HOUND THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT FRANK TOWNEND BARTON M.R.CVS. m 6 JOHNA.SEAVERNS W.l^.. UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES 3 9090 013 411 596 -\ Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine Cummings Schooi of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University 200 Westboro Road -^ North Grafton, MA 01536 Hounds STANDARD WORKS By FRANK TOWNEND BARTON TERRIERS: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT. With 40 Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 6s. net. Standard. — "A thoroughly practical treatise, that tells all that need be known by the owner of terriers, whether he keeps them for companionship, sport or show. All the leading kinds of terriers are portrayed, and the illustrations are lavish." Graphic. — ** This book ought to rank as one of the text-books on terriers. " PONIES, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. With 28 Illustrations. Demy 8vo. Ts. 6d. net. Pall Mall Gazette. — "The volume can be re- commended for a place in the library of every man who has a care for a horse. The illustrations are informative and have been carefully selected." Globe. — "'Ponies' is a useful book. It will find, no doubt, as it deserves, a ready acceptance." PHEASANTS : IN COVERT AND AVIARY. With 4 Coloured Plates from Life by H. Gr5'nvold, and 37 other Illus- trations. Crown 4to. 10s. 6d. net. The Times. — ** A handsome volume by a well- known naturalist of sport, affording a compre- hensive practical guide to the pheasant breeder." The Taller.—'' Will be a standard work on the subject for many years. Everything in any way connected with the rearing and preserving of pheasants is dealt with exhaustively and with expert knowledge." HOUNDS. With 37 Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 5s. net. GUN DOGS. With 46 Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 5s. net. JOHN LONG, LIMITED, LONDON \ Hounds By Frank Townend Barton, M.R.C.V.S. Author of "Terriers: Their Points and Management," "Ponies, and All About Them," '* Pheasants : in Covert and Aviary," << Gun Dogs" i o 9 i ' WITH THIRTY-SEVEN ILLUSTRATIONS London John Long, Limited Norris Street, Haymarket [A/l Rights Reserved^ Hein\ First Published in 1913 CONTENTS PAGB Preface - - - - - ii Introduction - - - - - 13 CHAP. I. Points of a Hound - - - - 21 II. Elementary Anatomy of a Hound - - 25 III. Elementary Anatomy of a Hound {continued) - 35 IV. Conformation of a Hound - - - 61 V. The Foxhound : Essential Features - - 65 VI. A Glance at the Evolution of a Foxhound - 71 VII. The Bloodhound - - - - 129 VIII. The Afghan Greyhound - - - 138 Harriers - - - - - 141 IX. Otter-hounds - - - - - 148 The Borzoi - - - - . - 159 The Deerhound . . . . 164 The Irish Wolfhound - - - 167 The Great Dane ... - 173 Beagles ------ i8i The Dachshund . . - . 191 The Basset-hound - . . . 200 X. The Whippet - - ^- - - 206 XI. Portable Hound Kennels - - - 211 XII. Diseases Affecting the Eyes - - - 217 XIII. Diseases of the Respiratory Organs - - 238 8 Contents CHAP. PAGE XIV. Rheumatism, Kennel Lameness or Chest Founder ..... 249 XV. Poisons, and what to do in Cases of Poisoning 255 XVI. Diseases Affecting the Liver, etc. - - 261 XVII. Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive Tract 269 XVIII. Some Diseases of the Nervous System - 278 XIX. Entozoa (Worms) - - - - - 292 XX. Fractures and Dislocations - - - 297 XXI. Wounds and Various other Injuries - - 302 Index - - - - - - 307 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Greyhound, " FuUerton " - - Frontispiece Points of a Foxhound - 22 Skeleton Structure of Hound - - 28 A Full Pack of Foxhounds and Otter-hounds 74 A Mixed Pack— Otter and Crossed Foxhounds - - 76 The Young Entry in the Paddock - 80 The Late Mr James Hedley - 88 Greyhound, " Hallow Eve " - 90 Greyhound • 104 Greyhound, " Thoughtless Beauty " - - 114 A Brace of Greyhounds - - - 118 Greyhound, "Texture" - - 122 Greyhound, " Dark-Scent » - - 126 Bloodhound - - 130 A Group of Afghan Greyhounds - - - 138 Harrier . . . . - - 142 A Mixed Pack of Otter-hounds - - 146 Members of the Dumfriesshire Pack - - 148 Otter Hunting - - 150 The Dumfriesshire Pack - - - 152 Pure Otter-hounds and Foxhounds Crossed with Otter- hounds - . . - - 154 A Famous Otter-hound, "Talisman" 9 - - - 156 10 List of Illustrations PAGE Members of an Otter Hunt Comparing Notes - - 158 Borzois -..--.- 162 A Trio of Deerhounds . - - . - 164 Deerhound .-..-- 166 Irish Wolfhound, Ch.: "Cotswald" - - - 168 A Typical Great Dane - - - - - 174 Beagle ....... 182 Improved Dachshunds . . - . - 192 Smooth-coated Basset-hound - . . . 200 Rough-coated Basset-hound .... 202 Portable Hound Kennel - - - - - 212 Plan of same ...... 213 Range of Hound Kennels - . - . 214 Double Kennel .---.- 215 Kennels (Part Covered-in Runs) - - - - 216 PREFACE Very little excuse need be offered for the production of the present work, as the author believes that hitherto no other small manual exclusively devoted to hounds of the various kinds has been published. That elaborate and costly books upon the Fox- hound and Greyhound have appeared from time to time is indisputable, but such have never satisfied the demand so frequently made for a book of general utility within the grasp of the sportsman whose means do not permit him to encompass the more pretentious works devoted to this subject. Without fear of con- tradiction, the " Hounds " afford sport not attainable through any other varieties of the canine tribe, and such " sport " constitutes indirectly the backbone of the British Empire, calling, as it does in the case of fox-hunting, for the exercise of quahfications essentially manly — for pluck, for endurance, for skill, and a commensurate respect for the equality, or it may be superiority, of brother sportsmen. F. T. Barton. INTRODUCTION *' Here's to the hound With his nose upon the ground." Whytk Melville. Before dipping into what may be termed the real substance of the work, it is expedient to refer, in a general sense, to the comparative uses of the different varieties of hounds, together with a sketch of the analogy of each so far as the hound characteristics are concerned. Lord Wilton, in a work entitled Sports and Pursuits of the English, says that " about the year 1750 hounds began to be entered solely to fox," but there is plenty of evidence to prove that long before this date there were numerous fox-hunting establishments in England. In the year 1713 Sir John Tyrwhitt, Mr C. Pelham and Mr Robert Vyner came to an arrange- ment that each lot of Foxhounds kept by them should be united so as to form one pack, and that their interests in the same should be divided. In all there were 32 hounds, or 16 couples, and the gentle- men named hunted the country (Brocklesby) from 1714, though the hunt was first founded about 1700. Within three or four seasons Messrs Vyner and 13 14 Introduction Tyrwhitt retired, leaving Mr Pelhamin sole command, the family of which have hunted the Brocklesby ever since. The hounds of this pack have a written pedi- gree for about 140 years, and that Father of English fox-hunting, Mr Hugo Meynell, the first Master of the Quorn Country, obtained the foundation stone, so to speak, from this source, for the formation of the Quorn pack — reputed to be one of the first packs of Foxhounds in England,* Mr Boothby being the Master from 1698 to 1753 (55 years), followed by the Mastership of Mr Hugo Meynell from 1753 to 1800 (47 years). With the last named the breeding of Foxhounds upon scientific principles may be said to have begun. From that time [circa 1755 or 1760) onwards packs of hounds sprang up in various parts of the country. Colonel Thornton [circa 1804) is reputed to have had a fine pack of Foxhounds, which subsequently came into the hands of the sixth Lord Middleton. The foregoing is sufficient evidence to prove that for fully 200 years the Foxhound has been exclu- sively employed for hunting the fox, and that it has attained its present high standard of excellence through being bred upon scientific fines for genera- tions, in short, since the days of the great Hugo Meynell. * The Berkley (Lord Fitzhardinge's) is probably the most ancient hunt in Great Britain, dating its foundation from 1613. Introduction 15 Although not endowed with conformation char- acteristic of animals required for swift progression like the Thoroughbred, the Greyhound, Deerhound, etc., the Foxhound nevertheless is built upon lines that suggest speed combined with endurance. Without these qualifications it would be utterly useless for the purpose for which it is required. This brings the author to make a statement that very few will, on reflection, feel inclined to dispute the truth of. It is this: that the Foxhound is built upon lines dis- playing greater economy of material than that of any other variety of dog. Every ounce of bone and muscle is placed where it can be utilized to the best advantage. The comparatively small size of the head and its lofty carriage, the obliquity of the neck, the extreme capacity of the chest passing into a light flank area, and on to powerful loins and quarters and strong hocks, so combine by being thus placed in relation to the body as to give a maximum of speed combined with a maximum of endurance. The fore-limbs of the Foxhound, for bone, muscle and tendon, offer a study in conformation and of relation in application to purpose. The prolonged exertion that Foxhounds have usually to perform necessitates a high degree of staying power, and this implies a stoutly-developed muscular system without interference to speed. Just in the same way that the late Mr Robert Bake- i6 Introduction well improved the breed of Leicester sheep, in order to get the greatest degree of economy of material, so have Masters of Hounds endeavoured to breed only from such members of their own packs, or their union with selected sires of other packs, as would be likely to afford a measure of improvement, or, at any rate, equaUty of the hounds then in their kennels. In other language, " selection " has been the basis for the attainment of an object, and this is the reason why the present type of Foxhounds in England stands unrivalled. The Harrier stands next to the Foxhound so far as general conformation is concerned, but the ques- tion is, What constitutes a Harrier? To say that it is a hound used exclusively for hunting the hare is correct, yet this does not dispose of the question so often raised and referred to by us at the beginning of this paragraph. Necessarily all Harriers are mainly composed of the Foxhound element, but in a modified form, and many packs of Harriers contain inferior specimens of Foxhounds simply glorifying under another title. There is a tendency for Harriers to degenerate unless the Foxhound sire is occasionally reintro- duced to maintain the robust build so essential in the Harrier, one of whose principal qualifications is " perseverance," as hare-hunting does not call for the exercise of one continued "forrard on," as with the Introduction i.y Foxhound. Most hare hunters like a hound about 20 inches in height, though opinions differ, some packs being composed of 21 to 22 inch hounds, others smaller. Twenty inches may be taken as the average. Otter-hounds are certainly strongly