Notes on Diseases of Swine, Sheep, Poultry and the Dog / Cause, Symptoms and Treatments

PILES
(Prolapse of the Rectum)

Cause.—Overfeeding with too stimulating food, deficiency in exercise, constipation, causing straining; consequently, Piles frequently follows. This condition sometimes occurs in weak, debilitated dogs, due to a relaxed condition of the intestines.

Symptoms.—In some cases only a portion of the rectal mucous membrane protrudes outside of the anus. In the more severe cases red, bleeding tumors will be present. After being exposed for a time, it becomes enormously swollen and dark in color, and finally dries and cracks on its surface. The protruded part itches intensely, and the dog rubs and injures the intestine trying to relieve the irritation. Usually the appetite falls off, and the dog is restless if not relieved.

Treatment.—When the dog is constipated, as is usually the case it should be given a laxative, such as one to three ounces of Castor Oil, and fed on food that is loosening to the bowels. The protruded rectal mucous membrane should be washed with warm water containing five per cent Carbolic Acid until clean; then replace. If badly swollen and inflamed, astringent wash should be used, made from Water and Powdered Alum five per cent. The protrusion can be returned by gentle pressure of the fingers. In case the protruded rectum shows signs of sloughing, it should be cut off and the cut edges of the rectum stitched to the edges of the anus.

RABIES
(Mad Dog)

Cause.—Rabies is produced by a specific micro-organism that is known to exist in the brain, spinal cord and the saliva of affected animals. This disease is communicated from one animal to another by inoculation, usually by the bite of a rabied dog, or the saliva entering a wound or abrasion. Wild animals, as well as domesticated, no doubt spread the disease by biting, but it is a fact that dogs are inclined to bite, and have a good opportunity to attack people, and hence are considered the principal factor in the spread of the disease.

Symptoms.—Are characterized by two forms of Rabies: Furious and Dumb. In Furious Rabies, the general habits of the dogs are changed. They become very restless, excited, and frequently are more affectionate than usual, licking the hands or face, soliciting sympathy and help. This form of Rabies is extremely dangerous, for the dog’s tongue is covered with saliva containing micro-organisms which, coming in contact with thin skin, wounds or abrasions, may inoculate the person to whom the dog is attempting to prove its fondness, etc. This form of inoculation is not uncommon. Usually, the dog becomes dull, melancholy, etc., seeking some cool, dark and quiet place. The eyes at times are fixed, or are rolled about, and there is an abundant secretion of saliva, which dribbles from the mouth. It frequently gnaws wood, especially if tied or locked up, and makes a desperate effort to get away. It also swallows indigestible objects, and attempts to bite its master, mistress and animals. Paralysis soon develops, and the dog has difficulty in swallowing, and is unable to move about.

Dumb Rabies.—This form of Rabies is accompanied by depression and a tendency to lick objects. Paralysis of the muscles that close the mouth causes the jaw to drop or hang down. The dog is unable to bite and, owing to the relaxed conditions of the mouth, he cannot close it. The tongue hangs out, and stringy saliva escapes. The dog may attempt to bite even though the muscles that close the mouth are paralyzed. The duration of the disease is short; paralysis develops early in the attack, and death usually occurs in from two to four days.

Treatment.—Prevention. All vagrant dogs should be exterminated, and all dogs that appear in public highways, streets or public places should be muzzled. This precaution has practically eradicated the disease in Europe. Medical treatment is useless after the first appearance of the symptoms. However, a wound infected by Rabies should be immediately cauterized, or even completely cut away, care being taken to cut entirely around the wound in the healthy flesh. For cauterizing the wound, use Nitric Acid or a hot iron. Sometimes a ten per cent solution of Zinc Chloride is used, and perhaps it is the most successful. To afford absolute protection, this should be done within a few minutes after being bitten. However, treatment even as late as a few hours has been known to suppress the development of the disease. Pasteur has originated a virus which is used with great success, and any person bitten by a dog suspected of Rabies should be submitted to Pasteur’s treatment.

