Manual of veterinary homeopathy

CHAPTER I.
GENERAL DISEASES

Distemper

This is one of the most common diseases of the dog, and one that leaves in its train often very serious results. The earlier symptoms are very insidious. There is dullness; loss of appetite, flesh and strength may be remarked, while purging and vomiting are not uncommon. To this are added a short, husky cough, watery eyes, increased redness of the vessels of the eye, sensibility of the eye to light, increased frequency of the pulse. As the disease advances, the animal shivers with the cold, dislikes to be disturbed, seeks warmth, and courts solitude; the bowels are confined; the membrane of the eye covered with a fine net-work of bright red vessels; a thick discharge of matter flows from the eyes; the nostrils are covered with a glassy yellowish fluid; the cough is increased in frequency, and comes on in fits, which terminates in the discharge of a yellow, frothy fluid from the stomach; the skin is hot. Often with red spots on the under side of the body and between the thighs.

A later stage is marked by an increase of all the foregoing symptoms. The body wastes, the shivering is constant, the eyes are filled with a thick matter, which glues the eyelids together in the morning, tenacious matter clogs the nostrils and obstructs the breathing. This causes much uneasiness and frequent but unsuccessful attempts to overcome the cause of annoyance. The discharge from the nostrils becomes bloody and offensive; the breath is fetid; the lips are covered with ulcers; short cries express pain; and the animal, becoming weaker and worse in every respect, at last dies, a severe diarrhea being the usual harbinger of that end.

Distemper frequently results in chorea, or St. Vitus’ dance, paralysis, disease of the brain, ulcers on the eyes and opacity, inflammation of the lungs, or in numerous other ailments.

Treatment.—The earlier stages, before the discharge is established, are best controlled by the A. A., of which give a dose of three or five drops, according to the size of the dog, morning, noon and night.

After the catarrhal stage has come on, give three or five drops of the C. C., four times per day. This will, in general, carry the animal safely and speedily through this ordeal. Should other diseases declare themselves, they should be treated accordingly.

Should a general or partial paralysis occur, or inability to use one or several limbs, the J. K., should be given, three or five drops, three times per day, until recovered. (See paralysis.)

Accessory Measures.—A nutritious and easily digested diet is of great importance in this disease, such as—milk, bouillon, soup, scraped raw meat and beef tea. If much diarrhea, boiled milk. If great loss of strength or appetite, alcoholic stimulants may be added to the milk or soup.

Simple or Inflammatory Fever

Is known by a fever, attended with increased heat of the whole body, and with a quick, strong, decided pulse. It attacks dogs of all breeds and ages, but most frequently those from one year to three years old.

Causes.—Sudden changes from heat to cold; jumping into cold water after being very much heated from running; excitement from various causes. Fever is accompanied with some degree of inflammation, however it may be occasioned.

Symptoms.—The fever comes on with a dislike to move, and with a drowsy appearance, soon followed by great restlessness; constant getting up, turning round, and lying down again; great thirst; hard, frequent pulse; hurried breathing; red, swollen, watery eyes; burning heat of the whole body; dry, parched nose; intensely hot mouth; as the disease progresses the restlessness increases, and the dog stares, and frequently becomes unconscious.

Treatment.—Give A. A., from one to three drops, according to the size of the dog, every two hours at first, and as the patient mends, a dose four times per day; and at the last, a dose of J. K., morning and night.

Rheumatism—Chest Founder—Kennel Lameness

Definition.—An affection of the muscles and joints accompanied with stiffness and tenderness. More often of the chest, loins or back, but may occur anywhere.

Causes.—Sudden exposure to cold and damp; going into water after running fast; lying in a cold, wet kennel; violent exercise. It chiefly attacks sporting dogs and house dogs.

Symptoms.—Stiffness in the fore legs and shoulders; stiffness of back, neck, and loins, animal cannot go up or down stairs easily, howls when fore paws are lifted from the ground; unusual firmness and tenderness of the muscles of the chest when pressed; swelling at the knees, with heat and tenderness; tenderness at the back of the shoulder or the ribs; accelerated breathing; impaired appetite; dry and hot nose. The animal often limps with one paw, trails it, or holds it up as he goes along, and howls when he puts it to the ground.

Treatment.—Give, at first, and more especially if there is heat or fever, A. A., a dose every three or four hours, and later, if the lameness and stiffness is considerable, give B. B., in alternation with the A. A., at similar intervals. For simple rheumatic stiffness, give B. B., morning and night. Dose, one to three drops, according to the size of dog.

Accessory Measures.—The animal must be kept warm and dry, and protected from the inclemency of the weather. No meat of any kind should be given.

Dropsy

Dropsy is a morbid accumulation of watery fluid confined to certain parts of the body, or affecting the cellular tissue; the latter form, called ANASARCA, is very rarely seen in the dog. The most common forms are: water in the cavity of the chest, HYDROTHORAX; and water in the abdomen, ASCITES.

Causes.—General Debility, brought on by want of food; diarrhea suddenly checked; damp lodgings. It may follow various diseases, such as inflammation of the lungs, or retroceding skin disorders; or be caused by a diseased state of the mesenteric glands, or of the liver.

