore ones are affected, and sometimes all four legs become useless. I have seen some cases when only the tail has been affected, the dog not being able to move it in the least. In other instances the eyes are the seat of the mischief, and amaurosis is the result. Unfortunately, treatment is quite useless in this 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Distemper] " 2 [Distemper
latter case ; in fact, I never saw a dog recover. The blindness may not be complete at first, but this paralysis of the eyes is a progressive disease which no treatment seems able to stop. I may here mention in amaurosis that the eye remains clear and bright, and to the casual observer there is nothing to be seen except a widely dilated blue pupil, which ordinary light does not cause to contract, though exposure to the strong rays of the sun will do so slowly. If the owner of a patient thus affected is anxious to try some treatment, then I suggest the following : —
Recipe : The Lotion :
Sulphate of Eserine, - - - i grain. Distilled Water to - - - - i ounce.
One drop to be placed into each eye three times a day.
For medicine, give nux vomica as the following : —
Recipe ; The Mixture :
Tincture Nux Vomica, i drachm.
Water to ----- 6 ounces.
Doses : From one * teaspoonful to a table- spoonful three times a day after food.
Later, the following mixture may be tried : —
Recipe ; The Mixture :
Iodide of Potassium, 36 grains.
Water to 6 ounces.
Doses : From one x teaspoonful to a table- spoonful three times a day.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Distemper] °3 [Distemper
A seton may also be placed in the back of the neck just behind the ears, and galvanism may also be tried.
As to the treatment of distemper fits, if they are noticed at the commencement, before they have become severe, something may be done. Large and frequent doses of bromide of strontia should be administered, from 3 to 15 grains,1 in from a teaspoonful1 to a tablespoonful of water every three or four hours at first, or so long as there are any fits ; when they cease, give the medicine less often — say, every six hours, or four times a day. After a few days, three times a day will be often enough for the medicine, and later twice a day. If there is no diarrhoea, give aperient medicine, and feed on a very light and sloppy food, as bread, with soup or milk, Benger's food, egg and milk, etc. Keep the dog absolutely quiet, and in the dark as much as possible.
When the bromide in laro-e doses is continued for some time, one often notices weakness or partial paralysis of the limbs ; this passes off when the medicine is discontinued.
As to the treatment of chorea, I know of no specific ; in fact, medicine has little or no effect over this disease at all. Strong doses of medicine like nux vomica or Easton's syrup do more harm than good during the early stages, whereas later small doses of these drugs are beneficial. Directly the twitching is noticed the bromide of strontia should be given, from two l to ten grains three times a day. In the course of a week, if the 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Distemper] "4 [Distemper
twitching does not increase, some arsenic may be added to the bromide, as from one x to five drops of Fowler's solution to each dose. Later, in about a month or so, when all inflammatory symptoms have passed, the eyes clear, and the temperature has been normal for some time, some nerve tonic is useful, but it must be given with caution, or the twitching will increase. Easton's syrup is as good as anything — for very small dogs like Japanese spaniels five drops three times a day in a teaspoonful of water is enough ; after a week, six drops may be given ; and a week later, seven drops for a dose. The dose for toy spaniels weighing about eight pounds is eight drops ; full-sized fox terriers, ten drops ; collies, etc., fifteen drops ; St. Bernards, etc., twenty drops. In each case the dose may be gradually increased. If the dog is in very poor condition, petroleum emulsion may be given with the Easton's syrup instead of water. In any case, it is a matter of months before any improvement is noticed. In ordinary paralysis as the result of the distemper, when there is an absence of twitching, bromide in any form does more harm than good. In these cases some preparation of nux vomica is required, and the following pills I have found useful : —
Recipe : Compound Nux Vomica Pills :
Powdered Nux Vomica, - 2 to 8 grains. x
Ergotine, - - - - 5 to 18 grains.
Reduced Iron, - - - 12 to 60 grains. Ex. cip. q.s. Mix.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Docking] 85 [Docking
Divide into twelve pills, one to be given three times a day.
