Treatment.—With a clean, sharp knife open the abscess and allow the bloody fluid to escape. Then dress the wound twice a day with clean cotton and a solution made from Tincture of Iodine, one dram, to one-half ounce of water. To prevent the dog from scratching and flopping the ears, which would cause further irritation, bind the ears to the head by means of a bandage or hood. Feed clean, wholesome, laxative food and compel him to exercise, as good physical condition and clean surroundings assist materially in healing wounds of the flesh.
APOPLEXY
(Congestion of the Brain)
Cause.—Congestion or rupture of the blood vessels of the brain, which causes a sudden arrest of sense and motion, the dog lying as if in a deep sleep. It seldom attacks young, but occurs frequently in fat dogs, especially if aged and not accustomed to exercise.
Symptoms.—They are very hard to detect, as the dog generally becomes unconscious before any violent symptoms are noticed, but there is generally unsteadiness in the walk, dizziness, deafness, blindness, constipation, etc., preceding an attack, but only a careful observer will notice them.
Treatment.—As this is a very dangerous disease, no time should be lost. The first thing is to relieve the head from the accumulation of blood to prevent further congestion and avoid inflammatory action. To accomplish this place the head well up and apply cold to the head by means of pounded ice in a cloth bag. Loosen the collar around the neck and apply hot packs to the feet to induce the flow of blood to the lower extremities. Also give a physic consisting of one to two grains of Calomel. After the dog recovers from the fit great care will be required to prevent a second attack. The diet should be light and nutritious. Always avoid feeding too large a quantity at one time, to prevent overloading of the stomach. Also avoid excitement or excessive exercise on a hot day. A cathartic as Calomel should be administered when a dog shows any signs of constipation.
ASTHMA
Cause.—In some instances I believe it is hereditary, although in others no influence of this nature can be discovered. This affection frequently follows organic diseases of the chest. The spasms of difficult breathing may be directly due to irritants inspired into the lungs, such as smoke, gas, or dust and cold air containing infectious matter. Overfeeding frequently produces this condition, as an abnormal distention of the stomach presses against the lungs and causes them to become inactive and spasmodic contraction of the muscular fibers of the bronchial tubes follows. Dogs with narrow chest cavities are predisposed to asthma, which condition is hereditary.
Symptoms.—This disease is attended with difficulty of breathing and a sensation of constriction of the chest, giving rise to wheezing, coughing and general nervousness. The animal becomes emaciated, the hair has a rough, faded appearance, although it will continue to eat well. Constipation is generally associated with this disease.
Treatment.—Place the animal in clean, comfortable surroundings, exercise carefully as violent exercise would tend to aggravate the disease. Feed sparingly on nitrogenous food that is easily digested; also administer Fowler’s Solution of Arsenic, four drops, twice daily. This can be placed on the food, as the dog will take it readily. If the bowels are constipated, give one to two tablespoonfuls of Castor Oil. Good care and careful feeding play a very important part in the treatment of asthma.