The Dog's Medical Dictionary / An encyclopædia of the diseases, their diagnosis & treatment, and the physical development of the dog

Flatulence (Simple):

Symptoms: Dogs occasionally, as a result of indigestion, suffer from simple flatulence after eating. He is uncomfortable and restless, and there are eructations of wind from time to time. The dog may also vomit, and suffer from diarrhœa.

Treatment: A course of the following mixture is useful:—

Recipe:

Doses: From one half to four teaspoonfuls[1] two or three times a day after food. A little charcoal, say sufficient to cover a sixpence[1] to a teaspoonful, may also be mixed with the food twice a day.

Fractures:

Fractures of the different bones of the limbs, also of the body and head, are very common in the dog, especially of the first mentioned parts.

Symptoms: The symptoms of a fractured part are deformity, pain and swelling at the seat of fracture, with crepitus or grating together of the broken ends of the bone when the parts are moved. There are three kinds of fractures. Simple, when one or more bones are broken in two pieces, as in fracture of the two bones—radius and ulna—of the fore leg or arm, and an absence of serious injury to the skin. Compound, when besides fracture of the bones, the skin and other tissues are torn, exposing the bones; and comminutive, when a bone is crushed into several pieces. It is, of course, possible to have a compound comminutive fracture. There is a false form of fracture that occasionally occurs in puppies, especially of the larger breeds, more particularly when affected with rickets; that is, the separation of the epiphyses from the shaft of the bone. The epiphyses are the ends of the long bones, and in young animals they are joined to the main shaft by cartilage, later this becomes ossified or converted into bone.

Fracture of the Metacarpal and Metatarsal Bones: They are the bones running from the knee and hock to the toes respectively; one or more of these bones may be broken at a time.

Treatment: With the fingers bring the broken ends of bones together, and in the case of the fore leg apply a thin wood splint to the front of the leg, from just above the toes to an inch or more above the knee, according to the size of the dog. The splint should be made of thin wood, the same as is put to the back of pictures, and the part coming next to the leg should be padded with a thick layer of wool which is best kept in its place by winding a piece of bandage round it. In cases of fracture of the metatarsal bones, the splint should be taken from the foot to the point of the back of the hock. In either case, the splint must be kept in its place by the application of a thin bandage, wound several times round the leg, commencing (always) from the foot and working it upwards and then downwards several times.

In treating fractures, it is important to get them set and bandaged before the parts have had time to swell, otherwise in a few days when the swelling has disappeared, the bandage will be found loose and perhaps come off, necessitating resetting and bandaging. When the setting has been properly carried out, there is no occasion to remove the bandages in cases of simple fracture, at any rate for a month; but if the splints have not been properly padded, they may rub the prominent parts of the joints or bones, causing bad wounds. When such is occurring, the dog is restless, and shows unmistakable signs of discomfort by constantly licking the parts; then the splints and bandages must be removed, and the sores washed and dressed by sprinkling the wound over with powdered iodoform before applying the splints and bandages again. The wound may require dressing every other day, or even daily if it is a bad and deep one; in these cases a pad of some antiseptic gauze, as carbolic gauze, should be applied.

Fracture of the Radius and Ulna: It is very seldom indeed that one of these bones alone are broken; if one goes, the other does. They form the arm; that is, the fore leg from elbow to the knee.

Treatment: In these cases four padded splints should be applied—one on each side, and one at the back, and one in front of the leg. The one in front must be shorter than the side ones, so as not to rub the front of the elbow joint or the toes, and the one on the inside of the leg should be slightly shorter than the one on the outside. One, two, or three six-yard thin bandages must be fairly firmly applied, commencing right down at the foot and carried up over the elbow joint.

It is a good plan to apply a few strips of Mead’s plaister over the bandage; it keeps it from slipping.

Fracture of the Lower Extremity of the Shoulder Bone, and Humerus: These fractures in the elbow joint almost always consist of a breaking off of the inner condyle of the humerus, and as a consequence the limb becomes shortened.

Treatment: These cases cannot be cured, and it is best not to bandage them; in fact, they are best left to Nature, for whatever is done, the dog remains always lame, but after a time he adapts himself to circumstances, and makes good use of the shortened leg.

Fracture of the Humerus: This bone may be fractured through the shaft.

Treatment: it is a somewhat difficult bone to set, as it is situated so close to the body that it is not easy to put a bandage round; but a splint made of poro-plaister may be moulded to the bone, and kept in its place with one-inch wide strips of Mead’s plaister. They should be cut about six inches long.

Fracture of Scapula or Blade Bone:

Treatment: These fractures should be treated by fixing with hot pitch an oval piece of thin, pliable leather, large enough to just more than cover over the bone.

Fracture of Hock: Sometimes, as the result of being run over, the bones of the hock become broken, and as a consequence a stiff joint results.

