CHAPTER I. GENERAL DISEASES Distemper This is one of the most common diseases of the dog, and one that leaves in its train often very serious results. The earlier symptoms are very insidious. There is dullness; loss of appetite, flesh and strength may be remarked, while purging and vomiting are not uncommon. To this are added a short, husky cough, watery eyes, increased redness of the vessels of the eye, sensibility of the eye to light, increased frequency of the pulse. As the disease advances, the animal shivers with the cold, dislikes to be disturbed, seeks warmth, and courts solitude; the bowels are confined; the membrane of the eye covered with a fine net-work of bright red vessels; a thick discharge of matter flows from the eyes; the nostrils are covered with a glassy yellowish fluid; the cough is increased in frequency, and comes on in fits, which terminates in the discharge of a yellow, frothy fluid from the stomach; the skin is hot. Often with red spots on the under side of the body and between the thighs. A later stage is marked by an increase of all the foregoing symptoms. The body wastes, the shivering is constant, the eyes are filled with a thick matter, which glues the eyelids together in the morning, tenacious matter clogs the nostrils and obstructs the breathing. This causes much uneasiness and frequent but unsuccessful attempts to overcome the cause of annoyance. The discharge from the nostrils becomes bloody and offensive; the breath is fetid; the lips are covered with ulcers; short cries express pain; and the animal, becoming weaker and worse in every respect, at last dies, a severe diarrhea being the usual harbinger of that end. Distemper frequently results in chorea, or St. Vitus’ dance, paralysis, disease of the brain, ulcers on the eyes and opacity, inflammation of the lungs, or in numerous other ailments. TREATMENT.—The earlier stages, before the discharge is established, are best controlled by the A. A., of which give a dose of three or five drops, according to the size of the dog, morning, noon and night. After the catarrhal stage has come on, give three or five drops of the C. C., four times per day. This will, in general, carry the animal safely and speedily through this ordeal. Should other diseases declare themselves, they should be treated accordingly. Should a general or partial paralysis occur, or inability to use one or several limbs, the J. K., should be given, three or five drops, three times per day, until recovered. (See paralysis.) ACCESSORY MEASURES.—A nutritious and easily digested diet is of great importance in this disease, such as—milk, bouillon, soup, scraped raw meat and beef tea. If much diarrhea, boiled milk. If great loss of strength or appetite, alcoholic stimulants may be added to the milk or soup. Simple or Inflammatory Fever