These are mixed with a little butter, and given every other morning, for a few times. CANKER IN THE EAR, Is frequently among dogs that are over-fed; the humours fly to the ear, and by incessant scratching, a scab is soon produced. Exercise and purgatives are essentially necessary in cases of ulceration; and all dogs with long hair are more subject to this disease than any others. A decoction of tobacco-water is frequently very serviceable. SORE FEET AND EARS, When brought on by thorns, &c. from the hedges, are easily cured with salt and vinegar: tar and lard is preferred by some. CANKER IN THE LIPS Is successfully treated with alum-water. FITS. Many dogs are subject both to convulsive and spasmodic fits, but the causes vary: with young dogs or puppies they may arise from teething, or worms; and not unfrequently they are the forerunners of the distemper. Worms are a very fertile source, and will produce fits more generally than any thing else, especially when they are very troublesome; these fits are usually of the spasmodic kind, and may be removed by plunging the animal in cold water; after which, administer the following Opium Castor, in powder 4 grains. 18 grains. 5 grains. These must be mixed into a ball with balsam of peru, and divided into two doses; one of which may be given after the immersion, and the second the next day. Dogs have been known to fall into fits from the effects of fear, or irritation. Want of exercise is likewise a fruitful cause; in such case the remedy is evivident. Costiveness will produce them; when an active purge will be effective: indeed, in most instances, whether costiveness exists or not, this remedy is recommended. When the distemper is accompanied with fits, great danger is present, and oftentimes the disease proves fatal. Strong emetics may be tried. No valuable bitch should be allowed to rear or suckle more than two puppies at a time: when she is over-burdened with them, convulsive fits will often be brought on, and at last end fatally. DISEASES OF THE EYE, In most diseases of the eye, especially when the inflammation is simple, poppy-head fomentations or goulard washes will effect a cure, especially when the injuries have been produced by scratches, blows, &c. The distemper will often leave an apparent ulceration of the cornea. If the above washes produce no effect, try a mild vitriolic one, and by degrees the eye will become clear and transparent again. This will be useful if the eye is very red and inflamed within the eyelids, and when they throw out much water. When dogs become aged, cataract will frequently exist in both eyes. Young dogs are equally subject to it, but in this case as it only is found in one of the eyes, the cause may be referred to an injury: the most general remedy is a solution of white vitriol in water, made rather strong, and applied with a sponge or fine linen twice or thrice a day. When injuries to the eye leave a bluish cast in it, the following is recommended : Calomel Sugar of Lead 1 drachm. 1 scruple. A small quantity of this powder must be sprinkled into the eye occasionally during the day. COUGHS Are very common among dogs, and may be attributed to various causes. That which accompanies distemper has been already discussed. Worms will often be attended by a short cough, not unfrequently producing nausea, and the animal appears every way out of condition; in this case the worms which produce the disease must be first eradicated, for which refer to the treatment under that head. Cold frequently produces a cough, which, when it has continued any length of time, it will be necessary to treat very carefully. After bleeding, administer two or three grains of tartar emetic, or common salt, in the proportion of a teaspoonful to a dessert-spoonful, according as the dog is large or small. As dogs get old a cough is contracted by degrees, which becomes very hollow, and finally degenerates into ASTHMA, Which is not readily cured, unless speedy means be resorted to, and the disease is in its earliest stages: it assumes various forms, at times being accompanied with great emaciation, while in other cases it is found with an accumulation of fat. In this last instance, over-feeding and want of regular exercise may be referred to as the main cause: this then is easily obviated by regularity in everything which tends to produce ease and health. Bleeding may give relief in the early stages, and the administration of mild purgatives. In severe cases, the use of alteratives, with an occasional purgative, is recommended during the time that the dog is under a course of emetics. Calomel is often used, but it is both disagreeable and dangerous. It is to be remembered that no other medicine should be administered the same day with the nau seate. In obstinate cases, balsamic gums are recommended as particularly efficacious. Try Gum-ammonia Squills, (powdered) made into a ball with honey. 4 grains, half a grain, 3 grains, A few drops of laudanum mixed in the alterative, relieves the cough when it has become very distressing. INFLAMED LUNGS Often proceed from coughs when they have been of long standing; this is manifest from the difficulty of breathing, the oppression apparent in the beating of the heart; which, however, is at the same time rather rapid than otherwise. From six to ten balls, one of which is given every three hours, according to the size of the dog, may be made from the following:- |