Chapter VI: Part 6

In nursing surgical cases, cleanliness is even more important than in medical cases, and the patient should be kept under similar conditions. It is important to take the temperature twice a day at least, for a rise of temperature is the first symptom of suppuration in a wound, and shows that it is not healing in a normal manner; or if healing, by suppuration it points to pus being pent up somewhere, and the surgeon’s attention is required.

Clean bandages and dressing should be put on every time a wound is dressed, and the bandages taken off should be washed in some disinfectant like Pearson’s fluid, dried and ironed, ready for use again. The old dressing which has been in contact with the wound should be burnt.

Bitches in the nest with puppies require, for the first week at least, as careful nursing as an invalid, and the temperature for the first week regularly taken. It is always a little above normal during the first few days, about 102·4 degs. F. (taken in the bowel); but if it rises over 103 degs. F., the case is not taking a normal course, and an examination should be made. Possibly there may be a dead puppy or one of the fœtal envelopes left behind, which, of course, must be immediately removed, and the womb syringed out with a solution of permanganate of potash, one grain to the ounce of warm water; from two ounces to a pint[1] of the solution should be used at a time, and the injection repeated in a few hours. A saturated solution of boracic acid or clinesol, one grain to the ounce, may be used instead of the potash. In bad cases, when the temperature is over 104 degs. F., a solution of perchloride of mercury, one in three thousand, is the best remedy; but about a couple of minutes after giving an injection of this drug, the womb must be thoroughly washed out with warm water.

=Obesity (Too Fat)=:

_Symptoms_: This is a common complaint of elderly pet dogs, especially pugs; but it is not, as generally supposed, always the result of overfeeding and want of exercise, for lots of dogs will put on flesh in spite of careful dieting, and then I generally put it down in these cases to a contented mind.

_Treatment_: In treating these cases, medicines are not advisable except occasionally giving a free purge. If any good is to be done it must be by dieting; and whatever food is given should be dry. Raw, or nearly raw, meat is the best food, for nearly all fat dogs put on this diet lose weight considerably, and at the same time improve in health by becoming brighter and livelier, and more ready to take exercise; but the meat must be given sparingly, say for a small dog like a pomeranian, one ounce and a half twice a day; and for a dog the size of a fox terrier, three ounces twice a day. The worst of this food is, it never seems to satisfy; in fact, a dog fed on raw meat always seems hungry. Raw meat does not answer in every case, for the dog sometimes gets fatter instead of thinner, as required. Then a diet of dry biscuit should be tried. For small dogs, Spratts’ pet-dog biscuits should be given—whole, if they will be taken that way, otherwise they must be broken up in small pieces, and no other food at all given; and the more exercise the better.

=Œrchitis (Inflammation of the Testicle)=:

_Symptoms_: In young dogs it occurs as the result of injury; in old ones it arises from constitutional causes. The testicles become swollen and very painful, the scrotum is red and shiny. The dog walks and sits down with difficulty.

_Treatment_: Give a purge, as from two to ten grains[1] of jalapin. Foment the parts often with hot poppy-head tea, made by boiling a couple of crushed poppy-heads in a quart of water for ten minutes; then strain. Sometimes the application of an ice-bag gives more relief than the hot application.

=Œstrum=, or the period of menstruation of the bitch, generally appears for the first time when the bitch is about eight or nine months old. With some foreign breeds, as in chows particularly, it often occurs for the first time sooner, even when the bitch is five or six months old. Occasionally, with very small bitches, the first heat may not appear until she is a year old. Once the period has commenced, it generally occurs regularly twice a year, but in a few exceptional cases every three or four months. The heat generally lasts from three to four weeks—that is, right from the commencement until the end.

The condition is recognised by the external parts—vulva—swelling, and a slight mucus discharge, which continues for about a week; then the discharge is pinkish, and after a few days blood-coloured. This latter condition continues for about eight or nine days, to be followed by a mucus discharge again, until the heat has ceased, when the parts have assumed their normal size.

=Ophthalmia=:

_Symptoms_: Generally both eyes are affected, the membrane (conjunctival) is intensely inflamed, and there is a good deal of purulent discharge. There is intolerance to light, and as a consequence, the lids are kept partly, if not quite, closed.

_Treatment_: Keep the dog for a time in a darkish room, and bathe the eyes three or four times a day with the following lotion:—

_Recipe_:

Laudanum, 1 drachm.
Sulphate of Zinc, 10 grains.
Rose Water to 6 ounces.

Anoint the edges of the lids at night-time with vaseline to prevent their sticking together.

A good purge is beneficial.

Care must be taken to prevent the dog rubbing the eyes, or he may severely injure them; and bandages should be placed round the ankles covering the dew-claws.

=Otorrhœa=:

_See_ CANKER OF EAR.

=Ozœna=:

_Symptoms_: There is a chronic purulent or mattery discharge from the nostrils which often has a very offensive odour.

_Treatment_: Syringe the nose thoroughly every day with from ten to thirty drops[1] of tincture of hydrastis, mixed with one[1] to four tablespoonfuls of tepid water. Give cod-liver oil, also iron and quinine tonic pills.

=Palpitation=:

_Symptoms_: Increased action of the heart; if bad, it beats with a thumping action, shaking the whole body, the dog is restless and pants, and may in some cases faint.

_Treatment_: Put the dog on a raw meat diet for a time, and avoid violent exertion, but the dog may have regular walking exercise. Give aperient medicine and a course of the following mixture:—

_Recipe_:

Tincture of Digitalis, 90 minims.
Bromide Potassium, 120 grains.
Water to 6 ounces.

From one teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful to be given three times a day one hour after food.

