PLEURISY
Cause.—The common cause, perhaps, is a sudden chilling of the body; cold, damp, chilly weather and damp, drafty kennels are favorable conditions to cause chilling of the body and the rheumatic form of Pleurisy. Germs may also produce it. It is commonly met with in specific diseases, as Distemper, etc.
Symptoms.—Chilling and high temperature, two to four degrees above normal, the dog generally refuses to eat, and acts dull. Pain is a noticeable sign, and when the sides of the chest are pressed with the hand the dog will flinch; this is very noticeable during the early stage of the inflammation, and may cause a dog to act restless. When breathing the ribs are always held rigid. The breathing movements are mostly in the muscles of the flanks, the dog getting his breath in short jerks. Later, when fluids collect in the chest cavity, the breathing is more labored, and all of the abdominal muscles are used. On absorption of this fluid, the movements of the lungs may again become jerky in case the inflammation becomes chronic. The character of the pulse beats varies, and in some cases is very weak. In the early stage of the disease, friction sounds, caused by the dry inflamed membranes rubbing against each other, are detected on placing the ear against the chest walls. Later, the collection of fluids around the lungs may deaden all lung sounds, especially towards the lower part of the chest. In a mild case of Pleurisy, the inflammation is localized to just part of the lungs, or pleura. A lameness in both front limbs and stiffness in moving about are the most noticeable signs in this form of disease. In Chronic Pleurisy a dog is usually very weak and depressed. He is seen frequently lying on his side, and shows great difficulty in walking. The course of Acute Pleurisy is from six to eighteen days; the chronic form may run a course of two or three months, or longer. This form is unsatisfactorily treated, and the dog eventually dies.
Treatment.—Place the dog in clean, warm, comfortable surroundings; fresh air is very beneficial, but omit any drafts. Internally, administer the following: Quinine Sulphate, two drams; Potassium Iodide, two drams; Carbonate of Ammonia, one dram; Potassium Nitrate, four drams. Mix and make into thirty-two capsules. Give one capsule every three or four hours. This dose is based on a dog weighing forty pounds; to smaller or larger dogs give the same medicine, but in doses proportionate to their weight. Feed the dog raw eggs, pure fresh milk, cooked vegetables, finely chopped beef or beef broth, and in some cases I believe it is very beneficial to give the dog small doses of brandy. Over the lungs apply the following liniment: Aqua Ammonia Fort., one ounce; Oil of Turpentine, one ounce; Sweet Oil, two ounces. Shake well and apply like a shampoo once daily.
PILES
(Prolapse of the Rectum)
Cause.—Overfeeding with too stimulating food, deficiency in exercise, constipation, causing straining; consequently, Piles frequently follows. This condition sometimes occurs in weak, debilitated dogs, due to a relaxed condition of the intestines.
Symptoms.—In some cases only a portion of the rectal mucous membrane protrudes outside of the anus. In the more severe cases red, bleeding tumors will be present. After being exposed for a time, it becomes enormously swollen and dark in color, and finally dries and cracks on its surface. The protruded part itches intensely, and the dog rubs and injures the intestine trying to relieve the irritation. Usually the appetite falls off, and the dog is restless if not relieved.
Treatment.—When the dog is constipated, as is usually the case it should be given a laxative, such as one to three ounces of Castor Oil, and fed on food that is loosening to the bowels. The protruded rectal mucous membrane should be washed with warm water containing five per cent Carbolic Acid until clean; then replace. If badly swollen and inflamed, astringent wash should be used, made from Water and Powdered Alum five per cent. The protrusion can be returned by gentle pressure of the fingers. In case the protruded rectum shows signs of sloughing, it should be cut off and the cut edges of the rectum stitched to the edges of the anus.
RABIES
(Mad Dog)
Cause.—Rabies is produced by a specific micro-organism that is known to exist in the brain, spinal cord and the saliva of affected animals. This disease is communicated from one animal to another by inoculation, usually by the bite of a rabied dog, or the saliva entering a wound or abrasion. Wild animals, as well as domesticated, no doubt spread the disease by biting, but it is a fact that dogs are inclined to bite, and have a good opportunity to attack people, and hence are considered the principal factor in the spread of the disease.