Symptoms.—Ascites is accompanied by enlargement of the abdomen; the water is sometimes collected in the abdominal cavity; at other times it is between the skin and the peritoneum; in the former case there is not that tense feeling which characterizes the latter. The presence of water may be ascertained by resting one hand on one side of the abdomen and striking the other side, when fluctuation will be felt. Water in the chest is accompanied by oppressed breathing and cough; both symptoms are aggravated by lying down. In either form of the disease there is loss of appetite, disinclination to move, the urine is passed in small quantities, the dog loses flesh and becomes weak.

Treatment.—H. H., by increasing the action of the kidneys, is often efficient, a dose once in three hours. If not efficient, alternate I. I., with the H. H., at the same intervals.

Definition.—A collection of matter, generally appearing between the skin and the cellular tissue—occasionally close to the joint, and rarely (in the dog) upon some internal organ. It may appear on any part of the body.

Causes.—Injuries are the chief causes of abscesses in the dog, but they sometimes appear from weakness after certain diseases, especially distemper. When internal abscesses form, they are due to too great care, too high feeding, or want of sufficient exercise.

Symptoms.—A swelling appears, which is hot, painful and inflamed; it increases in size, and finally bursts, when the matter is discharged. In other cases there is but little heat or tenderness, and the swelling increases slowly, and is occasionally hardened. If hardening takes place, instead of suppuration, there is usually a sub-cutaneous fungoid growth.

Treatment.—The I. I., is the remedy for such forms of disease, and may be given, a dose of from one to three drops, according to the size of the dog, three or four times per day.

Accessory Treatment.—If an abscess appears to be forming, the part should be narrowly examined to ascertain if there has been any injury from a thorn, etc. If anything is found, it must be at once carefully removed, and Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel or Veterinary Oil applied to the part. This, if attended to in time, will often prevent the formation of the abscess. But if the swelling continue, and it is certain that pus is forming, it will be hastened by fomenting the part with warm water, three or four times a day; if the swelling has increased in size and becomes softer, but does not break, it will be necessary to open it with a lancet or sharp pen-knife.

Tumors

Definition.—A deposit or growth of diseased structure confined to the part where it first appears. The tumors generally seen on the dog are of two kinds—(1) indurated, or hard; and (2) encysted, or enclosed in a sac or bag. They are seldom painful, unless considerable pressure be used; as a rule they are movable, and their extent can easily be determined. Encysted tumors are the most common; they vary in size, from that of a nut to that of a pint measure. They are sacs or small bladders filled with matter, smooth and soft, devoid of inflammation, and lie close under the skin. At times their formation is very slow; this is generally the case when they are due to constitutional causes, a fact which can generally be clearly ascertained.

LACTEAL TUMORS

Tumors sometimes form in the teat when there is obstruction in its canal; or when the milk is dried up too soon or too quickly after suckling. They appear in different parts of the gland, as small, movable, hard bodies; increase in size; cause great inconvenience to the animal; and form an eyesore to its owner. If their progress be not arrested, they may ulcerate; or encysted tumors may form, which, if injured by dragging along the ground, may have a similar issue.

Causes.—Bruises; wounds; constitutional tendency; diseased condition of the secreting glands.

Treatment.—Hard tumors are best excised as soon as they appear. The operation is simple, and the wound will generally soon close up if left to the care of the dog, and after a time will scarcely be seen.

Encysted tumors are also best removed by excision. They may also be removed by tapping for the extraction of the fluid, and the subsequent injection of iodine. Should they become compound, they must be excised. On the other hand, when it is known that they have been caused by an injury, they will sometimes disappear by the use of Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel, internally and externally.

All tumors are not cancers, but in certain constitutions, inflammation, indurated and encysted tumors may degenerate into cancerous growths. The cancerous tumor is at first small, hard, knotted and irregular in form; it then grows larger, and is attached to the skin; this inflames and ulcerates; and thus the cancer appears on the surface. Its edges are irregular red or purple, and indurated; it is attended with considerable pain and a most disgusting discharge.

Treatment.—If in good health the tumor may be excised while the dog is under chloroform. But the cancer will return. If fully established, the animal should be put out of its misery. The best application is Humphreys’ Veterinary Oil, and the best internal treatment is the I.I., a dose two or three times per day.

Black Tongue

During the last few years a disease has been quite prevalent in the south which has been called “Black Tongue” whether this is a distinct disease or merely the symptom of some other disease is as yet not known.

The principal symptoms are congestion of the tongue and mouth which causes the black color, this usually leads to ulceration of the mouth and the ulceration frequently extends so as to involve the entire digestive tract. There is great weakness and emaciation with death in a few days. Very few animals recover. Besides these symptoms many others have been reported but they vary so much in the different cases that they have caused great doubt as to “Black Tongue” being a distinct disease. The symptoms given might be Dumb Rabies, page 225; Canker of the Mouth, page 237; Hook Worm, page 243; or Sore Throat, page 232.

In cases of so called “Black Tongue” we would advise comparing the symptoms with those of the above diseases.

Apoplexy

Definition.—A sudden, partial or complete loss of consciousness and power of motion, occasioned by determination of blood to the head.

Causes.—Pressure on the brain, from a congested state of the blood-vessels. Fat pet dogs are more subject to an attack than dogs moderately fed and allowed plenty of exercise.

Symptoms.—Staggering walk, drowsiness, twitching of the muscles of the face and limbs; these are premonitary symptoms of an attack; or the fit may be sudden, when the dog falls down without power of movement, with loud and irregular breathing, and appears to be dying, but generally, after three or four hours, he gradually recovers.