=Paralysis=:

_Symptoms_: Not uncommon after distemper, and may follow fits; injury to the back and rheumatics are frequently the cause. More often seen in dachshunds than other dogs. The whole body may be affected, including all four legs, but the back part of the body, including the two hind legs, is the favourite seat of the disease. The dog is unable to stand, but drags the back legs after him when he moves. The bowels are constipated, and the dog is unable to pass water, though later it may dribble away. The dog may not be ill in himself, and will generally take his food. When the seat of the mischief is in the brain, all four limbs are useless, and the dog lies on his side in a miserable, helpless condition, often even being unable to raise his head from the ground.

_Treatment_: The condition of the bowels and bladder must first be attended to. Aperient medicine should be given, and if it does not act in a few hours, an enema of warm soapy water (from two tablespoonfuls[1] to half a pint) administered, and repeated in a couple of hours if it does not operate. The urine must be drawn off with a catheter if relief cannot be obtained by pressure over the seat of the bladder. This, as a rule, is sufficient, and should be repeated two or three times a day, until the dog is able to relieve himself. If a catheter has to be used, twice a day should do, but care must be taken to keep the instrument very clean. It is a good plan to keep it lying in a saturated solution of boracic acid when not in use.

When the paralysis is the result of an injury, do not give any medicine at first, except a purgative, but keep the patient quiet and allow time for the injured parts to heal. If there seems much pain—and there is sometimes when there has been an injury—give two or three times a day from three[1] to fifteen drops of liquor morphia in a little water. Do not let the dog lie always on one side, but change him over about every six hours. If in about a week there are no signs of movement, or return of strength in the legs, give the following pills:—

_Recipe_:

Powdered Nux Vomica, 1 to 6 grains.[1]
Reduced Iron, 6 to 30 grains.
Ergotine, 6 to 24 grains.
Common Mass. sufficient.

Mix.

Divide into 12 pills—one to be given twice a day after food. Later, if the paralysis continues, the following pills may be tried, and the former discontinued:—

_Recipe_:

Anhydrous Phosphate of Iron, 3 to 12 grains.[1]
Sulphate Quinine, 2 to 12 grains.
Strychnine, ⅟₁₆th to ⅕th grain.
Arsenic, ⅟₁₂th to ¼th grain.
Common Mass. sufficient.

Mix.

Divide into 12 pills. One to be given two or three times a day after food. The dog should be galvanised twice a day for about half an hour each time. A continuous current battery is best, and a blister should be applied to the loins, from the two last ribs to the points of the hips, and from two to four inches wide.[1]

When all four legs are affected, the result of some injured or diseased condition of the brain, the treatment should be the same as previously mentioned, except a blister should be applied to each side of the neck, along the course of the spine, instead of over the loins. The best blister to use is the liquor epipasticus; the hair, of course, should first be cut off close, or shaved, and the skin thoroughly washed and dried, and the blister should be gently rubbed into the skin with a piece of flannel for about three minutes. If it does not act well, rub a little red mercurial blister ointment into the parts the next day for a minute. Care must be taken that the dog does not lick the blisters, as they are poisonous. Two days later, the parts may be carefully washed and boracic ointment applied. Benefit is also derived in these cases by having the muscles of the limbs massaged.

When paralysis is the result of rheumatism—and in these cases it is generally the back limbs and loins affected—the attack commences with pain and stiffness across the loins. Give first, after a purge, for a week or so, suitable medicine for rheumatism, and then later, if the patient does not improve, treat as for ordinary paralysis. Cases of paralysis are often tedious, and keep about a long time, but in the end, unless the spine has been seriously injured by some accident, they generally recover.

=Paraphymosis=:

_Symptoms_: Dogs, particularly some of the small ones, sometimes get the penis protruded out of the sheaf, and if the orifice is at all small it contracts on the protruding part, and it cannot be relieved without assistance. The part becomes swollen and very painful, and if it is not noticed soon after happening, the point of the penis becomes much inflamed and congested.

_Treatment_: A little oil should be poured on the red protruding part, and the sheath should be taken hold of and pulled forcibly over it.

In some cases it is necessary to apply ice to the protruding part, when it is very much swollen, before it can be returned.

=Parturient Eclampsia=:

_Symptoms_: This occurs in nervous and excitable bitches two or three weeks after pupping. The bitch is unable to stand, or does so with great difficulty. She generally lies on her side, with legs outstretched and head drawn back, panting violently and frothing at the mouth. The attack, though very distressing, generally lasts some hours, leaving the bitch much prostrated; it is seldom attended with fatal results.

_Treatment_: As soon as the bitch is able to swallow, give from five[1] to fifteen grains each of bromide of potassium and hydrated chloral in water. The dose may be repeated in two or three hours if necessary.

Once a bitch has had an attack of this complaint she generally has another in the course of a few days, but it may be prevented by giving some bromide of potassium regularly for a time—as from three[1] to ten grains three times a day with the food or in a little water.

_Diet_: Fish, tripe, and milk food may be generously given, but avoid red meat.

=Pediculi (Lice)=:

_Symptoms_: Small, bluish-grey insects generally found with the head stuck in the skin—standing on their heads, as it were. They may be seen on all parts of the dog, but the favourite places seem to be the nose, ears, and underneath the chest. The lice lay their eggs or nits on the hair, to which they stick by a very adhesive material and are difficult to remove.

These insects cause intolerable irritation, and as a consequence, the dog is always scratching, and loses condition.