RHEUMATISM
(Articular and Muscular)

Cause.—This disease is generally attributed to cold, damp, filthy, ill-ventilated kennels, and exposure, but it may occur in dogs that are well cared for. Overfeeding is also liable to produce it. The most frequent forms of Rheumatism in dogs are Lumbago, Chest Founder, or Kennel Lameness.

Symptoms.—The symptoms are quite marked. These are severe loss of appetite, lameness and general lack of condition. Sometimes large swellings appear in the region of the hock, knee, and joints of the feet. The muscles of the back are held stiff and arched, the muscles are tender and sensitive when pressed, and the dog may be unable to move his hind parts. Other cases may show a serious train of symptoms. A bitch that has raised a litter of pups, when in poor flesh, is often affected with this disease. A lameness of one or more of the limbs that shows a tendency to shift about is the only sign noticed in the mild form of the disease. Stiffness of the joints is noticed, especially if the quarters are affected, and the dog lies around a good share of the time and refuses to go far for its food. In Acute Rheumatism, the pain in the affected muscles and joints is intense, and when these parts are handled, or the joints moved, the dog will whine from the pain produced. When lying down, asleep, sudden contractions of the muscles may be noticed. This is due to the pain resulting from the relaxing of the muscles. This disease may pursue a long course; the joints become greatly enlarged, and the dog grows very thin and weak. In such cases, a complete recovery seldom follows.

Treatment.—Prevention is very important, such as providing dry, comfortable quarters, and the avoidance of exposure. Unless this is practiced, but little can be obtained from medical treatment. A soft laxative diet is also indicated: Salicylate Soda, three drams; Quinine Sulphate, one dram. Make into twenty capsules and give one capsule every three or four hours. When the bowels are constipated, give two or three ounces of Castor Oil. The above doses are based on a dog weighing forty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same medicine but proportionately to their weight. It is advisable, in cases where the limbs are badly swollen, to apply liniments, and I would recommend the following: Aqua Ammonia Fort., two ounces; Oil of Turpentine, two ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces. Shake and rub on the affected parts once or twice daily.

RICKETS

Cause.—Perhaps the most common cause of this disease is a faulty diet, as food that is deficient in inorganic matter. Unless supplemented by milk or other foods containing lime salt, the bones are not supplied with the necessary elements; lack of exercise, ill-ventilated, filthy kennels, etc., help in causing the disease. A tendency towards Rickets in pups is no doubt hereditary.

Symptoms.—The dog is usually in good condition at the beginning of the disease. Large, well grown pups may suddenly develop symptoms of paralysis of the hind parts. The weakened condition of the thigh bone, not being able to support the dog’s weight, fractures. At other times there is a weakness and bending of bones in the limbs, breaking down of the feet, bending or arching of the back, straddling gait, deformed or disfigured condition of the face or nose.

Treatment.—Rickets can be prevented by careful feeding on suitable foods and keeping the dog clean in well ventilated kennels, where he can get plenty of exercise. Whenever a litter of several pups show symptoms of the disease, the character of the food should be looked into, and if faulty corrected by adding to it medicines or food containing required elements. It is hardly practical to use medical treatment other than bitter tonics. Unless the disease is in an advanced stage, it can usually be controlled by careful feeding of a ration rich in inorganic substances, as bone dust, lime water, and crushed egg shells, with a view of supplying calcareous matter to the system. This can be fed to the bitch nursing the pups or, if the pups are weaned, feed them carefully.

RINGWORM

Cause.—Dogs may become infected with Ringworm by coming in contact with infected dogs, or by being shipped in crates or boxes in which infected dogs have recently been transported, or by using blankets, brushes, collars, etc., which have been recently used by infected dogs.

Symptoms.—Small red spots first appear on the skin, gradually enlarging, and are covered with a thin, grayish scale, under which is found a serum. The hair falls out as a result of the infection of the skin by the parasite. The outside of the affected patches is red, while the inner portion takes on a grayish-white color, giving it a ring appearance. This condition is followed by severe itching; the dog rubs and scratches severely.

