RINGWORM
Cause.—Dogs may become infected with Ringworm by coming in contact with infected dogs, or by being shipped in crates or boxes in which infected dogs have recently been transported, or by using blankets, brushes, collars, etc., which have been recently used by infected dogs.
Symptoms.—Small red spots first appear on the skin, gradually enlarging, and are covered with a thin, grayish scale, under which is found a serum. The hair falls out as a result of the infection of the skin by the parasite. The outside of the affected patches is red, while the inner portion takes on a grayish-white color, giving it a ring appearance. This condition is followed by severe itching; the dog rubs and scratches severely.
Treatment.—The most effective drug is Tincture of Iodine, applied once daily with a brush. Great care must be exercised, as this disease may be transmitted to man, and to all domestic animals. Sanitary surroundings and good, clean food, that is easily digested, assists materially in eradicating the parasites.
ROUNDWORMS
(Maw Worms)
This worm is commonly seen infesting the intestines of puppies. The body is generally white in color and slightly curved at the head. This worm has a stiff, wiry appearance, and measures from one to three and one-half inches in length.
Symptoms.—Puppies are more susceptible to these worms, although we find them in aged dogs. About fifty per cent of the dogs are infested with these worms. They cause irritation of the intestines, irregularity of digestion, diarrhoea, colic, nervousness, constipation, irregular appetite and a rough, dry, unthrifty appearance of the hair and skin, and the dog becomes emaciated. After this worm migrates into the stomach, it causes nausea and vomiting, occasionally the bowels are filled with large masses of these worms, and their passage aids in determining the cause of the dog’s debility.
Treatment.—Withhold all food from eighteen to twenty-four hours and administer Thymol, one grain; Santonin, three grains; Calomel, two grains. Mix and place in capsule and give in one dose to a dog weighing fifty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same prescription, but in doses proportionate to their weight.
SORE THROAT
(Pharyngitis—Laryngitis)
Cause.—Sore Throat is frequently complicated by a cold. Sometimes it is produced by inhaling irritating gases, or administering irritating medicine. Injuries from sharp pointed sticks, eating sharp bones, etc.
Symptoms.—It is more or less severe. The eyes are red and watery, and the dog is dull and lies around most of the time. The appetite is poor and, because of the pain and difficulty in swallowing, the dog may refuse food. The pain in the throat is sometimes severe, and causes the dog to move about in a restless manner. The character of the cough depends on the part inflamed. When the larynx (opening of the windpipe) is involved, the cough is usually hoarse and the breathing noisy and labored, as the opening is more or less closed by the inflammation. At other times it is dry and, when the dog moves about, or the parts are irritated by dust, cold air, etc., coughing spells usually follow. The throat may be swollen so as to be noticeable from the outside. Simple Sore Throat is not a serious affection, and lasts but a short time. The symptoms may be so mild as to escape observation; however, if the conditions are favorable, it may re-occur and assume a severe form or become chronic.
Treatment.—Place the dog in clean, warm, well ventilated quarters and feed soft food that is easily digested, as hot milk, boiled rice, etc., and administer the following: Potassium Chlorate, one dram; Liq. Ammonia Acet., three ounces; Vini Ipecac, two drams; Tincture Camph. Co., one-half ounce; Aqua Chloroform, quantity sufficient to make six ounces. Give one teaspoonful every four hours. This dose is based on a dog weighing forty pounds. To smaller or larger dogs give doses in proportion to their weight. When the throat becomes badly swollen, apply a liniment made from equal parts of Aqua Ammonia Fort., Turpentine and Sweet Oil. Apply over the throat and rub in briskly.
TAPEWORM
(Tenia Marginata)
Cause.—A dog eating raw flesh of sheep or cattle infested with the larva of the Tapeworm or Gid, Sturdy, or Water Balls. (See Gid in Sheep.)
Symptoms.—Tapeworms in dogs are numerous. It must be borne in mind that an animal is not free from them until the Tapeworm’s head, apparently the most insignificant part, has passed from the intestines. So long as the head remains attached to the wall of the bowels by its hooklets it will develop fresh eggs, producing segments which are passed and prove the means of scattering the parasites. A dog infected with Tapeworm, as a rule, is liable to reflex paralysis, coughing and convulsions from the irritation caused by its presence in the bowels, depraved appetite, unthriftiness, a rough, unhealthy condition of the skin, loss of hair, anemia, irregularity of the bowels, and the feces offensive and slimy. There is generally a certain amount of irritation of the anus, which renders the dog fond of licking those parts or dragging them along on the ground. Tapeworms frequently cause vomiting, and I have seen portions of Tapeworms expelled in this way. In other cases there may be diarrhoea and obstinate indigestion may be traced to the presence of Tapeworms.
Treatment.—Withhold all food for twenty-four hours and administer Extract of Mail Fern, two drams; Pulv. Areca Nut, one dram. Mix in two tablespoonfuls of syrup and give at one dose. Follow this treatment in about two hours with one to two ounces of Castor Oil. This treatment should be repeated in a week or ten days. These doses are based on a dog weighing forty pounds. Smaller or larger dogs should receive the same medicine, but in doses proportionate to their weight.