Breeds most liable. Causes, over-exertion, cold baths, clipping,
exposure in cold, distemper. Symptoms, chill, fever, disturbed
breathing, cold extremities, cough. Treatment, dietary, nursing,
laxative, nauseant, febrifuge, moist jacket, mustard, stimulants,
tonics, heart tonics and careful nutrition during convalescence.
This is a frequent affection in hounds. In hunting or coursing dogs the
causes are like those operating in the horse. The clipping of long
haired dogs in inclement weather, swimming dogs in winter without
afterwards drying or heating them by exercise, and shutting them out of
doors at night, when accustomed to a warm dwelling are occasional
causes. It sometimes occurs epizootically and frequently supervenes
during distemper.
The chief _symptoms_ of chill, fever, and difficulty in breathing are
like as in other animals, while the results of auscultation and
percussion are more satisfactory than in any other domestic animal. The
dog sits on its haunches to facilitate breathing; his elbows turned out,
his mouth open and his tongue protruded. Coldness of the ears and a
short quick cough are usually marked symptoms.
_Treatment._ The general care applicable to other animals is equally
demanded here. The diet should consist of mild broths, or farinaceous
foods with a little gravy if necessary to render it palatable.
Bleeding from the jugular has been recommended and may be admissible at
the outset of the disease in a very few appropriate cases. If
costiveness exists a tablespoonful of castor oil may be given (more or
less according to the size of the animal), following this up by the
tartar emetic, nitre and sugar recommended for bronchitis. The poultice
jacket is of great value. Mustard poultices may later be applied to the
sides of the chest. Stimulants, tonics and nourishing diet may be
required during convalescence, or when the disease assumes a low type.