_Treatment_: Bathing in Pearson’s disinfectant fluid, diluted eighty times with water—that is, four tablespoonfuls to a gallon—is a good remedy, but it is necessary to continue the treatment for some time so as to destroy the young lice as they escape from the eggs. Another effectual remedy is bathing the dog in kerosene one part, separated milk six parts, well mixed together. But neither of these remedies destroy the nits. To do so it is necessary to mix either the Pearson’s fluid or the kerosene with oil in the proportions previously mentioned, and thoroughly rub it all over the dog and leave it on him for some days; in fact, it is advisable to repeat the dressing again four days later, and not wash him for a week.

To get rid of the lice entirely the kennels, also collars, leads, brushes, in fact everything belonging to the dog, should be thoroughly disinfected by fumigation and washed in a strong solution of Pearson’s fluid.

When a sick dog, as one suffering from distemper, is infested with lice, washing, of course, is out of the question at such a time. The only thing to do, then, is to use some effectual insecticide powder.

=Penis, Growths on=:

_Symptoms_: Dogs, especially those used for stud, and particularly bulldogs, are liable to growths on the penis. They are red in colour, and look not unlike a raspberry. The dog suffering in this way often has drops of blood at the orifice of the prepuce. These growths are contagious, and a dog suffering from them should on no account be used for stud purposes. The growths may not only be on the point of the penis, but may be situated far back.

_Treatment_: The growths should be removed by being scraped off, and the roots cauterised sparingly with a saturated solution of chromic acid, which should be applied on a thin stick. The caustic should be repeated in a week. It may be necessary to repeat it several times.

=Pericarditis (Inflammation of the Heart’s Sac)=:

_Symptoms_: It is difficult to detect it in the dog. There is some pain on the left side of the chest, the pulse is quiet and small, the temperature is two or three degrees above normal, the breathing is short and quick, and there is a dry cough. If the heart be examined with a stethoscope, a friction sound is heard with each movement of the heart. When fluid collects in the sac, as it often does, the usual heart sounds are almost inaudible.

_Treatment_: Apply hot linseed-meal poultices to left side of chest, keep the bowels freely opened with purgative medicine. If temperature is very high, give the following mixture:—

_Recipe_:

Salicine, 2 drachms.
Tr. Digitalis, 1½ drachms.
Simple Syrup, 1 ounce.
Water to 6 ounces.

From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] three or four times a day.

When fluid collects, give from half[1] to two grains of iodide of potassium in water three times a day.

=Peritonitis=:

_Symptoms_: Generally the result of some injury, but may be the result of a chill. The abdomen is hard and very painful to the touch. The breathing is quick, and the dog often utters a grunt with each breath. The pulse is very quick, and the temperature rises to 105 degs. F. or over, and the patient vomits frequently, especially after taking food or even water, and quickly collapses, death often taking place within twenty-four hours of the commencement of the illness.

_Treatment_: Apply flannels wrung out in hot poppy-head tea, made by boiling for ten minutes a couple of crushed poppy-heads in a quart of water. Give from five to twenty drops[1] of laudanum every four hours in water; if the dog cannot retain it, inject under the skin from the twentieth to the eighth of a grain[1] of acetate of morphia, in a few drops of water, which may be repeated in six hours.

Give Vichy water and milk in equal parts to drink, and a little Brand’s essence occasionally.

=Perostitis (Inflammation of Membrane covering Bone)=:

_Symptoms_: Generally result of injury. Parts are very painful and swollen, the skin covering the inflamed spot discoloured, very often purple. An abscess may form. In these cases there is a good deal of constitutional disturbance, the temperature is high, perhaps 104 or 105 degs. F., the pulse quick, and the dog refuses food. Blood poison may result.

_Treatment_: Keep patient absolutely quiet, and give a good purge. Apply following lotion constantly on lint:—

_Recipe_:

Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Laudanum, 2 drachms.
Water to 6 ounces.

Or an ice-bag may be applied.

If an abscess forms, it must be freely opened, and afterwards apply hot linseed-meal poultices, dusted over with powdered charcoal.

=Perspiration=:

_Symptoms_: A dog does not perspire from the skin when in health, but he occasionally does when suffering from some skin diseases; and puppies in the nest, when ill and not thriving, will become quite wet from perspiration. It is always a bad sign, and shows the dog or puppy is in a very bad state of health.

_Treatment_: In the case of puppies, give the mother a dose of castor oil, and dust the youngsters all over two or three times a day with finely-powdered boracic acid one part, kaolin eight parts, mixed together. In the case of adult dogs, give daily a sulphur bath, made by dissolving one ounce of sulphurated potash in four gallons of tepid water; after well drying, dust the inside of the thighs, abdomen, armpits, etc., with the powder recommended for puppies. For medicine give a course of arsenic, as from one[1] to eight drops of Fowler’s solution in water after food.

=Phimosis=:

_Symptoms_: The opening of the sheaf or prepuce is so small that the male organ cannot pass through.

_Treatment_: Nothing but a surgical operation is of any use, which consists in enlarging the opening, and sewing the skin to the mucus membrane.

=Phthisis=:

_Symptoms_: Chronic hacking cough; the temperature is always a degree or two above normal; loss of condition; the muscles of the neck, body, and limbs become wasted. If the expectorations are examined by the microscope, the tubercle bacilli will be found.

_Treatment_: Generally incurable; but making the dog live out of doors, and giving plenty of cod-liver oil, with a generous diet of raw meat, sometimes does good.

It is a mistake to keep a dog suffering from consumption amongst people, as the danger of infection is too great a risk.

The property of Mr. Aubrey Hopwood, 36 Sackville Street, W.

