Specific Ailments
Distemper—Rabies—Blood-Poisoning—Rheumatism or Kennel Lameness
Under the title of "Specific" Ailments, the author deems it advisable to give a brief account of such diseases as distemper, blood-poisoning, rabies or madness, rheumatism, kennel lameness, or chest founder, these complaints having as their cause germs, or micro-organisms; the production of these ailments—in three of them at least—being due to the entrance of minute organisms into the system, the excretions, or poisonous products resulting in the several forms of disease, as named above.
By far the commonest of these specific canine ailments is—
DISTEMPER
This malady is only too well known amongst owners and breeders of sporting dogs, and to its almost constant presence in certain kennels the rearing of puppies is seriously handicapped. It is readily communicable from one dog to another—more particularly the young—either by direct or indirect means.
Some kennels are singularly exempt from its presence, whereas others are hardly ever without it.
In the latter case, the disease obviously exists upon the premises, measures for its extinction having been inadequately carried out.
One would hardly credit the multifarious channels through which this canine scourge can be propagated.
Feeding utensils, benches, the hands and clothing of attendants, hampers, collars and chains, bedding, water vessels, by contact of the diseased and healthy, and possibly by wind carrying the dessicated discharges, are all liable to become active agents for the production of the malady.
So varied is distemper in its method of attack, that the most expert professional may ignore its existence. Previous to the development of the symptoms, there is the so-called period of incubation, i.e., the time during which the germs are, as it were, dormant, though in reality they are maturing, the advent of their maturation being the development of the specific lesions designated distemper. By far the commonest manifestation of this horrible canine scourge is that in connection with the mucous membranes lining the eyelids, and upper air passages.
Possibly these are the chief portals for the entrance of the germs, and if the specific poison would only confine its ravages to these regions, the ultimate results would be of a much less serious nature.
No amount of good government will confine the assaults of the germs to positions so readily accessible to amelioration by medicinal applications, bronchial and pneumonic complications being common results, or what is, equally severe, bowels and brain lesions supervene, proving an additional source of depleting an already weakened economy. Masters of Foxhounds and proprietors of other dogs, are, we fear, only too well acquainted with the truth of this statement. The usual period of incubation is from four to fourteen days, and this should be borne in mind, so that any puppies that have been in contact with the disease may be isolated, and their temperatures taken for the next two or three weeks night and morning. The normal temperature is 101° Fahr. or a trifle over; therefore, if the mercury rises above 102° Fahr. in the morning—more particularly so—this is sufficient to warrant the animal's separation from the rest of the puppies.
It has been stated that distemper may exist without any rise of temperature, or even the presence of catarrhal signs, but the author does not attach the slightest importance to such statements, and claims an experience equal to that of any other veterinary expert.
If there is no rise of temperature, no prostration, and no catarrhal signs, one may at once conclude that the animal is not affected with distemper.
Dulness, loss of appetite, sneezing, redness, heaviness of the eyes, slight husky cough, and, it may be, vomiting, are the premonitory signs of distemper.
If temperature be taken in the rectum or vagina, it will probably be about 103° or 104° Fahr.—the best positive evidence. There will generally be either constipation—more especially if a young dog—or an opposite condition of the evacuations. One well-known M.R.C.V.S. believes that distemper in adult dogs is of very rare occurrence.
This is not the author's experience, he having encountered and treated numerous cases when the animals have had distinct attacks of distemper two, and three times. Like scarlatina, measles, small-pox, etc., in the human subject, once the patient has passed through a well-marked attack of the disease, it is to a great extent "protected," but certainly not immune, to succeeding ones.
There is indisputable evidence in support of this statement, even the oldest observers being aware of its truth.
Following upon the preliminary symptoms already indicated, there is a profuse discharge from the nasal and ocular openings, at first watery in character, subsequently creamy.
The discharge (unless cleaned off) irritates the margin of the eyes, occluding these and the nasal openings.
Sometimes the malady remains in this—the so-called simple or catarrhal form—for several days, and then convalescence begins.
In the case of coarse-bred dogs (mongrels, etc.) the foregoing is the usual condition of affairs. Bronchial and lung troubles are frequent, and probably more puppies die from the broncho-pneumonia of distemper than from other causes. Bronchitis is indicated by frequent attempts at expectoration, and the so-called "rale," heard within the chest. This sound is due to the air passing through the inflammatory exudate in the tubes. If pleurisy is present, there will, during the earlier stages, be friction or dry rubbing sounds, heard when the ear is placed against the chest wall. It is generally associated with varying degrees of pneumonia, either single or double. Quick breathing—more especially noticeable in the region of the flanks—is the best guide as to its presence for the amateur physician. Dropsy of the chest is not at all an uncommon result of pleuritic inflammation.
When consolidation of the lungs has taken place, their respiratory usefulness becomes materially interfered with, so that, frequently, the animal has to make use of his lips as an auxiliary, the cheeks being inflated in a spasmodic manner. Recovery in this advanced condition of disease is exceedingly rare, though we have known it occur.