Treatment: A similar splint as illustrated, the same that is recommended for fracture of the tibia, should be applied.

Fracture of Tibia: This bone extends from the stifle joint to the hock, and is often broken when a dog is run over across the hind leg.

Treatment: A splint made of thin zinc, as depicted in illustration, is the most suitable for these cases; it must be well padded. When the patient is a big dog, it is advisable to have two splints, one on either side of the leg. They should extend from the foot to the stifle joint or just above.

The illustration shows a joint in the centre of the splint, but this is not absolutely necessary, though it has its advantages. One is, the joint does not become so stiff, as it allows just slight movement.

Over the bandage a few strips of Mead’s plaister should always be used to prevent the bandage shifting.

Fracture of Femur (Thigh Bone):

Treatment: Except in cases of fracture of the lower extremity, these cases are difficult to treat, in consequence of the shape of the leg, for one thing; and for another, the limb is so close to the body that a bandage cannot with advantage be put round. Under these circumstances, it is always best in cases of broken thigh, except when it occurs at the lowest extremity—that is, just above the stifle joint—to leave it to Nature, who, as a rule, makes a very good cure, except that the leg as a result may be a little shorter than its fellow. The muscles around the bone are so thick and strong that they take the place of bandages, and keep the bone in its place; whereas when a bandage is applied, it does harm, and as a consequence the bone seldom unites. At the lower extremity it is different; the muscles here are not so thick, and the application of a splint and bandage supports the broken bone. The best form of splint is one similar to the kind recommended for fracture of the tibia, but made to extend nearly to the top of the thigh. To fix this splint in its place, an ordinary bandage should be applied nearly up to the stifle joint, and then above this the splint is to be kept in its place by means of strips of Mead’s plaister, as a simple bandage cannot be kept on the thigh in consequence of its shape and position.

Fracture of the head of the femur occurs sometimes, especially in puppies, which is often mistaken for dislocation of the hip joint, of which I have never seen a case. The part that is really broken is the neck of the ball of the head of the femur, which fits in the cup of the pelvis that goes to form the hip joint. In these cases great pain is caused by pulling the leg back or abducting it, and distinct crepitation may be felt and heard when moving the limb. If there is any doubt about the case, the exact condition of the parts can always be plainly seen with the assistance of the X-rays.

After fracture of the neck of the head of the thigh bone, the top of it—namely, the trochanter—sticks up higher than it did before, and this will be particularly noticed if the injured joint is compared with the corresponding one on the other side.

Treatment is useless in these cases, for the broken bone will never unite again; but in time a false joint is formed, and though the limb will for ever afterwards be shorter than its fellow, yet after a time it becomes a very useful member, and the dog scarcely walks lame at all, except perhaps after some unusual exertion, but the muscles never develop to the same extent on the injured side as they do on the sound one.

In treating small dogs with fracture of the legs, it is very important that the bandages should be as thin and light as possible. In these cases have bandages made of thin muslin or butter cloth about one and a half inches wide and four yards long, which soak in a thick solution of gum acacia. This is put straight on the broken leg after it has been set straight. A good many layers may be put on, and over this four thin unpadded splints are adapted, and then a few layers of ordinary bandage to keep the splints in their place, and they with the outside bandage may be removed in a couple of days, by which time the gum has dried and set firmly.

Pelvis, Fracture of: Different parts of the pelvis become fractured as the result of accident, generally from a dog being run over.

Symptoms: The dog goes very lame, in many cases with straddled legs, and often for a time may not be able to walk at all. There is a good deal of pain on manipulation and swelling of the fractured parts.

Treatment: The dog for a month or so must be kept very quiet, and a jacket placed on the hinder parts assists in keeping them together.

In all cases of fracture, it is most important that the dog be kept absolutely quiet for the first three weeks; if the dog must go out for certain purposes, then he should be carried to a garden and back again. If this is not attended to, the broken bone will not unite, and as a consequence there is what is called a false joint formed—that is, a soft union between the two broken ends of the bone—and as a result the dog is never able to bear weight on the limb, and it is never straight.

In cases of comminutive fracture, the same treatment is required as for simple fracture, but more time must be given for union to take place.

Compound Fracture is more difficult to treat as the limb cannot be set up permanently, as it is necessary to dress the wound daily, or at any rate every other day for a time, and this disturbs the leg and interferes with the mending of the bone. Before setting the limb in these cases, the wound must be thoroughly cleaned with some antiseptic solution as Pearson’s fluid, one in eighty parts of tepid water, or a solution of chinosol, one grain to the ounce of water. All pieces of exposed loose bone must be removed, and pieces of bone sticking through the wound that cannot be put back must be sawn, or nipped off with bone forceps. Then the limb, after being put in a natural straight position, should be enveloped in several layers of some antiseptic gauze, before applying the padded splints in the usual way. It is advisable, if possible, not to place a splint over the wound, then by cutting a hole through the bandages so as to expose the wound in the skin, which can be done when it is small, it can be daily dressed without removing the whole of the bandages every day, though it is necessary to do so once a week, as the dressing becomes soiled with the discharge. The hole made in the bandages must be kept packed with disinfectant gauze, as iodoform or carbolic gauze, and be changed daily.