Treatment.—The most effective drug is Tincture of Iodine, applied once daily with a brush. Great care must be exercised, as this disease may be transmitted to man, and to all domestic animals. Sanitary surroundings and good, clean food, that is easily digested, assists materially in eradicating the parasites.

ROUNDWORMS
(Maw Worms)

This worm is commonly seen infesting the intestines of puppies. The body is generally white in color and slightly curved at the head. This worm has a stiff, wiry appearance, and measures from one to three and one-half inches in length.

Symptoms.—Puppies are more susceptible to these worms, although we find them in aged dogs. About fifty per cent of the dogs are infested with these worms. They cause irritation of the intestines, irregularity of digestion, diarrhoea, colic, nervousness, constipation, irregular appetite and a rough, dry, unthrifty appearance of the hair and skin, and the dog becomes emaciated. After this worm migrates into the stomach, it causes nausea and vomiting, occasionally the bowels are filled with large masses of these worms, and their passage aids in determining the cause of the dog’s debility.

Treatment.—Withhold all food from eighteen to twenty-four hours and administer Thymol, one grain; Santonin, three grains; Calomel, two grains. Mix and place in capsule and give in one dose to a dog weighing fifty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same prescription, but in doses proportionate to their weight.

SORE THROAT
(Pharyngitis—Laryngitis)

Cause.—Sore Throat is frequently complicated by a cold. Sometimes it is produced by inhaling irritating gases, or administering irritating medicine. Injuries from sharp pointed sticks, eating sharp bones, etc.

Symptoms.—It is more or less severe. The eyes are red and watery, and the dog is dull and lies around most of the time. The appetite is poor and, because of the pain and difficulty in swallowing, the dog may refuse food. The pain in the throat is sometimes severe, and causes the dog to move about in a restless manner. The character of the cough depends on the part inflamed. When the larynx (opening of the windpipe) is involved, the cough is usually hoarse and the breathing noisy and labored, as the opening is more or less closed by the inflammation. At other times it is dry and, when the dog moves about, or the parts are irritated by dust, cold air, etc., coughing spells usually follow. The throat may be swollen so as to be noticeable from the outside. Simple Sore Throat is not a serious affection, and lasts but a short time. The symptoms may be so mild as to escape observation; however, if the conditions are favorable, it may re-occur and assume a severe form or become chronic.

Treatment.—Place the dog in clean, warm, well ventilated quarters and feed soft food that is easily digested, as hot milk, boiled rice, etc., and administer the following: Potassium Chlorate, one dram; Liq. Ammonia Acet., three ounces; Vini Ipecac, two drams; Tincture Camph. Co., one-half ounce; Aqua Chloroform, quantity sufficient to make six ounces. Give one teaspoonful every four hours. This dose is based on a dog weighing forty pounds. To smaller or larger dogs give doses in proportion to their weight. When the throat becomes badly swollen, apply a liniment made from equal parts of Aqua Ammonia Fort., Turpentine and Sweet Oil. Apply over the throat and rub in briskly.

TAPEWORM
(Tenia Marginata)

Cause.—A dog eating raw flesh of sheep or cattle infested with the larva of the Tapeworm or Gid, Sturdy, or Water Balls. (See Gid in Sheep.)

Symptoms.—Tapeworms in dogs are numerous. It must be borne in mind that an animal is not free from them until the Tapeworm’s head, apparently the most insignificant part, has passed from the intestines. So long as the head remains attached to the wall of the bowels by its hooklets it will develop fresh eggs, producing segments which are passed and prove the means of scattering the parasites. A dog infected with Tapeworm, as a rule, is liable to reflex paralysis, coughing and convulsions from the irritation caused by its presence in the bowels, depraved appetite, unthriftiness, a rough, unhealthy condition of the skin, loss of hair, anemia, irregularity of the bowels, and the feces offensive and slimy. There is generally a certain amount of irritation of the anus, which renders the dog fond of licking those parts or dragging them along on the ground. Tapeworms frequently cause vomiting, and I have seen portions of Tapeworms expelled in this way. In other cases there may be diarrhoea and obstinate indigestion may be traced to the presence of Tapeworms.

