The following was written by "Westerner" and published in Field and Fancy. We cannot know too much on this most dreaded disease so I give the article entire:

Distemper In Dogs

"Each year brings around its popular dog shows, and in these days when nothing is thought of high prices being paid for good specimens in most all the breeds, many of which after winning fame in public competition succumb to distemper, the American pulic is in need of some sound advice, which will, if faithfully followed, save the lives of innumerable dogs. It is said (hat whoever discovers a sure specific cure for distemper in dogs will have made his fortune, for probably 60 per cent of all the thoroughbred dogs bred annually die of this dread disease, at periods generally following the large shows in Eastern cities. The following practical suggestions and observations based upon the experience of many years .of breeding and raising, are likely not new to some owners, but will be found most helpful by the yearly increasing number of novices, and result in an absolute knowledge of how to avoid fatal results.

"We know that distemper commonly develops during the first year of life, either at periods known to be associated with teeth formation or approaching physical maturity.

"Primarily, distemper, at its inception, shows a disturbed and inflamed condition of the membraneous tissue of the alimentary canal. It is likely a condition corresponding to typhoid, as some maintain. Its germ certainly finds ready cultivation in the unhealthy conditions which result from worms. Its first usual symptom is a hard bronchial cough, with some retching, irritated by excitement or nervousness, all no doubt caused by the stomach's disturbed membraneous condition. Whether at two or three months, or at six or ten months, or any age, the first thing to do when this cough appears is to chain the dog up in some inside quarters where air is good and floor dry. Here is where the first mistake generally takes place. The fond owner, thinking because the dog is lively, that his cough is nothing more than some slight throat irritation or cold, allows the dog to sleep out in all kinds of weather, which conditions soon develop acute bronchial troubles, generally pneumonia, and in most every case pneumonia is fatal in dog-life.

"Distemper develops much slower than generally thought for. A dog is first noticed to be 'off his food;' soon the cough is noticed in the morning and toward night, and in a week or ten days it is more than likely that the eyes show a sticky discharge and the nose sooner or later begins perhaps to discharge likewise thick purulent yellow mucus. Many a strong healthy dog will not show the effects of the early stages of the disease, but later break down all at once, as it gradually increases to some climax with him. If the mucous discharge stage is reached, the owner can count on a month or more of close confinement.

"Of great importance is the isolation of the patient, chained up free from activity and excitement from other dogs. If your puppy is young, and you have an old bitch (that has had the distemper), no harm can follow shutting her in with the patient. She will aid the puppy in keeping clean and be very helpful in quieting him. Your chances are that if this first move is made promptly, and faithfully adhered to, your dog will have but a 'mild case,' and thus be saved all of the deleterious effects of the ravages of the disease in its worst forms, and in a couple of weeks be over it. The dog that is kept chained up from the very first symptoms, stores up his vital energy and strength, and has the benefit of it when any climax of the disease develops.

"In treatment, the writer does not believe in the speedy use of any medicine; the less used the better you are off, and the clog, generally. If at first your dog is suddenly prostrated, as is common, one good, large dose of rochelle salts or castor oil is a good beginning. If indications of worms are present treat for their removal. If the patient refuses food for a couple of days, it will do no harm to let him go without, but rather good. The first stage is no time to force food, but on the contrary, does injury. Should much mucous discharge develop at the eyes and nose, and a general fevered condition exist, with quick breathing and much loss of energy, quinine in moderate doses, or any tried 'grippe' tablet that has been found good in family use will prove beneficial. In giving any such medicines use caution as to overdosing, considering well the age and size of the patient, and not oftener than once in three or four hours, bearing in mind its irritating effect on the stomach tissues. The condition of the stomach is the most important factor to keep in mind, for on getting the dog back to a good appetite depends his recovery. He must have the ability to digest and assimilate his food, as well as to eat it, in order that its strength-giving properties can help overcome the deleterious effects of the disease, as the effect of this foreign germ life in the system advances in its attack on the system.

"Right here, begin at once, something that will, if followed up regularly, allay the development of the worst tendencies of the disease. After the general cleansing, begin to give, three or four times a day for several days and continually as long as its helpfulness is indicated a tablet that can be purchased from any druggist, being a compound of pepsin (one or two grains, according to age), bismuth and charcoal. These tablets are inexpensive and should be given after each meal, if the patient takes food, and, if not, four times a day. They are easily taken or given, and their beneficial effect will soon be observed. They will soothe the inflamed membraneous tissues and aid the proper digestion of food and its assimilation.

"In distemper, the feces are usually of a greenish, rank, pungent character, indicating a decidedly unhealthy condition of the bowels, in the cause of which both stomach indigestion and intestinal indigestion and lack of assimilation undoubtedly share. This condition, if allowed to remain without attention results in what is known as the ulcerous and intestinal form of the disease which commonly develops when owners are too anxious to keep their clogs eating rich food, when the dog's system cannot properly handle it. There is no necessity for this form of the disease ever developing. It is its worst form when advanced, and results in most cases fatally.