DISTEMPER
Cause.—Is due to a specific bacteria that is developed spontaneously, although I am of the opinion that insanitary surroundings, as dark, damp, ill-ventilated quarters play a very active part in its causation as well as food that is decomposed, contaminated or deficient in nitrogenous matter, or any condition that has a tendency to weaken the dog’s constitution.
Symptoms.—The first symptom revealed is a bad cold. The dog chills, the eyes become inflamed and a thin watery discharge oozes from them as well as from the nostrils, and, as the disease progresses, this thin watery discharge takes on a pus-like character, becomes thick, yellow, tinged with blood, sticky and very offensive in smell. The dog vomits and has a dry, husky cough, the temperature rises from two to four degrees above normal, the pulse considerably weakened, breathing hurried and labored and the dog walks around in a staggering stupor and may even go into convulsions. There is also a twitching of the muscles in many cases, as in Chorea, and this disease generally follows Distemper. In other cases, the dog will lie flat on the side, breathe with great difficulty, in a half-unconscious manner. This is a very unfavorable symptom, as lung complications have developed. Constipation or diarrhoea and even dysentery that is foul in odor may accompany this disease. The dog grows very poor, weak, the legs, nose and ears grow cold and clammy, and death follows. When the above described symptoms are present, the dog generally dies in from two to four days. If he lives through this stage, chances are that he will develop Chorea and be of practically no value.
Treatment.—As this disease runs its course in about eighteen days, good sanitary surroundings are very beneficial. Pure, fresh air, light, clean and comfortable place to lie upon are also necessary. Feed albuminous food, as raw eggs, milk, etc. Beef broth is very beneficial in many cases; also permit the dog to have free access to pure water at all times.
If vomiting accompanies the disease, the following prescription should be administered: Diluted Prussic Acid, nine drops; Morphine Hydrochlorate, ten grains; Bismuth Nitrate, one dram; water, quantity sufficient to make three ounces. Give one tablespoonful not oftener than six hours. This should be given a dog weighing forty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same medicine in doses proportionate to their weight. When constipation is present, give two to four ounces of Castor Oil. The general medical treatment for Dog Distemper consists of the following: Quinine Sulphate, two drams; Potassi Nitrate, three drams; Zinc Sulphocarbolates, two drams. Mix well and make into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule every two or three hours. This dose should be proportionately increased in dogs weighing over forty pounds, or decreased for dogs weighing less than forty pounds. Of course a difference of five pounds should not be considered. Bathe the nose and eyes several times daily in a five per cent solution of Boracic Acid. When complications, as Chorea or Pneumonia develop, use the treatments as described under their respective headings.
ECZEMA
(Surfeit)
Cause.—Derangements of the digestive canal, dogs recovering from distemper, or a bitch after whelping, is predisposed to Eczema. Dogs exposed to a sudden chilling of the surface of the body, when heated, frequently develop Surfeit. Sometimes dogs confined to poorly ventilated, damp kennels develop Eczema, or Surfeit. In fact, any condition that tends to cause a sluggishness of the circulation produces impure blood, and eruptions of the skin naturally follow as a result.
Symptoms.—This disease generally affects the neck, back, inside the thighs, arms and the abdomen. The skin becomes red, painful to the touch, small pimples form and serum oozes from them. This gradually spreads and the skin becomes raw and ulcerated. The dog will continue to scratch and bite himself violently, producing further irritation, if not properly treated.
Treatment.—Internal treatment is just as essential as applications to the skin. Digestive and blood disorders must be eradicated before the outer surface of the body will yield to a treatment. Internally, give Fowler’s Solution of Arsenic, two to eight drops, three times daily in the food. The drug should be given at first in small doses and gradually increased as tolerance is established. If the bowels are sluggish, give one to three grains of Calomel. This will relieve any irritant in the alimentary canal. Feed food that is easily digested, as vegetables, Cod Liver Oil, etc. Beef Broth is beneficial, but a heavy meat diet should be discontinued. To the irritated surface of the skin, the following is soothing as well as healing: Zinc Oxide, one ounce; Pisis Liquid, one ounce; Mercurial Ointment, one ounce. Mix and apply sparingly once a day. Poisons are readily absorbed through the skin, therefore, be very careful when using powerful antiseptics over a large surface of the body.
EYE INJURIES
(Conjunctivitis)
Cause.—Direct or indirect injuries, as a blow from a whip, dust, sand or chaff in the eye, or may be due to extreme cold, or heat, or foul air.
Symptoms.—An inflammation of the superficial structures of the eye, with a partial or complete closure, and a watery discharge due to the overstimulation of the lachrymal glands, the fluid being secreted so abundantly that it is impossible for the tear duct to carry it away, hence there will be a continuous flow of tears running down the side of the dog’s face. The formation of a film or a scum over the eyes need not cause alarm if the eyeball shows no sign of being lacerated or punctured.