[_face p. 212._]

=Piles (External)=:

_Symptoms_: Dogs do not suffer from internal piles, but old dogs occasionally have a form of external piles; then the anus becomes red, inflamed, and swollen; small red pimples form about the part, inducing a good deal of irritation, and causing the dog to drag the hind parts along the ground.

_Treatment_: Dab the parts often with the following lotion:—

_Recipe_:

Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Tincture of Opium, 1 ”
Water to 6 ounces.

Mix.

Or the following ointment may be tried:—

Goulard’s Extract of Lead, 1 drachm.
Finely-powdered Boracic Acid, 1 scruple.
Cream, 1 ounce.

Mix.

Apply night and morning.

Some cooling medicine, as the following, does good:—

Cream of Tartar, 1 ounce.
Bicarbonate of Potash, 1 ”
Milk of Sulphur, 1 ”
Powdered Sulphate of Magnesia, 1 ”

From sufficient to cover a threepenny-piece to a teaspoonful[1] twice a day with food.

=Poisons=:

_Strychnine_:

_Symptoms_: It all depends how the agent has been administered how quickly it acts. If in a liquid form, the symptoms may commence in ten minutes, or quicker; but if it has been given in a piece of meat, it may be an hour or so before any signs appear. Then the animal becomes restless; the limbs are stiff, and the dog walks with difficulty, and with the hind legs stretched apart. Occasionally there is a violent twitching or jerk of all the muscles of the body, as if the dog had a galvanic shock, and then he suddenly falls to the ground, often in a forward direction, and in acute tetanic spasm. The limbs are extended, and as stiff as pieces of iron, the fore ones in a slightly forward direction, and the hind legs in a backward direction. The head is drawn back, and the back arched and the tail extended and stiff; the eyes protrude, the mouth firmly closed, and the pulse extremely quick. Respiration during the spasm, which lasts about half a minute or so, entirely ceases. At the end of the attack the dog gives a few heavy sighs, and then commences to pant hard. The least movement or touch, or even a noise, will cause a return of the convulsions, which continue at frequent intervals, unless the dog is relieved by some suitable antidote, or until death occurs, which generally takes place during a paroxysm. In some cases, though the acute symptoms may have been checked by treatment, the dog afterwards dies from the effect of the exhaustion.

_Treatment_: In all cases of poisoning, more especially when due to strychnine, prompt action is required, and means should at once be taken to make the dog disgorge what has been swallowed. An emetic that will act well and quickly must be at once administered; for this there is nothing better than a dose of hydrochlorate of apomorphia. This medicine acts in two ways: it is the quickest and surest emetic; and besides, it relieves the spasms. The dose is the twelfth of a grain for small dogs, and about a quarter of a grain for large ones, given in a teaspoonful of water; but the best way of administering it is by injecting it under the skin with a hypodermic syringe; then from three[1] to ten minims of the one in fifty solution is to be given. I always advise persons who keep a number of valuable dogs to have a solution of apomorphia by them ready for emergency, for whilst it is being obtained the patient may die, and if huntsmen would always carry a small bottle of the solution with them many a valuable hound’s life might be saved. When this medicine is not at hand, some other emetic must be given. Ordinary table salt can always be quickly procured, and from one teaspoonful[1] to a tablespoonful should be given in warm water. If the dose does not act freely, repeat it in a few minutes; or instead, give from five[1] to twenty grains of powdered ipecacuanha, or from half[1] to three grains of tartar emetic. Either of these may be shaken dry on the tongue. The dog must be made to vomit somehow; but anything like salt, requiring a quantity of water, is difficult to administer, as the dog’s mouth is often tightly clenched, and trying to open it induces paroxysm, during which time it is impossible to give anything by the mouth; and here the advantage of the subcutaneous injection of apomorphia comes in. This may also be repeated in a quarter of an hour, if the vomiting has not been free. Besides the emetic, some medicine is necessary to relieve the spasms. For this there is nothing better than chloral and bromide of potassium. From fifteen[1] grains to two scruples of each may be given in from one[1] to three tablespoonfuls of water, if the dog can be made to swallow; and half the quantity of each may be given again in twenty or thirty minutes, and repeated, if necessary, in half an hour. When the dog is unable to swallow, from two[1] to six minims of nitrite of amyl, held to the nose on a pocket-handkerchief, is useful. This may be repeated in a quarter of an hour, or chloroform may be given. Also, inject into the rectum from one[1] half to two drachms of laudanum in from one[1] to four tablespoonfuls of water, which repeat in a quarter of an hour, and again in another fifteen minutes if the paroxysms continue.

After the severe symptoms have passed, and the dog is weak and prostrate, from a quarter[1] to two teaspoonfuls of brandy added to some milk may be administered, and repeated every half hour for a time.

_Arsenic_:

_Symptoms_: The dog, shortly after taking the poison, becomes restless. Violent sickness soon commences, the vomited matter being mixed with blood. There is also acute diarrhœa, accompanied by severe straining, and a good deal of blood is often passed with the motions. The dog is extremely thirsty, has an anxious countenance, showing evident signs of great pain, and breathes heavily. There may be severe convulsions, followed by paralysis, collapse, and death.

