Cases of small pox and measles occuring among dogs are on record, and the symptoms of the former malady are given at length by some authors. In the one reported case of measles it was stated: " A dog licked the hand of a child lying in bed, and on whom the measles eruption was at its height. Twelve days later the dog sickened and suffered for two days with nasal discharge; and four days later died, with marked congestion of the throat and air-passages".

Mr. Fleming in the Veterinary Science thus discusses small pox: "This is a rare malady, and maybe developed directly or by contagion; it is supposed to be also produced by the variola of man and of the sheep. It chiefly affects young dogs, although old animals are not exempt. One attack ensures immunity for the remainder of the dog's life.

Symptoms

The disease commences with fever, which continues for two or three days, and is followed by the appearance - over a large surface of the body, though rarely on the back and sides of the trunk - of red points, resembling flea-bites, which are quickly transformed into nodules, and then into vesicles. The contents of these become purulent, and finally dry into a crust, whose shedding leaves a naked cicatrix.

"In the dog, as in the sheep and pig, there are different forms of the disease, and it is benignant or malignant accordingly. Puppies nearly always succumb, and, on a necrosooplcal examination, it is not unusual to find various pustules on the mucous membrane of the respiratory and digestive organs".

Sanitary Measures

The disease being contagious, though the virus does not appear to be very volatile, it is necessary to isolate the sick, and take due precautions that the contagion is not carried from them to healthy animals.

Curative Measures

Careful dieting, a dry and moderately warm dwelling, cleanliness, and abundance of fresh air are the essentials in the curative treatment.

"An emetic in the early stage of the malady has been recommended as likely to be useful. Afterward the treatment must be purely symptomatic".