Pericardial (heart sac) inflammation is not uncommon in distemper, resulting through extension of inflammation from the pleural membranes.
A disordered liver is indicated by yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes, this bilious or hepatic form of the complaint being fairly common.
A fetid breath and pustular eruption over the belly, and on the skin inside the thighs are commonly observed; in fact, the pustular eruption is the most significant sign one can find.
Its presence is at once demonstrative that the animal is affected with what is known to the professional as a specific eruptive fever, which will run a definite course, and no amount of medicinal agents can cut it short.
One may control it by good nursing, suitable surroundings, and the judicious use of medicinal agents, but for any man to say that it is within his power to stay its normal progress, would, we opine, be bordering on madness. So much for distemper cures and their curers.
Ordinary small-pox vaccine has been employed as a preventative for distemper. Almost everyone knows that when the arm of the human subject is scarified with the lancet, so as to admit the reception of the vaccine into the system, the part becomes inflamed and swollen, the seat of vaccination also showing a vesicle, etc., typical of a mild form of the disease, and if this does not take place the vaccine is said not to have "taken," i.e., it has done no good.
This is exactly what happens when used in the same way upon the dog, there being neither inflammation nor yet other signs, typical of local reaction, therefore it can be no use.
The mere fact of the disease never having occurred in a certain dog that has been vaccinated is not the least evidence in support of its utility.
Many dogs are very refractory to certain diseases, amongst these being distemper.
The Commission of Veterinary Surgeons, appointed to inquire into the utility of Dr Physalix's Vaccine, has convinced the writer that it was a failure from beginning to end, and he advises all dog admirers, Masters of Hounds, etc., to steer clear of its use.
There is no doubt that in course of time an anti-toxin, or some other attenuated form of distemper virus will be produced for the cure, or prevention of, this deadly canine malady.
Regarding the treatment of distemper, it has been suggested that a dose of castor oil may, with advantage, be given at the outset.
The author does not consider this advisable: the oil, owing to its extremely nauseating properties, tends to further weaken the animal by the production of vomition, etc. Moreover, castor oil leaves the bowels in a drier condition than before—an undesirable effect.
A soft—not dysenteric—condition of the evacuations is advantageous, much of the poison being got rid by the alimentary canal in this way.
A moist condition of the bowels is best maintained by the daily use of some of the natural aperient waters, such as Apenta, Hunyadi-Janos, etc., given in small doses once a day; say, every morning, taking particular care not to go too far.
The superiority of these saline aperients to those of oleaginous and other resinous purgatives, is further evidenced by the fact that they also act as febrifuges, lowering the excessive heat, thus diminishing the rapid loss of flesh, so characteristic of this affection.
For the husky cough give from one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful of ipecacuanha wine, just as it is. This should induce vomiting, and ought not to be repeated, at least for several days.
As a rule, very satisfactory results follow its use. Inhalations of turpentine, eucalyptus, and spirit of camphor, or a little menthol, are exceedingly beneficial.
Four teaspoonfuls of each of the three first-named may be mixed together, and then one teaspoonful added to half a pint of boiling water, the dog being made to inhale the steam.
Five to ten drops of oil of eucalyptus, mixed with a little fine sugar, and placed inside the mouth night and morning, is good for the catarrhal symptoms of distemper, and the author can, from experience, recommend its employment.
When chest complications are marked, the application of mustard paste to the sides will do good.
Put the fore and hind limbs through holes cut in a thick piece of woollen blanket, and fasten it over the back. This will keep the chest warm and prevent the mustard from being rubbed off, more especially if a bit of brown paper be interposed.
Stimulants are indispensable in distemper, so that bovril, claret, and brandy are required. Brand's Essence is the best for nourishment. Give it in teaspoonful doses every hour. One may add the same quantity of brandy or whisky to it.
Bovril is a good stimulant in distemper, but it will certainly make the dog vomit, unless given in very small quantities, so long as the stomach is in an irritable condition, one or two tablespoonfuls each time being quite sufficient.
As restoratives, claret and Coca Wine are excellent.
When dysenteric symptoms are troublesome, give an injection into the rectum night and morning. Use two to six tablespoonfuls of tepid boiled starch, to which ½ drachm of laudanum, 10 drops of turpentine and 1 drachm of tincture of hamamaledin has been added, injecting the lot, and then keeping the dog very still until the discomfiture of the injection has subsided.
In addition to this, from 5 to 15 grains of grey powder may be given, and repeated in the doses first named, daily. If no improvement, give 10 grains of powdered ipecacuanha every 10 hours.
To relieve the congested condition of the liver, the use of hot linseed and mustard poultices over the organ will be of service, followed by 10 to 20 grains of sal ammoniac, along with 5 grains of hyposulphite of soda, given in a tablespoonful of water night and morning.
Most reliance must be placed upon careful nursing, and if this is properly carried out better may be the issue, though, as already stated, no amount of careful nursing, or use of medicinal agents, will stop the ravages of distemper.