If there is no improvement after a short time, a blister applied to both sides of the neck in cases of paralysis of the forelegs is often useful, and in chronic cases of paralysis of the back legs a blister should be applied to the loins. The blister may be repeated in a fortnight, if necessary.
Galvanism is also useful in cases when of long standing.
The bowels should be kept open with mild aperients, and vermifuge medicine given if there are any signs of worms. Dogs suffering from paralysis, the result of distemper, generally recover with time and care.
Docking : Puppies should be docked when three or four days old, and the operation should be done with a pair of sharp scissors. The skin should be drawn well forward before severing the tail, then afterwards it slips back and well overlaps the bone. There is, as a rule, little or no bleeding ; at any rate, not sufficient to be of any importance. Should there be, it can easily be stopped by the application of a little tincture of perchloride of iron, or of Friar's balsam. It is well after docking a puppy to keep the mother away for half an hour or so.
Different breeds of do£s have their tails docked at different lengths. The fox terrier should have three-fifths of his tail left. Irish and Airedale terriers rather less than half.
Doses] 06 [Dosing
Spaniels, about two-fifths of the tail should be left, and griffons about a third.
Doses : In consequence of the difference in the sizes of dogs, it is always difficult when giving a general prescription suitable for dogs of all breeds to make the doses quite clear for dogs of different sizes. However, to make it as clear as possible, I have divided dogs into eight different sizes, as for instance, griffons and others, 4 or 5 pounds weight. I call No. 1 size, spaniels, pugs, etc., weighing 10 or 12 pounds. No. 2 size, fox terriers, Irish terriers, etc., weighing from 18 to 25 pounds. No. 3 size, bull dogs, field spaniels, etc., weighing about 40 pounds. No. 4 size, collies, retrievers, greyhounds, etc. No. 5 size, bloodhounds, etc., and other dogs weighing about 80 pounds. No. 6 size, great Danes, etc., weighing about 120 pounds. No. 7 size, bigger dogs, like St. Bernards. No. 8 size, mastiffs, etc. Therefore, if the dose advised is from half a teaspoonful to a table- spoonful, it is intended for No. 1 size, half a teaspoonful ; No. 2, a teaspoonful ; No. 3, a teaspoonful and a half ; No. 4, two teaspoonfuls ; No. 5, two teaspoonfuls and a half ; No. 6, three teaspoonfuls ; No. 7, three teaspoonfuls and a half; and No. 8, four teaspoonfuls or a tablespoonful. When pills or powders are prescribed, they are to be divided in the same way.
Dosing : People who are not in the habit of administering medicine to dogs often have a
Dosing]
87
[Dosing
difficulty in giving it. Liquid is best given out of a bottle. The person about to give it should stand on the right hand side of the dog, place the left hand around the muzzle, then slightly raise the head, and place the neck of the bottle inside the cheek, and pour a small quantity of the fluid at a time into the pouch formed by the cheek. If the muzzle is held tightly with the left hand, there is no danger of the dog biting the bottle. If the
How to give fluid medicine or liquid nourishment to a dog
reader is afraid to use a bottle, the fluid may be given with a spoon, but then a second person is required to hold the dog's head, and with the finger pull out the side of the cheek so as to form a pouch in which the medicine should be poured. This is by far a better plan than forcing the dog's mouth open, and pouring the fluid right on his tongue.
To give a pill, stand on the right hand side of the dog's head, with the left hand placed
Dropsy]
[Dropsy-
OVer the muzzle, forcing the dog's mouth open by pressing the cheek between the teeth, then he cannot bite you. Slightly raise the head, and drop the pill into the back of the mouth, and then with the forefinger of the right hand just push it into the throat. Close the mouth quickly, and the dog will swallow it.