Treatment.—The A.A., is the proper remedy, and may be given for the premonitions of an attack, a dose morning and night. If he has had the fit, give a dose at once, and repeat it again after two or three hours, and then morning and night for a time, to prevent a relapse. Dose, one to three drops, according to the size of the dog.

Accessory Means.—Wherever the fit occurs, if possible, let the dog remain, and apply cold water to the head with sponge. After recovery takes place, care must be taken as to diet, only milk or oatmeal and water should be given for a day or two.

Palsy, Paralysis

This is not an unfrequent affection in the dog, especially those that are well fed, as pet dogs. It arises from disease of the brain or spinal cord, and is sometimes also the result of disease of the bowels or stomach.

Symptoms.—It may occur in one side or part of the animal, and is most frequent in the hind legs, which appear as if the animal had no power over them; he staggers, falls, or lies on the ground, dragging his hind legs after him, unable to stand upon them.

Treatment.—Give the J.K., two to five drops, according to the size of the dog, three times per day.

In case it comes on suddenly in well fed dogs, from an over-feed or gorging the animal, give a spoonful of castor oil and an injection of warm soap and water, followed with the prescription above.

Epilepsy, or Fits

The dog is occasionally subject to true epilepsy, and not unfrequently to fits or convulsions arising from transient causes; such as teething in puppies, worms, want of exercise, and then too violent exercise. They are liable, also, to come on during distemper, or after it, or from disease of the brain. Small pet dogs are more subject to fits than others, as their nervous system is more excitable and their lives more artificial.

Symptoms.—The fit generally comes on suddenly, the animal staggers, falls down, remains lying for an instant, and then is violently convulsed; the legs become stiff, the face distorted, the eyes roll about, the tongue is thrust out, the jaws nearly closed or firmly clenched. The convulsion becomes gradually less, and after some twitches they cease, and the animal in a short time appears well again.

In true epilepsy the fits recur again at diminishing intervals, and excitements may easily reproduce them.

Treatment.—Give on an attack, from whatever cause, from two to five drops, according to the size of the animal, of the A.A., and repeat it once after the paroxysm is over. This will be sufficient for fits arising from any transient cause; but if the dog is subject to them, he must have J.K., alternately with A.A., a dose every day or two, and continued for some time.

This is a frequent result of severe distemper, especially in the case of young dogs, intestinal worms, disorders of the stomach or a weak and anemic condition seem to predispose to this disease.

Symptoms.—The disease manifests itself by twitches, or involuntary jerks of various parts, as the leg, shoulder, face, neck, or even eyelids. Sometimes it is confined to a single limb or two, or the whole body may be affected. The animal has no control over them, and they are manifested sometimes during sleep. He wastes, eats and sleeps badly, and may become palsied; at last he becomes incapable of any service, staggers, has convulsions, and is at last worn out.

Treatment.—Give the A.A., each morning, and J.K., each night, two to five drops, according to the size of the animal, and follow the treatment perseveringly.

Accessory Measures.—Fresh air and fattening food such as—rich milk, broth, oatmeal, meat once a day.

Rabies, Canine Madness

Much has been said upon the subject of Rabies, or Canine Madness, and from the general horror in which the disease is justly held, some consideration of it is proper, even if we do not possess the means of cure. It is an acute disease, communicable from one animal to another and from them to man. Occurring among men it is known as hydrophobia. Its origin is unknown, but it is supposed to have originated from the skunk. Formerly it was very common among the wolves and skunks of the western plains. The virus affects the nervous system of the animal. It is found in some of the secretions, chiefly in the salivary glands. The disease is communicated only by the saliva of affected animals, usually by biting. The disease may break out in from a few days to a few months after the animal has been bitten; the average time is about twenty-five days. Two principal forms of this disease have been distinguished; rabies proper, and dumb rabies.

Symptoms of Rabies Proper.—First change noticed is in the dog’s gait in walking, either more lively and irritable than usual, or more dull and sad; peculiar restlessness; does not remain in one place; often quits his home and roams to a distance; he recognizes and obeys his master at the commencement, and even through the entire disease; generally no appetite from the commencement; some will take soup, but never solid food; they often, however, devour strange things, as wood, leather, straw, or even filth; they drink in all stages of the disease, as long as they can swallow; there is always a peculiar change of voice, more shrill or more grave, always slightly hoarse and disagreeable; the bark is peculiar, not in distinct emissions, as in health, but an emission of voice ending in a howl; the desire to bite is not constant, but comes occasionally in fits, and varying degrees; during the fits he bites everything, cats, other dogs, human beings, even his own master, or inanimate objects, and frequently snaps at the air. At first he is but little changed in appearance; but soon the eyes become red; they open and shut alternately; later, they are dull, as if covered with dust; rapid emaciation; he becomes, finally, very weak, and drags his hind quarters, while at first he is strong, carries his tail as usual, and differs not in gait from a healthy dog.

Dumb Rabies is manifested by loss of appetite, drink, voice, as in the first instance, modified thus: The lower jaw droops, apparently paralyzed from the commencement; he cannot swallow any liquid; saliva constantly flows from his mouth; the tongue often hangs from between the teeth; he bites less than in the first form; still, as there are times, when irritated, that he may close his mouth, the danger from biting is the same.