Fits are frequent, and another very common result is chorea, or St Vitus' dance, also called the twitch, jumps, etc. For fits, give 20 grains of bromide of potash, and if this does no good, double the dose, and for chorea try a course of Easton's Syrup—in capsules—malt, cod-liver oil, etc. Paralysis is not an uncommon sequel.
Dialysed iron—10-drop doses in a tablespoonful of water—is a very satisfactory drug to use so as to restore the weakened constitution, and bring back the appetite after distemper.
RABIES
Although not present in our own country, it is very prevalent in certain provinces in India, etc.
The muzzling order and quarantine has been the means of abolishing this deadly malady from England.
In ninety-nine per cent. of cases in India, the disease is directly due to animals left to stray from the bazaars and villages.
At one time rabies was very prevalent in England, therefore cases of hydrophobia were not infrequent. Moreover other animals (horses, sheep, cattle, deer, etc.) had the malady through having been bitten by a rabid dog.
This disease assumes two distinct forms, one known as the "furious" and the other "dumb" rabies. One of the earliest indications of rabies is an alteration of the dog's manner. He becomes restless, quarrelsome, and shy, having a strong inclination to wander from home.
At first the animal is able to drink, but very shortly he is unable, though evidently willing to do so. A depraved appetite is a singularly constant feature of rabies, gnawing at wood and snapping at imaginary (also real) objects.
A rabid dog has no particular inclination to seek objects for revenge; the injuries he inflicts beings agents that he regards as intercepting his onward march.
The author had, some years since, considerable experience amongst cases of rabies, and often innocent owners would bring rabid dogs for treatment!!
A very characteristic—though we cannot say pathognomonic—sign of rabies, is an alteration in the bark, and this is changed to a semi-bark and howl, easily recognised when heard a second time.
A rabid dog generally knows his master until overcome by the fury of the disease.
Most dogs succumb within a week after the advent of the first signs of the complaint. From a week to three months may be set down as the minimum and maximum periods for the development (incubation) of rabies, after the dog has been bitten by a rabid animal, or received the virus of the malady into its system, such as might occur through rubbing, licking, etc., upon a mucous surface.
There are many other minor signs of rabies, and in the so-called "dumb" form, the most diagnostic one is dropping of the lower jaw, accompanied by a snuffling sound.
Although this latter might be confused with paralysis of the lower jaw from injury to the nerve, etc., the history of the case will afford the most reliable guide, when forming an opinion.
If rabies is suspected, isolation and destruction should be carried out at once. The speedier the better.
Before concluding, the writer wishes to say that the bite of a dog in ordinary health is no more injurious than a wound inflicted by any other means, and that the sooner this stupid fallacy explodes the better for beast and man.
To destroy a healthy dog because it happens to have bitten a person is akin to madness.
BLOOD-POISONING
This is almost always due to absorption of septic matter, usually from the seat of a wound or other injury. We have frequently seen it follow a bite from another dog. It is generally fatal. The skin assumes a bluish tint, and beneath it inflammatory products accumulate, giving, when pressed with the fingers, a crackling sensation.
In other instances, abscesses form both internally and externally, sometimes the whole of a limb being infiltrated with pus, etc.
Very little can be done.
To support the severe depression, give brandy, eggs, and Brand's Essence of Beef. Also 25 grains of salicylate of soda every six hours in a little cold water.
RHEUMATISM OR KENNEL LAMENESS
Masters of Hounds and Sporting-dog men in particular, are nearly all acquainted with this troublesome complaint.
Where dogs are kenneled on damp or low-lying ground, there may we expect to find kennel lameness—a title under which it has been known for many and many a score of years.
A previous attack is a predisposing influence to its recurrence.
Rheumatism may be either acute or chronic.
Although not common in its acute form, the writer has treated dogs that could hardly bear anyone to enter—much less shake—the rooms where they have been kept, the slightest shake causing the dog to howl from the agony of pain so induced.
Under these circumstances, the diagnosis of rheumatism becomes a certainty, much more so than in its chronic condition, when confined to a limb, joint, etc.
The muscles of the chest—Chest-founder—and the neck, are commonly affected.
Stiffness and difficulty in moving—the dog often suddenly howling from pain—are the chief signs. There is not much (if any) swelling in this complaint, as it occurs in the dog.
The shifting character of rheumatism is a great aid to diagnosis.
Treatment.—Keep dog in a dry and warm kennel.
Don't wash, especially in winter.
Give soda water to drink.
For the chronic manifestation of the affection, administer 5 grains of iodide of potash night and morning.
Open bowels with a purgative.
If acute, 20 grains of salicylate of soda every eight hours in a tablespoonful of water.
Rub the muscles with some stimulating liniment, such as white oil, belladonna, or aconite liniments.
Feed on soft food and nurse dog well.
Many cases of rheumatism never get any better, the dog remaining a confirmed cripple, though worse in damp weather.