The Dog

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'Causes'.--This disease may he excited by any of those causes that
produce a general or local inflammatory action; exposure to cold, the
presence of malignant diseases on other portions of the body, high
living, heat, confinement, or extraneous substances lodged in the organ
itself.

Water-dogs are most subject to this affection, owing, no doubt, to the
frequent afflux of blood to these parts, while the remainder of the body
is immersed in the water. A tendency to this peculiar inflammation may
also be produced in these animals by the action of the water upon the
delicate membranes of the ear, which occasions a violent shaking of the
head and beating of the flaps, which not unfrequently bruises them
considerably. Dogs that seldom or never go into the water are not,
however, by any means exempt from the disease; as we have often seen it
developed in terriers, mastiffs, and every species of mongrel.

'Treatment'.--When the disease appears in its acute form, and without
any apparent cause beyond luxurious living and confinement, bleeding,
purging, low diet, and regular exercise, together with tepid and
soothing washes, will generally relieve the inflammatory action of the
parts. The ear should be carefully and tenderly washed out with castile
soap, and a small quantity of the following solution poured into it two
or three times daily, and the ear worked about gently in the hand to
secure the percolation of the fluid through its structure.

[Symbol: Rx] Goulard's extract [Symbol: ounce] sj.
Water 1 pint.
Mix.
or,
[Symbol: Rx] Sugar of lead [Symbol: scruple] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix.
or,
[Symbol: Rx] Powdered alum [Symbol: scruple] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix.

The above mixtures should be warmed before using, otherwise the dog may
resist their introduction.

When the disease from bad treatment or neglect has subsided into the
chronic form, and ulceration and suppuration have commenced, it will be
necessary to pursue a somewhat different treatment, and remain more
patient, awaiting the result.

At this time the auditory passage is filled with a dark purulent
secretion, which forms a thick and irritating crust.

This deposit should first be removed by washing with castile soap and
tepid water, and the daily application of a hop poultice. If there be
much inflammatory action of the parts, the dog may be bled, and
alterative or purgative balls administered. The following wash must be
used two or three times daily.

[Symbol: Rx] Sugar of lead [Symbol: scruple] i.
Laudanum gtt.--20 (drops.)
Water [Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix.

As the discharge is usually very offensive, the following solution will
correct its fetor, and should be injected or poured in the ear.

[Symbol: Rx] Chloride of lime [Symbol: drachm] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] vi.
Mix.

If granulations have sprung up, touch them with a camel's hair brush,
dipped in the following mixture:

[Symbol: Rx] Sulphate of copper [Symbol: scruple] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix.

If, however, the excrescences continue to sprout from the cartilage, and
the discharge continues unabated and offensive, they may be excised and
the parts brushed over with nitrate of silver in substance. After this
operation the flap often becomes extremely tender and much swollen;
poultices of poppy-heads or hops will often afford much relief.

Setons are of much value in the treatment of obstinate cases, and should
be placed in the poll, and kept open till a cure is effected, or the
case abandoned.

All greasy applications to the parts should be discarded; the only one
we consider allowable would be a very nice preparation of fresh butter,
alum, and laudanum, smeared over the surface of the ulcers when very
indolent and painful.

The following wash will be found very soothing in the same case:

[Symbol: Rx] Opium gtt. 20.
Gum arabic iss--
Lime water [Symbol: ounce] iv.

If the disease has progressed far enough to destroy a considerable
portion of the cartilages, and perforate the tympanum, more care is
necessary in using the above washes, as the fluid will enter the
internal ear through this opening, and cause much uneasiness to the
animal, if not fatal consequences.

WOUNDS OF THE EAR.

Wounds of the flap are often occasioned by the tearing of poisonous
briars, while hunting in close cover, or in conflict with other dogs.

The former will generally heal up without much trouble, but the latter,
when extensive, sometimes two or three inches in length, by requiring
uniting by one or more sutures, to prevent deformity.

WARTS.

When these little excrescences appear on the external or internal
portions of the flap, they may be taken off with the knife, and caustic
applied to the wound, to induce them to heal, and keep down further
granulations.

CANKER OF THE EDGE OF THE FLAP.

When a corroding sore of this nature attacks the edges of the ear, and
refuses to yield to the application of a few stimulating washes, such as
sulphate of copper, alum, borax, nitrate of silver, &c., the diseased
edges may be paired off, and the actual cautery applied to the parts.
This will frequently arrest its further progress.