There are some popular errors, which are corrected by the following statements, thus: Dogs may become mad at any season of the year. Female and altered dogs may become mad by communication, though the disease originates, probably, with entire animals. Mad dogs drink in all stages of the disease, if the soreness of the throat, or paralysis of the jaws, or flow of saliva does not prevent them; they have even been known to swim in water. Mad dogs do not always carry the tail between the legs, but otherwise, during the commencement of the disease; it is however, common in many other diseases, and in all dogs when pursued or frightened. Mad dogs do not always run in a straight line, unless pursued; they change their direction like other dogs, and run to objects which attract them. Other dogs do not avoid them, but if a stranger, it will be attacked by well dogs. Sound animals have no repugnance to the saliva of a mad dog, but will even eat meat which is covered with it.

Treatment.—All the means hitherto discovered to arrest the disease have proved unreliable. Belladonna and the A.A., may do something, and had best be administered in all doubtful cases: but if an animal is indisputably rabid, it should be killed at once. The excision of the gland or ligament under the tongue is only mutilating the animal to no purpose.

If a dog is suspected, or has been bitten, or exposed to contagion, give him the A.A., three or four drops, according to his size, three times per day, and inject a dose of the same medicine into the wound at the same time. Only a small proportion of the animals or persons bitten by animals supposed to be rabid ever become mad.

Inflammation of the Eye, Ophthalmia

It may arise from a variety of causes, such as congestion of the brain; exposure to heat and cold; over-exertion; blows or other injuries; over-salted food, infection, foreign bodies, etc.

Symptoms.—The white of the eye is covered with red streaks; the clear portion in front (pupil) is dim; water runs down the face; the light cannot be endured and the eyelid is closed. An ulcer may appear afterwards in the front of the eye, and it may go on until it penetrates through the outer coating of the eye (cornea), and the fluids of the eye thus escape. In some cases proud flesh springs up from these ulcers.

Treatment.—The A.A., should be given, a dose of two drops only, two or three times per day. This in general will be sufficient for all forms of ophthalmia; but if the case is of some standing, or if ulcers or degenerations have taken place, two drops of I.I., may be given every night, and the A.A., in the morning.

A wash of Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel, diluted one-half with soft water, will promptly relieve.

Amaurosis, Gutta Serena

This disease consists in entire or partial loss of vision in consequence of paralysis of the optic nerve, or interruption of its communication with the brain. Injuries of the head, or ball of the eye, or some disease of the brain, are the usual causes. The dog walks cautiously, head elevated, the eye has a peculiar glassy appearance, and the pupil does not dilate and contract when light is brought near or removed from the eye.

But little can be done for these cases. In the earlier stages a dose of the A.A., may possibly arrest its progress, but generally it is incurable in man or beast.

Cataract

Opacity of the crystalline lens, or of its capsule, or both, prevents the transmission of light, and thus causes blindness. One or both eyes may be affected; old dogs generally suffer in both. The causes are the same as those which lead to cataract in the horse; and to the section thereon reference should be made. But little can be done by way of medicine; A.A., will sometimes relieve.

Pterygium

This disease, which consists in a thickened state of the cellular tissue of the conjunctiva, extending from the inner angle of the eye towards the cornea, is not uncommon in dogs, both old and young. In pups it is often cured by the mother’s licking the eye; in old dogs it proves intractable. It sometimes follows ophthalmia.

Treatment.—You may give daily a dose, one to three drops, of A.A., with decided benefit.

Eczema of the Eyelids

In this affection small pustules appear on the edges of the lids at the roots of the lashes; presently they break, emit matter, which drys into crusts, mats the hair, and glues the lids together. If not arrested, the ulceration extends and destroys the bulbs of the hair, and with them the eyelashes.

Treatment.—The eyelashes should be clipped off close to the eyelids; the parts carefully washed with a sponge and diluted Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel, morning and night, to prevent agglutination. When crusts have formed they can be best softened and removed by fomentations with warm water. Care should be taken not to drag away the purulent matter with force. Give I.I., morning and night.

The Lachrymal canals, which originate from the internal angle of the eye, convey the tears into the lachrymal sac, an oval bag, which is a receptacle for tears. It is situated near the angle, and constitutes the upper extremity of the nasal duct. If this duct be obstructed, the tears flow over on the cheek and a small tumor forms in the sac. This is followed by inflammation, suppuration, and the formation of an abscess, which bursts externally and leaves a fistulous opening, through which tears flow from the sac on to the cheek.

Treatment.—Sponge the eye with warm water, and give A.A., morning and night, if the eye or lids are inflamed, or the I.I., if no manifest inflammation is present.

Canker in the Ear

This disease consists of an inflammation of the internal ear, followed by ulceration and the formation of matter. It is usually the consequence of some injury, but may also result from excess of food and want of exercise, or from frequent and sudden exposure, as in case of dogs taught to go in the water, among whom it is quite common; it may also come from parasites; fat dogs are more subject to it than others.

Symptoms.—The dog manifests pain by shaking his head, scratching his ears, or whining. The internal ear looks red, afterwards may ulcerate; a discharge occurs, and a blackish fluid will be found at the bottom of the ear, sometimes in considerable quantity; there is high fever, which, with the continuance of the discharge, may wear out the dog.

Treatment.—Wash the ear frequently with warm water, to carefully remove the discharge; afterwards apply some diluted Marvel Witch Hazel.

Give A.A., three or four drops, alternately with I.I. The same dose four times per day; it may be successful.

Causes.—It is sometimes a sequel of distemper, fever, or inflammation of the brain; it is also due to general debility, an accumulation of hardened wax, old age and canker.