endowed with the Harrier or Foxhound element, blended with a jacket specially suitable for riverside work, pools, etc., which represent the homes of their quarry. The Southern hound carriage of stern is typically portrayed in all the foregoing, likewise in the Blood- hound, and in a modified form in Dachshunds, Bassets and Beagles, although the first named must, doubtfully, be classified as a hound. The shortening of the Hmbs in these hounds is peculiar, and cannot be held as anything but a retrograde movement from the original type, although custom has sanctioned the short crooked fore limbs as orthodox, which are said to render the Dachshund specially valuable for working in a fox earth or badger burrow. In length of body, carriage of stern, length and con- formation of fore and hind limbs, shape of skull and face and carriage of ears, all the hounds last named exhibit a remarkable conformity of type. The Dachshunds and Bassets exist in both the smooth and broken-coated varieties, although the smooth coat has always taken precedence amongst fanciers of these hounds. The Bloodhound in general conformation is allied i8 Introduction to that of the Southern hound, but of a very much heavier type, yet having features so distinctive that further consideration concerning him must be left until the breed is discussed. The three remaining types of British hounds, viz., the Greyhound, the Deerhound and the Wolfhound, or hounds of the Rose, Shamrock and Thistle, to- gether with those hounds of Continental or of Asiatic descent, exhibit remarkable likenesses in their struc- tural conformation, differentiated in accordance with the special nature of their work. All these hounds are built upon racing lines, por- traying swift progression, to which other features are secondary, unless it be great strength for attack, as requisite in the Borzoi when employed in his native country. Both the Deerhound and the Wolfhound are stronger in build than the Greyhound, though for pace over a short distance not equal to the last named. One of the hound characteristics is that of hunting by sense of smell, though the Greyhound chiefly hunts by sight, the vision of these animals being ad- justed to cover an extremely long range, the eyes being large and particularly brilliant. The presence of feather {i.e., a fringe of hair) upon the backs of the limbs and upon the tail of the Eastern hounds, e.g., the Russian Greyhound (Bor- Introduction 19 zoi), and upon the Elk hound, is singular and can hardly be accounted for as the remnant of ancestry, because it is probable that all these hounds have been derived indirectly from that most ancient of all canines — at any rate such as have been domesticated — the Greyhound. Environment may have some- thing to do with its presence, as its only use, so far as one can judge, is that of protecting the backs of the fore limbs and under surface of the tail from be- coming too much wetted. The skin would be liable to become erythematous (congested), when the dog lay down to rest in its natural attitude, through the heat, moisture and pressure upon these parts. The climate of Great Britain does not call for such pro- tection, whereas it does in the land where these hounds are native. Although brief, as a general survey of the hounds, it is hoped that even this small amount of informa- tion may stimulate the mind to further thought relating to the comparative external general features of the various types of hounds. Hounds CHAPTER I POINTS OF A HOUND Introductory Remarks. — Although apparently a very simple matter to become acquainted with different regions, recognized for convenience under the title of " points," it is astonishing to find so few really ac- quainted with such, and when one refers to some particular part, such as the arm or the wrist, the novitiate seems quite at sea as to the part of the anatomy implied. To tell a man that a dog has really only two legs (admittedly four limbs) creates amuse- ment, but such is actually the case. In the description of hounds the '* points " must not be taken as those indicative of conformation, this being discussed elsewhere in the book. Fig. I is the nostrils, which ought to be large in all hounds. The nostrils are divided into right and left passages by a cartilaginous membrane — the Schneiderian membrane. Fig. 2, The lips, usually well developed in most hounds. 22 Hounds Fig. 3. The cheeks, particularly large in hounds, excepting the Greyhound, Deerhound, etc. The Bloodhound affords a typical representa- tion of such development. Also spoken of as the " flews." Fig. 4 is the nose, extending from the nostrils to a line drawn across the level of the eyes, and about an inch and a half on either side, blend- ing with the face. Fig. 5 is placed upon the skull, which runs from the upper boundary of the nose to Fig. 6 at the back of the skull, and known as the occiput or occipital peak. Fig. 6. The face, which is included within the area formed by the inner angle of the eye, and the dotted lines. Fig. 7. The temples. Fig. 8. The upper maxillar. Fig. 9. Margin of ear. Fig. 10. Base of ear. Fig. II. Posterior angle of jaw. Fig. 12. The crest of the neck. Fig. 13. The dewlap. Fig. 14 is placed upon the brisket, which in hounds should not be wide. Fig. 15. The withers; 16, the back; and 17, the loins. Fig. 18. The coup; and 19, the stern. Points of a Foxhound 1. Nostril. 2. Lips. 3. Cheek. 4. Nose. 5. Top of Skull. 6. Face. 7. Temples. 8. Upper Maxilla. 9. Margin of Ear. 10. Base of Ear. 11. Posterior Angle of Jaw. 12. Crest. 13. Dewlap. 14. Brisket. 15 Withers. 16. Back. 17. Loins. 18 Croup. 19. Stern. 20. Flank. 21. Belly. 22. Chest Wall. 23. Shoulder. 24. Arm. 25. Point of Elbow. 26. Forearm. 27. Inner Face of Forearm. 28. Waist. 29. Toes. 30. Buttocks. 31. Stifle. 32. Second Thigh. 33. Point of Hock. 34. Metatarsus (or Pastern). Hounds] [To face page 22. Points of a Hound 23 Fig. 20 is the flank; and 21, the belly. Fig. 22. The chest wall, the depth of the chest being measured immediately behind the elbows, around the breast, and over the withers, great depth of chest being a sine qua non in all hounds. Fig. 23. The shoulder, divisible into (a) the upper border; (b) posterior border; and (c) the point of the shoulder. Fig. 24 is the arm, joining the lower angle of the shoulder above and the upper end of the forearm. Fig. 25 represents the point of the elbow. Fig. 26. The forearm, divisible into (a) upper, (b) middle, and (c) lower thirds, as indicated by the lines. Fig. 27. (d) The inner face of forearm; (e) the outer; (/) the front; and (g) the posterior faces of forearm. Fig. 28. The wrist or knee joint, uniting with the lower end of the forearm above and bones of the hand, excluding those representing the fingers (toes) below. Fig. 29. The toes. Fig. 30. The nails. .>tt>e^^ "^ Fig. 31. Front face of the first thigh (represented in the human subject from the hip to the knee). 24 Hounds Fig. 32. Buttocks, or posterior face of the first thigh. Fig. 33. The stifle, which represents the lower end of the first thigh. Fig. 34. The second thigh, extending from the stifle joint last named right down to the hock, only it is usual to speak of the lower third of this as the gaskin, No. 35 in the illustration. Fig. 35. Point of the hock or heel, together with (a) the front face of the hock, and [h) and {c) its inner and outer faces. Fig. 36. Is the metatarsus or pastern, ending on to toes, 38. CHAPTER II ELEMENTARY ANATOMY OF A HOUND " True knowledge comes from study, not by chance, As those move easiest who have learned to dance." — Popr. Introductory. — Granting the truth of that oft-re- peated axiom " that a Uttle knowledge is a dangerous thing," it nevertheless is essential for all who wish to acquire a sound knowledge appertaining to hounds to digest the elements relating to the anatomical construction of a hound, without the acquirement of which an imperfect state of knowledge is bound to be the result. So far as the anatomy of a hound is con- cerned, this coincides, with certain modifications, to the anatomy of any other dog, and for convenience may be studied under three divisions, viz. : {a) The structure of the skeleton or bony framework of the animal; [h) its internal organs; and (c) 'the muscular system. The terms osteology, i.e., the study of the bones, and myology, i.e., the study of the muscles, are generally used by anatomists as expressive of the studies indicated, whilst a somewhat long term — splanchnology — is applied to the study of the internal organs. Dealing with these in the order named, I 25 26 Hounds shall first of all give a detailed account of the skeleton. The Skeleton of the Hound This is spoken of as an endoskeleton because the flesh (muscles) are situated externally to it. The frame- work encloses the soft internal organs, whilst it serves to support — at the same time is protected by — the muscles, thus acting as a framework upon which lever- age power and movement are executed. If the skeleton be divided in its mesial plane, i.e., down the backbone, the right and left halves will be counterparts, so that it is only necessary to speak of the parts in the singular number, thus saving much useless verbiage. The skull is composed of numerous small bones united together in later life by bony union, but during foetal existence, and, to some extent, weeks after such, the union is by means of cartilage or gristle. Hence there is practically no movement executed between the individual bones entering into the formation of the skull. Most of these cranial bones have their opposing sur- faces cut out like the teeth of a fine saw, and it is this interlocking or dovetailing that serves to strengthen the bond of union. The right and left sides of the forehead meet at a prominent ridge known as the sagittal crest. The " poll " or top part of the skull is formed of Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 27 the occipital hone, and the part generally referred to as the occiput. Before birth a small bone — the inter- parietal — fuses with the bone previously named. On a level with the ears, and helping to form a consider- able portion of the skull, are the parietal hones, whilst between these and the eyes are situated the frontal bones, and there is a projection from each of the frontal bones that helps to form the sockets for the eyes, the eye cavities not being completely bony like those of the horse. Immediately behind the parietal hones, though with a bony process projecting forwards and outwards, are the temporal bones, which, along with the bones previously named, form what is known as the temporal fosscB — depressions that are filled up with muscles (flesh) not observed in the fleshy state of the skull. The superior maxillary hone carries the six back teeth, and at its junction with the premaxilla forms a socket to accommodate each tusk. The lachrymal hone is small and situated in the eye cavity, whilst the molar bone helps to form a portion of the face. The premaxillary hone (like the rest in pairs), along with the nasal bones and superior maxil- lary bones, forms the bony tunnel of the nose, and each half of the premaxilla carries three of the upper incisor teeth. In addition to the foregoing there is a narrow bone known as the vomer ; also turhinated bones in the nasal passage; whilst the lower jaw or in- 28 Hounds ferior maxilla, which is very strong, bears seven teeth along its upper border and four at the front. At the back and outer side of the jaw there is a deep depression to lodge the cheek muscle, and above this a large projecting process — coronoid process. The neck (cervix) is composed of seven cervical ver- tehrcB, and the body of each vertebra in such hounds as the Greyhound, Deerhound, etc., is relatively long, but the first, atlas, and the second, axis, are quite different from the succeeding five. In front the atlas articulates with the back of the skull, and it is at this joint (occipito-atlantal) that the nodding movement occurs, whereas the joint formed by the back articu- lar surface of this bone and the front of the axis con- fers lateral motion to the head. This is called the atlanto-axial articulation. Following the bones com- posing the neck are the dorsal vertehrce, numbering thirteen, the last of which articulates with the first bone of the loins or lumbar vertehrce. These bones are well developed. Strength in this region, especially in hounds, is absolutely essential; in fact, a weak-loined hound is no use for work. Their lateral or transverse processes (projections) are strong. The sacrum follows the lumbar vertebrae and is composed of three segments united together. This completes the bones of the spinal column. The remaining ones, belonging to the tail, are known as coccygeal vertehrce. Skeleton Structure of Hound 1. The Scapula or Shoulder Blade. 