_Treatment_: The vomiting at first should be encouraged by giving an emetic, as three[1] to ten drops of the one in fifty solution of apomorphia with a hypodermic syringe. If this is not at hand, give from the twelfth[1] to a quarter of a grain of the same medicine in a teaspoonful of water. Failing the apomorphia, give from five[1] to twenty grains of sulphate of zinc in a little warm water, or even salt and water. The vomiting may be kept up by getting the dog to drink warm water. Besides endeavouring to free the stomach of all the arsenic, an antidote is required to remedy the ill effect of the poison. For this there is nothing better than dialysed iron given in large doses, as from half[1] a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful every half hour until several doses have been given. This may be followed by a large dose of castor oil. About an hour afterwards some carbonate of bismuth should be given, shaken dry on the tongue, from ten[1] grains to a drachm, which may be repeated every hour or two. When there is great prostration, stimulants, as brandy, are required, and when the patient is unable to swallow or retain it in the stomach, from one[1] half to a drachm may be injected under the skin frequently. If the body is cold wrap the dog up in hot blankets, and place hot-water bottles around him. As improvement takes place, milk thickened with arrowroot, barley, or rice water may be given. If the dog appears in much pain after the acute stage has passed, small doses of laudanum may be given, and hot linseed poultices applied to the stomach.

In chronic cases of poisoning by arsenic—a not uncommon occurrence, as this is a favourite remedy for skin diseases, and too much is often given, or the medicine is given too long—the dog loses appetite and condition, becomes very weak and emaciated, frequently vomiting a white, frothy mucus as well as food.

There is often severe diarrhœa, and blood is passed with the motions. There are signs of tenderness on pressure over the region of the stomach, and excessive thirst. The membrane (conjunctiva) lining internal surface of eyelids is red and congested.

_Treatment_: Discontinue the use of the arsenic immediately, give tonics, as reduced iron, from one[1] to three grains made into a pill with an extract of gentian. If the sickness continues, give from three[1] to ten grains of carbonate of bismuth, shaken dry on the tongue, every three or four hours.

For food, lean raw mutton, in small quantities, every three or four hours, and milk to drink. If the latter is not retained, try it peptonised with Fairchild’s powders, which can be obtained at most chemists. When the sickness is very severe, Brand’s beef essence is recommended, given in jelly form, in small quantities frequently.

_Phosphorus_:

_Symptoms_: There is vomiting, but not to the same extent as is seen in cases of arsenic poisoning. The vomited matter, when taken into the dark, is generally luminous, and it gives off that well-known odour of phosphorus which resembles the smell of garlic; the same perfume may be detected in the breath. If the dog survives the acute stage, in the course of a few days the symptoms of jaundice may develop; there is also a tendency to hæmorrhage from the nose. Poisoning by phosphorus is often followed by convulsions, but sometimes coma; in other cases noisy delirium.

_Treatment_: In treating cases of poisoning by phosphorus, oils and other greasy substances must be always avoided, as it easily dissolves in anything of an oily nature, and when such occurs greater mischief happens. An emetic of sulphurate of zinc, from five[1] to twenty grains in warm water, should be given as quickly as possible, and repeated in ten minutes. If it has not acted, salt and water or ipecacuanha wine may be given instead of the zinc, when the latter cannot be obtained.

After the sickness has ceased, administer a free dose of Epsom salts, and keep the dog’s strength up with Brand’s beef-tea jelly; also give barley or rice water to drink.

_Carbolic Acid_:

_Symptoms_: The dog shows signs of great pain, and is violently sick; the lips, mouth, and tongue are white, swollen, and hard. There is great prostration and signs of collapse, the lips and ears being cold. The urine is of a dark brown colour, sometimes even black, or it may be altogether suppressed. When a fatal dose has been taken, the pupils are contracted, the dog soon becomes comatosed, breathing difficult, and death follows. It is rather characteristic of carbolic acid poisoning that the patient, a short time before death, often seems to rally, making one (even persons of experience) think that the worst has passed, and that he is going to get better. But a sudden collapse often occurs, and death takes place unexpectedly. All cases do not run this acute course; the membrane of the tongue and mouth may be badly burnt, which peels off, leaving a large raw surface, which ulcerates. The same may occur in the throat, and even in the stomach and bowels; and the dog gradually dies from exhaustion, or even blood poisoning, a week or ten days after the accident has happened.

_Treatment_: Give a large dose of Epsom salts at once, to be followed a few minutes afterwards by an emetic, the apomorphia being the best—from one[1] to two teaspoonfuls of one grain to two ounces of water solution. Failing this, salt and water, or from five[1] to twenty grains of sulphate of zinc in water; also give the white of an egg or olive oil to relieve the burning irritation in the stomach. If symptoms of collapse occur, give stimulants, as brandy and ether. When the patient is very bad, these are more beneficial if injected under the skin; wrap the body in hot blankets and apply hot-water bottles. The ulcers that form in the mouth, the result of the caustic action of the acid, are often very troublesome, and the discharge from them is most offensive. When such is the case, keep the parts clean by sponging them frequently with a saturated solution of chlorate of potash.

_Mercury_:

_Symptoms_: There are signs of pain, violent vomiting, accompanied by profuse purging, the evacuations being mixed with blood; the lips, tongue, and mouth are swollen and white. The patient soon shows signs of collapse. The lips and ears become deadly cold; the breathing is heavy and difficult; the secretion of urine is suppressed; coma and convulsions follow, then death occurs.

_Treatment_: Encourage the sickness by giving warm water; also administer large quantities of raw white of egg, flour and water and barley water. Give brandy or ether subcutaneously, if signs of collapse occur.

In cases where slow poisoning by mercury occurs, caused by the injudicious use of some of the preparations of this agent for the skin, especially that called blue ointment, I have seen this salve applied as freely all over a dog as one would use lard, with the result I need not mention. Then there is the green iodide of mercury—a favourite remedy of the late Stonehenge. This is a valuable preparation for old wounds, for chronic eczema, and other skin diseases, used sparingly, and not over a large surface. Then, again, repeated doses of calomel act very injuriously.