Treatment.—Examination must be made to ascertain if it is due to the impaction of hard wax; if so, a little warm water and soap may be injected twice a day; after a few days the wax will most likely be softened sufficiently to allow of its removal. If the disorder follows distemper, C.C., should be given; if fever or inflammation of the brain, A.A.; if canker, also the C.C., a dose morning and night.

Serous Cyst or Abscess of the Ears

This affection of the ear generally arises from some injury, which is followed by an accumulation of a pale, straw-colored fluid between the outside and inside skin of the ear. Sometimes it increases slowly, at others rapidly, so much so that in a few days there will be a quarter of a pint deposited. The best thing is to open the swelling at once with a lancet, at the lowest part of the inside of the ear, and press out all the fluid. If this can be done effectually, adhesion of the two skins takes place without anything else being necessary. But if the discharge has been caused by a severe blow, it may continue for a week or two. Occasionally, if the punctured place is not kept open, the fluid accumulates a second and third time; if such should be the case, it will be advisable to inject a little warm water, and lay the ear in a vessel containing warm water for five or ten minutes, once a day for several days. Give I.I., also morning and night.

External Canker

External Canker is mostly found on the ears of dogs with short coats; it comes generally on the outside of the ears, beginning at the tips, and gradually extends down to the roots.

Causes.—Constitutional tendency; unsuitable food; want of cleanliness; sudden disappearance of eczema.

Treatment.—I.I., is the proper remedy, giving once or twice per day.

The ears should be washed once a day with warm water and soap. After they are dry, the following lotion should be applied with a sponge; Glycerine one part, Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel two parts, to water three parts.

Ulceration of the Nose

Ulcerations of the nose are not common in dogs, but they should not be neglected, as they might injure or destroy the sense of smell. They sometimes occur in old dogs, and emit a purulent, or sanious, and most offensive discharge. This condition is attended with pain, noisy breathing, attempts to sneeze, etc.

Treatment.—C.C., is the proper remedy, and may be given two or three times per day.

The nostrils should be washed and syringed with tepid water, morning and night.

Angina—Sore Throat

Definition.—Inflammatory swelling of the larynx and trachea.

Causes.—Exposure to sudden cold when heated; damp lodgings.

Symptoms.—The first are generally sneezing, hoarse cough, ears and nose alternately hot and cold, noisy breathing, caused by swelling of the glands under the throat and jaw; difficulty of swallowing. The front of the neck, especially about the larynx, is much swollen; when the swelling is considerable, internally and externally, the breathing sometimes becomes so much embarrassed that the animal dies of suffocation.

Treatment.—Give A.A., a dose every hour at first, and then every two hours, until relieved.

Accessory Means.—The frequent application to the throat of cloths dipped in hot water; cold water, frequently renewed, for the dog to lap; cold milk and broth as diet.

Catarrh—Coryza—Cold

Definition.—As a rule, coryza in the dog consists of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. It is most frequent among dogs that are petted and kept in warm rooms. It may lead to bronchitis and other diseases of the respiratory organs.

Cause.—Change of temperature, especially in spring, during the prevalence of easterly winds.

Symptoms.—Running from the nose and eyes; sneezing; diminished appetite; accelerated breathing; dullness; heaviness; sleepiness.

Treatment.—C.C., is the proper remedy, a dose, one to three drops, three or four times per day.

Accessory Treatment.—It will facilitate the cure if the dog is kept in a warm place for a day or two, not allowed to go out at all, and fed upon milk or thin oatmeal gruel. He should also have plenty of water to drink. The nose and eyes should be sponged with tepid water several times a day.

Bronchitis—Acute and Chronic

Definition.—Acute bronchitis is active inflammation of the membrane of the air-tubes of the lungs. Chronic bronchitis more particularly affects old dogs.

Causes.—Sudden changes of temperature; standing in the cold when heated; cold draughts of air in the kennels, or wherever the dog is kept, frequently cause bronchitis.

Symptoms.—The first symptoms of acute bronchitis are generally those of common cold; shivering; short, hard cough; constant distressing cough, at first dry, afterwards accompanied by a sticky mucous; feverish symptoms; accelerated pulse and breathing; loss of appetite; dullness; an anxious look depicted on the countenance. Auscultation detects a wheezing sound, or rattling of mucous, in the trachea and bronchial tubes. The nose is hot and dry at the commencement of the attack, but becomes moist when the inflammatory stage is passed. Chronic bronchitis consists of a cough during the winter months, which comes on after changes in the temperature, and is attended with shortness of breath and wheezing.

Treatment.—Give, at first, and during the feverish stage, a dose, of A.A., one to three drops, according to the size of the dog. After the more urgent symptoms have been relieved, E.E., may be given, in alternation with the A.A.

Accessory Means.—The dog should be kept in the house, and in one temperature, as nearly as possible. A pail of boiling hot water may be placed in the kennel from which the steam will evaporate and keep the air moist; this will be found very beneficial. Milk, or bread and milk, constitute the best diet; farinaceous food, but no meat; fresh supplies of cold water. Meat broth may be given in cases of great debility and old age.

Asthma

This disease, which most nearly resembles broken wind in the horse, is characterized by difficult breathing, with intervals of free respiration.

Causes.—Close confinement, want of outdoor exercise, excessive feeding; it is observed almost wholly among fat and petted dogs, from four to seven years old.