2. The Spine of Same. 3. Shoulder Joint. 4. Humerus or Arm. 5. Elbow Joint. 6. Point of Elbow. 7. Radius or Forearm. 8. Ulna. 9. Bones of Wrist. 10. Metacarpal Bones. 11. Phalangres or Bones of Toes. 12. Axis or Second Cervical Vertebrae. 13. Atlas or First Cervical Vertebrae. 14. Remaining Five Cervical Vertebrae. 15. Lower Jaw. 16. Cranium. 17. Nose. 18. Upper Canine Tooth. 19. The Thirteen Dorsal Vertebrae. 20. The Thirteen Pairs of Ribs. 21. The Seven Lumbar Vertebrae. 22. The Three Sacral Vertebrae. 23. Coccygeal Vertebrae. 24. Pelvis. 25. Hip Joint. 26. Femur or First Thigh Bone. 27. Patella. 28. Lower End of First Thigh Bone. 29. Stifle Joint. 30. Tibia or Second Thigh. 31. Fibula. 32. Os calcis or Point of Hock. 35. Tarsal or Bones of Hock. 34. Metatarsal Bones. 35. Sternum or Breast Bone HOUNDSI [ To face page 28. Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 29 The Thorax The dog has thirteen pairs of ribs, eight of these being spoken of as true ribs, and five false. The sternum forms the floor of the chest and consists of eight pieces or sternebrae. The Fore Limb Sometimes a very small bone is embedded in the flesh on the front part of the shoulder; if so, this re- presents the clavicle or collar-hone present in man. As the bones of the fore limbs in hounds are very often injured the reader should make himself thoroughly acquainted with the bones entering into their formation. First of all there is the scapula or shoulder-blade, which has inner and outer surfaces. The outer sur- face is divided by a bony spine, running lengthwise of the bone, and ending below in a small bony process. In most other animals the top border of the shoulder- blade has its area prolonged upwards by cartilage or gristle, but this is absent in the dog. The inner sur- face is roughened and depressed so as to accommo- date muscle. This is called the subscapular fossa. The lower end of the shoulder-blade articulates with the upper end of the bone below it, viz., the humerus or arniy and in all the tall hounds this bone is long, but it occupies a somewhat sheltered position, pass- ing obliquely downwards and backwards from the 30 Hounds point of the shoulder to the elbow. This bone is some- what spiral in shape, having a groove — the musculo- spiral groove — running throughout the length of the bone, the lower end of which joins the bones of the forearm at the elbow. Now the forearm is really composed of two long bones called the radius and ulna, the former being situated in front of the latter, though only loosely attached to one another through- out their length by interosseous tissue. The radius and ulna attain their maximum length in the Grey- hound and Deerhound, and their minimum in the Bassets and Dachshunds. The ulna extends from the point of the elbow to the wrist or knee-joint at the back of the limb, and the radius practically the same distance in front. The bone last named articulates with the ulna, with the humerus or arm bone, and with one of the bones of the knee-joint below. The carpus, wrist or knee-joint has seven small bones in it arranged in two rows, viz., four in the lower and three in the upper. Those in the upper row are (from inside limb) : 1. The Scapho-lunar. 2. The Cuneiform. 3. Pisiform. In the lower row: Trapezium. Trapezoid. Os magnum. Unciform. Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 31 These bones articulate amongst themselves, and some of them with the ulna, and also the metacarpal bones. Extending from the wrist to what corresponds to the knuckles in man are the five metacarpal hones, of which the third and fourth are the longest, and the innermost or first the shortest, just as in the case of the human hand, to which the dog's hand corre- sponds. Each of these metacarpal bones has the form of a slender rod, the fifth or outermost being the thickest. They all articulate amongst themselves just below the bones of the wrist, and each has two very tiny bones — the sesamoids — placed at the back of the lower end just where the bones articulate with the fingers (digits). Now there are five fingers, and that representing the human thumb, i.e., the innermost, does not touch the ground. Each of the four fingers is composed of three small rods of bone — phalanges — the middle ones being the longest. This completes the description of the bones of the fore limb, and all that it is needful to add is that the metacarpus corresponds to the canon of the horse and ox, represented in the latter animals by one large bone and two small (splint bones) bones at the back of it, the other two metacarpals being suppressed. It is the canon bone only in the horse that bears a digit, and this corresponds to the middle finger in 32 Hounds man. This single digit in the horse comprises the pastern bones and the coffin bone plus the hoof (nail). The Hind Limb Unlike the fore limb, the hind limb is articulated to the skeleton of the trunk through the medium of the basin bone or pelvis — os innominatum — each half of which is really composed of three separate bones, though these are fused. The names of these are the ilium, ischium and pubis. The pelvis is a most significant part of the skeleton, not only forming a fixed point for the spinal column, but also for the leverage power of the hind limbs. It is convenient to speak of the pelvis as a bony arch with an inlet and outlet, assisting in the pro- tection of delicate internal organs belonging to the urinary and generative systems. In bitches the transverse diameter of the pelvis is slightly greater than in the male. The hip-joint is formed by the articular head of the femur or first thigh bone and the cap-like cavity on the outer side of the pelvis. This is a ball-and- socket joint. This joint is an extremely strong one, and seldom the seat of inj ury . The first thigh extends from the hip-joint to the stifle in a downward and for- ward direction. The femur is a fairly strong bone and the shaft rounded. It is relatively long in the Grey- hound, Deerhound and Wolfhound, and the neck of Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 33 the bone is plainly marked. The lower end of the femur articulates with two bones, viz., the patella or knee cap, and the tihia or second thigh. In Greyhounds the second thigh bone attains its maximum length, extending — in a downward and backward direction — from the stifle joint to the tarsus or hock. The patella is a small bone attached by ligaments only. Upon the great length of the bone mainly depends the forward stride, so that a long second thigh, if well muscled, points to speed. In looking at the skeleton of a dog it is somewhat singular to note that the direction of the scapula (shoulder blade) corresponds to that taken by the first thigh bone and the humerus to that of the second thigh, whilst the angles formed by these joints are much more acute in the hind limb. There is another slender rod of bone running along the side of the tihia (second thigh bone), known as the fibula, which in its upper half is not in contact with the tibia, but it is below in fact united to the last named by small fibres. The lower end of both the tihia and fibula articu- lates with the bones of the hock joint, of which there are seven, as follows: Os calcis or heel. \ Astragalus. Scaphoid. Inner, outer and middle Cuneiform bones. Cuboid bone. 34 Hounds Three are in the upper and four in the lower row. Following the hock joint or tarsus (i.e., the human ankle) are the five metatarsal bones, the inner or fifth one being very rudimentary, and this corre- sponds to the human big toe. Four of the metatarsal bones carr}^ digits (toes) corresponding to the four toes in man. Sometimes the innermost is completely absent, but in every instance it is much smaller than the other four. This completes our description of the skeleton of the dog. CHAPTER III ELEMENTARY ANATOMY OF A HOUND {continued) The Internal Organs (a) Respiratory Apparatus. — Full development of the respiratory apparatus is a sine qua non in all hounds required to work, which demands also a sound heart. The respiratory apparatus begins at the nostrils and ends with the lungs, the last named being for the purpose of purifying the blood after it has circulated through the body. There is a right and left nostril divided by a car- tilaginous partition — septum nasi ; and it is through these and the mouth that air passes into the lungs, via the larynx and trachea (windpipe), and its division and subdivision into the bronchial tubes. The lungs are divided into right and left, with the heart lying between them. They occupy nearly the whole of the chest or thoracic cavity, and are separated from the contents of the belly cavity by a muscular partition known as the diaphragm or midriff, which is one of the principal muscles con- nected with the respiratory movements. 