Cough
In most cases cough is symptomatic of disease, and often indicates the commencement of some serious disorder of the respiratory organs, when it should not be allowed to continue unheeded. Well fed dogs often have a dry, searching cough, which, if they are old, degenerates into asthma. Cough is sometimes consequent on obesity, when the amount of food should be lessened, exercise taken, and J.K., administered. If it be caused by the dog going into the water, or being washed with warm water in winter, or being confined for some time in a low, damp situation, I.I., or E.E., are the remedies. Such a cough is generally harsh and hard, and accompanied by vomiting of tough mucus. A dose two or three times per day is sufficient.
CHAPTER V.—Part IV.
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Salivation
Mercury, in its various forms, is sometimes given to dogs by ignorant persons, or by chemists and dog-fanciers, for some real or supposed disease; or it is applied to them externally as an ointment for mange, in either case resulting in salivation, with the following.—
Symptoms.—Loss of appetite; sore, swollen gums, which are blueish, easily bleed, and generally ulcerate; loosened teeth, which may even fall out; constant dribbling of saliva from the mouth; offensive breath; swelled glands; extreme weakness; hair falls off; and frequently purging, attended with straining.
Treatment.—Give the A.A., a dose each morning and noon, and a teaspoonful of Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel at night, especially if there is ulceration of the mouth or throat. If not improved after three or four days, substitute I.I., three or five drops, morning and night.
Canker in the Mouth
This is a very troublesome affection, and often difficult to cure; indeed, if the disease be the result of a long continued local irritation, or the dog be old, it is generally considered to be incurable.
Symptoms.—The gums are swollen, and discharge purulent, bloody, offensive matter; “proud flesh” is formed; bleeding ensues; there is difficulty in eating; appetite and condition are lost; emaciation and exhaustion follow.