Fracture of Bones of the Tail are best treated by setting up the tail with strips of Mead’s adhesive plaister. Many layers must be applied so as to keep the parts at rest. Adhesive plaister is advised, as it is almost impossible to keep a bandage on the tail unless pitch or some other such material is used, and this makes the dressing so heavy and uncomfortable for the patient.

Green Stick Fracture: That is when a bone is broken, and the parts are not displaced.

Symptoms: These cases are sometimes difficult to diagnose, however, the parts are swollen and painful, and the dog is unable to put the foot to the ground. With the aid of the X-rays the fracture is easily discernible. The bone which I find by experience most liable to this form of fracture is the radius or fore arm.

Treatment: The same as for cases of simple fracture, and it soon unites, and the leg becomes strong again.

Broken Back, which occurs sometimes as the result of a dog being run over, the part that generally breaks is across the loins—lumbar vertebræ—well forward close to the dorsal vertebræ.

Symptoms: Acute pain at the part, some swelling of the soft tissues covering the injured vertebræ, and loss of power and feeling of the parts behind the injury.

Treatment: Useless; it is much the best to have the dog at once put out of his misery.

Fracture of the Cervical Vertebræ or Bones of the Neck may occur from a dog being run over across the neck. Death, as a rule, quickly occurs. There is nothing to be done.

Fracture of Ribs: This is not an uncommon occurrence.

Symptoms: Pain at the seat of injury, and some local swelling. The fractured rib can easily be felt, and there is some crepitation when manipulated. The broken ends of the rib are inclined to turn inwards.

Treatment: Place a fairly wide linen bandage, or, what is better still, some wide strips of Mead’s adhesive plaister, round the chest. Union, as a rule, of the broken rib soon takes place.

Fracture of the Bones of the Skull, especially those of the forehead, occasionally occur.

Symptoms: The broken bone will be generally found depressed; the part is very painful, and swelling soon occurs. This injury is often accompanied by a good deal of acute congestion of the brain, the result of concussion, and as a result the dog often becomes unconscious soon after the accident. This may continue for days, or until the pressure, the result of the fractured bone on the brain, is relieved by operation. The dog, of course, during the unconscious condition is quite paralysed in all four limbs. After the pressure is removed, the dog soon regains consciousness, and strength to the limbs gradually returns.

Treatment: In these cases it is important to keep the dog absolutely quiet; to feed on liquid food, carefully given with a spoon or bottle, in small quantities often. When the patient is very restless, an ice-bag may be applied to the forehead, and small doses of bromide of potassium given every four hours mixed with the food. When the fractured bone is depressed, and is pressing on the brain, the sooner this is relieved by operation the better. Of course, for some time afterwards the dog must be kept very quiet.

Fracture of the Upper Jaw: This occasionally occurs as the result of a blow, as the kick of a horse; also from being run over.

Treatment: A bandage cannot be easily applied here to any advantage. If the mucus membrane has been torn, and the bone exposed, all loose pieces must be removed, also broken and loose teeth; and the mouth should be thoroughly washed out three or four times a day with a teaspoonful of borax to half a pint of water, and the dog fed on sloppy food for a time.

These cases, as a rule, do very well.

Fracture of Lower Jaw: This is not an uncommon occurrence, as the result of the same causes as fracture of the upper jaw.

Treatment: The removing of loose bone and teeth is to be carried out the same as recommended in cases of broken upper jaw; but here a splint can be applied, and is necessary, as there is not the same natural support as there is in the upper jaw. Of course, there is some difficulty in applying a splint and bandage in these cases to dogs with a very short face, especially when the patient is very small—as, for instance, a griffon—and moreover, it is not quite so necessary, as there is more natural support in a short jaw than a long one, like a terrier’s or greyhound’s. The splint should be made of perforated zinc, and of the shape as depicted in the illustration, and be applied as well as the bandages, as depicted in the illustration. The bandages must be put on sufficiently tight, so that the dog cannot open the mouth. There are cases when a dog will not tolerate a splint and bandages; in such instances, the broken ends of the bone must be brought firmly together with a strong silver wire suture, and fastened by twisting. The dog’s strength in these cases must be kept up with milk and raw eggs, beaten up together; also milk and Benger’s food or sanatogen, as well as beef tea, as it is necessary that the splint and bandages be kept on for at least three weeks, and even after this nothing but sloppy food must be allowed for a time.