35 36 Hounds The cavity of the chest is lined by a delicate serous membrane, which is reflected over the surface of the lungs and midriff. This is the pleural mem- brane, and its use is to enable free gliding move- ments of the lungs, its surface always being slightly moistened for this purpose. In appearance the lungs are soft spongy organs, pale red in colour and divided into several lobes on the right and left side. Microscopic examination shows the lungs to be composed of numberless minute air-sacs or spaces — the alveoli — each space being surrounded by a plexus of fine blood- vessels — the capillaries — which bring the blood in contact with the air (oxygen) within the air- cells. The respiratory act is divisible into two portions, viz., inspiration and expiration, or the taking in of air and giving it out. Air ought to enter the lungs uncontaminated, but this cannot be the case in an atmosphere polluted with offensive products, such as a kennel where the excretions are allowed to remain too long, under- going decomposition. Free ventilation of the kennel is indispensable. The number of respirations per minute varies greatly, exercise, heat, etc., all influencing the respiratory movements. Unlike the horse, the dog breathes largely through its mouth, as evidenced Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 37 during hot weather, and this enables it to keep the bodily temperature at its normal standard. Continuing the description of the respiratory organs, we may say that the larynx guards the entrance to the windpipe or trachea, as the glottis ^ i.e., the opening into the larynx, is closed during the act of swallowing by a lid-Hke structure called the epiglottis. When a foreign particle gains entry to the larynx the act of coughing is excited in order to dislodge it from its injurious situation. The trachea is composed of a number of cartilaginous rings united to form a tube, elastic and resistant, the course of which is in front of the gullet, and quite super- ficial, especially in its upper portions, but dividing at the entrance to the chest into the right and left bronchial tubes, which again divide and subdivide. The larynx is the organ of voice, and barking, with its varied modifications, all originate in this organ. Lymphatic glands (absorbents), the thyroid gland, and thymus (in pup) are additional structures associated with the respiratory organs. The thorax or chest cavity has its side walls formed by the ribs and the intervening intercostal muscles, the latter contracting and relaxing with each com- plete respiration. The floor of the chest is mainly formed of the sternum ; the base of the former is represented by the midriff, and the front of the chest by the brisket. 38 Hounds As the lungs closely invest the heart extraneous applications ought always to be appUed to the front of the breast in addition to the chest walls. (b) Circulatory Apparatus and Circulation of Blood. — Apart from the lungs, the circulatory apparatus comprises the heart, the arteries, veins and capillaries. The heart is a hollow, muscular organ constantly contracting and relaxing from birth until death, and this with rhythmical precision, distributing pure blood throughout the body and receiving back impure blood, for distribution to the lungs, to here undergo purification or oxidation. The heart of the dog varies in its size and weight in accordance with the variety of dog, being particu- larly well developed in Foxhounds. It is enclosed within a membranous sac, known as the pericardium, which consists of two layers, an outer fibrous one and an inner serous one. The heart is suspended about the middle of the chest by the large vessels and connective tissue of the mediastinum, the middle of which it occupies. The muscular fibres composing the heart are short and have, in addition to transverse stripes, generally small fat granules in the axis of the fibres. Trans- verse stripes are characteristic of voluntary {i.e., under the control of the will) muscular fibres, though the heart is of course involuntary, although Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 39 one or two exceptions to this have been known in man, when power to inhibit or control this vital organ has been demonstrated. Perhaps one of the most significant features of the minute muscular fibres composing the heart is the junction of one fibre with another, whilst the fibres of the upper and lower compartments are separated from each other. The heart has four compartments, viz., a right and left auricle above and a right and left ventricle below, with valves for regulating the flow of blood to and from these compartments. The auricles or upper compartments help to form the base of the heart, whilst its apex — directed in a downward and back- ward direction — is formed by the muscular substance of the heart, the left ventricle extending down to the apex. The wall of this compartment is much thicker than that of the right side, because when it contracts it has to send the stream of blood (per a blood-vessel coming from it and called the aorta) throughout the system — the systemic circulation, as opposed to the lesser or pulmonary circulation, propelled to the lungs by the right ventricle, through the pulmonary artery (carrying impure blood — an exception to arteries). The valve guarding the opening between the auricle and ventricle on the left side has two cords of attach- ment, hence it is called the bicuspid valve, whilst that on the right side has three cords of attachment. This is the tricuspid valve. The cusps or flaps 40 Hounds so adjust themselves at the moment of contraction and dilatation of the compartments that one part is completely shut off from the other. Disease of the valves gives rise to various abnormal conditions. They are composed of fibrous tissue. Any interference with the working power of the heart necessarily gives rise to serious conditions of health, and if a hound has not a sound heart it will never be able to give a satisfactory account of itself in the field. The interior of the heart is lined by a delicate membrane called the endocardium, similar to that lining the blood-vessels. The large blood-vessels at the heart have small valves at their entrance, regulating the flow of blood, just in the same way as the bicuspid and tricuspid act. With reference to the circulation of blood, it may be said that blood passes into the left auricle by the pulmonary veins; the auricle then contracts and forces the blood into the lower compartment or left ventricle, which in its turn contracts and sends the blood into the aorta — the largest blood-vessel in the body, corresponding to the trunk of a tree. In response to this afflux of blood in the arteries throughout the body, the walls of these vessels expand synchronously with the contraction of the left ventricle, and it is these undulations in the walls of the arteries that constitute the pulse, which in the dog averages 80 to 90 per minute. Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 41 The nearer the blood-vessels approach the heart the larger they become, the smallest being those most remote. After passing through the body the impure (purple) blood is returned to the heart by the veins, these uniting to form two main trunks, the anterior and posterior vencB cavce, which pour their blood into the right auricle, and this now con- tracts so as to squeeze the blood (still impure) into the right ventricle, the contraction of which forces the blood into the pulmonary artery, whose origin is at the base of the right ventricle. It (the blood) now passes through the lungs for purification by contact with the oxygen taken in during inspiration, and then returns by the pulmonary veins (carrying arterial or bright scarlet (pure) blood) to the left auricle — the point from which we started. Arteries convey blood from the heart, whereas veins convey it towards the heart. The capillaries are networks of small blood-vessels interposed between arteries and veins, forming a breakwater system as it were. Most of the veins have valves to prevent regurgitation of blood, though the latter does occur in certain diseased states. At the beginning of this paragraph two circulations of the blood have been referred to, viz., the systemic or greater and the pulmonary or the less. It is im- portant to bear this in mind, though the two are 42 Hounds inseparable in the strict sense. There is, however, a third circulation known as the portal, in other words, a liver circulation of blood. After the blood has circulated through the bowels, stomach, pancreas, spleen, etc., it passes into the portal vein, which runs into the liver, subsequently dividing into capillaries in this organ, the cells of which are thus enabled to store up a substance called glycogen or animal starch. Veins convey the blood (hepatic veins) into the inferior vena cava, and this in its turn pours it into the right auricle, for subsequent purification in the lungs. A fourth blood circulation is often spoken of. This is the renal or kidney circulation of blood. So far no reference has been made to either the structure of the blood-vessels nor yet the com- position of the blood. For convenience arteries are divided into three kinds, viz., s?nall, medium and large, differing somewhat in their structure. In the larger arteries one of the most significant features is the presence of a very thick middle coat. All arteries have three coats, viz., an inner, middle and outer. The inner coat is chiefly composed of cells, irregular in their outline, and known as the endothelium, which rests upon a basement membrane. The middle coat contains both elastic and muscle fibres, arranged circularly and longitudinally. The outer coat consists of connective tissue and elastic fibres. In the largest arteries, e.g., the aorta, Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 43 the middle coat is very thick, which is necessary to withstand the blood-pressure. Some arteries and veins have nerves, others not. The veins are similar in structure to the arteries, though with certain modifications. The hlood consists of two portions, viz., a solid portion and a liquid one. The hlood globules or corpuscles represent the first named, and the liquor sanguinis the latter. When in the blood-vessels (during life) the blood never coagulates unless a " clot " forms in a blood-vessel as the result of disease, but such coagulation is con- fined to one part of the blood-vessel and never general. Outside the body the blood coagulates through soUdification of the fibrin which is dissolved in the plasma. This fibrin contracts subsequently, and causes the blood to divide into two portions, viz., the clot and the serum. The clot is red, but the serum of a pale colour. The blood globules are of two kinds, viz., coloured and colourless. It is the former that contain the red-colouring matter of the blood and act as carriers of oxygen. These corpuscles circulate towards the centre of the blood-stream, whereas the colourless ones occup3^ a position nearer to the wall of the vessel, during circulation. The blood cells are very minute, consequently \ 44 Hounds only distinguishable with the aid of a microscope. There are other elements in the blood in addition to the foregoing, but these are not of sufficient interest to anyone, excepting those engaged in professional work, to enumerate herein. (c) Absorbent Vessels and Glands [Lymphatic System). — Throughout the body there is a system of vessels (and glands) which convey a fluid known as lymph, or chyle, which is taken up by these vessels as a balance remaining unused by the blood. Two main trunks carry the lymph into a large vein at the base of the neck. The thoracic duct is the main lymphatic vessel, and the smaller ones communicate with it. It begins under the loins and ends at the base of the neck in a large vein as previously stated. The lymphatic glands are very numerous throughout the body, some being situated internally, others quite superficially. These glands are largely concerned with the formation of the colourless blood globules, and readily arrest disease-producing germs, hence the reason why these structures are nearly always early affected in such maladies as