Treatment.—Examine the eye carefully and remove any foreign body with a clean cloth or feather, and use a solution made from distilled water containing three per cent Boric Acid, and apply ten or twelve drops to the eye by the use of an ordinary eye-dropper. Keep the animal in a clean, dark room, as it hastens recovery and avoids other serious eye complications.
FITS
(Epilepsy)
Cause.—Usually arises from excessive nervous irritation, induced by disturbances of the stomach and bowels from the presence of worms, indigestible food, etc., or it may arise occasionally from a hereditary predisposition, sexual excess, urine irritation, or from other causes inducing extreme nervousness, irritability, etc. Dogs affected with this disease are usually troubled with dyspepsia and constipation.
Symptoms.—The leading symptoms of the disease are sudden loss of consciousness, with spasms of muscles, followed by exhaustion and drowsiness. After a certain length of time has passed, the attack returns. About five or ten per cent of the cases give some warning for a short time before the fits come on, but in most cases the fit comes on suddenly, the dog whines, and at once falls to the ground senseless with convulsions. The eyes are partly open, the eyeballs rolling, and a gnawing of the teeth, foaming at the mouth; the tongue is usually extended out, and many times badly bitten. The nose is usually cold and clammy and breathing laborious. The fit usually lasts from a few minutes to one-half hour, but in some cases continues for longer time.
Treatment.—The dog should be placed on a blanket to prevent inhalations of dust, etc., remove the collar from around the neck, and apply cold applications of ice to the head. The remedy most to be relied upon is Bromide of Potassium, and should be given to a dog weighing forty pounds in doses of twenty grains three times a day. The dose to larger or smaller dogs should be given in proportion to their weight. If necessary, the dose may be increased one-third for a short time. Also give Castor Oil, one to two ounces. To puppies give in proportion to their weight. Pay strict attention to the organs of digestion, and see that the nourishment taken is sufficient to nourish the body well, but be careful not to have an over-amount at one time. Also regulate the feed so as to always have five or six hours elapse between feeds. It is advisable to give a vermifuge in all cases of fits, as worms are frequently producers of the malady.
FRACTURES
(Bone Fractures)
Cause.—There are several different varieties of fractures, but for convenience sake I will divide them into four varieties:
1. Simple fracture is one in which a bone is broken and the muscles and skin are not severely injured.
2. Compound fracture is one in which the sharp ends of the broken bone penetrate and perhaps pass through the skin. This is considered a rather severe fracture.
3. Comminuted fracture is one in which a broken bone is badly shattered.
4. Complicated fracture is one in which important articular joints and large arteries are injured.
Some people imagine that the bones of the dog will not unite as quickly as the bones of man, but I am of the opinion that they will unite quicker if the bones are properly placed and the animal kept quiet. I will admit that fractures are somewhat troublesome to treat in some cases, although I have seen dogs with severe fractures make good recoveries without any assistance other than that of nature. In treating a fracture where the bones penetrate the skin, cut the hair from around the surface and wash with a five per cent solution of Carbolic Acid. Place the broken bones in position, wrap the surface with a thin layer of cotton and retain the bones in position with splints and bandages. Keep the animal as quiet as possible and feed on soft laxative good. If bowels become constipated, give two to four ounces of Castor Oil. If severe swelling follows in a few days, and the dog shows signs of great pain, remove the bandage and wash clean with an antiseptic. Then place fresh cotton around the part and bandage the same as before.
GOITER
(Bronchocele)
Cause.—Generally associated with a debilitated condition of a heavy pregnant bitch that is poorly fed, and exposed to various temperatures. The offspring of such a bitch are very often victims of Goiter. When the puppies are born the mother’s milk lacks sufficient nitrogenous properties; they are consequently deprived of mineral matter and develop Goiter. Some writers hold that this is hereditary, because one or more puppies become affected at the same time. I believe that it is due to debility, starvation, and what produces it in one dog will produce it in another. Although full-grown dogs are often victims of Goiters, it is due to some debilitated condition drawing on their systems. Even though the dog looks well, and appears to be in good condition, his food may be deficient in mineral properties.
Symptoms.—Enlargement of the Thyroid bodies of the ductless gland situated on the under surface of the neck. It may vary from the size of a pigeon’s egg to the size of a man’s two fists. It is very easily detected, and does not often interfere with the animal’s breathing unless it becomes abnormally large and causes pressure on the windpipe, jugular vein and esophagus. A dog affected with Goiter does not thrive, his hair looks faded, dusty and rough.
