Introduction

Before entering upon the consideration of individual diseases, it may be well to understand certain points of distinction, interesting and of practical importance.

Differences as regards severity and duration, constitute a basis of the division of diseases into varieties. The same disease may be either acute, subacute, or chrome, A disease is acute when it has a certain degree of intensity, and runs a rapid course. The subacute variety has less Intensity; a disease of moderate activity. The chronic variety exists when a disease is subacute, and it is of long continuance. The division into varieties based on the difference just named, is especially applicable to inflammatory affections.

A point of distinction of practical importance relates to duration. Some diseases continue for a definite period, never exceeding certain limits in this regard. Those which tend intrinsically to end after a certain time, are distinguished as self limited.

In the list of individual diseases, are some recognized as such for the sake of convenience, but which in reality, are only effects or symptoms of disease, as for example, jaundice and dropsy, which are merely symptoms occurring in connection with different affections.

It will bo observed that the term expectant is often used, the treatment of a disease by expectation, consists in watching carefully its progress, and meeting, with appropriate measures, unfavorable events as they arise, or withholding active treatment until the need is manifest.

It will be noted that in prescribing drugs, simplicity has been observed. Not the least important is the selection of concentrated remedies, divesting them of nauseousness, thereby rendering their administration less difficult.

The writer in prescribing medicines, has deemed it wise and more convenient to choose some standard, and leave the reader to divide or add to the doses as the size of the dog may warrant. He has therefore selected one of about fifty pounds in weight. Where a toy dog is to be treated, the dose should be lessened one half, and for a mastiff or St. Bernard, or one approaching in size, the dose should be doubled. For instance, if the dose one teaspoonful is recommended, that would be proper for a setter or pointer. in fact any dog of fifty pounds weight; one half a teaspoonful would be the dose for a terrier or pug, and two teaspoonfuls for the larger breeds.

Sufficiently correct for ordinary purposes - a teaspoon measures one liquid drachm - a dessertspoon two drachms - a tablespoon four drachms, or one half an ounce.

An examination of a dog when ill cannot be hurriedly made. By patient watching some clue as to the location of the disease, may be acquired. His general appearance, the expression of his eyes, his breathing, his manner of moving about, should be noted. He should be forced to walk, and his back be particularly observed, if natural or arched. His way of lying down, and the position assumed may signify much.

By watching the head, the point of suffering may often be determined. The ears, mouth, tongue, and throat should be carefully examined. To note the pulse and temperature is of especial importance. The former, normally runs from eighty to one hundred. The indications from it may be read thus: - When irregularly intermittent - nervous affections; continuously intermittent - possibly organic disease of the heart; rapid and bounding; fever, or inflammations; soft and easily compressible - debility and depression; thin and thready - exhaustion and death.

The examination of the abdomen should be carefully made. Observing if the same is soft and flaccid, or hard and tense. Tenderness beneath the hand, will be revealed on gentle pressure, by the animal shrinking, or turning with piteous expression.

As regards nursing, pure air, sunlight, cleanliness and warmth, nourishing and sustaining diet, are the essentials.

In sickness and in health alike, man's true friend and honest comrade the dog, deserves all the care his owner can bestow upon him.