Gall-stones:

Symptoms: Acute abdominal pain, great tenderness of the abdomen, and if relief is not soon given jaundice follows.

Treatment: To relieve the pain, give five[1] drops to a teaspoonful of laudanum in a teaspoonful[1] to two tablespoonfuls of water. If pain continues, the medicine may be repeated in an hour, and again an hour later if necessary. Hot linseed meal poultices should be applied to the abdomen. If jaundice follows, give from three[1] to ten grains of the Homœopathic preparation of Merc: Sol: 3 × every three hours for three or four days. Under the best circumstances treatment can only have but temporary benefit.

Gangrene:

Symptoms: This may follow improper treatment of a severe wound, also the result of a too tightly bandaged leg in a case of fracture, or as I have seen, from an elastic band being placed on the leg, or in some cases on a dog’s tail. The parts are at first very swollen, painful and red, later skin turns blue or even black. Skin oozing very offensive blood-coloured fluid, later the pain disappears from the part, and it becomes cold and clammy, and turns green; in fact, becomes putrid.

Treatment: If from the too tight application of a bandage, or from an indiarubber band, it should at once be removed. Hot linseed meal poultices, dusted over freely with charcoal, applied every four hours, and then the parts should be freely washed with a warm saturated solution of boracic acid; carefully dried and wrapped in carbolic gauze, and a bandage lightly applied. As a rule, there is a good deal of constitutional disturbance in these cases, and it is advisable to give some medicine such as salicine, say from three[1] to fifteen grains every six hours, either in tabloid or cachet, also stimulants as brandy.

Gastric Ulcer:

Symptoms: Dogs suffering from this disease are occasionally seen bringing up their food, sometimes tinged with blood, which is generally of a bright red colour. The quantity of blood varies. Sometimes there are streaks mixed with vomited matter, or there may be quite a quantity, causing great exhaustion. They also lose condition, become anæmic and languid.

Treatment: The principal thing in these cases is diet, which should be light and of an easily digested nature, as milk with the white of egg, or milk thickened with Benger’s food. When the dog is very weak, a little Valentine’s meat juice should be added with each lot, but nothing solid. When the bleeding is severe give ergotine, a half[1] to two grains every two or three hours, in a teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful of water; but when it is very slight the styptics are not necessary, but give the dog each time a quarter of an hour before food from two[1] to ten grains of carbonate of bismuth, and immediately after food from one[1] to five grains of ingluvin. It is necessary in these cases to keep the dog absolutely quiet. Do not allow the dog to drink a lot of water; if very thirsty, give Vichy water and milk in equal parts to drink, as plain water increases the vomiting.

Gastritis (Acute):

Symptoms: Frequent and violent vomiting, also diarrhœa. The attack is accompanied by great thirst.

Treatment: Keep the dog quiet, and prevent his drinking water. If he is very thirsty, give Vichy water and milk to drink in equal parts, or ice to lick. Give every four hours from three[1] to ten grains of carbonate of bismuth shaken dry on the tongue. If this does not stop the sickness, give the mixture as recommended for Specific Gastritis. In some cases the sickness is so acute that if every care is not taken the dog dies from exhaustion. In such instances the dog’s stomach should be given absolute rest, the dog not being allowed to drink even water, or have ice, say for six to twelve hours. To keep the dog’s strength up, give a peptonised beef suppository every three or four hours. If there is any diarrhœa, give an enema of a dessertspoonful to two tablespoonfuls[1] of milk, thickened with starch, with from five[1] to twenty drops of laudanum added, every four or six hours. When the sickness has stopped, food must be given very sparingly by the mouth, and should consist of peptonised milk or milk and Vichy, and just a small quantity of Brand’s, every hour or so. After a couple of days, if the dog is doing well, a little scraped lean raw mutton may be offered.

Gastritis (Chronic):

Symptoms: In this complaint the dog occasionally vomits, bringing up his food, is very thirsty, and loses condition. The tongue, instead of being a nice pink colour, is brick-red colour and dry, and occasionally diarrhœa occurs.

Treatment: For this a diet of raw meat for a time will put the dog right, a small quantity three times a day; and an hour before each meal give from three[1] to fifteen grains of carbonate of bismuth. In very obstinate case, small doses of arsenic, as from half[1] a drop to two drops of Fowler’s solution, with from two[1] teaspoonfuls to two tablespoonfuls of water, and given before food, does good.

Gastritis (Specific):

Symptoms: This is a contagious disease which has been prevalent amongst dogs of late years. It is sometimes called German distemper, and often terminates fatally. The dog generally commences with vomiting, and rise of temperature; the breath becomes very offensive, teeth highly furred; ulcers often form on the tongue, along the edge of gums, and inside the cheeks. There is great wasting. As the disease progresses, the vomiting increases, the dog often bringing up blood or coffee-coloured, offensive fluid; also dysentery is present. Unlike ordinary gastritis, there are generally two or three degrees of fever, but the temperature soon falls below normal, and the pulse from the commencement is rapid, whereas in ordinary gastritis you seldom get any rise in temperature or alteration in the number of the pulse-beats. A very characteristic symptom of this disease is a very congested condition of the eyes.