Treatment.—Administer Adrenolin twice daily in five to ten grain doses half an hour before feeding, and two to five grains of Potassium Iodide two times daily shortly after feeding. The Potassium Iodide should be discontinued when the skin scales, or when an abnormal watery discharge from the eyes is present. To the enlargement apply Tincture of Iodine once a day with a camelhair brush. If the dog has long hair, clip it off from over the enlargement. Feed the dog on nitrogenous foods, as raw eggs, Cod Liver Oil, Beef Broth, and also supply him with soft bones to chew. Where the bowels are constipated, give one to two ounces of Castor Oil. The above medicines prescribed are prescribed for dogs weighing forty pounds, and should be increased when given to larger, or decreased when given to smaller dogs proportionately to their weight. See that the dog has clean, light and well ventilated quarters to sleep in.
INDIGESTION
(Dyspepsia)
Cause.—Intestinal worms, indigestible and unnutritious food, foreign bodies in the stomach, eating too large a quantity or, in many cases, eating too fast, torpidity of the liver, derangements of the teeth, as the accumulations of tartar cause the gums to become soft and sore, resulting in the dog not taking sufficient time to chew food properly; excessive or inexcessive exercise, or improper attention to the hygienic surroundings often derange the digestive system.
Symptoms.—The appetite is depraved, the dog eats grass freely, and vomits often; colicky pains, persistent constipation and bloating, causing the dog serious inconvenience. He is irritable, dull and evidently out of sorts; his coat looks faded and feels rough; the temperature and pulse are not much affected; as a rule the breath is foul, the tongue covered with a whitish fur, loss of flesh occurs, and paleness of the skin.
Treatment.—Good hygiene, careful feeding of nitrogenous foods and regular exercise plays a very important part in the treatment of indigestion. First, endeavor to clean out the Alimentary Canal by the careful use of physics, as Calomel in one to three grain doses. Feed raw eggs, sweet milk, boiled vegetables, fresh raw beef finely chopped. Also give one tablespoonful of Cod Liver Oil two or three times a day. I have derived good results in the treatment of Indigestion by using the following gastric tonic: Pepsin, two ounces; Syrup of Orange, two ounces; Tincture of Columbia, five drams; Tincture Nux Vomica, one dram; Tincture Gentian, one dram; water, quantity sufficient to make six ounces. Mix and give one or two teaspoonfuls three times daily before feeding. In cases where there is great difficulty in the dog passing the feces, give rectal injections of soap and warm water.
JAUNDICE
(Liver Congestion)
Cause.—A sluggishness of the liver, or by the bile duct becoming obstructed by a Calculi (Gall Stone). Either condition suppresses the flow of bile into the bowels, hence the bile is taken up by the blood and causes the visible mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth to become yellowish in color. The predisposing causes are improper and overfeeding, combined with lack of exercise in house dogs, or excessive exercise in hunting dogs, exposure to damp, ill-ventilated sleeping quarters, producing debility, and liver complications are likely to follow.
Symptoms.—Appetite varied, thirst great, vomiting occasionally, the dog shows signs of dullness and sleepiness. Then there may be alternate diarrhoea and constipation, the tongue coated and foul in smell, the eyes, mouth, inside of the ears, and the skin inside the thighs and fore legs become very yellow and dry, temperature and pulse not much affected, the dog passes small quantities of dark amber colored urine frequently, due to the bile it contains. In severe cases, the dog loses strength and flesh readily and soon becomes a mere skeleton. Jaundice is often a complication of other diseases, as distemper, indigestion, colic, constipation, etc.
Treatment.—Endeavor to make the dog as comfortable as possible by placing him in quiet, clean, light and well ventilated quarters. If he is in great pain, apply hot applications over the seat of pain and administer Calomel, one-half grain; Podophyllin, two grains; Powdered Jalap, one dram; Powdered Rhubarb, one dram. Make into six capsules and give one capsule once daily to a dog weighing forty pounds; to smaller or larger dogs regulate the dose in proportion to their weight. The above prescription stimulates the flow of bile from the liver into the bowels, which is very important in the treatment of Jaundice. Tonics are also necessary, and I have found the following very beneficial in treating convalescing diseases, especially where the appetite is poor: Pulv. Ferri Sulphate, one dram; Quinine Sulphate, one dram; Pulv. Nux Vomica, one dram; Pulv. Gentian Root, two drams. Mix and make into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule three times daily just before feeding. This dose should be given to a dog weighing about forty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same medicine in doses proportionate to their weight. Feed raw eggs, pure sweet milk, fresh beef finely chopped, cooked vegetables, beef broth, etc. Do not feed too large a quantity at any one time.
LUNG FEVER
(Congestion of the Lungs—Pneumonia)
Cause.—Frequently occurs when dogs are accustomed to warm, comfortable quarters, then exposed to cold, drafty kennels during cold weather. In fact, any sudden chilling of the body is a common cause of lung disorders. Giving fat dogs too much exercise when they are not accustomed to it is frequently the cause of engorgement and inflammation of the soft spongy tissue of the lungs. Excessive exercise or running during the hot summer months is apt to cause congestion of the lung tissue as well as heat stroke. Washing or dipping dogs during cold weather may chill the outer surface of the body and result in Congestion of the Lungs.