Dropsy :
Symptoms: In dropsy, the result of heart or kidney disease, the limbs often become
Giving a pill
swollen, as well as the abdomen becoming enlarged and pendulous. The fluid may be detected for certain in the abdomen by placing a hand on one side of the stomach, and then gently tapping the other side of the abdomen, and if fluid is present, an undulating motion will be felt like striking a bladder full of water. In dropsy, no matter from what cause, the dog becomes thin about the neck and chest, and the muscles of the limbs waste.
Dropsy] °9 [Dropsy
As the fluid increases, the size of the abdomen increases ; the breathing becomes distressed, and the dog walks with difficulty. In many cases, when relief is not obtained, the dropsy extends to the chest, which of course increases the difficulty of breathing.
Many cases of ascites are due to diseased liver, which may become much enlarged, but the condition of the liver may simply be due to defective circulation.
Treatment: Unless the patient is very old, relief may generally be given with the following mixture, continued for some time : —
Recipe : The Mixture :
Acetate Potash, 3 drachms.
Tr. Digitalis, 1 drachm.
Tr. Nux Vomica, - - \ drachm.
Spirits of Nitre, - - 2 drachms.
Water to - - - - - 6 ounces.
Doses: From one teaspoonful to two table- spoonfuls1 three times a day. Also give three times a day in water, after food, from fifteen drops l to two teaspoonfuls of Hollands gin. Once or twice a week a dose of purgative medicine should be given, as from three to fifteen grains * of jalapine. When the liver is affected, give from two l to eight grains of grey powder once or twice a week, instead of the jalapine. In severe cases of dropsy tapping is necessary, but as a rule, in ascites it only gives temporary relief.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Dysentery] 9*-* [Dysentery
Dysentery :
Symptoms : Frequent liquid motions, consisting principally of mucus and blood, accompanied by severe straining. The abdomen is very tender, there is often vomiting and great thirst.
Treatment : Give at once a dose of castor oil and laudanum, from half to a tablespoonful x of oil mixed with from three1 to fifteen drops of the latter. About six hours afterwards, commence to give carbonate bismuth from five to twenty grains l every three or four hours, also two or three times a day give an enema of thick boiled starch (from one1 to four teaspoonfuls), mixed with from three1 to twenty drops of laudanum. The enema should be just warm, given very slowly, and the dog should be kept quiet for a short time afterwards, to prevent his ejecting it.
The following mixture may be tried, if the symptoms continue in spite of the bismuth : —
Recipe :
Chlorodyne, 2 drachms.
Prepared Chalk, 4 drachms.
Tr. Catechu, - - 4 drachms.
Sol. Gum Acacia, - - 4 drachms.
Water to - - - - - 6 ounces.
Doses: From one teaspoonful to a table- spoonful x every three or four hours.
Diet : Feed on milk thickened with arrowroot (boiled), also give white of egg beaten up with
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
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Dyspepsia] 9 * [Dyspepsia
water to drink, or barley water ; no solid food should be given whilst there are any signs of blood with motions.
Dyspepsia :
Symptoms : Distention and discomfort after food, which is not eaten with usual relish. Action of bowels variable, sometimes consti- pated, at other times loose ; occasionally vomiting after food. Tongue, instead of being of a nice pink colour, is brick-red. Dog drinks more than usual. There is loss of spirits and condition, and a disinclination to exercise.
Treatment : First give a purge as from 2 to 10 grains1 of jalapine. Repeat dose in a week ; also give following mixture : —
|
Recipe : |
|
|
Bicarbonate of Soda, |
2 drachms, |
|
Tr. Rhubarb, - |
3 |
|
Tr. Gentian, |
4 |
|
Tr. Nux Vomica, |
1 drachm. |
|
Liquor Bismuth, |
1 ounce. |
|
Water to - |
6 ounces. |
Doses : One teaspoonful to one tablespoonful l three time a day half an hour before food. After food give from one to 5 grains l of ingluvin after each meal.
Dogs suffering from dyspepsia should be treated for worms.