Treatment: The dog must be kept exceptionally quiet, and prevented from drinking any water, as it only irritates the stomach. A liquid diet is absolutely necessary, such as Vichy water and milk in equal parts to drink, milk and white of egg or Benger’s food, and occasionally a little Brand’s beef essence. For medicine, give from one[1] to five drops of cyllin, which is best given in a gelatine capsule, three times a day. If the vomiting is very severe, the following mixture can be given:—

Recipe:

Doses: From a half[1] to two teaspoonfuls every three or four hours.

It is very important to keep the mouth scrupulously clean. For this a lotion of permanganate of potash may be used, five grains to a tumbler of tepid water. If ulcers form, apply sparingly night and morning 5 per cent. solution of bromic acid. There is always a danger of relapse in these cases if a solid diet is permitted too soon. The liquid diet should be continued for at least a week after the dog seems apparently well.

Glandular Enlargement:

Symptoms: The glands about the throat are subject to swelling from cold; also they may become enlarged when some injury resulting in inflammation has taken place in the neighbourhood of the neck. The lymphatic gland, situated at the lower part of the neck, just in front and to the inside of the shoulder-joint, is much subject to enlargement and the formation of tumour. Another favourite situation for similar enlargements or growths to occur is the lower part of the abdomen (pubes), between the hind legs, just above and on each side of the sheath of the penis. Enlargements of the lymphatic gland, on the inside of the elbow-joint, occur in cases of cancer of the breast.

Treatment: When from a cold, as enlargement of the throat glands, use following liniment:—

Recipe:

A little to be gently rubbed into the swelling night and morning.

When enlargement of the sympathetic glands, the result of some inflammation going on in the neighbourhood, no special treatment is required, as the condition will cease as the inflammation subsides. The tumefied glands, when situated near the front of shoulder, also under arm or in the pubic region, may be treated with iodine vasogen for a time, but any treatment except an operation is unlikely to be successful.

Glandular Enlargement (Lymphadenoma):

Symptoms: This is a serious disease, and often affects all the lymphatic glands of the system, they becoming much swollen and painful. Those glands under the jaw are generally the first to show the disease, and they often increase from a bean (normal size) to a walnut in size. The disease extends to the other glands, as those in front of the shoulders; also those under the arms. Those at each side of the penis, the back of the hind legs, and even the gland situated in the abdomen are affected; in fact, the dog is all lumps and bumps, and is a wretched object.

Treatment: Is seldom attended with success; but occasionally large doses of iodide of potassium, from one to ten grains,[1] well diluted with water, seems to retard the progress of the disease for a time. Removing the diseased glands by operation is not of any use.

Glaucoma:

Symptoms: The white of the eye is very red, and the ball is distended and painful on pressure. The eye loses clearness. Disease usually begins in one eye, but the other often gets affected later.

Treatment: Foment frequently with hot poppy-head tea, made by boiling for a few minutes in a quart of water two crushed poppy-heads and then strain through fine muslin. The tea should be applied as hot as the dog can comfortably bear it. Also apply the following drops:—

Recipe:

Two drops to be placed in the eye three or four times a day.

Glaucoma often requires surgical treatment, as puncturing the eye just where the schlerotic coat joins the cornea. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the eyeball, and this often has the advantage of preventing the other eye becoming affected.

Gleet:

See Balanitis.

Goitre:

Symptoms: A swelling, varying in size from a pigeon’s to a goose’s egg, situated low down in the neck, due to enlargement of the thyroid gland. Almost always both lobes of the gland are affected, and there is a swelling at both sides of the neck, though one may be slightly larger than the other. As a rule, the condition does not cause much inconvenience unless the glands are very big, or the patient very young—say six weeks of age—when the breathing is often difficult, and death takes place.

Treatment: When the patient is not very young, the hair over the swellings should be cut short, and tincture of iodine applied every day for three or four days; then, after waiting a week, the iodine may be repeated if the swellings remain. When the patient is very young, say a few weeks old—and the disease is rather common amongst pointers at this age—the case is best treated with the homœopathic preparation of iodide of potassium 3 x; dose, three grains thrice daily. Afterwards, when the swellings are reduced, give cod-liver oil or malt.

Gripping:

See Colic.

Gum, Growth on:

Symptoms: A hard, irregular-shaped growth of a red colour, which is somewhat constricted; occasionally grows on the gum, or rather from the periosteum of the jaw-bone. It is called an epulis. It is more common in old than young dogs, and it is difficult to cure. When the growth assumes large proportions, it pushes the teeth quite out of the regular line, and causes them to become loose.

