Dropsy is generally preceded by loss of appetite, cough, diminution of natural discharge of urine, and costiveness. The abdomen shortly afterwards begins to enlarge. _Treatment._--It is sometimes necessary to evacuate the fluid by puncturing the abdomen; but this will seldom avail much unless the general health is improved, and the suppressed secretions restored. The following is the best remedy we know of:-- Powdered flagroot, } of each a quarter of " male fern, } an ounce. Scraped horseradish, a tea-spoonful. Mix. Divide into eight parts, and give one night and morning. Good nutritious diet must be allowed. SORE THROAT. A strong decoction of mullein leaves applied to a sore throat will seldom fail in curing it. SORE EARS. A dog's ears may become sore and scabby from being torn, or otherwise injured. In such cases, they should be anointed with marshmallow ointment. SORE FEET. If the feet become sore from any disease between the claws, apply a poultice composed of equal parts of marshmallows and charcoal; after which the following wash will complete the cure:-- Pyroligneous acid, 1 ounce. Water, 6 ounces. Mix, and wash with a sponge twice a day. WOUNDS. Turlington's Balsam is the best application for wounds. Should a dog be bitten by one that is mad, give him a tea-spoonful of lobelia in water, and bind some of the same article on the wound. SPRAINS. For sprains of any part of the muscular structure, use one of the following prescriptions:-- Oil of wormwood, 1 ounce. Tincture of lobelia, 2 ounces. Infusion of hops, 1 quart. Mix. Bathe the part twice a day. _Another._ Wormwood, } of each a handful. Thoroughwort, } New England rum, 1 pint. Set them in a warm place for a few hours, then bathe the part with the liquid; and bind some of the herb on the part, if practicable. SCALDS. If a dog be accidentally scalded, apply, with as little delay as possible,-- Lime water, } equal parts. Linseed oil, } OPHTHALMIA. Ophthalmia is supposed to be contagious; yet a mild form may result from external injury, as blows, bruises, or extraneous bodies introduced under the eyelid. The eye is such a delicate and tender organ, that the smallest particle of any foreign body lodging on its surface will cause great pain and swelling. _Treatment._--Take a tea-spoonful of finely-pulverized marshmallow root, add sufficient hot water to make a thin mucilage, and with this wash the eye frequently. Keep the animal in a dark place, on a light diet; and if the eyes are very red and tender, give a pill composed of twenty-nine grains extract of butternut and ten grains cream of tartar. If purulent discharge sets in, bathe the eye with infusion of camomile or red rose leaves, and give the following:--