Diet : In bad cases, for a few days give milk
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Dysuria] 9 2 [Ear
with Benger's food, also milk mixed with equal parts Vichy water to drink ; later feed entirely on lean raw meat for a time, given three times a day ; if it is refused quite raw, try it lightly grilled. Well-boiled tripe, or sheep's brains boiled in milk, may also be offered.
Dysuria :
Symptoms : Frequent passing of water, which is generally of a clear water colour, the dog at times passing it unconsciously whilst standing. In some cases the urine may be cloudy or even tinged with blood, when there is a stone in the bladder or kidney.
Treatment : When due to simple irritation of the kidneys or bladder, and there is an absence of stone, small doses of opium should be given, from an eighth to a grain x three times a day. When the symptoms are the result of calculus, the cause must be removed by operation. In dysuria the supply of water should be limited, or barley water or skimmed milk given instead of plain water.
Ear-ache :
Symptoms : Shaking of the head, which is often held on one side ; pain on pressure. There is generally an absence of discharge as in canker of the ear.
Treatment : Steaming the ear with hot poppy- head tea gives relief, or a few drops of laudanum may be poured into the ear. The application of a hot salt bag is relieving.
Ear Canker :
Symptoms : Dogs of all kinds, especially those 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Ear] yo [Ear
with long ears, are subject to this disease. The dog shakes and scratches his ear ; the parts are inflamed ; he often holds the head on one side, and in most cases there is a thick brownish discharge. In many cases it assumes the form of eczema, and dogs subject to this disease more often have attacks in the spring and autumn than at any other time.
Treatment : The following lotion should be applied two or three times a day with a camel's- hair brush to all the red parts, and also down into the ear as far as it will go. After a day or two the ear should be cleaned out with some medicated wool twisted around the point of a bodkin or anything of that kind.
Recipe :
Oxide of Zinc Ointment, - 2 drachms.
Almond Oil, 1 ounce.
Well mix.
In addition to using; the lotion, oive the dog some cooling medicine, as from 3 grains1 to one scruple of sulphate of magnesia, and half the quantity of bicarbonate of potash, twice a day with the food. The lotion and medicine should be continued as loner as the dog shows any irritation of the ear.
In neglected cases of canker, ulcers form low down in the ear, causing a mattery, offensive discharge. In these cases different treatment is required. The ear should be syringed
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Ear] 94 [Ear
night and morning with a tablespoonful of methylated spirits added to half a tumbler of tepid water, and then after letting the dog shake his head, the ear should be thoroughly dried with some medicated wool twisted around a bodkin, and then be filled with some finely powdered boracic acid. This is best done by the means of a quill attached to an india- rubber tube, the quill being filled up by being dipped into the powder, and then inserted into the ear, and deposited there by means of blowing through the tube.
Some of these cases are difficult to cure, but with perseverance they get all right in time.
There is another form of canker due to an insect, which I call psoroptes auricularis canis. This is a very minute insect, which collects in large numbers in the canal of the ear, causing the dog to shake his head frequently, and scratch the ear. The canal of the ear looks as if it were full of dry grey powder, but if looked at carefully it will be noticed to be full of very small insects, the size of tiny cheese mites, and they will be seen running about as they are very active. This form of canker is contagious.
Treatment : Syringe the ear thoroughly with a teaspoonful of Pearson's fluid added to six ounces of tepid water, then carefully dry, and anoint with the following ointment.
The syringing should be repeated about twice a week, and the ointment applied night and morning for a time.
Ear]
95 [Ear
Recipe : The Ointment :
Salicylic Acid, - - - 10 grains.
Vaseline, .... ^ 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
Ear]
96
[Ear
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.
A cap to keep the ears at rest ■when required, put on in cases of canker
It should not be
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,
Ear] 97 [Ear
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, - |
i 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 round 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°/0 mercurial soap.
Ecthyma] 9° [Ecthyma
Recipe : The Dressing :
Resorcin, i 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, - \ ounce.
Lime Water to - - - - 8 ounces.
Well shake before using.