Treatment: When possible, the application of a ligature of strong silk tied tightly round the neck of the growth, and as close as possible to the gum, is the best way of removing it. Sometimes this is not practical, as the base is large. In such cases, the growth should be cut off close to the gum, and the roots scraped down to the bone.

Gumboil:

Symptoms: A painful, swollen gum, generally the result of a bad tooth, or may arise from cold.

Treatment: Extract tooth; wash mouth out after with a drachm of chlorate of potash dissolved in a tumblerful of warm water. Give a dose of purgative medicine.

Gums, Bleeding:

Symptoms: Occasionally the gums will bleed very freely, particularly in old dogs, and often apparently without any reason, and in some cases the bleeding is very difficult to stop.

Treatment: A simple and often an effectual remedy is placing a bandage rather tightly round the nose for an hour or more, so that the dog is unable to open his mouth. If this fails, the exact spot, or spots, as there are sometimes several, must be found, and a solution of adrenalin applied. Failing this, the tincture of perchloride of iron may be used.

Hæmorrhoids: Piles:

Symptoms: Dogs do not suffer from real piles, particularly internal ones, but old dogs get a tumefied condition of the anus occasionally, and the parts become swollen, red, and tender.

Treatment: Relief may be given by bathing with a solution of carbolic acid, one in sixty of water, or a lotion made with a teaspoonful of powdered alum dissolved in half a pint of tepid water, but used cold. When the skin is broken apply the following ointment:—

Recipe:

Aperient medicine should be given.

Hare Lip:

See Congenital Deformities.

Harvest Bugs:

Symptoms: A collection of very small red insects looking almost like red sand on different parts of the body and limbs, causing irritation and scratching.

Treatment: Washing the parts daily for a few days with kerosene one part, and butter milk six parts, mixed together; or Pearson’s disinfectant fluid diluted eighty times with water will destroy them.

Heart Disease:

Symptoms: Heart affections are not particularly common in the dog, except perhaps in Japanese spaniels, and I should think at least a third of these dogs, by the time they are five years old, suffer from some form of heart trouble, principally valvular or dilated heart, which gives rise to difficulty in breathing, especially after exertion, a dry cough, occasionally fainting and loss of condition. Later, as the disease progresses, other complications arise, as enlargement of the liver and dropsy (ascites).

Treatment: Keep dog as quiet as possible; do not allow any hard exercise or running upstairs. Feed on a meat diet, and occasionally give a course of following mixture:—

Recipe:

Doses: From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three times a day, after food.

It is important to keep bowels open by occasionally giving aperient medicine. If cough very troublesome, give two or three times a day, made into a pill, from ⅟₅₀th[1] to ⅟₂₀th of a grain of hydrate of heroin, with from half[1] to two grains of hydrate of terpin.

Heat, The:

See Œstrum.

Hemiplegia:

Symptoms: Paralysis of one side of body, including limbs.

Treatment: Unless attack is due to a known cause, as an accident or the result of distemper, commence treatment with a dose of worm medicine, followed by a brisk purge. If no better in a few days, give a course of the following pills:—

Recipe:

Divide into 12 pills—one to be given three times a day after food.

When the paralysis is the result of distemper, the same pills may be given, with from one[1] to three grains of reduced iron each time.

When the patient is a small dog, the homœopathic preparation of Nux vomica is the best medicine; of this, give five grains of the trituration 3 × three times a day.

Cases of hemiplegia are sometimes very slow in mending, and it is a long time before the dog regains the proper use of his legs again; in such instances, electricity should be employed, and a blister to each side of the neck along the course of the spine applied. They should run from just behind the back of the ears to just in front of the shoulder-joint, and be from one to two inches wide, according to the size of the dog. The blisters may be repeated in about a fortnight if necessary.

Hernia:

Symptoms: It is a rupture, or protrusion of an organ from its natural position. The most common positions for rupture are the navel; here it is called Umbilical Hernia, the Groin or Inguinal Hernia, and Perineal Hernia, which shows itself by the side, or sometimes both sides, of the anus.

Treatment: The only treatment to effect a radical cure is an operation, but in the case of umbilical hernia, so long as it remains soft and small, say not larger than a hazel nut or walnut, according to the size of the patient, it may be left alone, as it does not cause any inconvenience even to a bitch required for breeding purposes. Inguinal hernia, which is only seen in bitches, and nearly always on the left side, does not cause any inconvenience so long as it remains small; but this form of hernia has a tendency to increase in size, and when such is the case, more especially if it is intended to breed from the bitch, it is advisable to submit to an operation, and, provided it is performed under aseptic conditions, is unattended with danger.