_Symptoms_: Diarrhœa, the evacuations being stained with blood; loss of appetite, sickness, great wasting; profuse flow of saliva from the mouth; gums at first red and inflamed, subsequently become ulcerated—the breath being horribly foul; a rash often appears on the skin, pustules form and break, giving forth a fœtid discharge, and the hair falls off in patches. These cases usually terminate fatally, the result of exhaustion, though occasionally a patient may be saved when the case is taken in time.

_Treatment_: At first, give a mild dose of castor oil, with from three[1] to ten drops of laudanum; the oil, etc., may be repeated in a couple of days. Large and frequent doses of subnitrate of bismuth should also be given. When the diarrhœa is very profuse, and there is much blood being passed, tannic acid is useful, given in the following formula:—

_Recipe: The Pills_:

Tannic Acid, ½ to 4 drachms.[1]
Powdered Opium, 2 to 12 grains.
Ex. cip., _q.s._

Mix and divide into 12 pills.

_Dose_: One pill to be given every four or six hours, according to the severity of the diarrhœa.

The mouth and gums should be kept clean by being frequently sponged with a saturated solution of boracic acid.

Keep the strength up with strong beef-tea, thickened with isinglass, and each time the dog is fed, give from half[1] to a teaspoonful of port wine. Let the patient have milk with white of an egg added, or barley water to drink.

A warm bath and a free application of some soap is beneficial. This is more particularly the case when the attack is due to absorption of the poison through the application of some ointment containing a mercurial compound.

If the skin is very moist, apply to the parts freely some finely powdered Fuller’s earth.

When the dog has become convalescent, some iron or bark tonic will assist the patient to regain strength. Raw meat should also be given in small quantities five or six times a day.

_Iodine and its Compounds, as Iodide of Soda or Potash, etc._:

_Symptoms_: A person can take ten times as much iodide of potassium as a dog, without any bad result. The tincture of iodine is often used to reduce tumors or swellings. It seldom has any beneficial results, except in cases of goitre, when it is sometimes useful; and if the application is continued too long, or the preparation is applied over too large a surface, sufficient becomes absorbed to cause severe constitutional disturbance. If a large quantity of pure iodine or the tincture is given to a dog, the mouth and tongue will be found discoloured (dark brown); there is great pain in the throat and stomach; severe purging and vomiting—the vomited matter may be yellow or brown from the iodine, or blue, if there is any starchy matter in the stomach; and the breath has that peculiar unmistakably iodine odour. Dogs very seldom, indeed, are poisoned with iodine in this way, though it is not at all an uncommon occurrence for dogs to be slowly poisoned with iodide of potassium, or in some cases by the pure iodine, through absorption into the system by the skin. The latter should never be given, and only the former in small doses, say from half[1] to two grains, and even this quantity should not be continued too long. When it is, or large doses are given, the dog soon loses flesh; he has an almost unquenchable thirst, the result of gastric catarrh. Vomiting is frequent, especially after taking a large quantity of fluid; diarrhœa may be present; the tongue is of a dark brick-red colour; saliva flows freely from the mouth, and there is no desire for food.

_Treatment_: In cases of acute poisoning, if the patient does not vomit freely, an emetic should be given, as from five[1] to twenty grains of sulphate of zinc in water or some ipecacuanha wine; give starch and water, also white of egg, and water in large quantities, and allow milk _ad libitum_.

If there is great prostration, inject ether or brandy under the skin. In cases of chronic or slow poisoning by iodide of potassium, the medicine must, of course, be instantly stopped; and diluted hydrochloric acid, from two[1] to six drops in a dessertspoonful[1] to two tablespoonfuls of water given three times a day. If this does not stop the sickness and great thirst, the subnitrate of bismuth may be tried, in doses from five[1] to twenty grains, shaken dry on the tongue, every three or four hours. The dog must not have any water to drink, as it only increases the sickness; but plenty of ice placed in a perforated dish to lick, also iced barley or rice water. As there is often great weakness in these cases, nourishing food of an easily digested nature is required—Brand’s beef essence, given in jelly form; milk peptonised, or thickened with Benger’s food. As the case improves, lean raw meat in small quantities may be allowed.

_Tartar Emetic_:

_Symptoms_: The proper dose varies from a quarter[1] of a grain to one and a half grains. The symptoms, the result of a large dose, are continued sickness, with violent retching, and often diarrhœa; great thirst; coldness of lips, ears, and limbs, with severe depression and weak pulse, difficult breathing, collapse, and death. Sometimes just before dying the patient may be much convulsed.

In cases of poisoning by tartar emetic, there is generally an absence of blood in the vomited matter and bowel evacuations, which is not the case in poisoning by arsenic, as blood is passed freely both ways.

_Treatment_: Give a copious draught of warm water, with the idea of washing the stomach out; this, of course, is almost immediately brought up. A few minutes afterwards give from five[1] to thirty grains of gallic acid in water, which repeat every time the dog is sick, and let the animal have barley water or white of egg beaten up in water to drink. If there is great collapse, inject brandy or ether, from fifteen[1] minims to one drachm, under the skin with a hypodermic syringe; keep the patient warm, and as quiet as possible. When large doses of tartar emetic have been given, there is very little hope of recovery.

_Turpentine_ is rather a favourite antithelmintic, though it is not so much given for this purpose now as it used to be; but it is still a good deal used by some keepers, and when not carefully and sparingly administered often proves fatal, especially in young patients.

_Symptoms_: Convulsions; coma; heavy stertorous breathing, with pupils contracted. A great assistance in the diagnosing of these cases is the smell of the turpentine in the breath; the bladder is very irritable; the urine has the odour of violets, and is passed frequently.