Treat dog for worms, and give following pills: —
Recipe :
Arsenious Acid, - - - - \ 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.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Eczema] 99 [Eczema
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. Cluster 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 :
Wrighc's Solution Coal Tar, - i ounce.
Goulard's Extract of Lead, - i drachm.
Glycerine Boracis, - - - i ounce.
Distilled or Rain Water to - 8 ounces. Mix.
Or, apply following ointment twice a day : —
Recipe :
Resorcin, i scruple.
Cieolin, 20 minims.
Almond Oil, - 1 drachm.
Lanoline, 1 ounce.
Mix.
Apply night and morning.
Eczema] I OO [Eczema
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, - \ drachm to \ 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 - \ grain to \ grain.1
Reduced Iron, - - 6 grains to 36 grains. Ext. Gentian, q.s. Mix.
Make 12 pills — one to be given twice a day. 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Elbow] * O I [Emasciation
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, |
i drachm. |
|
Laudanum, - |
i |
|
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 doo\
Emasciation :
Symptoms : Loss of condition and spirits, paleness of the mouth and conjunctivae membrane.
Treatment ; First give medicine to remove worms ; also cod-liver oil, from half a tea- spoonful l to a tablespoonful two or three times a day after food, and from one to eight grains x 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. 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Emetics] *02 [Emphysema
Emetics :
The most effectual one is hydrochlorate of apomorphia ; dose, from one-twentieth to one- sixth of a grain l in a teaspoonful of water. When given injected under the skin, it acts almost instantaneously.
Tartar emetic, from a quarter1 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 x ; 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 teaspoonful1 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 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Emphysema] * ^3 [Emphysema
through a small puncture in the skin, which often cannot be found when a dog'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
Enema] 1 04 [Enema
food to distend the stomach should be allowed, as pressure on the chest from a distended stomach always increases the difficulty in breathing, there- fore 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, - |
i drachm. |
|
Tr. Nux Vomica, |
i drachm. |
|
Ipecacuanha Wine, - |
2 drachms, |
|
Water to - |
6 ounces. |
From half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful x 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 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Enema] 1^5 [Enema
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 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Enteritis] ! OO [Enteritis
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 diarrhoea, 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 diarrhoea, 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 anaemic and wasted, the breath is foul, ulcers may form in the mouth, and the tongue is of a rusty red colour.
Enteritis] l®7 [Enteritis
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 diarrhoea, give from three1 to fifteen grains of carbonate of bismuth three or four times a day ; also from two to ten drops of chlorodyne x 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 circum- stances it takes many weeks of careful dieting before improvement occurs.
The following powders to be given with or after food : —
Recipe :
Ingluvin, ----- i drachm.
Carbonate Bismuth, - - - 2 drachms. Powdered Nux Vomica, - - 6 grains. Mix.
Divide into 12, 24, or 48 powders1 — 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 eggt and the quantity of course must vary according to the size of the
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Epilepsy] J °^ [Epilepsy
dog, say from half1 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 any- one 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 l to twenty grains of each, in from two teaspoonfuls x to two table- 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Epistaxis] * 09 [Erysipelas
spoonfuls 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 haemorrhage 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 grains1 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 occasion- ally seen.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
rythema] I I(-) [Erythema
Symptoms: Temperature quickly rises, and may go up to 1 06 or 107 clegs. 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 burnino- 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 five1 grains to one scruple, and reduced iron, from half1 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 oat- meal, eight tablespoonfuls ; tepid water, three gallons.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Exhaustion] r * * [Eye
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 l 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 occur- rence 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 unin- jured ; but if left for some time, even for an hour, the eye becomes distended, and then it is 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Eye]
I 12
[Eye
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 pres-
How to apply a bandage to cover one eye
sure 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
Eye] * * 3 [Eyelids
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.
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.
Fainting] 1 1 4 [Fainting-
Treatment : Apply following lotion often : —
|
:ipe : Goulard's Extract of Lead, |
\ 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 * each of bicarbonate of potash and sulphate of magnesia.