Symptoms.—Lung Fever follows as a result of a bad cold, and is preceded by the symptoms of the primary disease. If due to severe exercise, the animal appears greatly exhausted, and the congestion of the lung substance is marked and may occur at this stage of the disease. Lung Fever usually begins with a chill, and is followed by a high fever. The dog lies down most of the time, and eats nothing, or very little. The breathing is hurried and fast, but when the lung becomes badly involved it is labored. The character of the pulse beat varies, depending on the extent of the inflammation and the stage of the disease. In most cases the pulse beats are full and quick during the first stage, but later, as the condition of the dog improves, more nearly normal. A very weak pulse is present in severe and fatal lung inflammation. The visible mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth have a congested appearance, and there may be a slight discharge from the nostrils, reddish in color. The expression of the face is distressed and anxious, and in severe cases, rigors and chilling of the body occur. The respiratory sounds become more or less changed from normal. The cough is at first deep and dry, later loose and moist. It may be accompanied by a hemorrhage of the lungs during the first stages of the disease. Other respiratory sounds are revealed by placing the ear to the side of the chest wall and listening. In the very early stages of lung fever, a crepitating, or crackling sound can be heard in the diseased parts; and louder sounds than normal in the healthy areas. Later, when the engorgement of the lung substance occurs, and the air cells become filled by the inflammatory exudation, the respiratory sounds are deadened. On returning to the normal, rattling sounds occur. These signs aid greatly in determining the dog’s condition. The chance for recovery depends on the extent and acuteness of the disease. Careless handling, exercise, etc., lessens the chance for a favorable termination in this disease, and good nursing helps more in bringing about a recovery than the medical treatment. The chances are more unfavorable in fat dogs than in lean ones, as the inflammation is usually more severe in the former. The course of the disease is from one to three weeks, and it may become chronic if the irritation is kept up. In such cases, unthriftiness is a prominent sign.
Treatment.—Preventive treatment in Lung Fever must not be overlooked. Briefly, it consists in avoiding such conditions as may predispose the dog to the disease, or act in any way as an exciting cause. Careful nursing is a very important part of the treatment. The dog should be given a clean, comfortable, well ventilated kennel, and kept as quiet as possible. To keep the bowels from becoming constipated, give one-half to one ounce of Castor Oil daily. Feed raw eggs, pure fresh milk, beef broth, etc. In severe cold weather, the dog must not be permitted to chill or take more cold. Cover him with a blanket, or use artificial heat. As one attack predisposes a dog to the second, he should be protected from severe cold, or the other extreme, heat, for a few weeks after making a complete recovery. It is advisable to apply strong stimulating liniments over the lungs, as Aqua Ammonia Fort., one ounce; Oil of Turpentine, one ounce; Sweet Oil, two ounces. Shake well and apply once daily.
I have found the following prescription very beneficial in the treatment of Lung Fever, as it regulates the heart action, lowers the temperature and stimulates the body in general: Tincture Digitalis, one dram; Tincture Nux Vomica, one dram; Nitrous Ether, two drams; Liq. Ammonia Acet., four drams; water, quantity sufficient to make four ounces. Give one teaspoonful every two or three hours.
All drugs prescribed in the above treatment are based on a dog weighing forty pounds. Larger or smaller dogs should receive the same medicine but in doses proportionate to their weight.
MAMMITIS
(Garget, or Inflammation of the Udder)
Cause.—Inflammation of the Udder commonly occurs in heavy milkers, and is caused by all the milk not being removed. Sometimes it occurs as the result of the milk accumulating in the udder when the bitch has lost part of her litter. Other causes are obstructed teats, injuries to the glandular tissues, and infection from germs. Congestion and inflammation of the udder frequently follow difficult birth.
Treatment.—Milk the bitch three or four times a day. This will usually relieve the congestion. A physic of Castor Oil, one or two ounces, should be given and the animal fed on easily digested food, as boiled vegetables, fresh raw beef finely chopped, pure sweet milk, etc. The udder should be massaged gently with the fingers, and the following ointment applied: Gum Camphor, one dram; Fluid Extracts of Belladonna, one dram; Lanolin, three ounces. Mix and apply two or three times daily. Fomentations of hot water are beneficial in the majority of cases. If the appetite is deprived, administer Nitrate of Potash, two drams; Pulv. Nux Vomica, one dram; Pulv. Gentian Root, one dram. Mix and make into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule three times daily before feeding. This dose is based on a dog weighing forty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same medicine, but in doses proportionate to their weight.