_Treatment_: Give an emetic as soon as possible. The best in these cases, as in many others, is the apomorphia, from two[1] to five drops of the one in fifty solution, injected under the skin, or double the quantity poured down the throat. Failing this, give from five[1] to twenty grains of sulphate of zinc, in water, or some powdered ipecacuanha. When the effect of the emetic has passed, a full dose of sulphate of soda, from one[1] drachm to one ounce, in water, should be given. The dog may be allowed to drink milk or white of egg, with water or rice water.

When there is much pain about the abdomen, a morphia suppository inserted into the bowel gives relief.

_Oxide of Zinc_, either in the form of lotion, ointment, or the powder, is a household remedy, and an exceedingly good one, too, for many forms of non-contagious skin disease; but like almost everything else, when applied to the dog’s skin, he makes it his business to remove it with the tongue as quickly as possible. A small quantity does no harm; but when the ointment or lotion is applied over a large surface, and the dog licks a large quantity off, serious disturbances of the system often follow. Acute cases of this kind are not so fatal, as a rule, as chronic ones—that is, as in those cases of long-standing skin trouble when the zinc has been in daily use for some time, and the animal has been systematically licking it. In these cases the ill effects of the zinc are first noticed by the dog vomiting after food.

_Symptoms_: There is great thirst and loss of condition; soon the dog refuses food altogether, the sickness increases, and becomes very frequent. If the mouth is examined, the inside of the lips and tongue will be noticed extremely pale—in fact, quite blanched—and the membrane of the eyes is in a similar condition. The dog is very cold and dejected. Diarrhœa often comes on, which adds to the weakness.

_Treatment_: In treating these cases, the application of the oxide zinc in any form, of course, should be immediately discontinued. A purge should be given; for this, from two[1] to fifteen grains of jalapin is as good as anything. This should be repeated in two or three days. Medicine to strengthen the system and stop the sickness should be given, as the following mixture:—

_Recipe_: _The Mixture_:

Dialysed Iron, 2 to 8 minims.[1]
Solution of Arsenic (Fowler’s), ½ to 2 minims.
Bicarbonate of Soda, 3 to 10 grains.
Compound Tincture of Gentian, 5 to 20 minims.

Water, from one[1] to four teaspoonfuls. Repeat three or four times a day.

Strong beef-tea in jelly form, either home-made or Brand’s beef essence, should be given in small quantities frequently. Milk with soda water, if it does not induce vomiting, may be allowed.

When there is great prostration, stimulants, as brandy, are necessary, and should be given in small quantities frequently; and scraped lean raw meat is very beneficial in these cases, when the patient may be induced to take it.

_Santonine_ is a most useful remedy for expelling round worms, especially in young puppies, but very often too much is given. As a result, violent convulsions are induced, which in many cases terminate fatally. Full-grown dogs will stand a good dose without any bad effects, but young puppies are particularly susceptible to its action.

_Treatment_: The patient should be made to vomit as quickly as possible, but this cannot be done whilst the convulsions continue. However, directly the dog is able to swallow, a dose of ipecacuanha should be administered, from two[1] to ten grains (in a little water). This may be repeated in a few minutes, if it has not acted. If the convulsions are very severe, an injection of ether and laudanum should be given—from fifteen[1] to sixty drops of the former, and from seven[1] to twenty drops of the latter diluted freely with water. The injection should be repeated in half an hour, if the symptoms continue. A warm bath is sometimes useful.

Whilst on this subject, I may mention the proper doses of this medicine. For small puppies, toys, fox-terriers, etc., when five or six weeks old, a quarter of a grain in a teaspoonful of salad oil; collies, St. Bernards, and other big puppies, half a grain in a couple of teaspoonfuls of oil. The dose may be repeated twice a week.

_Lead_ is another poison which is occasionally the cause of death. Many dogs are poisoned by this agent, but it is only an exceptional case that terminates fatally. I have known the acetate or sugar of lead to be given in mistake for Epsom salts, and I have also known puppies and even full-grown dogs to pick up and swallow pieces of white lead (carbonate of lead). I have also seen dogs very ill through licking their feet after walking on wet paint, and I have heard it mentioned that some dogs will deliberately go and lick a place that has been newly painted. However, I can scarcely believe this; but everyone knows a dog will try to clean his coat of whatever may get on it. Dogs will sometimes get a bad attack of vomiting by remaining in a house where painting is going on, just from the smell.

_Symptoms_: Vomiting, colic, pain sometimes being acute; diarrhœa often at first, followed by constipation. The muscles of the stomach feel hard and rigid. There is great thirst, and in some bad cases paralysis of the hind legs and convulsions.

_Treatment_: Encourage the sickness by giving a dose of sulphate of zinc or ipecacuanha wine. Stimulate the action of the bowels with free doses of Epsom salts; give milk to drink, with white of egg added. If the pain is very severe, an enema of laudanum and ether will soothe. When there is great prostration, Brand’s essence may be given—a teaspoonful or so every hour.

=Prepuce Orifice, Too Small=:

Puppies are occasionally born with the opening in the prepuce too small, so that the penis is unable to be protruded.

_Treatment_: The difficulty is removed by a small operation—that is, by increasing the opening by making a small incision, and then sewing the skin to the mucous membrane. It is best not to do this operation until the puppy is three or four months old, and care must be taken during the healing that the wound is not licked. This is best done by making the puppy wear a wide collar, or keeping him in a sack for a few days, with the head only protruding as depicted in the illustration.

=Prepuce Orifice, Too Large=:

Occasionally puppies are born with the opening in the prepuce so large that the penis is always protruding.