POLYPUS OF THE EAR

Polypi often spring up from the interior of the ear; they may be cut off
with the scissors, or by the application of a fine wire, or horse-hair
ligature. The wound should be touched with caustic, tincture of iodine,
or the actual cautery.

DISEASES OF THE EAR--MANGY EDGES

This affection generally accompanies the same disease in other portions
of the body, but may occasionally make its appearance independent of
this cause. The edges of the flap become rough, thickened, and furrowed,
the itching intolerable; and the dog perpetually shaking and scratching
the head, occasions a constant oozing of blood from the wound.
Smooth-baited dogs are most subject to this disease, such as pointers,
hounds, and terriers.

'Treatment'--Slightly stimulating washes, such as castile soap,
alum-water, or infusion of oak-bark, will, in the majority of cases,
induce these sores to heal up. If these do not answer, it will be
necessary to use the mange ointment, keeping the animal hobbled to
prevent him from scratching. Old inveterate cases are best cured by
trimming off the affected parts.--L.]

CHAPTER X--ANATOMY AND DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND MOUTH ETC.

THE ETHMOID BONES.

There is some difficulty in describing the ethmoid bones; but we shall
not, however, deviate far from the truth if we give the following
account:

A great number of small hollow pedicles proceed from and form around the
cribriform plate; as they move downwards, they project into distinct
vesicles or cavities, smaller and more numerous behind, fewer in number
and larger in front; and each of them not a simple cavity, but more or
less convoluted, while the long walls of those cells are of gossamer
thinness, and as porous as gauze. They even communicate, and are lined,
and externally wrapped together, by the same membrane; the whole
assuming a pear-like form, attached by its base or greater extremity,
and decreasing in size as it proceeds downwards; the cells becoming
fewer, and terminating at length in a kind of apex, which passes under
the superior turbinated bone, and forms a valve between the nasal cavity
and the maxillary sinuses. If to this is added, that the olfactory or
first pair of nerves abut on these cribriform plates, and pass through
their minute openings, and spread themselves over every one of these
cells, we have a tolerably correct picture of this portion of the
ethmoid bones. This nerve has different degrees of development in
different animals, in proportion to their acuteness of smell. There is
comparatively but little necessity for acuteness in the horse. The ox
has occasion for somewhat more, especially in the early part of the
spring, when the plants are young, and have not acquired their peculiar
scent. In the sheep it is larger, and fills the superior portion of the
nasal cavity; but in the dog it seems to occupy that cavity almost to
the exclusion of the turbinated bones. It is also much more fragile in
the dog than in the ox, and the plates have a considerably thinner
structure.

The ethmoid bone of the horse or the ox may be removed from its
situation with little injury; but that of the dog can scarcely be
meddled with without fracture. Below it are the two turbinated bones;
but they are reduced to insignificance by the bulk of the ethmoid bone.
The inferior turbinated bone in the dog is very small, but it is
curiously complicated.

The 'meatus' contains three distinct channels; and the air, loitering,
as it were, in it, and being longer in contact with the sensitive
membrane by which it is lined, contributes to the acuter sense of smell.
The larger cavity is along the floor of the nasal duct. It is the proper
air-passage; and because it has this important function to discharge, it
is out of the way of violence or injury.

The 'lachrymal duct' is the channel through which the superfluous tears
are conveyed to the lower parts of the nostril. A long canal here
commences, and runs down and along the maxillary bone. It is very small,
and terminates in the cuticle, in order that the highly sensitive
membrane of the nose may not be excoriated by the tears occasionally
rendered acrimonious in inflammation of the eye. The oval termination of
this duct is easily brought into view by lifting the nostril.

From some occasional acrimony of the tears, the lining of this duct may
be inflamed and thickened, or some foreign body, or some unctuous matter
from the ciliary glands, may insinuate itself into the duct, and the
fluid accumulates in the sac and distends it, and it bursts; or the
ulcer eats through the integument, and there is a small fistulous
opening beneath the inner canthus of the eye, or there is a constant
discharge from it. It is this constant discharge that prevents the wound
from healing. In some cases the lachrymal bone is involved in the
ulcerative process and becomes carious. In the dog, and particularly in
the smaller spaniel, the watery eye, 'fistula lachrymalis', is of no
unusual occurrence. The fistula will be recognised by a constant,
although perhaps slight, discharge of pus.