Symptoms.—The disease is insidious in its invasion; it begins with a slight cough, which returns at irregular intervals, and is therefore likely to escape observation. It, however, becomes more frequent and troublesome; is harsh, dry and sonorous, and may give the mistaken impression that there is a bone in the throat. It is then provoked by every change of temperature, food or posture; becomes almost incessant; disturbs sleep; produces nausea and sickness; but nothing is expelled besides mucus from the respiratory passages, where its presence is a cause of irritation. Meanwhile the breathing is affected, and is not unfrequently very labored and painful. The digestion may be impaired; the appetite slight or morbid; the breath offensive; the teeth covered with tartar; the coat rough; the skin mangy. In some cases the dog is worn down by the irritation of the cough; in others the pulmonary congestion arrests respiration, and causes suffocation; or cardiac difficulties cause accumulation of blood in the head, and consequent convulsive fits. But the disorder generally ends in hydrothorax or ascites—generally the latter. In these cases the body wastes, the abdomen is enlarged, the legs swell, the coat is staring, the breathing very laborious, till, ultimately, suffocation puts an end to the animal’s existence.

Treatment.—If the disorder be treated judiciously in the early stage, it is curable; but if it has continued for any length of time, only palliation can be looked for. Give E.E., a dose, according to size of dog, two or three times per day. For a fit of asthma or bad breathing, give A.A., every hour. For old, bad cases, try I.I., three times per day.

Accessory Means.—Exercise should be regularly taken in the open air, except when the weather is cold, or damp, or sultry. The food should be of the best and most nutritious quality, given frequently, but in small quantities at a time.

Inflammation of the Chest, Pneumonia or Pleurisy

Inflammation of the chest usually involves both the pleura or lining membrane of the chest, and the substance of the lungs, so that they may be advantageously treated. It is usually the result of cold and exposure after being heated; it may also be produced by wounds.

Symptoms.—Shivering chill, followed by heat and thirst; the sides are painful when pressed upon; stitches are observed; the dog sits upon his haunches, with the fore legs separated from each other, and the head held forward; the breath hot; cough short and painful; breathing frequent, labored and heaving; pulse full and quick; tongue hangs out of the mouth; eyes thrust forward and red; finally drowsiness, and death. Sometimes the effusion of water in the chest is very abundant, when the legs swell, and breathing becomes difficult, labored and suffocating.

Treatment.—Give first, three or five drops, according to the size of the dog, of the A.A., and repeat the dose every two hours for the first twenty-four hours. Then alternate the E.E. with the A.A., at intervals of two or three hours.

In most cases cough is symptomatic of disease, and often indicates the commencement of some serious disorder of the respiratory organs, when it should not be allowed to continue unheeded. Well fed dogs often have a dry, searching cough, which, if they are old, degenerates into asthma. Cough is sometimes consequent on obesity, when the amount of food should be lessened, exercise taken, and J.K., administered. If it be caused by the dog going into the water, or being washed with warm water in winter, or being confined for some time in a low, damp situation, I.I., or E.E., are the remedies. Such a cough is generally harsh and hard, and accompanied by vomiting of tough mucus. A dose two or three times per day is sufficient.

Salivation

Mercury, in its various forms, is sometimes given to dogs by ignorant persons, or by chemists and dog-fanciers, for some real or supposed disease; or it is applied to them externally as an ointment for mange, in either case resulting in salivation, with the following.—

Symptoms.—Loss of appetite; sore, swollen gums, which are blueish, easily bleed, and generally ulcerate; loosened teeth, which may even fall out; constant dribbling of saliva from the mouth; offensive breath; swelled glands; extreme weakness; hair falls off; and frequently purging, attended with straining.

Treatment.—Give the A.A., a dose each morning and noon, and a teaspoonful of Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel at night, especially if there is ulceration of the mouth or throat. If not improved after three or four days, substitute I.I., three or five drops, morning and night.

Canker in the Mouth

This is a very troublesome affection, and often difficult to cure; indeed, if the disease be the result of a long continued local irritation, or the dog be old, it is generally considered to be incurable.

Symptoms.—The gums are swollen, and discharge purulent, bloody, offensive matter; “proud flesh” is formed; bleeding ensues; there is difficulty in eating; appetite and condition are lost; emaciation and exhaustion follow.

Treatment.—When the disease is of recent origin, or the dog is young and generally healthy, the mouth should be washed out once a day for several days, with a solution of Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel, half water; and give J.K., say three times per day, two to three drops, according to the size of the dog. It is usually promptly efficacious.

Diseases of the Teeth

The teeth are more frequently affected in the dog than in other domestic animals. This may be the result of a variety of causes, among which are the following: Eating or gnawing bones, by means of which the teeth may be broken or ground down to the quick; healthy, well fed dogs only pick their bones; rich, sweetened food, which has an injurious effect upon the teeth; mercury, frequently given to dogs, which produces salivation, loosening, and eventually falling out of the teeth. Teaching dogs to carry or chase hard substances, stones, etc., frequently results in diseased teeth, as they are thus rubbed down to the gum, and the stump produces much mischief.

Symptoms.—If the dog has a bad breath, seems to be in pain when he eats, does not thrive or manifest his usual spirit, the mouth should be examined. One or more teeth will be found worn down to the gum; the fang produces irritation, and may result in an abscess; the sides of the mouth are raw and ulcerated, and saliva dribbles from it.

Treatment.—Extraction is the sole remedy for loose, irregular or decayed teeth.

Indigestion

Definition.—Imperfect transformation of food into a state suitable for the nourishment of the body.