Fainting: Dogs subject to asthma often have a weak heart, and when the couoh 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.
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Fainting] * * 5 [Fainting
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 applica- tion 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 i drachm.
Tincture Convallaria (Maj.) - i drachm.
Water to ----- 6 ounces.
From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful x 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 haemorrhage, 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 drops1 to a teaspoonful of brandy, in which has been dissolved from half1 to two grains of er^otine ; repeat in an hour. To make up for the loss of blood, inject slowly into the bowel from a table- spoonful to half a tumblerful x of warm peptonised milk, which may be repeated in an hour. If very cold, place hot-water bottles to back. As
1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
False] * l O [Favus
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 haemorrhage, 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 recom- mended, 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
Feet] J * 7 [Feet
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 three1 to twenty grains of sulphate of magnesia, also from two * 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 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Fever] * J ° [Fever
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 reappear- ing first in one foot and then in another, a course of arsenic should be given, as from one l to eight drops of liq. arsenicalis in from one1 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 two1 to ten grains of salicylate of soda, or from one-half1 to five grains of phenacetin ; but this latter medicine should never be given to a dog in a low condition, as 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Fistula] J J 9 [Fits
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 one1 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 tem- perature, 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 — i drachm to eight ounces of water.
Fits : See Epilepsy, Convulsions, etc. 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Flatulence] 120 [Flatulence
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 dis- tressed, 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 three1 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.)
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 diarrhoea.
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 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Fractures] 1 2 r [Fractures
charcoal, say sufficient to cover a sixpence1 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 Metacarpel and Metatarsal Bones : They are the bones running from the knee and hock to the toes respectively ; one 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Fractures] 122 [Fractures
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 un- mistakable signs of discomfort by constantly
Fractures] 1 2 3 [Fractures
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, com- mencing right down at the foot and carried up over the elbow joint.
It is a good plan to apply a few strips of Meads 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.
Fractures] * 2 4 [Fractures
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 Scapttla 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
Fractures]
125
[Fractures
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 neces- sary, though it has its advantages One is, the joint does not become so stiff, as it allows just slight movement.
Over the band- age a few strips of Mead's plaister should always be used to prevent the bandage shifting.
Fracture of Femur ( Thigh Bone) :
Treatment : Ex- cept 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 splint with a joint for fractures of the back leg
Fractures] 1 20 [Fractures
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 sup- ports 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
Fractures] * 2 / [Fractures
— 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 exer- tion, 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 solu- tion 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
Fractures] 12<S [Fractures
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
Fractures] I29 [Fractures
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 dis- infectant 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
Fractures] * 3° [Fractures
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 vertebrae — well forward close to the dorsal vertebrae.
Symptoms : Acute pain at the part, some swelling of the soft tissues covering the injured vertebrae, 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 Vertebra 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.
Fractures]
131
[Fractures
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 conges- tion of the brain, the result of concussion, and
Showing- how to bandage a dog's chest for fracture of ribs and other injuries to the chest
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
Fractures]
132 [Fractures
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 fore- head, 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.
Treatment : The removing of loose bone and teeth is to be carried out the same as recom- mended in cases of broken upper jaw ; but here a splint can be applied, and is necessary, as there
Fractures]
[Fractures
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 per- forated zinc, and of the shape as depicted in the illustration, and be applied as well as the ban- dages, 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
A splint for fracture of bottom jaw
Gall-stones] * 34 [Gangrene
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 five1 drops to a teaspoonful of laudanum in a tea- spoonful * 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 three1 to ten grains of the Homoeopathic preparation of Merc : Sol : 3 x every three hours for three or four days. Under the best circumstances treat- ment can only have but temporary benefit.
Gangrene :
Symptoms: This may follow improper treat- ment 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 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86.
Gastric] * 3 5 [Gastric
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 l 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 anaemic 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 half1 to two grains every two or three hours, in a tea- spoonful l to a tablespoonful of water ; but when it is very slight the styptics are not necessary, but give