The structure and office of the 'velum palati', or veil of the palate,
is in the horse a perfect interposed section between the cavity of the
mouth and the nose, and cutting off all communication between them. In
the dog, who breathes almost entirely through the mouth, the velum
palati is smaller; the tensor muscle, so beautifully described by Mr.
Percivall, is weak, but the circumflex one is stronger and more
developed. When 'coryza' in the dog runs on to catarrh, and the membrane
of the pharynx partakes of the inflammation, the velum palati becomes
inflamed and thickened, but will not act as a perfect communication
between the mouth and the nose. When there is a defluxion from the nose,
tinged by the colour of the food, and particles of food mingle with it,
we have one of the worst symptoms that can present itself, because it
proves the extent and violence of the inflammation.

In inflammatory affections of the membrane of the nose in the dog, we
often observe him snorting in a very peculiar way, with his head
protruding, and the inspiration as forcible as the expiration. An emetic
will usually afford relief, or grain doses of the sulphate of copper.

THE NASAL BONES.

The nasal bones of the dog (see fig. 2, in the head of the dog, page
181) are very small, as they are in all carnivorous animals. Instead of
constituting the roof, and part of the outer wall of the cavity, as in
other animals, the nasal bones form only a portion, and a small one, of
the roof.

The 'superior maxillaries' here swell into importance, and constitute
the whole of the outer wall, and, sometimes, a part of the roof. The
jaws are the weapons of offence and defence; and as much space as
possible is devoted to the insertion of those muscles that will enable
the animal to seize and to hold his prey. One of the most powerful of
them, the 'masseter', rises from the superior maxillary bone, and
spreads over its whole extent: therefore, that bone is developed, while
the nasal bone is compressed into a very small space. The substitution
of a portion of cartilage, instead of bone, at the posterior part of the
orbital ring, in order to give more play for the coracoid process of the
posterior maxillary, round which the temporal bone is wrapped, is a
contrivance of the same nature.

The scent of the dog is not sacrificed or impaired by the apparent
diminution of the nasals; for the cavity enlarges considerably upward,
and is occupied chiefly by the 'ethmoid bone', which, having the greater
portion of nervous pulp spread on it, seems to have most to do with the
sense of smell.

The nasal bones of the dog are essentially different from those of the
horse, cattle, and sheep. They commence, indeed, as high up in the face
as those of the horse, their superior extremities being opposite to the
lachrymal gland; but that commencement is an apex or point varying
materially in different breeds. They form, altogether, one sharp
projection, and are received within breeds these processes extend nearly
one-third of the length of the nasals.

The superior maxillary (3.3.) takes the situation of the nasal (2.),
pushes the lachrymal bone (4.) out of its place, and almost annihilates
it, reaches the frontal bone (7.) and expands upon it, and forms with it
the same denticulated suture which is to be seen in the nasal. The
action of the muscle between these bones, and for the development of
which all this sacrifice is made, is exceedingly powerful. The strength
of this muscle in a large dog is almost incredible: the sutures between
these bones must possess corresponding strength; and so strong is the
union between them, that, in many old dogs, the suture between the
superior maxillary and frontal bones is nearly obliterated, and that
between the nasal and frontal maxillary quite effaced.

As the nasal bones proceed downward they become somewhat wider. They
unite with a long process of the anterior maxillary for the purpose of
strength, and then terminate in a singular way. They have their apexes
or points on the outer edge of the bone; and these apexes or points are
so contrived, that, lying upon, and seemingly losing themselves, on the
processes of the anterior maxillary, they complete, superiorly and
posteriorly, that elliptical bony opening into the nose which was
commenced by the maxillary anteriorly and inferiorly. The nasal cavity
of the dog, therefore, and of all carnivorous animals, terminates by a
somewhat circular opening, more or less in the form of an ellipse. This
bony aperture varies in size in different dogs, and, as we should expect
from what we have seen of the adaptation of structure to the situation
and wants of the animal, it is largest in those on whom we are most
dependent for speed and stoutness.