Causes.—Improper food, or food in too large quantities; want of exercise.

Symptoms.—Restlessness; partial loss of appetite; frequently attempts to vomit, sometimes bringing up only froth; at other times a mixture of froth and green fluid; foulness of breath; irregular action of the bowels; distention of the body; lying out at full length and rolling over; the appetite is vitiated or impaired.

Treatment.—Give the J.K., for indigestion, a dose, one to three drops, according to the size of dog, once in two, three or four hours. Often a dose night and morning is sufficient.

Accessory Means.—Attention to diet and regular exercise go a long way towards curing and preventing this disease.

Vomiting

It is such an easy matter for dogs to vomit that the least thing which disagrees with the stomach occasions it. It is rarely of any consequence, as it does not interfere with the health; but there are some cases of continued vomiting, in which it is necessary to administer medicine.

Treatment.—When vomiting takes place daily for several days, and soon after eating, it will most likely be remedied by changing diet; if it continues after the diet has been changed, give a dose of J.K., morning and night. Should the dog be bloated or full of gas, a dose of F.F., will be curative.

Colic

Colic is not unfrequent in the dog. It is often connected with constipation, and may result from bad food, sudden change of food, exposure to cold, or from worms. It is common in puppies.

Symptoms.—The dog has sudden pain in the bowels; it comes on in fits, is worse at one time than another. The dog is restless, frequently changing his position; he extends himself and then draws himself in with arched back, turns his head towards his sides, throws himself down, rolls about, moans or whines when the pain is severe, with a short, rough voice. There is rarely any fever in case of simple colic.

Treatment.—The F.F., should be given; a dose, from three to five drops, according to the size of the dog, and repeated every half hour or hour, as the urgency of the case demands.

Should it not promptly relieve, the A.A., or J.K., may be given alternately with F.F.

Gastritis—Inflammation of the Stomach

Causes.—Drinking cold water when heated from running; damp kennels; continued feeding with rich food; indigestion; poisons.

Symptoms.—Great pain; the dog throws himself on the ground, kicks and rolls; there is constant desire for cold water, but as soon as any food or drink is swallowed, it is rejected; constant retching; dry and hot nose; cold extremities; quick breathing; anxious countenance; lying on the belly on the coldest ground the dog can find.

Treatment.—A.A., is the proper medicine. Give a dose as often as every hour if in great distress, and at longer intervals as the patient improves. From one to three drops, according to the size of dog.

Accessory Means.—Nothing but cold water should be allowed till all the symptoms have disappeared; even then great care must be exercised for several days, as to the kind of food given; cold milk or oatmeal gruel will then be suitable, in small quantities.

The treatment of gastritis produced by poisons consists in removing the poison from the system and neutralizing its effect.

Enteritis—Inflammation of the Bowels

Definition.—Inflammation of the bowels, either of their whole substance or only the inside or lining membrane.

Causes.—Drinking cold water when heated; exposure of petted dogs to cold; damp or sudden changes of weather; keeping the kennels of chained dogs on a damp, sunless situation; too long continuance of animal food; flatulent colic; obstruction of the bowels from hardened fæces, foreign bodies, etc.

Symptoms.—Violent pain, without cessation; great tenderness of the abdomen, which is very hot; the pain is often so severe that the poor animal throws himself violently down, howls, springs up again, walks about for a few seconds, throws himself down again, rolls over and cries out; these actions are repeated until relief is obtained, or, in fatal cases, till a short time before death takes place. There is also aversion of food, constant thirst, constipation, the excrement coming away in small, hard pieces, during the first stage of the disease; the evacuations afterwards become loose and bloody.

Treatment.—A. A., is the proper remedy, a dose of from one to three drops, in a spoonful of water or milk, should be given, at first every half hour, then, as he improves, every hour, and as improvement progresses, at still longer intervals, until relief is obtained. Sometimes interposing a dose of F. F., is beneficial, if there are loose, bloody stools, or violent pain.

Accessory Means.—Fomentations of hot water should be applied to the body, and continued till the symptoms have abated; cold water given to lap; milk and broth may be given when the severe symptoms have subsided.

Diarrhea

Excess of food, bad food, exposure to cold and wet, as well as a bilious condition, may induce diarrhea in the dog. If slight it will cure itself. It usually manifests itself by sickness, vomiting, thirst, discharges more frequent and thinner than usual. If it continues, the animal becomes thin, weak, does not eat his food, and his breath becomes offensive.

Treatment.—The F. F., will be found effectual. Give three or four drops, according to the size of the dog, three times per day.

Dysentery

Symptoms.—Thirst, purging of fluid mixed with small pieces of dung, attended with severe straining and pain; often the discharges are of mucus mixed with blood. There is loss of strength and appetite, with rapid wasting.

Treatment.—Give the F. F., two to five drops, every one, two or three hours, according to the urgency of the case.

Constipation, or Bound Bowels

Constipation is more frequently observed than diarrhea in a dog. It may be the result of a want of proper exercise, improper food, or some disorder of the liver or other part of the digestive system. It is manifested by frequent unavailing efforts to evacuate, attended with groaning, trembling or other manifestations of pain.

Treatment.—Give J. K., three to five drops, according to size of animal, three times per day.

Should this course not relieve, an injection of warm soap and water should be given, and repeated, if necessary, until the result is accomplished.

