Treatment.—Feed soft, laxative food and give one to two ounces of Castor Oil; also provide clean, dry sleeping quarters. I have found the following remedy very successful in the treatment of Mange: Oil of Tar, one-half ounce; Vinice Turpentine, two ounces; Sublime Sulphur, one pound; Crude Petrolatum, one quart. Apply once a day. A few applications are generally sufficient to effect a cure. Great care should be exercised, as this disease is very contagious, and communicated to other dogs.
PLEURISY
Cause.—The common cause, perhaps, is a sudden chilling of the body; cold, damp, chilly weather and damp, drafty kennels are favorable conditions to cause chilling of the body and the rheumatic form of Pleurisy. Germs may also produce it. It is commonly met with in specific diseases, as Distemper, etc.
Symptoms.—Chilling and high temperature, two to four degrees above normal, the dog generally refuses to eat, and acts dull. Pain is a noticeable sign, and when the sides of the chest are pressed with the hand the dog will flinch; this is very noticeable during the early stage of the inflammation, and may cause a dog to act restless. When breathing the ribs are always held rigid. The breathing movements are mostly in the muscles of the flanks, the dog getting his breath in short jerks. Later, when fluids collect in the chest cavity, the breathing is more labored, and all of the abdominal muscles are used. On absorption of this fluid, the movements of the lungs may again become jerky in case the inflammation becomes chronic. The character of the pulse beats varies, and in some cases is very weak. In the early stage of the disease, friction sounds, caused by the dry inflamed membranes rubbing against each other, are detected on placing the ear against the chest walls. Later, the collection of fluids around the lungs may deaden all lung sounds, especially towards the lower part of the chest. In a mild case of Pleurisy, the inflammation is localized to just part of the lungs, or pleura. A lameness in both front limbs and stiffness in moving about are the most noticeable signs in this form of disease. In Chronic Pleurisy a dog is usually very weak and depressed. He is seen frequently lying on his side, and shows great difficulty in walking. The course of Acute Pleurisy is from six to eighteen days; the chronic form may run a course of two or three months, or longer. This form is unsatisfactorily treated, and the dog eventually dies.
Treatment.—Place the dog in clean, warm, comfortable surroundings; fresh air is very beneficial, but omit any drafts. Internally, administer the following: Quinine Sulphate, two drams; Potassium Iodide, two drams; Carbonate of Ammonia, one dram; Potassium Nitrate, four drams. Mix and make into thirty-two capsules. Give one capsule every three or four hours. This dose is based on a dog weighing forty pounds; to smaller or larger dogs give the same medicine, but in doses proportionate to their weight. Feed the dog raw eggs, pure fresh milk, cooked vegetables, finely chopped beef or beef broth, and in some cases I believe it is very beneficial to give the dog small doses of brandy. Over the lungs apply the following liniment: Aqua Ammonia Fort., one ounce; Oil of Turpentine, one ounce; Sweet Oil, two ounces. Shake well and apply like a shampoo once daily.
PILES
(Prolapse of the Rectum)
Cause.—Overfeeding with too stimulating food, deficiency in exercise, constipation, causing straining; consequently, Piles frequently follows. This condition sometimes occurs in weak, debilitated dogs, due to a relaxed condition of the intestines.
Symptoms.—In some cases only a portion of the rectal mucous membrane protrudes outside of the anus. In the more severe cases red, bleeding tumors will be present. After being exposed for a time, it becomes enormously swollen and dark in color, and finally dries and cracks on its surface. The protruded part itches intensely, and the dog rubs and injures the intestine trying to relieve the irritation. Usually the appetite falls off, and the dog is restless if not relieved.
Treatment.—When the dog is constipated, as is usually the case it should be given a laxative, such as one to three ounces of Castor Oil, and fed on food that is loosening to the bowels. The protruded rectal mucous membrane should be washed with warm water containing five per cent Carbolic Acid until clean; then replace. If badly swollen and inflamed, astringent wash should be used, made from Water and Powdered Alum five per cent. The protrusion can be returned by gentle pressure of the fingers. In case the protruded rectum shows signs of sloughing, it should be cut off and the cut edges of the rectum stitched to the edges of the anus.