CANKER OF THE EAR
Cause.—Filth and dust, especially in long-eared hunting dogs, as the inner surface of the ear becomes dirty and damp from wading streams and running through tall, wet grass. This condition is not serious at first, but it will irritate the dog so as to cause him to shake his head and scratch the ear with his paw. Permit no filth to enter the ear as this will assist to develop a Canker, which becomes very painful.
Symptoms.—The dog shakes the head violently and scratches the ears with the paw and even howls from the severe pain produced. The ears will be moist and have a poked-out appearance, due to the swelling. As the disease progresses, there will be a very disagreeable discharge from the ear that can be very easily detected some distance from the animal. Ulceration eventually follows, affecting the internal structure of the ear, which condition is very difficult to treat.
Treatment.—Remove the cause, if possible. Then inject ten to fifteen drops of the following solution: Mild Chloride of Mercury, fifteen grains; Lime Water, four ounces. Shake well and apply to the ear as above mentioned two to three times a day. Place a small piece of cotton in the ear after each injection. Also place a hood over the ears or bandage them down with a cloth.
CATARRH
(Cold in the Head)
Cause.—The most common, perhaps, is exposure, especially after a dog has been used to warm closed quarters. Dogs used for hunting purposes, when in a poor condition, with their system weakened, are often victims of Catarrh.
Symptoms.—Slight dullness. May not take food very well, hair standing to some extent, pulse not much affected, throat becomes sore. After the congestion passes off, exudation takes place, followed by discharge and it may be very profuse, but it need not alarm you. There is generally impaired secretion of urine, but breathing not much affected in most cases. We also have a discharge from the nose in other diseases, such as Distemper, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, etc.
Treatment.—The treatment should be constitutional as well as local. Place the animal in clean, well-ventilated quarters; feed good nourishing food, which is quite important. The following prescription is very beneficial in suppressing the secretion from the nostrils: Ferri Hypophosphitis, five grains; Quinine Sulphate, three grains; Pulv. Nux Vomica, two drams; Arsenous Acid, one-half grain. Make into twelve capsules and give one capsule two or three times a day. Give inhalations of steam from hot water and Oil of Eucalyptus for one-half hour twice daily. Permit the dog to exercise if the weather is favorable. If constipated give rectal injections and feed laxative food. Avoid giving physics in Catarrh, especially if there is fever present.
CHOREA
(St. Vitus Dance)
Cause.—Due to an irritation of the nervous system. It is especially associated with debility, although it may follow constitutional diseases, such as Distemper, etc. It is sometimes caused by a direct injury to the brain or spinal cord.
Symptoms.—A continuous twitching of the muscles which is noticeable even though the animal sleeps. The muscles of the head may be affected, or those of one or both fore limbs or of a hind limb. An animal affected with Chorea will show an unsteady gait when walking and usually becomes very poor, although it will have a very good appetite at all times.
Treatment.—In severe cases the dog will not, as a rule, respond to treatment. In milder cases, if taken in hand early, improvement may be brought about, but seldom a complete recovery. Many drugs have been tried in the treatment of Chorea, but the superiority of one medicine over another has not been practically demonstrated. Fowler’s Solution of Arsenic given in from two to eight drop doses has been tried in a large number of cases and in my experience it has given the best results. The drug should be given at first in small doses and gradually increased as tolerance is established. If the physiological action of the Arsenic becomes manifested it should be discontinued for a few days. In severe cases, Sedatives are indicated. Of these, either Bromide of Potassi or Sodii should be given in ten to twenty grain doses, prepared in gelatin capsules and administered three or four times a day. Attention to the digestive organs and to the diet is necessary during the treatment. If the dog is constipated one or two tablespoonfuls of Castor Oil should be administered. Feed nitrogenous food that is easily digested and provide comfortable sleeping quarters.