Worms

The entire animal kingdom is subject to numerous parasites or entozoa. These have their abode either upon the surface, or along the intestinal tract, or within the cavities, or even in the more solid substances or muscles of the body. They are found in all animals and fish—those in apparent health as well as those that are sick—and part they play in the economy of nature is confessedly obscure. It is generally conceded that it is only in peculiar or morbid conditions, or under a course of diet and regimen unfavorable to health, that they multiply or increase to such an extent as to become of themselves a source of irritation and disease. It is under these conditions that INTESTINAL WORMS become the subject of medical treatment.

No animal is so subject or so frequently tormented by worms as the dog. This is doubtless owing to his highly artificial life and the great variety of food given him. Intestinal worms are of four varieties; the first is the Ascarides or round worm, white or light yellow in color and common in puppies. The second is the Oxyaris Vermicularis, known as the pin or thread worm and inhabiting the lower bowel. The third is the Tenia or tape worm. The fourth is the Uncinaria Trigonocephalus or hook worm.

Symptoms.—All worm symptoms are questionable, except finding them in the discharges. Their existence may be inferred if the dog has a short coat, bound bowels or purging, turns of griping, wasting or fits.

Treatment.—For the first two classes of worms there are two systems of treatment. The first is to give a Vermifuge; this kills the worms and expels them from the system, however, it has done nothing to relieve the morbid conditions that allowed the worms to accumulate in the first place and they will return and have to be expelled etc. The other system is to remove the morbid conditions which allowed the worms to accumulate and the system will then expel the worms of its own accord. This is naturally a slower process than the first but its effects are much more lasting. D. D. belongs to the latter class of remedies.

Give D. D., two to five drops, according to size of dog, two or three times per day. Its continuance will not fail to eradicate them from the system.

The Tape Worm consists of a head not larger than a pin’s head, in which there are four sucking cups and their armature; a neck, which is an inch or more in length, very slender and without joints; and the body, consisting of a long row of flat, ribbon like segments, each of which in rectangular in shape and increasing in size towards the caudal extremity. These segments have each the male and female organ, and at the caudal extremity the ripe eggs; there may be several hundred of these segments, each half or three-quarters of an inch in length, and the entire animal measure several yards. From time to time, the lower segments or joints as they are termed, ripen, and are pushed off, and appear in the evacuations.

The Hook Worm or Uncinaria Trigonocephalus is a small thread like worm, from one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch long, white, with a black line down the body, the head has a bell shaped mouth provided with six hook like teeth; by means of these hooks the worm buries its head in the lining of the intestine from which it sucks blood. These worms are quite prevalent in the Southern States also in Southern Europe and Asia. They are found more frequently in packs of hunting dogs than in individual house dogs.

Symptoms.—The disease develops gradually with weakness and wasting followed by colic and alternating constipation and diarrhea. A discharge of bloody mucus from the nose and swelling of the limbs is characteristic of the disease. Death follows at a considerable interval.

Treatment.—Both the Tape Worm and the Hook Worm are very tenacious parasites and are not expelled by Homeopathic Remedies nor by the ordinary Vermifuge. Oil of Chenipodium has lately come into prominence as a Vermifuge for worms of all kinds; this is an American drug commonly called “Worm Seed” and was used by the Indians before the days of Columbus and later was very popular among the Southern “Mammies” for the elimination of round worms. It has lately returned to favor particularly for the treatment of Hook Worms.

The Oil can be obtained at any drug store, 16 drops is the dose for a dog of 40 pounds or over, this should be reduced in proportion to the weight of the dog. The dog should be starved for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours; he should then receive three doses with intervals of two hours between the doses. Two hours after the last dose give a tablespoonful of castor oil with a teaspoonful of chloroform (reduce in proportion to size of dog).

Be careful to give the medicine exactly according to the directions. A Vermifuge is a drug that is strong enough to kill or paralize the worms without killing or paralizing the animal; however too large a dose, or, too short an interval between the doses, or, too many doses may kill or paralize the animal as well as the worms.

If during the treatment the dog appears unusually depressed, stop the medicine and give castor oil to move the bowels and strong hot coffee as a stimulant.

Thread Worms (Filaria Immitis)

These thread worms inhabit principally the heart, lungs, and sometimes the throat and air-passages of the dog. They are sometimes found in bundles, slowly unrolling themselves when the part is cut open, or are found stretched out along the surface.

The characteristic symptom is a peculiar cough exhibited by any movement, especially after sleeping, ending in a violent effort to bring up something, emaciation, difficult breathing. When affected, the dogs run violently; they fall down, become stiff, insensible, and after a time get up and renew the chase.

Gastro-Duodinal Catarrh—Jaundice

This disease is occasionally found in dogs, more particularly in fat ones. It may be the result of excess of food and deficient exercise, or exposure to cold or moisture.

Symptoms.—The dog vomits, at first a yellow fluid which may afterward become greenish and have streaks of blood in it, eats little and is thirsty, the white of the eye, gums, lips and parts of the skin not covered with hair are yellow; hence the name Jaundice or yellows. He is sometimes hot, at others cold, the urine is dark and the dung clay colored, is dull, sleepy, shrinks from notice and becomes thin. These symptoms all increase until the dog becomes thin as a skeleton and at last dies, quite worn out.

Treatment.—Give the A.A., alternately with J.K., a dose of three to five drops, according to the size of the dog, every three or four hours, as the urgency of the case may demand. Old cases of liver complaint simply require a dose of J.K., morning and night.