The proper quantity of medicine or stimulant, or whatever is going to be given, having been drawn up into the syringe, and the needle adjusted, a small fold of skin should be pinched up between the forefinger and thumb of the left hand, and the needle for about half an inch should be quickly thrust into the skin at one end of the fold, and then by pressure on the piston the contents of the syringe should be evacuated. If the operation is done quickly, the dog knows nothing about it.
It does not in the least matter where the injection is made, so long as the place selected is where the skin is loose, as over the ribs.
It is most important that the syringe and needles be kept very clean; and each time after being used it should be washed out with a five per cent. solution of carbolic acid or spirit. A wire (slightly vaselined), several of which are supplied with the syringe, should always be kept in the needle.
Hysteria:
Young puppies, especially at the time when they are changing their teeth, have sometimes a form of hysteria brought about by excitement, especially in hot weather.
Symptoms: The puppy rushes about here and there, not knowing where it is going or what it is doing, biting and snapping at everything within reach, and screaming and howling as if it was being unmercifully beaten. Saliva pours from the mouth, and many a one has been destroyed during such an attack, it being supposed to have gone mad.
Treatment: Place the puppy in a basket, and put in a quiet, dark place. It cannot be made to swallow anything during the attack, but medicine in the form of an enema may be given, as from ten[1] to thirty drops each of laudanum and sulphuric ether in from one[1] to four tablespoonfuls of tepid water.
A course of bromide must be given afterwards for some time to prevent a recurrence of the attack. Dose from three[1] to ten grains with milk, or in a little water, three times a day. Keep on a light diet and give no meat.
Ichthyosis:
Symptoms: Hard, dry, thick skin which wrinkles, and the formation of large scales or scurf.