Treatment: When a dog has naturally an exceptionally short nose, there is little to be done. Sometimes when the snoring is worse than usual, a dose of purgative medicine gives some relief. When the dog is very fat, take means to make him thinner. (See article on [Stoutness].)
Snorting:
Symptoms: The dog stands with all four legs outstretched and nose extended, and draws the air sharply through his nose as if trying to remove some obstruction in the nasal passages or throat. It may occur at any time, but more often when first going out of doors into the cool air. Snorting often occurs after a cold or distemper. It is also a symptom of a polypus in the nose, and worms in the nasal passages; and dogs suffering from stomach disorders often snort.
Treatment: When the result of some simple obstruction of mucus, as from cold or distemper, syringing the nose thoroughly with a solution of common salt (five grains to each ounce of water) gives relief. If the irritation proceeds from the fauces or throat, an emetic should be given, and purgative medicine is indicated if the stomach be deranged. When the condition is due to a polypus, a surgical operation is necessary. Parasites in the nose are difficult to dislodge, but sometimes an ounce of a solution of Pearson’s disinfectant fluid (one in a hundred) syringed up each nostril has the desired effect. I may add that worms in the nostrils of dogs living in England are of rare occurrence.
Spaying:
This is an operation occasionally performed on bitches to prevent breeding. Though it succeeds in this respect, it seldom prevents the bitch operated upon coming into heat to a more or less extent, and being troublesome with male dogs. For this and other reasons, the operation is not recommended.
Sprains:
Symptoms: Pain and swelling of the injured parts, followed, as a rule, by discolouration, lameness.
Treatment: If where a bandage can be applied, the following lotion on lint is recommended:—
Recipe: