Scrofula is a constitutional and specific malady, involving the glandular system; a general debility, with a tendency to indolent inflammatory and ulcerative diseases. Its occurrence is not uncommon among dogs.

Causation

Scrofula may be hereditary; if not it can be created by influences capable of lowering the vital energies; by improper food or suffering hunger; by general neglect, lack of exercise, cold, damp kennels, and want of pure air and sunlight.

The disease may appear after other diseases have for a time existed and depressed the general health and impoverished the system.

Symptoms

When the scrofulous constitution exists, the functions are but irregularly performed. Digestion is impaired; the appetite is capricious; the mucous membranes pale and flabby; the bowels constipated; the coat dry and staring, and the abdomen distended.

In certain cases the disease may exist, remain hidden as it were, awaiting some unusual cause to excite its development; puppies so affected grow rapidly, and show in outward form but little evidence of the taint. In other cases the growth is stunted, the joints large, legs bent, head ill-shapen, and the animal is in general appearance an unsightly object. As the symptoms of scrofula become prominent emaciation is usually rapid, the muscles weak and flabby.

Treatment

The indications are first to correct abuses. The food should be nutritious and abundant, consisting largely of meat. Free exercise in the open air and sunlight, and dry, well ventilated kennels are indispensable. Perfect cleanliness and frequent bathing are of great importance.

Among the medicinal remedies cod liver oil takes precedence. If the appetite needs stimulating quinine is indicated. When the mucous membranes by pallor show a poverty of the blood, iron should be given for a long time.

Animals which have ever exhibited the symptoms of a scrofulous taint, should never be used for breeding purposes. Failure to transmit the disease to their young is exceptional.