tuberculosis, dis- temper, etc. The lymph is aided in its circulation by the muscular movements of the body. (d) The Digestive Apparatus and Accessory Glands. — The digestive track really begins at the mouth Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 45 and ends with the anus, but some modifying state- ments are requisite in order to guard against error in estimating the subordinate functions performed by certain portions of the alimentary canal. Pre- paration, disintegration, assimilation and expulsion are the functions performed by the alimentary apparatus. All nutritious materials from food, etc., must be extracted, and the waste or useless products cast out of the economy, chiefly by the bowels, so far as solids are concerned. The mouth, teeth, gullet, stomach, intestine, liver, pancreas and salivary glands are all concerned with digestive functions. The incisor and canine teeth are used for prehending and tearing the food, whilst the molars are for reducing it to the condition of being swallowed. The food is moistened in the mouth by the saliva, though the action of this in dogs is only momentary, knowing how quickly these animals swallow their food. There are three principal salivary glands on each half of the head, viz., the parotid, which lies just beneath the ear at the back of the upper jaw; the submaxillary gland, beneath the lower jaw; and the sublingual salivary gland, lying beneath the tongue. The tongue is composed of muscle and its surface studded with papillae. It is maintained in position chiefly by means of the hyoid bone. 46 Hounds The pharynx forms the entrance to the oesophagus or gullet, and is situated above and at the back of the larynx. It is continued as the gullet down the neck behind the windpipe, then through the chest com- partment above the heart, passing through the midriff into the stomach, its entrance into which is funnel- shaped. This end of the stomach is spoken of as the cardiac (meaning nearest to heart) portion in contra- distinction to the opposite portion of the stomach — the pyloric end. The gullet is composed of muscular fibres in addition to other tissues, but the swallowing of food is chiefly due to the contraction of these muscular fibres, excited to action by the bolus of food. The gullet has really four layers of tissue entering into its structure, viz.: (a) An epithelial lining and mucous membrane ; (&) a submucous coat containing blood- vessels and glands ; (c) 2i muscular coat ; (d) a.n outer sheath of fibrous tissues, which help to keep the tube in its position. The length of this tube varies according to the length of neck, attaining its maximum of length in the Greyhound and Deerhound. The stomach lies just behind the liver, and is somewhat round in shape, having a capacity in the adult hound of three pints. Externally this organ is covered by a serous membrane, the peritoneum, which also covers Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 47 the bowels, lines the belly cavity, and is reflected over other organs contained therein and in the backward prolongation of the latter, i.e., the pelvic cavity. The stomach serves as a receptacle for food, to secrete the gastric juice and to prepare the food for intestinal digestion. The indigestible sub- stances (bones, etc.) consumed by carnivora render it necessary to have a free acid secretion in the stomach and that this acid shall have a prolonged action; consequently we find that in the dog both conditions are present. The acid secreted by the gastric glands is hydrochloric, but there is also mucous secreting glands situated in different portions of the lining membrane — mucous membrane — which is thick and of a reddish or brown colour nearest to the gullet, but lighter towards the pyloric or intestinal end. During digestion the mucous membrane is bright red. In addition to the mucous Hning there is a muscular coat, the fibres of which are arranged in two directions, and on the outside of this a serous coat. The contraction of the muscular fibres of the wall of the stomach aids the expulsion of the food into the intestine. The outlet of the stomach has its opening guarded by circular muscular fibres, forming what is called the pyloric sphincter, which opens into the beginning of the intestine, the first few inches of which being known as the duodenum, and in this portion of the 48 Hounds intestinal lining there are minute glands — Brunner's glands — whereas throughout other portions of the gut Lieberkiihn's glands exist, in addition to patches of lymphoid tissue — Peyer's patches and other glands, all secreting fluids that play an important part in the normal functions of the intestine. Opening into the duodenum or first portion of the bowel are two ducts (minute tubes), viz., one coming from the gall bladder and the other from the pancreas or sweetbread, pouring into the intestine pancreatic juice in the one instance and bile in the other. Now both these liquids play a most important part in intestinal digestion. The pancreatic juice saponifies fatty food, whilst the bile prevents intestinal putrefaction and aids the outward expulsion of faeculent matter, along with other functions. The small intestine is really divisible into three portions, viz. : The Duodenum. The Jejunum. The Ileum. Both the last named run in a convoluted manner from the duodenum to the blind gut or ccBcum, i.e., the commencement of the large intestine. It occupies a position beneath the spine and in the right side of the belly cavity. Following the caecum is the colony which runs into the straight gut or rectum, whilst the last named ends Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 49 at the anus, which is encircled by muscle fibres forming a sphincter, internally and externally — the sphincter ani intemus and extemus. The rectum is short, though nevertheless a common seat of disease. The stomach and small intestine are more con- cerned with digestion than the large bowel, and food remains many hours in the former. Strictly speaking, digestion begins at the mouth and ends at the rectum. The Pancreatic Gland. — This organ is of a pale pink colour and commonly known as the sweetbread. It is six or seven inches in length and placed between the stomach, beginning of the small intestine, liver, and large intestine, on the right and left of these organs. As previously stated, it secretes the pancreatic fluid, and pours this into the beginning of the small bowel (duodenum) for digestive purposes. It is a colourless viscid liquid very much akin to that of saliva and has about 90 % of water in it. It converts the starchy food into sugar, and also acts upon the fats. The functions of the bile have already been referred to. The organ last named, i.e.^ the liver, consists of six lobes, and is placed immediately behind the diaphragm or midriff, though in front of the stomach. Its normal colour is a chocolate-red, and it is maintained in its proper place by ligaments, D 50 Hounds which are reflections of its capsular covering — Glisson's capsule. At the back of the liver the blood- vessels, etc., pass into the organ. It is composed of minute cells and delicate connective tissue. The spleen or milt is situated on the left side of the stomach, and is attached to this organ. Its functions are imperfectly understood, but there is no doubt that it is concerned with the formation of the blood corpuscles. It has a capsular covering; its edges are rounded and have a bluish-red appear- ance. It is flattened and tongue-shaped. {e) The Urinary Apparatus. — The urinary ap- paratus comprises the right and left kidney and the ureters coming from each kidney and opening into the bladder, or reservoir for the storage of the urine; and the tirethra, or tube serving to conduct the urine from the neck of the bladder to the exterior of the body. The kidneys are situated beneath the loins, the right one being a little in advance of the left, and their function is that of separating the urine from the blood. Each kidney has a dehcate capsular investment, which also assists in fixing the organs in position. The point of attachment is known as the hilar, and it is at this part where the renal artery enters and the renal vein and ureter leaves. If a kidney is cut lengthwise a small cavity will be found at the Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 51 hilar. This is the pelvis of the kidney, and it is in this situation that stone or gravel sometimes accumulates, constituting a diseased condition of the worst kind. In structure the kidneys are composed of an outer zone known as the cortex, and an inner zone, the medulla, which are formed of numerous tufts of capillaries, called glomeruli, each one a glomerulus ^ and uriniferous tubules lined by epithelial cells. The ureters are short tubes entering the bladder at its back part, whilst the urethra (in the male) runs along a grooved bone situated in the substance of the penis, so that it is several inches in length in the male, whereas in the bitch it is short and straight, and has a small opening — with a valve-like arrange- ment — on the floor of the vagina. In the dog it curves around the arch of the pelvic bone and this renders the passage of the sound (catheter) a trifling degree more troublesome; but in both the dog and bitch it is a very simple matter, unless there is some obstruc- tion (such as a stone, etc.) in the passage. The bladder has a thick wall and is lined by mucous membrane. It rests when distended on the pubic bone. The neck of this organ is encircled by the prostate gland. Muscular contraction forces the urine from the bladder, the acts of urination in the male dog being frequent, and the urine ejaculated spasmodically. 52 ' Hounds (/) The Generative Organs. — The male generative organs consist of the testicles and spermatic cord, and the penis. Each testicle is enclosed in the scrotum or bag, and their function is to secrete the fertilizing element — a viscid fluid. The male organ has a bulbous swelling that becomes engorged with blood during copulation, thus temporarily uniting the sexes at the breeding season. The os penis is embedded in the substance of the organ, and the urinary conduit traverses its length. The female genital apparatus comprises the right and left ovary and their ducts — the fallopian tubes, which serve to convey the ripe ova (during oestrum) to the uterus or womb for contact with the male element. The ovaries rest just behind the kidneys, and are occasionally the seat of disease; if so, the animal will probably be sterile. Their removal, to prevent bitches from breeding, is frequently resorted to, constituting the operation known as spaying (oophorectomy). The uterus, vagina, vulva and mammary glands (teats) are the remaining generative organs. The uterus has a right and left comua or horn, and a body, gestation being multiparous. The vagina is the passage connecting the uterus and the vulva or outer female organ. Most of the internal generative apparatus (uterus and vagina) occupies the pelvic cavity. Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 53 There are usually five teats on each side, whilst very rudimentary ones are present in the male. Some of these teats are pectoral in position, others situated in the abdominal and pubic regions. Lactation begins at the time of, or a few days prior to, the birth of the puppies, and continues until the sixth week as a rule, this being about the usual weaning period, seldom later, though not uncom- monly a couple of weeks previous to the time specified. The secretion is at first of a watery consistence, but gradually assumes the physical appearance characteristic of a true emulsion. Although the lacteal secretion is normally inci- dental to pregnancy, its presence does not afford positive evidence of such, as it also makes its appear- ance in a modified degree at full time, yet the bitch may be sterile. The Skin and Other Structures The Skin. — The skin may be regarded as a pro- tective covering to the muscles beneath, between which and the former is the subcutaneous tissue. In most of the hounds the skin bears short hairs, but in Deerhounds, Wolfhounds, Otter-hounds and Persian Greyhounds long hair is characteristic. Both hair and skin vary in thickness and texture in different regions, but it may be accepted in a 54 Hounds general sense that the thinner the skin the better the quahty of the hound. A thick, coarse skin is certainly indicative of inferior lineage. In the regions of the head, face, shoulders, limbs, beneath the arms, between the thighs and on the breast, the skin should be thin, being thickest on the back, withers and upper face of the neck. The skin inside the thighs is thinner than that upon any other portion of the body, and the hair finest in that region. The appendages of the skin are the hair and nails, whilst the sweat glands and sebaceous glands are concerned with the elimination of watery and oily constituents. The sebaceous glands are small racemose structures opening into the hair follicles, secreting the greasy or oily material that lubricates the hairs, giving the coat its glossy appearance. When a dog is washed with soap and water the " yolk " is removed, and it takes a day or two for it to recover that lubricant, which affords the coat a degree of protection against excessive wetness. The sweat glands — not numerous in the skin of the dog, excepting in the pads of the feet — are controlled by the nervous system, and assist the kidneys in the disposal of liquid waste, though the balance of the temperature of the body of the dog Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 55 is principally maintained by " panting," which re- presents a modified form of perspiration by the skin. The skin is composed of two portions, viz., an upper one or epidermis, and a lower one, the corium, or true skin, and it is in the last named that the blood- vessels, nerves, sweat glands, etc., are situated. The superficial layers of the skin (cuticle) are con- stantly being shed in scurf and replaced by division of the cells situated in the deeper layers of it. The Eye A knowledge of the elementary anatomy of the eye is of value to everyone, more especially when one considers the vital importance of the eye- sight, defects of which may render a dog such as the Greyhound useless for work. Without the possession of the normal senses — sight and smell, likewise that of hearing and taste — a dog is handicapped, though to a variable degree, in accordance with the specific lines it has to undergo. Some hounds hunt by sense of smell only, others by sight, whilst a third class work by the combined use of both these senses. The range of vision would appear to be very ex- tensive in the Greyhound, and the same remark applies, in a modified sense, to the sight of the whippet. 56 Hounds The eyeballs are lodged in bony sockets, the upper segment of the orbital circle being completed by a ligament and not by bone, as in the horse, etc. Each eyeball is composed of three tunics, named from without to within as follows : {a) The Sclerotic coat. {b) The Choroid coat. {c) The Retina. {a) The Sclerotic Coat. — This forms the white portion of the eyeball and is composed of a tissue known as white fibrous. In its normal condition the most minute blood-vessels can be seen passing here and there over its surface from the border of the eye, but when the eye is irritated these minute thread-like blood-vessels become injected, sometimes so much that the whole eyeball becomes blood-shot. At the back of the eyeball the optic nerve (nerve of sight) pierces the organ and expands on the inner surface of the retina. The front central portion of the eyeball is trans- parent, circular, and composed of muscular layers of cells. It is called the cornea, and is fitted into the sclerotic like a watch-glass into its rim. It is this portion of the eye that is commonly the seat of opacity. Either through injury or disease, thus, a spot upon the cornea will interfere with the proper admission of the rays of light into the interior of the eye. Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 57 {h) The Choroid Coat. — This coat is interposed between the sclerotic and the retina or inner layer. It is composed of several layers of cells, many being pigmented. (c) The Retina, or inner layer, is tliii exceedingly delicate structure and the one mainly concerned with the reception of the light and its transmission to the optic nerve. This layer is composed of numerous rod- and cone- like cells arranged in a regular manner, but the structure of the retina is too complicated to enter into in a work of this description. In the interior of the eyeball there are two chambers, one in front of the lens and the other behind it. That in front of the lens contains a clear fluid called the aqueous humour, this chamber being known as the anterior one, in contradistinction to that behind — the posterior chamber, which contains the vitreous humour. The lens is a bi-convex crystalliile body covered by a clear structure known as the capsule of the lens, and the latter is suspended in position by means of a deHcate ligament. In front of the lens hangs the muscular curtain or iris, which has a central slit or opening popularly known as the pupil of the eye. The iris is pigmented, and confers the colour upon the eyes, which of course varies according to the variety of dog. The iris is composed of circular 58 Hounds muscular fibres, and the pupil is constantly contract- ing and dilating under the influence of strong light and shade respectively, this being a measure as to the healthy state of the vision. The eyeball is maintained in position by muscles, which regulate the movements of the organ. The eyehds are reflected over the globe of the eye and lined by mucous membrane — the conjunctiva — which, during health, is of a bright pink colour, though in disease its colour becomes heightened, or it may be paler than normal. At the inner border of the eye there is a small piece of cartilage. This is the membrana nictitans, or third eyelid as it is sometimes called. The lachrymal gland (tear-secreting organ) is situated beneath the upper eyelid. The Ear The external ears, or flaps, are composed mainly of skin and yellow-fibre cartilage, hence the reason why hounds in this part usually prove so trouble- some to heal. To prevent the infliction of injury to the ear-flaps, it has always been the custom to " round " the ears of Foxhounds, though the necessity for doing this has frequently given rise to a good deal of newspaper controversy. It can hardly be regarded as an opera- tion of necessity, but one that has become established Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 59 through the usage of time, yet many M.F.Hs. have now abandoned the practice. The ear-flaps serve to protect the passage of the ear against the entrance of foreign bodies, and are regulated by muscles passing from the base of the ear to the skull. The middle eafy or auditory passage, establishes a communication with the internal ear and external surroundings. The internal ear consists of three small bones, known as the malleus, the stapes and the incus, together with a drum-like structure, the tympanum (ear drum), etc. The auditory nerve regulates the transmission of sound to this membrane — the tympanic membrane, which is semi-transparent and funnel-shaped. The labyrinth of the ear consists of the vestibule, semicircular canals, and the cochlea, all complicated structures, and no advantage would be gained in entering into a description of them in a work of this nature. The skin in the cavity of the ear is very thin. Beneath it there are numerous folHcles, below which there are glands. The latter secrete a waxy-like material (cerumen), which helps to keep irritating materials from injuring the delicate portions of the internal ear. Inflammation of the skin within the ear is very 6o Hounds common amongst all classes of dogs, and frequently accompanied by suppuration, constituting the so- called internal canker of the ears. The ears of hounds should be periodically inspected in order to ascertain whether they are in a healthy condition or otherwise. Deafness is not uncommonly ascribable to canker, or it may be of a congested nature, in which case it is beyond remedial measures. However, inspection is recommended once a month amongst packs of Foxhounds, Harriers, Beagles, etc. CHAPTER IV CONFORMATION OF A HOUND With very few exceptions all hounds should con- form to one type so far as their general build is con- cerned, which should be upon such lines as are best fitted for endurance and speed so typically portrayed in the Foxhound, the conformation of which is, to my mind, as near the ideal of physical develop- ment for a given purpose as can reasonably be expected. The Foxhound possesses a maximum of muscu- larity, bone and substance, combined with economy of material throughout the body. In a modified degree all hounds should comply with the excellences of bone and muscle attained by the Foxhound, the construction of which has been the outcome of centuries of careful selection in breeding. Under the heading of this chapter no particular variety of hound will be considered, but the hound's conformation surveyed in a general manner, specific distinctions being left for consideration under the sections devoted to the different varieties of hounds. Irrespective of variety, every working hound must have one essential qualification, and that is a 6i 62 Hounds powerfully-developed muscular system, as this is sig- nificant of endurance. The type of head necessarily differs in the various breeds of hounds, but in all it must be covered by thin skin, clean in its under- line; the nose wide, and the nostrils particularly well developed. In most hounds the eyes are dark, of medium size, and full of benignant expression. Ears should always be thin in the leather and covered by fine, soft hair; thick ears and coarse hair are usually indicative of inferior lineage. The neck should be beautifully modelled and join long, sloping shoulders well laid back at the withers. A great deal of attention is paid to quahty in the region of the shoulders, and every hound ought to have moderately fine — never coarse — shoulders. No matter what variety of hound, strength of forearm is of great importance. In the Foxhound the bones of the forearm obtain a maximum degree of development, whilst the muscles clothing this region are remarkable for their great development. The length of the forearm varies in the different breeds, being greatest in the taller hounds, such as the