Symptoms.—Are characterized by two forms of Rabies: Furious and Dumb. In Furious Rabies, the general habits of the dogs are changed. They become very restless, excited, and frequently are more affectionate than usual, licking the hands or face, soliciting sympathy and help. This form of Rabies is extremely dangerous, for the dog’s tongue is covered with saliva containing micro-organisms which, coming in contact with thin skin, wounds or abrasions, may inoculate the person to whom the dog is attempting to prove its fondness, etc. This form of inoculation is not uncommon. Usually, the dog becomes dull, melancholy, etc., seeking some cool, dark and quiet place. The eyes at times are fixed, or are rolled about, and there is an abundant secretion of saliva, which dribbles from the mouth. It frequently gnaws wood, especially if tied or locked up, and makes a desperate effort to get away. It also swallows indigestible objects, and attempts to bite its master, mistress and animals. Paralysis soon develops, and the dog has difficulty in swallowing, and is unable to move about.
Dumb Rabies.—This form of Rabies is accompanied by depression and a tendency to lick objects. Paralysis of the muscles that close the mouth causes the jaw to drop or hang down. The dog is unable to bite and, owing to the relaxed conditions of the mouth, he cannot close it. The tongue hangs out, and stringy saliva escapes. The dog may attempt to bite even though the muscles that close the mouth are paralyzed. The duration of the disease is short; paralysis develops early in the attack, and death usually occurs in from two to four days.
Treatment.—Prevention. All vagrant dogs should be exterminated, and all dogs that appear in public highways, streets or public places should be muzzled. This precaution has practically eradicated the disease in Europe. Medical treatment is useless after the first appearance of the symptoms. However, a wound infected by Rabies should be immediately cauterized, or even completely cut away, care being taken to cut entirely around the wound in the healthy flesh. For cauterizing the wound, use Nitric Acid or a hot iron. Sometimes a ten per cent solution of Zinc Chloride is used, and perhaps it is the most successful. To afford absolute protection, this should be done within a few minutes after being bitten. However, treatment even as late as a few hours has been known to suppress the development of the disease. Pasteur has originated a virus which is used with great success, and any person bitten by a dog suspected of Rabies should be submitted to Pasteur’s treatment.
RHEUMATISM
(Articular and Muscular)
Cause.—This disease is generally attributed to cold, damp, filthy, ill-ventilated kennels, and exposure, but it may occur in dogs that are well cared for. Overfeeding is also liable to produce it. The most frequent forms of Rheumatism in dogs are Lumbago, Chest Founder, or Kennel Lameness.
Symptoms.—The symptoms are quite marked. These are severe loss of appetite, lameness and general lack of condition. Sometimes large swellings appear in the region of the hock, knee, and joints of the feet. The muscles of the back are held stiff and arched, the muscles are tender and sensitive when pressed, and the dog may be unable to move his hind parts. Other cases may show a serious train of symptoms. A bitch that has raised a litter of pups, when in poor flesh, is often affected with this disease. A lameness of one or more of the limbs that shows a tendency to shift about is the only sign noticed in the mild form of the disease. Stiffness of the joints is noticed, especially if the quarters are affected, and the dog lies around a good share of the time and refuses to go far for its food. In Acute Rheumatism, the pain in the affected muscles and joints is intense, and when these parts are handled, or the joints moved, the dog will whine from the pain produced. When lying down, asleep, sudden contractions of the muscles may be noticed. This is due to the pain resulting from the relaxing of the muscles. This disease may pursue a long course; the joints become greatly enlarged, and the dog grows very thin and weak. In such cases, a complete recovery seldom follows.
Treatment.—Prevention is very important, such as providing dry, comfortable quarters, and the avoidance of exposure. Unless this is practiced, but little can be obtained from medical treatment. A soft laxative diet is also indicated: Salicylate Soda, three drams; Quinine Sulphate, one dram. Make into twenty capsules and give one capsule every three or four hours. When the bowels are constipated, give two or three ounces of Castor Oil. The above doses are based on a dog weighing forty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same medicine but proportionately to their weight. It is advisable, in cases where the limbs are badly swollen, to apply liniments, and I would recommend the following: Aqua Ammonia Fort., two ounces; Oil of Turpentine, two ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces. Shake and rub on the affected parts once or twice daily.