Catarrh consists of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the air-passages. When the disease affects the nasal mucous membrane, it is called coryza; and when the bronchial mucous membrane is affected, the disease is known as bronchitis, of which more anon.

In pups, coryza first and then bronchitis often usher in an attack of distemper.

Catarrh may be either common or epidemic.

1. Common Catarrh, it is almost needless to say, is a very common disease, and is excited by exposure to damp and cold, or to sudden changes of temperature.

The symptoms consist of chilliness, shivering and languor, followed by hot skin, thirst, loss of appetite, hot and dry nose, dull eyes, scanty and high-coloured urine, confined bowels, quick breathing, and accelerated pulse. Sometimes the conjunctiva is red, and there is a free secretion of tears, which run over the face. Then the mucous membrane begins to secrete a thin fluid, which gradually becomes thicker and more abundant, and which ceases as the disease declines. There is also frequent sneezing, and sometimes cough. In a few hours all these symptoms begin to abate, and the dog may get well without any treatment; but sometimes the inflammation gradually extends down into the air-passages of the lungs, and the animal has then bronchitis. Catarrh may also terminate in pneumonia.

2. Epidemic Catarrh, or Influenza, presents somewhat analogous symptoms, but is supposed to be caused by some peculiar state of the atmosphere, and is characterized by great nervous and muscular prostration.

Chronic cough sometimes remains after influenza. Bronchitis or pneumonia is to be feared when the pulse and breathing are quick, and the cough frequent. An examination of the chest will disclose any affection of the air-passages or of the lungs. Pharyngitis, or inflammation of the throat, is an occasional accompaniment of catarrh. There is evidently soreness of the throat and difficulty of swallowing, in addition to the foregoing symptoms.

Treatment. Aconitum*

Chilliness, shivering, and general uneasiness, followed by feverish-ness, etc.

Belladonna

Throat sore, swollen and inflamed; pain and difficulty of swallowing; tickling cough, worse at night; redness of the eyes.

Mercurius

Discharge from the nose and eyes, sneezing and chilliness, soreness of the nostrils; inflamed and painful throat; swelling of the glands of the throat; bilious diarrhoea; inflamed and weeping eyes.

* For directions as to the dose, etc., of these medicines, refer to the "Introductory Remarks."

Nux Vomica

Hoarse hollow cough, with vomiting; loss of appetite, thirst, and constipation; dryness and obstruction of the nose, in the early stage.

Arsenicum

Heaviness and dulness; thin acrid discharge from nose; violent sneezing; eyes inflamed and sensitive to. light; great prostration of strength, etc.

The dog should be kept warm, and have plenty of water to drink. Gruel is the best food.