When the cough is violent, an ounce of oxymel is added, and a dessert-spoonful may be used every two hours. VENEMOUS BITES, &c. Dogs in hunting are sometimes apt to be bitten by vipers; there are many prescriptions in use, but their effect is very uncertain: among the numerous ones that might be set down, I know of none so easily procured or so good as sweet oil; but it should be rubbed in very speedily, otherwise a tablespoonful should be poured down the animal's throat. Olive oil is preferable to any other, and Mr. Beckford speaks in the highest terms of it. The same remedy may be applied to the bite of the slow-worm, &c. POISONS. Dogs seldom touch any thing injurious, unless it be administered in their food, and of all poisons the most destructive is crow-fig. When it is discovered that the dog is suffering from the effects of poison, the most speedy vomits should be given. Common salt will act as a powerful emetic when thrust down the throat of the animal. In cases of mercurial poisons, use 2 scruples. 2 scruples. When the vomiting has ceased, give a dose of cas tor oil. DROPSY. This is a disease occasionally found among dogs, arising from various causes, and accompanied with various symptoms; at times showing itself early, at other times appearing only in its latest stage. Considerable thirst exists at first, gradual loss of appetite succeeds, and the immense pressure of the water on the membrane which separates the lungs and intestines, finally produces suffocation. Dropsy is of two kinds, existing in the chest and in the belly, the latter being the most prevalent. Dropsy of the chest is incurable, and may be distinguished from the other by the swollen appearance of that portion of the body in which it exists. The dog appears to suffer much pain when he attempts to lie down, being desirous at all times of elevating his head. Dropsy of the belly, as well as dropsy of the chest, is not a primary disease, generally resulting from an unsound liver, neglected mange, and not unfrequently it has been known to follow the asthma. Diuretics have been tried in all cases of dropsy, and have occasionally only proved successful. Take Fox-glove, (powdered) - 10 grains 14 grains, mixed, and divided into a dozen portions, may be given every night and morning. Take one of which 9 grains, - 10 grains, Fox-glove, (powdered) Cream of Tartar 3 drachms, mixed, and divided into ten or a dozen portions, and given twice a day. Fox-glove has been known to fail in some cases, and Mr. Lawrence prescribes the following Oxymel of Squills Infusion of Tobacco, (made by pouring two ounces of hot water on a drachm of to bacco) Sweet spirit of Nitre Tincture of Opium Infusion of Camomile 1 ounce, 4 drachms, 4 drachms, a drachm, 2 ounces, mixed, and then give a dessert-spoonful night and morning. These are the most common remedies, although few dogs when once seized with dropsy are deemed curable. The method of tapping a dog has been occasionally tried with success. RHEUMATISM Is brought on from the effects of cold or inflammation of the bowels; and to such an extent has this disease been known to exist, that the dog has been totally deprived of the use of his hinder legs and quarters, which has been succeeded by paralysis. When inflammation of the bowels exist, with extreme costiveness, copious bleeding is necessary; after which give 1 ounce. Castor Oil Occasional bathing in warm water should also be tried, and if this does not prove successful, try clysters composed of castor oil and mutton broth; this should be repeated till the bowels are opened. In ex treme cases recourse must be had to a mustard poultice or oil of turpentine, which is to be rubbed into the parts affected. When the symptoms are only slight, the bathing in warm water has been found sufficient. When paralysis to a great extent exists, the effects of electricity only have produced any satisfactory results; while, on the other hand, mercurial ointments have been very efficacious; but the use of these are by no means desirable, as considerable danger attends their application. GRAVEL. Dogs are subject to both gravel and stone; the most approved remedy for which is 15 drops, - 30 drops, This dose must be increased in due proportion to the size of the dog: a few drops of laudanum may be added when much pain exists. PILES Are found more frequently with a bitch than with a dog, generally appearing after confinement; any thing tending to heat the blood, is a very fruitful cause of this disease. mixed, and divided into ten or fifteen portions, accord За ing to the size of the dog; one of which should be given every morning. An ointment composed as follows: This should be gently smeared upon the part affected three or four times a-day. Another ointment, not generally known, but very efficacious, and which has been often successfully tried by the writer of this work, and called "The poor Man's Friend," prepared by Messrs. Beach and Barnicott, and sold by most chemists in the united kingdom. SPASM Will arise from various causes, the best remedy for which is warmth; laudanum is recommended in various proportions, according to the size of the dog: clysters composed of laudanum are particularly effective. WOUNDS, SPRAINS, &c. Instinct teaches the dog to lick any sore or wound within his reach; and it has been generally found that they heal more readily from such a process than from the best application that the art of man could invent. The reason is evident, the tongue removes all dirt that may adhere to the edges or orifice of the fractured flesh, which is the surest way to obtain a speedy cure. |