In cases of old bitches suffering from this form of hernia, when from some reason an operation is objected to, care must be taken to avoid constipation. When this is done, seldom any harm occurs unless the hernia is very large, and becomes hard and painful, caused by some obstruction of the bowel in the hernical sac. If this happens, attention is required, and means taken to reduce the hardness and swelling. This is best done by placing the bitch, if a small one, upon a person’s knees. She should be put on her back, with the head downwards, and then the swelling should be carefully manipulated and massaged until it becomes soft and can be returned into the body. In obstinate cases laudanum, from three[1] to twenty drops in water, may be given every three or four hours; and after the hernia has been reduced, a dose of aperient medicine is to be given.

The treatment of perineal hernia is always unsatisfactory. An operation is not practical, and the only thing to do is to prevent constipation, and then the dog may live for years without much discomfort. Should the hernia become hard and distended, enemas of warm salad oil are to be administered, the swelling softened by careful kneading, and the contents of the rectum evacuated by means of a greased finger or handle of a small spoon. A course of the following pills is useful in these latter cases:—

Recipe:

Divide into 12 pills—one twice a day after food.

Hiccough:

Symptoms: A sudden, jerky expiration of breath. Common in puppies. Result of indigestion caused by worms. It is not a serious complaint.

Treatment: If a puppy, treat for worms. To relieve the spasmodic breathing, give from three[1] to twenty grains of bicarbonate of soda in milk; repeat in half an hour. If this fails, give from three to twenty drops of turpentine in a little milk.

Hoarseness:

Symptoms: The bark is husky and hollow. May be the result of cold, also from persistent barking, as when a dog is shut up in a strange place.

Treatment: If from cold, give frequently one[1] or more teaspoonfuls of glycerine and water; if from over-barking, pacify the dog by removing the cause.

Hydrocele:

Symptoms: A swelling of the scrotum, which may be either hard or soft.

Treatment: Apply following lotion often:—

Recipe:

In some cases the application of tincture of iodine is necessary, or even the tapping of the swelling.

Hydrocephalus: Water in the Head:

Symptoms: May be seen in young unweaned puppies; in some cases it occurs later. The head, especially the top of the skull, is large and rounded, and the puppy waggles it from side to side as if it was too heavy to hold up. The gait is unsteady, and the puppy frequently walks in circles generally in one direction, is constantly whining and crying, does not thrive, and later generally has convulsions and dies.

Treatment: There is really nothing to be done in these cases, and the kindest thing to do is to put the puppy out of its misery.

Hydrophobia:

See Rabies.

Though practically the same disease as rabies or canine madness, hydrophobia is a misnomer when this disease affects the dog, as he is not afraid of water; in fact, he will try to drink, but is unable to swallow little or none of the fluid in consequence of the condition of the throat.

Hypodermic Syringe: How to Use:

The proper quantity of medicine or stimulant, or whatever is going to be given, having been drawn up into the syringe, and the needle adjusted, a small fold of skin should be pinched up between the forefinger and thumb of the left hand, and the needle for about half an inch should be quickly thrust into the skin at one end of the fold, and then by pressure on the piston the contents of the syringe should be evacuated. If the operation is done quickly, the dog knows nothing about it.

It does not in the least matter where the injection is made, so long as the place selected is where the skin is loose, as over the ribs.

It is most important that the syringe and needles be kept very clean; and each time after being used it should be washed out with a five per cent. solution of carbolic acid or spirit. A wire (slightly vaselined), several of which are supplied with the syringe, should always be kept in the needle.

Hysteria:

Young puppies, especially at the time when they are changing their teeth, have sometimes a form of hysteria brought about by excitement, especially in hot weather.

Symptoms: The puppy rushes about here and there, not knowing where it is going or what it is doing, biting and snapping at everything within reach, and screaming and howling as if it was being unmercifully beaten. Saliva pours from the mouth, and many a one has been destroyed during such an attack, it being supposed to have gone mad.

Treatment: Place the puppy in a basket, and put in a quiet, dark place. It cannot be made to swallow anything during the attack, but medicine in the form of an enema may be given, as from ten[1] to thirty drops each of laudanum and sulphuric ether in from one[1] to four tablespoonfuls of tepid water.

A course of bromide must be given afterwards for some time to prevent a recurrence of the attack. Dose from three[1] to ten grains with milk, or in a little water, three times a day. Keep on a light diet and give no meat.

Ichthyosis:

Symptoms: Hard, dry, thick skin which wrinkles, and the formation of large scales or scurf.

Treatment: Dress places daily with following:

Recipe:

Give a course of arsenic, from one[1] to five drops of Fowler’s solution, twice a day, in a little water after food. After a week, gradually increase the dose from two[1] to ten drops.

Once a week give a warm bath, adding one tablespoonful of borax to every gallon of tepid water, and use 3% mercurial soap (Cook’s).