_Treatment_: The opening may be partly closed by scarifying the edges of the skin, and then sewing it up. Care must be taken that the dog does not lick the part during the healing.

=Prostate Gland, Enlargement of=:

_Symptoms_: Difficulty in passing water—straining; also difficulty in passing a motion—constipation. When very large, they may be felt by manipulation of back part of abdomen (the pubic region) just in front of the thighs.

_Treatment_: If dog unable to urinate properly, the water must be drawn off with a small-sized catheter. The bowels must be kept in a semi-relaxed condition by mixing with the food, twice a day, from half to a dessertspoonful[1] of salad oil. Also, give twice a day, from a quarter[1] to two grains of iodide of potassium in a little water. The extract of prostate gland may be tried—dose, from half a grain to two grains.[1] An operation for enlarged prostate gland in the dog is not satisfactory, but castrating a dog suffering from this disease often has a good effect.

=Prostatitis (Inflammation of Prostate Gland)=:

_Symptoms_: Increased frequency of passing water, and straining after emptying bladder, when a few drops of blood are often passed. Big dogs are more subject to the disease than small ones.

_Treatment_: Do not take the dog for long walks; feed principally on milk, with biscuits, bread, toast, rice, etc. Fish may also be given, but avoid meat. Give aperient medicine, castor oil is the best, also tonic medicine, as the following pills:—

_Recipe_:

Powdered Nux Vomica, 1 to 6 grains.[1]
Reduced Iron, 12 to 30 grains.
Extract Gentian, _q.s._

Mix.

Divide into 12 pills—one to be given twice a day after food.

=Pruritus Ani (Inflammation of Skin about Anus)=:

_Symptoms_: The skin around anus is red and inflamed, and very irritable; the dog draws himself along the ground on the back parts, and is also frequently trying to lick himself.

This condition is often associated with a swollen and congested state of the anal glands.

_Treatment_: Try the ointment recommended for external piles, or bathe parts with following lotion—

_Recipe_:

Carbolic Acid, 1 drachm.
Glycerine, 2 drachms.
Water to 8 ounces.

Mix.

If the anal glands are distended, empty by squeezing. (_See_ article on ANAL GLANDS.)

In medicine, give from two[1] to fifteen grains of milk of sulphur twice a day.

In feeding, avoid much meat.

=Psoriasis=:

_Symptoms_: A dry and scaly condition of the skin, with small red spots here and there, particularly when the elbows, knees, and hocks are affected, which are the parts more often attacked.

_Treatment_: When the disease is spread more or less all over the dog, a dressing made of cocoanut oil six parts, and glycerine one part, well mixed together and applied all over the dog, and repeated once in four days, is beneficial. The dressing should be washed off after a week, using sulphur soap, and then the dog should have two or three times a week, for a time, a sulphur bath made by dissolving one ounce of sulphurated potash in a pail of tepid water.

When the disease affects only the joints, apply the following dressing twice a day:—

_Recipe_:

Methylated Spirits, } Of each one ounce.
Green Soft Soap, }
Oil of Cade, }

Mix.

Give the dog worm medicine, also a course of arsenic, from one[1] to six drops of liquor arsenicalis P. B. in water twice a day after food. The dose may be doubled a week later. This medicine should be continued for about a fortnight, but should it cause vomiting, diarrhœa, or loss of appetite, it is at once to be discontinued.

=Puerperal Fever=:

_Symptoms_: It may occur three or four days after pupping—commences with an attack of shivering—the temperature rises probably to 105, the pulse is quiet and weak. There is great thirst and vomiting, and perhaps diarrhœa. The discharge from vagina ceases, and the secretion of milk stops. The abdomen is distended and painful.

_Treatment_: Give a large dose of salicylate of quinine, from two[1] to ten grains made into a pill, or put in a cachet. Apply hot linseed-meal poultices to abdomen. Well wash the womb out with a solution of perchloride of mercury, 1 in 2,000—that is, one grain to about every four ounces of warm water. Of this solution use about two ounces for a small bitch, and half a pint for a large one. About two minutes after injecting the solution of mercury, wash the womb well out with plain warm water, using from four[1] ounces to a pint. The syringing may be repeated in twelve hours. When the mercury is not at hand, a saturated solution of boracic acid may be used, or one of permanganate of potash, one grain to each ounce of water.

To wash the womb out properly, a clean Higson’s enema syringe should be used, and the long insertion tube well vaselined passed up the passage as far as it will go.

_Diet_: Should be light, as milk with Vichy water to drink, also Brand’s beef essence, or Valentine’s meat juice, given with Vichy water.

If the vomiting is very troublesome, give the mixture recommended for gastritis, and keep up the bitch’s strength with nutritive enemas and peptonised meat suppositories.

=Pulse=:

A dog’s pulse varies in the number of beats per minute, according to his size. The number is less in a big dog than a small one. A St. Bernard’s pulse, for instance, beats about 70 times per minute, and a small dog’s, say, like a toy terrier, 100 times per minute, and a dog’s pulse is often intermittent in its beat.

In disease, the pulse, in most cases, is increased in frequency. It might be for big dogs 100 to 120, and for small dogs from 120 to 150 or 160 times a minute.

In some instances, as in some cases of heart disease, or in pneumonia, when the heart is affected, the pulse is very slow indeed. A big dog may go down to 50, and a small dog to 70. A very slow pulse is more serious than a fast one. In such cases, some such mixture as the following should be given:—

_Recipe_:

Tincture Digitalis, 2 drachms.
Tincture Nux Vomica, 1 drachm.
Simple Syrup, 1 ounce.
Water to 6 ounces.

_Doses_: From one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful[1] every four or six hours.