Greyhound, the Boarhound and the Russian Wolfhound, whilst it is shortest in Dachshunds, Bassets and Beagles; nevertheless strength must be proportionate to the length of forearm. In a Foxhound it is of medium length, but broad from Conformation of a Hound 63 back to front, and from inner to outer side. The elbows must never turn outwards, a slight inward turn not being objectionable, the best position being elbows looking directly backwards. The wrist to the knee-joint must be a good breadth from back to front, and from side to side. Pasterns — the region that corresponds to the back of the hand — broad, especially at the junction of the wrist and toes, and with a moderate degree of obliquity. The hind pasterns are always longer than the fore ones, the maximum of length being obtained in the Greyhound, and the greatest degree of strength in the Boarhound and the Foxhound, while shortness of pastern is found in Bassets and Dachshunds. The chest must always be deep, in fact great depth of chest is one of the most important points about a hound, such depth being measured from the brisket to the withers. A broad chest is objectionable, as it hampers speed. A chest of medium width is the best for general purposes, and should for preference be rather fiat behind the shoulders. The conformation of the back and loins varies in accordance with the breed, but in every hound it must possess two attributes, i.e., be broad and muscular, with a slight rise from front to back, but never to such a degree as to confer the title of " roach " or " wheel " back, as such is very detrimental in a hound. The muscles of the loins should be well defined in their outlines, and pass 64 Hounds into gracefully-sloping quarters, which in all hounds must be particularly well-developed, so much de- pending upon great strength of loins, combined with muscular development in the region of the first and second thighs, which in the Greyhound are long, but in the Foxhound are of medium length, the second thigh being particularly strong, more especially at the hock joints, which latter ought to be clean, broad, and look directly backwards, neither over bent nor too straight. A hound that has either sickle hocks or cow hocks is no use either for show or for breeding purposes, although both are extremely common defects of conformation. The pasterns of the fore limbs occasionally assume a similar direction, being turned outwards, constituting the so-called " splay " feet. The carriage of the stern varies in the different hounds, and according to whether at repose or work. Regarding the conformation of the head, a passing reference has already been made to this, and there is nothing to add excepting that in some varieties of hounds the skull is flat, or nearly so, as in the Grey- hound, whereas in Bloodhounds and Basset-hounds the occipital bone is high, therefore the so-called " stop " becomes more pronounced in proportion to the height of the dome of the skull. CHAPTER V THE foxhound: essential features Pre-eminent in the kennel world stands the Fox- hound, and there is no variety of dog that has been preserved with greater care, regardless of expense, than the hound now under consideration. As to when these hounds were first used for fox-hunting there is no rehable information, though volumes have been written, directly or indirectly, concerned with the breeding and the establishment of Foxhound packs throughout the British Isles. Hounds of the Foxhound type can be traced back to early on in the sixteenth century, though the author is not aware that they were then used for hunting the fox, but hare-hunting is a very ancient form of sport. Xenophon, who lived over 300 years B.C., has left records that he indulged in this form of sport. In a book written some time between 1406 and 14 13, entitled The Master of the Game, the following passage occurs: " The fox is a common beast, and therefore I need not tell of his making, and there be few gentlemen who have not seen some. He hath many such con- ditions as the wolf, for the vixen of the fox bears as E 65 66 Hounds long as the bitch of the wolf bears her whelps. Some- times more, sometimes less, save that the vixen fox whelped under the earth deeper than doth the bitch of the wolf. . . . With great trouble men can take a fox, especially the vixen when she is with whelps, for when she is with whelps, and is heavy, she always keeps near her hole, for sometimes she whelpeth in a false hole, and sometimes in great burrows, and sometimes in hollow trees, and therefore she draweth always near her burrow, and if she hears anything anon she goeth therein before the hounds can get to her. She is a false beast, and as malicious as a wolf. The hunting for a fox is fair for the good cry of hounds, that follow him so nigh and with so good a will. Always they scent of him for he flies through a thick wood, and also he stinketh ever more. And he will scarcely leave a covert when he is therein. He taketh not to the plain open country, for he trusteth not to his running neither to his defence, for he is too feeble, and if he does, it is because he is forced to by the strength of men and hounds. And he will always hold a covert, and if he could only find a briar to cover himself with, he will cover him- self with that. When he sees that he cannot last then he goes to earth, the nearest he can find which he knoweth well, and then men may dig him out and take him, if it is easy digging, but not amongst the rocks.'* The Foxhound : Essential Features 67 According to Cecil, the original idea of the chase was either for procuring food or else for destrojdng noxious beasts. For upwards of two hundred years Foxhound breed- ing has been carried out with infinite care and regard until it has now attained the highest standard of excellence possible — speed, stoutness and endurance being essential attributes of such excellence. Through- out the British Isles, and in various foreign countries, this variety of hound affords the most popular variety of sport amongst a class who are fortunate enough to be able to indulge in it, whilst the in- direct advantages that accrue from it, commercially and otherwise, constitute a considerable part of the revenue. A pack of Foxhounds of fashionable breeding has been known to realize several thousands of pounds at public auction, whilst two or three hundred pounds is not uncommonly paid for a high- class stallion hound. It stands as an indisputable fact that the noblemen of England past and present have done more towards improving the quality of the Foxhound than any other members of the com- munity, and it is only just in passing to pay this tribute. The Foxhound Stud Book was established for the purpose of recording the pedigrees of eligible hounds, and it now stands as a record of what good can be done by a systematic collection of the various data relating to individual hounds. 68 Hounds There is no question of doubt that the conforma- tion of the Foxhound displays economy of material in a remarkable manner, every inch of its anatomy being specifically developed to obtain the maximum result compatible with the purpose for which the breed was originally designed. Masters of Hounds have from time to time been in the habit of obtaining fresh strains from other packs, in order to maintain robustness of constitution and staying power. In Foxhounds, as in all other animals, prolonged inter- breeding exercises a most pernicious influence, and this fact should never be lost sight of. In general build a typical Foxhound should respond to three words, viz., bone, muscle and substance, combined with a kindly facial expression and unswerving courage. If a hound has a surly or " dour " tempera- ment it is not the type of dog to perpetuate. The neck, the shoulders, the deep girth and the big-boned limbs are parts of the anatomy to which a hound judge at once directs his attention, and any sign of weakness in the regions named at once handicaps the dog. In judging stalUon and bitch Foxhounds due allowance must be made for feminine charac- teristics, as the bitch hounds have never the strong physical development portrayed in the dog hound. This is particularly obvious in the strength of the head, the bitch hound lacking in mascuHne features. The skull ought to show very little dome, but be fiat The Foxhound : Essential Features 69 at the occiput, with " stop " ill-defined; length and strength of skull are requisites. The fore-face must be broad in all proportions, square in outline, whilst the jaws should be powerful, the nose large, the lips and the flews deep. Pig jaws and pendulous flews are regarded as unsightly. The ears are generally rounded, but whether this is really necessary is an open question. The correct type of eye is one that is expressive of the highest degree of intelligence, with the iris deep coloured and the globe of the eye of medium size. The Bloodhound type of eye is not a good one for a Foxhound. If the conformation of the neck is good the head will be well balanced, and this materially adds to the beauty of a hound. The shoulders should be rather straight, also long and strong, yet not overloaded with muscle; neither should the breasts be broad. The body or middle piece requires to be specially deep at the chest, the ribs broad, but the flank area thick, so as to give a good coupling of the hind Umbs to the body. The back ribs must be well sprung, otherwise the hound becomes weedy at the flank and too much tucked up. Great strength of back and loins is one of the prime features of a Foxhound. There must be nothing beyond the most trifling rise of the loins, and the more level the line of contour the better the quaUty of the hound. The stem should be carried in scimitar fashion; this brings us to the quarters and the 70 Hounds succeeding parts of the limbs, both fore and aft. A Foxhound must display big muscles and big bones, along with broad j oints. The thighs and the quarters should show powerfully-developed muscles, well- turned stifles and clean, broad hock joints. The " cow hock," the " curby " or " sickle " hock, or hocks in which the os calces (points of the hocks) point outwards are, as in all other dogs, defects of conformation of the most unpardonable kind. Never- theless, these are faults that are easily perpetuated, but should be rigidly excluded by Masters of Hounds in breeding operations. It is impossible for the fore- arms and pasterns, likewise the first and second thighs, as well as the pasterns of the hind limbs, to be too massive in bone — bone, muscle and tendon con- stituting the principal aim of the Foxhound breeder. Straight fore limbs, well placed in relation to the body, ending below in close, well-arched toes, are complemental in the quality of a hound. Regarding the colour of a Foxhound, the commonest are tricoloured and pied, but the Belvoir tan is greatly admired, though colour is of very httle im- portance, and quite subsidiary to quahty in other respects. The ideal hound is one that not only excels in all-round conformation, but one that dis- plays the highest degree of speed, pluck and en- durance under the most trying circumstances. CHAPTER VI A GLANCE AT THE EVOLUTION OF A FOXHOUND By J. Fairfax Blakeborough *' On the straightest of legs and the roundest of feet, With ribs like