Treatment.—Withhold all food for twenty-four hours and administer Extract of Mail Fern, two drams; Pulv. Areca Nut, one dram. Mix in two tablespoonfuls of syrup and give at one dose. Follow this treatment in about two hours with one to two ounces of Castor Oil. This treatment should be repeated in a week or ten days. These doses are based on a dog weighing forty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same medicine, but in doses proportionate to their weight.

VOMITION

Cause.—This is a symptom which shows itself in almost any disease to which the dog is subject, so extensive are the reflex influences which follow disease in a dog. This process of Vomiting can be brought about in the dog by means of many medicines, and the good effect of emetics is appreciable even to the most casual observer. This class of medicines has been much abused by those caring for sick dogs, emetics being given for any and every disease. They sometimes free the stomach of irritants and poisons which cause disease and poisoning, but their use requires care and judgment.

Symptoms.—The dog shows very marked symptoms of pain, but usually the first signs exhibited are those of a sense of discomfort. The dog moans in his sleep, wakes suddenly, curls himself up and goes to sleep again. This continues until at last the vomiting is too urgent to allow rest. The dog utters sharp, shrill, continuous cries, tries all sorts of positions to get itself at ease, and walks about with the back arched. There may be distention of the abdomen, due to the gases generated in the bowels from the fermentation of their contents. Colicky symptoms frequently accompany vomiting, due to the spasmodic contractions of the stomach relieving itself of some irritant.

Treatment.—Knowing that the causes operating in the production of Vomiting are so numerous, it will be easily understood that the treatment must be equally variable. If due to the torpidity of the liver, give Calomel, one to two grains. When worms are suspected, give worm treatment recommended under the heading of Worms. When due to poisoning, give milk and raw eggs. In case it is due to faulty digestion, or where a dog is recovering from some debilitating disease, give one-fourth to one-half teaspoonful of Baking Soda in a gelatin capsule two or three times a day. The following prescription is recommended when all suspected irritants are removed from the stomach: Diluted Prussic Acid (B. P.), twelve drops; Bismuth Nitrate, one dram; Lime Water, four ounces. Mix and give one tablespoonful three times daily. This dose is based on a dog weighing fifty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same prescription, but in doses proportionate to their weight. This medicine should be administered with great precaution, as it is very poisonous when used in larger doses, or given at shorter intervals than above recommended.

WOUNDS

A wound is a disruption of the soft parts of the body due to external violence. Wounds are of various kinds, as incised, lacerated, punctured, gunshot and poisonous.

Treatment.—If a wound is extensive, and bleeding is present, first arrest it, and the most satisfactory method is as follows: Tie the artery from which the blood is escaping, or twist with forceps, cauterize with hot iron, compress by bandaging tightly and apply Tincture of Chloride of Iron. This coagulates the blood, and is very effective. One important factor in treating wounds is to attend to the drainage, as decomposed matter absorbed into the blood produces blood poisoning. Dogs lick wounds and keep them clean, therefore it is hardly necessary to apply medicine.

Sewing Wounds.—I cannot recommend sewing except in cases of incised or clean-cut wounds. After clipping the hair from around the incision, and washing it thoroughly with a one in one-thousandth solution of Bichloride, stitch with cat-gut or absorbent silk suture. In case of deep, punctured or gunshot wounds, with a syringe wash out the wounds, using a one in one-thousandth Bichloride solution. For open wounds, use dusting powders, as Iodoform, Boracic Acid, etc.

To keep flies from annoying a wounded dog, apply the following prescription: Oil of Origanum, one ounce; Oil of Turpentine, one ounce; Sweet Oil, one ounce. Apply to and around the wound with a feather. This is also a good healing liniment as well as a fly repellent.