The 'olfactory', or first pair of nerves, have a double origin, namely,
from the 'corpus striatum' and the base of the 'corpus callosum'. They
are prolongations of the medullary substance of the central portion of
the brain. They are the largest of the cerebral nerves. Their course is
exceedingly short; and they have not a single anastomosis, in order that
the impression made on them may be conveyed undisturbed and perfect to
the brain.

The olfactory nerve is a prolongation of the substance of the brain, and
it abuts upon the cribriform bone, of which mention has been made. I
will not speak of the singular cavities which it contains, nor of their
function; this belongs to the sensorial system: but its pulpy matter has
already been traced to the base of the ethmoid bone, and the under part
of the septum, and the superior turbinated bone. Although we soon lose
it in the mucous membrane of the nose, there is little doubt that in a
more filmy form it is spread over the whole of the cavity, and probably
over all the sinuses of the face and head. It is, however, so mingled
with the mucous membrane, that no power of the lens has enabled us to
follow it so far. It is like the 'portio mollis of the seventh pair,
eluding the eye, but existing in sufficient substances for the
performance of its important functions.

We have frequent cases of 'Ozaena' in old dogs, and sometimes in those
that are younger. The discharge from the nostril is abundant and
constant, and sometimes fetid. The Schneiderian membrane, of more than
usual sensibility in this animal, is exposed to many causes of
irritation, and debilitated and worn out before its time. Pugs are
particularly subject to Ozaena. I scarcely ever knew a very old pug that
had it not to a greater or less degree. The peculiar depression between
the nasal and frontal bones in this breed of dogs, while it almost
totally obliterates the frontal sinuses, may narrow the air-passage at
that spot, and cause greater irritation there from the unusual rush of
the air, and especially if the membrane becomes inflamed or any foreign
body insinuates itself.

Little can be done in these cases, except to encourage cleanliness about
the face and nostrils. It is, in the majority of these cases, a disease
of old age, and must take its course.

A terrier uttered a continual loud stertorous sound in breathing, which
could be plainly heard in our parlour when the dog was in the hospital.
The animal was evidently much oppressed and in considerable pain. He
made continual, and generally ineffectual, efforts to sneeze. When he
did succeed, a very small quantity of pus-like fluid was discharged; the
dog was then considerably relieved, but a quarter of an hour afterwards
he was as bad as ever. I ordered a slight emetic every third day. There
was some relief for seven or eight hours, and then he was as bad as
ever. I could neither feel nor see any cause of obstruction. The owner
became tired, and the dog was taken away; but we could not learn what
became of it.

Another terrier was occasionally brought for consultation. The dog
breathed with considerable difficulty, and occasionally snorted with the
greatest violence, and bloody purulent matter was discharged; after
which he was somewhat relieved; but, in the course of a few days, the
obstruction was as great as ever. I am not aware of a single instances
of this affection of the pug being completely removed. The discharge
from the nostrils of the bull-dog is often considerable, and, once being
thoroughly established, is almost as obstinate as in the pug.

OZAENA.

Ozaena, or fetid discharge from the nose, is, perhaps, the most
troublesome and frequent affection that this organ is subject to; it is
attended, at first, with slight fever, swelling of the parts, and a
fetid discharge from the nostrils, which, if not corrected in the early
stage of the disease, subsides into a chronic purulent secretion, that
not only weakens the dog, but renders him peculiarly offensive. Caries
and destruction of the bones of the nose will ultimately take place.

'Causes'.--Inflammation of the lining membrane of the nose, either
idiopathic, or arising from distemper, or other morbid disturbance of
the system. It may also be a symptom, or the produce, of polypi in this
organ.

'Treatment'.--In commencing the treatment of this disease, it will be
necessary first to prescribe some alterative medicines, as balls of
aloes and rhubarb, and protect the animal from all severe atmospherical
vicissitudes. This precaution, in connexion with mild astringent
injections into the seat of the disorder, will generally effect a cure.

'Injections for Ozaena'.

No. 1.
[Symbol: Rx] Sulphate of Zinc.........................grs. v to x.
Water..............................[Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix.

No. 2.
[Symbol: Rx] Alum.............................[Symbol: scruple] ii.
Water..............................[Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix

No. 3.
[Symbol: Rx] Chloride of Soda........................grs. v. to x.
Water..............................[Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix.

No. 4.
[Symbol: Rx] Teneriffe, Madeira or Sherry wine..[Symbol: ounce] i.
Extract of Tannin.............................grs. iv.
Mix.