Impetigo:

Symptoms: Skin is red, small pimples containing matter form, which break, discharging a sticky, creamy coloured pus which dries and forms a thick crust. The disease is supposed to be contagious, but I do not consider it so.

Treatment: Wash dog with Cook’s 3% mercurial soap, dress sores daily with compound Naphthol Beta ointment. Treat dog for worms, and give a course of arsenic as recommended for Ichthyosis.

Impotence:

Or the inability of an animal to propagate its species. In the dog it may be due to many causes. Of course dogs castrated are impotent, so they are when the testicles do not descend into the scrotum, though able to perform the act of coition satisfactorily. Deformities of the penis, fracture of the bone of the penis, stricture of the orifice of the prepuce, so that the penis cannot protrude, this can be remedied by a simple operation of dilating the orifice. In some cases the seminal fluid is at fault. These cases can seldom be remedied, though I have found a raw meat diet beneficial in some instances.

In cases of fracture of the penial bone, this, as a rule, in the course of a month mends satisfactorily without treatment, but the dog should not be used for stud purposes for a couple of months. Many dogs, especially young, and also those too much used at stud, suffer from temporary impotence due to lack of sexual desire. In the case of a young dog, a dose of cantharides, three to twenty minims[1] in water, two hours before trying to use him, often has the desired effect; if not, the medicine may be repeated in six hours. The same medicine may be given to shy bitches.

Sterility or impotence often occurs in bitches. Some cases are curable, but there are many which cannot be cured, for the simple reason that one cannot find out the cause, and all one can say is, the bitch is barren. The curable cases are those that are due to stricture of the vagina, a not uncommon occurrence, then tumours, as polypi or other growths in the vagina; a description of the treatment of these diseases will be found in another part of the book. In some cases a bitch may miss breeding through the discharge in the vagina being of a too acid nature. This can be remedied by syringing the passage well out with a warm solution of bicarbonate of soda, about one hour before service. The injection should be made by dissolving one teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda in half a pint of water.

Then there are congenital deformities of the pelvis and vagina, occasionally met with in the bitch, which prevent successful coition, and the parts may become deformed as the result of accident, as being run over across the lower part of the back.

Again, an attack of metritis or inflammation of the womb, the result of a chill during the period of heat or from other causes, generally causes the bitch to be barren afterwards, and certain diseases of the ovaries also cause sterility.

A bitch who is very fat or in any way out of condition, the result of illness, or from insufficient and proper exercise, or too hard exercise, will seldom breed. The proper treatment of these cases is indicated by the cause.

Incontinence of Urine:

Symptoms: The involuntary passing of water. In puppies it is generally the result of nervousness, and passes off in time. The condition is generally present in most cases of paralysis, the bladder, after being over-distended, simply overflows as it were. It is also a symptom of stone in the bladder, especially in the bitch.

Treatment: If in cases of general paralysis the bladder is kept empty either by pressure to both sides of the abdomen, just over the seat of the bladder, or by the passing of a catheter, the condition of incontinence is prevented. The former method is the best, as the frequent passing of the catheter sets up great irritation in the dog, and often does harm. The bladder should be relieved at least three times a day. When the result of general paralysis of the hind parts, improvement is not to be expected until strength returns in the legs; but when the incontinence is caused by simply over-distention, as, for instance, through keeping a dog very clean in its habits shut up a long time, then after emptying the bladder a course of Nux vomica is often necessary to assist the bladder to regain tone. Give from one[1] to five drops of the tincture in water three times a day after food; also a free dose of purgative medicine, oil being the best, and keep on a light diet, avoiding meat and soups for a few days.

Indigestion:

Symptoms: In the acute form the dog vomits after everything eaten, also after drinking water, and there is always great thirst in these cases. The patient shows signs of discomfort after food, and occasionally suffers from diarrhœa. The tongue loses its natural pink colour, and becomes dry and of a rusty red. The breath is foul, and teeth become coated with fur. The dog quickly loses condition.

In chronic indigestion the symptoms are similar, but not so marked.

Treatment: Should commence with a dose of castor oil, even though the patient may be vomiting and suffering from diarrhœa. A few hours afterwards commence the following mixture:—

Recipe:

From half to two teaspoonfuls[1] every four hours.

When the acute symptoms have passed, give the following powders:—

Recipe:

Divide into 12 powders, and put in cachets—one to be given three times a day after food.

Diet: First simply give milk and Vichy water in equal parts to drink, a small quantity at a time; also occasionally a little Brand’s beef essence. If sickness is very persistent, give stomach twelve hours’ absolute rest, during which time give every four hours a peptonised beef suppository, then try the former diet again. When solid food is again given, it should at first consist of scraped lean raw meat, beef, mutton, or veal; for a change, boiled tripe. Thin barley water is better than plain water to drink.