Treatment

The following medicines, when carefully selected according to the annexed indications, will be found more successful in curing this canine scourge than allopathic means.

Aconitum,* in the first stage, when there is dul-ness, loss of appetite, inflamed watery eye, quick breathing, and accelerated pulse. It may also be resorted to at a later period of the disease to check the tendency to local inflammations.

Belladonna is indicated, especially when the eyes and throat are affected, as indicated by sensitiveness of the eyes to light, increased vascularity of the white of the eye, and of the inner surface of the lids, agglutination of the lids, and evident pain in these parts; and, as regards the throat, by an inflamed appearance of the back of the mouth, and by dry, irritating cough, evidently excited by irritation at the top of the windpipe. It is also a valuable remedy when the brain is involved, with such symptoms as delirium, and fits. In some cases of encephalitis, it may be necessary to give Aconitum and Belladonna in turns.

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

Bryonia is required when symptoms of bronchitis set in, viz., short, hurried, and oppressed breathing; rattling of mucus in the chest; frequent moist cough, etc. Both this medicine and Aconitum may be needed in such a case as this.

Arsenicum is indicated by these symptoms: intense injection of the vessels of the eye; swelling and closure of the lids; profuse secretion of tears, and intolerance of light; ulcers and specks on the cornea. Also, by frequent sneezing and profuse discharge of thin acrid mucus from the nostrils, with obstruction; or, an offensive and bloody discharge from ulceration of the nasal membrane; also, when the bowels are affected, with frequent discharge, accompanied by colicky pains, straining, weakness, and exhaustion. This remedy is indicated whenever the disease has prostrated the powers of life, the animal then being emaciated, weak, without appetite, and otherwise in a state apparently lifeless.

Phosphorus is indicated particularly when the lungs are inflamed, as shown by the rust-coloured expectoration, the laboured breathing, and the characteristic signs heard on examining the lungs. It is also a good remedy for the diarrhoeic complication, when the discharge is thin, and slimy, or even bloody.

Phosphoric acid has been of service when there is excessive, slimy, or watery diarrhoea; foetid purulent discharge from the nose; and general prostration.

Mercurius corrosivus is indicated when the mouth is covered with small superficial ulcers, the secretion of saliva increased, and the breath offensive; and also, when there are frequent discharges of bloody mucus from the bowels, with colic, urging, and straining.

Mercurius dulcis is more particularly required for the so-called "yellow distemper," the advent of which may be anticipated by the diminution or absence of the natural colouring matter in the excrement. When this is observed, or when the disease is established, Merc. dulc. should be immediately given in from two to five grain doses of the A trituration every two or four hours, according to the severity of the symptoms. Should feverish symptoms co-exist, repeated doses of Aconitum should be interposed.

Veratrum may be of service in cases of diarrhoea, etc., indicating Arsenicum, but continuing in spite of it. Or both these medicines may be given alternately, especially when the disease is advanced, and the symptoms are typhoid in character.

Food, Etc

The patient should be put in a clean, dry place, where he can breathe plenty of pure air, and yet be protected from cold and damp. Cleanliness is of the utmost importance. The discharges should be removed at once, and the litter changed every day. Soft hay forms the best and most comfortable bed, and it can be easily replaced when soiled. A certain amount of warmth is necessary. M'Dougal's disinfecting powder may be used if necessary, according to the directions given on the packet.

It is impossible to be too particular about the diet. No solid food of any description must be given until the disease is quite over. Weak broth or gruel, and fresh cold water, are sufficient for the first few days; boiled rice, milk, and bread, are also good. Fancy food, such as domestic favourites are allowed to eat, must be rigidly withheld; otherwise, all such articles will help the disease to kill the dog. At a later period of the disease, when the appetite is lost, or the animal is too weak to eat, the most nutritious food must be given by gentle force. Strong beef-tea, arrowroot, etc., should be given frequently in small quantities. When there is great prostration, wine, either alone or mixed with beef-tea, is required. During convalescence, the diet must be as strictly regulated. Animal food should be very carefully and gradually introduced, and overloading the stomach or forcing the appetite are equally hurtful.