CANINE DISTEMPER.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1759, 9 October 1879, Page 4

CANINE DISTEMPER.

TREATMENT. Tho rational treatment of distemper in the dog (says a correspondent of “ The Turf, Field, and Farm”) is, I think, fairly indicated by the symptoms. Of coarse this must ever be a very vexed question, and every dog owner will continue to have his favorite nostrum, which is a “sure cure.” However, let us consider it upon_ general frinciples and sec what are the indications, irst we Ijavo morbid secretions ; let us try to correct them by such well-known agents as have an alterative action upon the glands and mucous membrane. Secondly, there is a febrile condition ; let us try to modify its intensity; and, thirdly, there is a marked tendency to prostration of vital power, indicating the need of stimulants and tonics. If we can satisfactorily meet these conditions by the use of such agents as we have at our command, we shall be able in most instances to save our patient. To accomplish the first of these indications, I have been in the habit of giving in the beginning, that is, as soon as general “malaise” appears—with the early symptoms already mentioned —an emetic of salt, say a couple of teaspoonsful dissolved in about four ounces of water ; this may be repeated three or four times during the first two or three days. After the first effects of the first dose has subsided, I give about five grains of calomel, mixed with about double the quantity of subcarbonate of bismuth. This I repeat in about half the quantity twelve hours after, and a third time about twelve hours after the second dose. Following this I give a dose of castor oil and laudanum, half an ounce of the oil and one dram of the laudanum. In case of rejection of the medicine by the stomach, 1 wait half an hour and then repeat the |doae, keeping the animal as quite as possible during the interim. By this means I hope to overcome the first and probably the main origin of the disease, viz., “defective excreta,” The action of these agents will, in a great degree, secure the reduction of the febrile movement, and to maintain this, if necessary, as evinced by the rapid pulse and quick breathing, I give potassio-tartrate of antimony (tartar emetic) in doses of one-sixteenth to one-eight of a grain every four hours. But just at this particular juncture the third indication is manifested, and we must resort to that stimulation and tonic treatment, without which our patient is sure to sink and die. Until after the purgative effects of the calomel and oil, food is not likely to be assimilated; then, however, is the time when good, strong meat broths, with rice, hominy or stale bread become absolutely necessary, and should be offered at least every three or four hours, and if persistently rejected should, after twenty-four hours, be poured down as medicine, in such proportions as the size of the animal indicates as being appropriate to its nutrition. With this should be given the one tonic agent which, in my experience, is all powerful with the dog, viz., quinine. This may be given in the form of pill or solution. During the early stages I am in favor of the latter form, and generally exhibit it in combination with dilute muriatic acid. It is useless, or nearly so, to give tho small doses of quinine usually prescribed. My rule is to give, to an ordinary setter dog 2 grains of quinine with 10. drops of the acid, in 2 ounces of water, every four hours, and to be continued so long as symptoms of depression and vital exhaustion continue, and no longer. I know of nothing to take the place of this as a tonic, and can wish for no better, save on the score of expense, and, of course, this is comparative and not to be considered when tho life of a valuable or highly-esteemed animal is at stake. In this way, then, I am of opinion the three indications of treatment are best to be met. There are, however, certain complications of such importance in many severe cases that no system treatment would be complete abort of their consideration Among the most prominent of these I esteem superpurgation. This must, if possible, be controlled, and we have but one agent, viz., opium. W herever persistent diarrhoea exists, give an enema after each evacuation, consisting of half a teaspoonful of laudanum, aud four times as mnch starch water, I know of nothing else to take its place, whether with dog or man. Next to this complication, congestion or inllammation of the lungs is apt to be prominent, and will manifest itself to the expert by physical signs, an examination of the chest to the inexperienced by hurried and labored breathing. The tartar emetic in doses of onesixteenth of a grain every three or four hours is hero indicated. With some form of counter irritation over the chest walls, spirits of turpentine will answer the purpose, hut must not bo used too freely. In very severe cases it is generally of importance to stimulate tho action of the kidneys, and to this end I know of no better agent than the nitrate of potash (nitre) in 10 grain doses, two or three times a day, in a little water. The necessity for its use is indicated by scanty, high-colored urine. When the discharges from the nose and eyes are very troublesome, it is well to en-

velop the head for a few minutes, occasionally, in a cloth on which has been sprinkled onehalf a teaspoonful of powdered carbonate of ammonia. This may be frequently repeated, and has the effect of clearing the nasal passages and rendering the animal more comfortable, or an injection of a solution of chlorate of potash may bo used—l drachm to half a pint of water. I know of but one condition which occurs as a sequel of this formidable disease, which is not to be met by the foregoing agents, and that is partial paralysis, which, when present, generally affects the hind quarters of the animal. For this I always give nux vomica and use friction, with some stimulating liniment along the spine. It must be remembered, however, that nux is a most powerful agent in its action on the dog, and it is seldom that more that one eighth of a grain can be given as a dose, to bo repeated three or four times a day. lam in the habit of recommending it in combination with the sulphate of iron, 2 grains, and extract of gentian, 5 grains, to be made up into a pill and given until the effects of the nuv are manifest in slight twitching of the muscles, when it should be given less often. Lash, but not least, I come to the general sanitary regulations. The animal should be kept by itself, free from worriment, and should have a comfortable, dry bed of straw or shavings, kept scrupulously clean, and have at all times free access to pure water and fresh air. The medicinal agents which I have named are few but potent, and although I esteem them in many cases all-important to recovery, I still would enjoin that healthy and sound maxim of good medical treatment, viz—To avoid the Nimia diligentia medicorum ! Mr dear editor, my favorite Jet Black, of Lord Oassleton’a breed, has laid his beautiful head upon my knee, and looks up with loving trust in my face as much as to ask, Have you not said enough ? Perhaps I have ; at least he is the last that should stay my pen if I have not, for he of all that I own, passed nearest the dark valley through this terrible infliction, and doubtless in great part because of his sufferings in the past, he now has the privilege of stretching his graceful form upon my Turkish rug.