[Any of the above injections will answer a good purpose. No. 3 is
particularly useful to correct the fetidness of the discharge. When the
disease is an old chronic affection, it should not be arrested too
suddenly by astringent injections; in such cases it will be better to
insert a seton in the poll, and thus keep up a drain from the system
after the suppression of the other.--L.]

THE SENSE OF SMELL.

In the dog we trace the triumph of 'olfactory power'. How indistinct
must be that scent which is communicated to, and lingers on, the ground
by the momentary contact of the foot of the hare, the fox, or the deer;
yet the hound, of various breeds, recognises it for hours, and some
sportsmen have said for more than a day. He also can not only
distinguish the scent of one species of animal from another, but that of
different animals of the same species. The fox-hound, well broken-in,
will rarely challenge at the scent of the hare, nor will he be imposed
upon when the crafty animal that he pursues has taken refuge in the
earth, and thrusts out a new victim before the pack.

The sense of smelling is, to a certain degree, acute in all dogs. It is
a provision wisely and kindly made, in order to guide them to their
proper food, or to fit them for our service. It may possibly be the
medium through which much evil is communicated. Certain particles of a
deleterious nature may be, and doubtless are, arrested by the mucous
membrane of the nose, and there absorbed, and the constitution, to a
considerable degree, becomes affected. Hence appears the necessity for
attention to ventilation, and especially to prevent the membrane of the
nose from being habitually stimulated and debilitated by the effluvia
generated in a close and hot kennel.

M. Majendie instituted some curious experiments on the sense of
smelling, and he was led to believe that it depended more on the fifth
pair of nerves than on the olfactory nerve. He divided the fifth pair,
and from that moment no odour, no puncture, produced the slightest
apparent impression on the membrane of the nose. In another dog he
destroyed the two olfactory nerves, and placed some strong odours
beneath the nostrils of the animal. The dog conducted himself as he
would have done in his ordinary state. Hence he concluded it probable
that the olfactory nerve was not that of smelling.

The simple fact, however, is, that there are two species of nerves here
concerned--those of common and of peculiar sensation. The olfactory
nerve is the nerve of smelling, the fifth pair is that of common
sensation. They are to a certain degree necessary to each other.

'Scent'.--This leads us to the consideration of the term "scent." It
expresses the odour or effluvium which is constantly issuing from every
animal, and especially when that animal is in more than usual exercise.
In a state of heat or excitement, the pores of the skin appear relaxed,
and a fluid or aqueous vapour is secreted, which escapes in small or
large quantities, adheres to the persona or substances on which it
falls, and is, particularly, received on the olfactory organs. The
hound, at almost the earliest period, begins to comprehend the work
which he has to perform. The peculiar scent which his nostrils imbibe
urges him eagerly to pursue but the moment he ceases to be conscious of
the presence of the effluvium, he is at a perfect loss.

Mr. Daniel, in his work on the Chase, very properly observes, that "the
scent most favourable to the hound is when the effluvium, constantly
perspired from the game as it runs, is kept by the gravity of the air at
the height of his breast. It is then neither above his reach nor does he
need to stoop for it. This is what is meant when the scent is said to be
breast-high."

When the leaves begin to fall, the scent does not lie well in the cover.
It frequently alters materially in the same day. This depends
principally on the condition of the ground and the temperature of the
air, which should be moist but not wet. When the ground is hard and the
air dry, there will seldom be much scent. The scent rarely lies with a
north or east wind. A southerly wind without rain is the best. Sudden
storms are sure to destroy the scent. A fine sunshiny day is not good;
but a warm day without sun is always a good one. If, as the morning
advances, the drops begin to hang on the bushes, the scent will not lie.
During a white frost the scent lies high, and also when the frost is
quite gone; but at the time of its going off the scent never lies. In a
hard rain, if the air is mild, the scent will sometimes be very good. A
wet night often produces the best chases. In heathy countries, where the
game brushes the grass or the boughs as it goes along, the scent seldom
fails. It lies best on the richest soils; but the countries that are
favourable to horses are not always so to hounds. The morning usually
affords the best scent, and the game is then least able to escape. The
want of rest, added perhaps to a full belly, gives the hounds a decided
superiority over an early-found fox; and the condition of the ground and
the temperature of the air are circumstances of much importance.