Complications

Gome of the complications that occur in distemper are capilliary bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, jaundice, paralysis, and worst of all, chorea.

Diagnosis

When the animal is dull, has a poor appetite, and loses flesh rapidly, the disease should be suspected, especially if there has been exposure to the disease. The harsh dry cough is characteristic, and the eye symptoms when accompanied by fever are diagnostic of this disease. The thermometer should be used in these cases.

Prognosis

The prognosis of distemper we regard as favorable if the case is seen early and properly treated. The clanger increases with the severity of the symptoms at the onset of the disease. A persistent high temperature, or a subnormal temperature are both serious symptoms. The following are unfavorable occurrences: Much emaciation and the animal refuses food, or when there are grave complications such as pneumonia, etc., or when the animal is very young or weak, and senemic, or when the disease attacks different organs at the same time. Death may occur from paralysis of the brain or oedema of the lungs, from septicaemia or from general exhaustion. Among the favorable circumstances are the mature age of the patient, good constitution of the animal, mildness of the attack, and when the disease is confined to circumscribed regions, or to one organ of the body.

Prophylaxis

Due attention to hygienics is one of the most important considerations. It is a good plan to have a small kennel or room where there will be plenty of fresh air without draught into which cases of suspected distemper may be put under observation, housing all distemper cases during the whole course of the illness in a separate kennel or room. Everything that has been about the animal and all quarters where the animal has been should be burned if possible. If it is not desirable to burn the quarters there should be a thorough disinfecting of them, and especially all bedding burned. All utensils that have been used in connection with the case, such as feeding and drinking pans, should be thoroughly disinfected. A clog with distemper should not be allowed to mingle with others, however well he may seem, so long as he has any discharge from eyes or nose, and never before from four to eight weeks have elapsed. Then, after the nose and eyes have been especially disinfected by washing or injecting a suitable solution, the animal should be washed all over, the water being medicated with Clayton's Ceoline Dog Wash, Sanitas, or the Standard Disinfectant. As an animal in a run-down, debilitated condition will contract distemper more easily than one in perfect health, it is essential that the animal be kept in as perfect health as possible. As all dogs are subject to constipation, especially if confined in the house, his bowels should be seen to and kept open, and there is nothing so good for this purpose as Clayton's Laxative Pills.

Pathological Anatomy

Lesions of the respiratory tract are as follows: The pituitary membrane or lining membrane of the nasal fossa is injected, infiltrated and covered with a muco-purulent exudate; numerous eccymosecl spots are found on the membrane. The mucous membrane of the larynx, trachea and bronchi shows various inflammatory alterations. The large bronchi are filled with bloody mucous, the smaller filled with a thick, tenacious exudate. The pleura is covered with a rose or citron colored exudate. The bronchial lymphatics are infiltrated, tumefied, and in rare cases purulent. The surface of the lungs are covered with red spots and the lungs are collapsed or distended with air. Lesions of the digestive tract are as follows: The mucous membrane of the small intestines is red, and numerous eccymosed spots are found, also hemorrhages in the subucous tissue. Occasionally the contents of the intestines are found to be bloody.

"In the brain there are the alterations of the cerebral oedema, the nervous substance is soft, the convoltions are flattened. There is an exudate of a serious character in the lateral ventricles and dilation of the blood vessels of the brain. We also have found evidences of fatty degeneration of the heart, liver, kidneys and an abnormal swelling of the lymphatic glands.

Treatment

The treatment of distemper is principally symptomatic. We have, however, a remedy that is capable of destroying the contagious germ. Our researches have established the fact that Clayton's Distem-perine and Distemperine Tablets enables us to combat the disease successfully. As soon as symptoms of distemper are observed, careful attention to all hygienic conditions should be given immediately. There should be comfortable, well-ventilated quarters furnished for the animal, and more especially there should be plenty of fresh air, but no draught. These quarters should be thoroughly disinfected (See Clayton's Ceoline Dog Wash), with changes of bedding daily. The administration of Clayton's Distemperine or Clayton's Distemperine Tablets should be commenced at once and given according to directions. The discharge from the nose and eyes should be looked after and removed several times daily, or as often as it collects. The eyes should be bathed with warm water often, as it is a great relief. This matter is too often neglected. If there are occular complications Clayton's, or Eberhart's 'No. 2 Eye Lotion should be applied to prevent those serious lesions that so often occur in this disease. If there are skin manifectations Clayton's, or Eberhart's Mange or Skin Cure should be applied carefully, and will not disturb the animal.-The skin eruption sometimes causes the animal much distress. In cases where the disease is localized in the organs of digestion, very careful attention should be given to the ailment. Careful nursing and feeding are of the utmost importance. The dog's strength must be looked after and a highly nutritious, easily digested diet given. Chopped raw beef is often taken when all else is refused, sheep's head broth with oatmeal or rice is very good.. If the animal is very weak, beef tea, raw eggs and port wine should be given ofton but in small quantities. If food is refused enough nourishment must be forced clown him to sustain life. Should the stomach refuse to retain the food he may be fed per enema. Strong purgatives are to be avoided in this disease. Exercise is injurious, the animal should be kept quiet.