a frigate his timbers to meet, With fashion and fling and a form so complete, That to see him dance over the flags is a treat." A STORY is told to the effect that the Rev. " Jack Russell," of Devonshire venatic fame, was once asked if he considered the Foxhound a distinct species of dog from the first. Lord Carrington, who was present, endeavoured to simplify the question by adding to it, and said, " Did he, in fact, come out of the ark? " Russell quite spontaneously replied, " How could he? Did not a brace of foxes come out alive? " The question of the evolution of sporting dogs, under which category the Foxhound, of course, comes, is an interesting one, but it creates so great a number of side-issue questions that a large volume would not contain all the data and theory which has been propounded from the day of Turbervile to Somervile and on to the present day. To even glance cursorily at the evolution necessitates also a very clear and definite facing of the question of instinct and reason, and a line of demarcation fixing 72 Hounds between the two. One is compelled to go back to the far mediaeval epoch, when there was not so very wide a distinction between the genus homo and the fauna of the world, when the course of hfe and being was ruled to a considerable extent by the con- tinuous necessity of satisfying the calls of hunger and thirst and safety and the passions. This quartette right down the ages begat instinct, which is innate and cannot be taught. To a certain extent reasoning powers were developed under favourable auspices, the banding and uniting of clans or species for the better preservation of life and the means whereby life is created and maintained. Local surroundings and conditions, climate, and even colouring, influenced the form, height, size, colour of the animal kingdom, which in its absolutely wild and natural conditions had, and to a certain extent still has, a wonderful sympathy with that inner entity of things, the in- describable something which is to flora and fauna what personality is to human beings — that which remains when a thing is stripped of all its accidents. This sympathy is Httle understood and less quoted in reviewing the evolution of species, yet it has ever been an important factor. It is a platitude that the primary concern of flesh and blood is food, and to a certain degree the first concern of plant life is the same. Almost the first action of an animal on being born is to search for its mother's teats. This is A Glance at the Evolution of a Foxhound 73 instinct, and recently in a letter to the writer that well-known authority on matters equine and canine, Major-General Tweedie, referred to this very question thus: " Before considering instinct and reason together, it is necessary to assign a meaning to the latter word. Otherwise the question, ' Do the lower animals reason? ' cannot well be dealt with. Reason, in the sense Horace used it, as in Seu Ratio dederit, sen Fors objecerit, is quite intelligible ; but if reason- ing means the faculty of thinking out, a syllogism nebulosity comes in. " The instinct of this to purposes prescribed by many perhaps depends on discipline, education, train- ing, rather than on anything more recondite. " Every puppy points more or less, or crouches, at the sight of farm-yard poultry, and this instinct man has developed into the mature act of the highly- bred pointer and setter. " Had Nature not been beforehand with us in inclining every litter of pigs from the moment of their birth to the teats, could we ever have done so ? Man is a great factor, but there are even more powerful factors behind him." Without further labouring the point then, there is a natural innate force in the canine world to hunt which has come right down the ages from the epoch when upon the prowess of the animal in this direction 74 Hounds rested his being. Instinct cannot be taught, but it can be directed by training and breeding. Take the Foxhound as an example; until he comes under kennel discipline he has no preference for his legiti- mate quarry — the vulpine species. Indeed, there are many signs that he prefers the hare, and also runs the rabbit with pleasure. He is merely obeying the natural laws created by the demand for sus- tenance, and still obtaining when the raison d'etre of those laws no longer exists. In him for years the instinct has been fostered and encouraged, but con- troverted and directed, and herein one is inclined to introduce the subject of reason. There is a line of demarcation betwixt the twain. The fox is no more to the Foxhound than the hare or the rabbit. Indeed, some authorities tell us the scent of the hare is more pleasant to the hound than that of the fox. Some hounds can never be cured of running riot on the line of a hare, and have to be drafted, but the vast majority, well-fed and well cared for, with no real occasion to push through the prickly briar and gorse, seek for the fox with zest and enjoyment and are heedless of hares and rabbits under their very noses. This is the direction of instinct and probably the point at which reason is introduced. It is probable, however, that instinct is always stronger than reasoning powers. How many packs are there, steady, quick to understand and obey the huntsman's A Glance at the Evolution of a Foxhound 75 hom or voice and the whippers-in, or which, having drawn covert after covert for fox blank, would not eventually run riot? I have seen this over and over again. It was this very reason which some years ago caused the outbreak of sheep-worrying with three Yorkshire moorland packs — the Bilsdale, Farndale and the Mr Conyers Scrope's pack (now defunct). Hounds drew all day, and failing to find a fox they went in full cry and with hackles up after a sheep which sprang up before them. Instinct overcame reason; the nature of the animal is to hunt. The reasoning powers of Foxhounds may be well illustrated by reference to the early history of the Cleveland (Yorkshire) pack. When they were the Roxby and Cleveland, and, as many, if not most, packs did about this period, hunted hare and fox on alternate days, they knew perfectly well which was the beast of venery they were to follow on each day, and on " hare days " would not look at a fox or speak to the vulpine line, whilst on fox days they were quite steady from hare. On the former occa- sions they were taken to the fallows and turnips, and on the latter they were cast in to covert with " Hi in, lads, a fox! " So they used their reasoning powers to differentiate. Then again take the Badminton Hounds, which till 1762 were quite cosmopolitan as to their quarry. We are told by the Duke of Beaufort (who quotes I 76 Hounds Cecil) that the fifth Duke had a run with a fox in the year mentioned " which so delighted the young sportsman that the hounds were forthwith steadied from deer and encouraged to fox." Evolution! It is an awkward word to deal with in a chapter. If we attempted to touch upon the evolution of hounds we should also have to renew the whole evolution of social life and sport, for the one has influenced the other, and the twain have combined to bring about the evolution of manners, customs, hfe generally, and the horse and hound essentially. Turbervile, in 1576, and writers before him, give directions for the breeding of various hounds for the chase of the hart, hare, stag, fox, badger and so on, but here one must observe (i) What was the objective of the chase — sport, culinary, or merely extermination? (2) What were the means adopted, the speed of the hound, and its quickness as in coursing, or its endurance, perseverance and olfactory powers as in hunting — was it the eye or the nose which was to be employed? These matters of course materially influence the formation of the hound and the character of the sport. In many cases one discovers a few old hounds were kept to rouse the quarry from its form or kennel in the then huge forests and woodlands, and so soon as it took the open hounds more of the Greyhound type were slipped from the leash. With no other purpose than that A Glance at the Evohition of a Foxhound 77 of extermination, when the fox was described as " a stinking beaste whose scent doth spoil the chase of the hare," he was hunted, and not till early Victorian times did he occupy an honoured place in the Hst of animals of venery. It is at this period that the Foxhound began to be a distinct and sepa- rate breed. Somervile, so early as 1735, had urged: " A diffrent hound for ev'ry diflf'rent chase Select with judgment." But much the Right Hon. D. H. Madden, M.A., in his Study of Shakespeare and of Elizabethan Sport, says (p. 169) applies equally to Somervile's day: " But although some sport might thus be had with the fox ere you case him, the final cause of fox- hunting was the destruction of noxious vermin. " No word is too bad for * the fox that lives by subtlety.' He is ' a crafty murderer,' and ' subtle as the fox for prey ' is the miscreant who may be likened to the ' fox in stealth.' " This custom of giving the fox a bad name survived among sportsmen to the days of Somervile and Beckford, in poetry as well as in prose. For in the classic pages of The Chase the fox is denounced as the wily fox, the felon vile, the conscious villain, and the subtle, pilfering fox. And even in the early years of the nineteenth century there were districts where the church bell was nmg when a fox had been marked yS Hounds to ground to summon *' every man who possessed a pickaxe, a gun, or a terrier to hasten to the spot and lend a hand in destroying the noxious animal." * Of course with the greater status of the fox in venery at once came the real science of hound breed- ing. That is not to say there were not Foxhounds prior to this, nor would it be correct to say there were not hounds solely with fox as their quarry. The sporting world had left behind them the epoch when " the ordinary kennel of rimning hounds, uncoupled at every chase, was master of none." The character and manner of hunting, however, had called for no very distinct type of hound for the chase of the fox. He was found pretty much as the stag is now, by " old, staunch hounds," and when on foot the remainder of the pack were " laid on." The whole sporting process was a slow one. Hounds were slow, horses were slow, and so the fox, never much distressed at the outset, stood up before hounds for incredible periods. Mr Meynell never presumed to come to the aid of his pack and cast them so long as they could hunt. The Duke of Beaufort, in the Badminton volume on Hunting, asks a pertinent question on comparing sport of to-day and that just prior to the great evolution which brought about and necessitated the change in the type of hound employed. His Grace says: * Memoir of the Rev. John Russell, A Glance at the Evolution of a Foxhound 79 " Fox-hunting, as we know it now, with its pace and hard riding, its sumptuousness and refinement, may be said to have come on with this century. . . . Whether the sport is now what it was in the days whose glories ' Nimrod ' has written of and Aiken painted, it would be as ungenerous to ask as difficult to answer." It was perhaps during the first twenty years of the eighteenth century that hound breeding was taken up with enthusiasm, whilst half a century later it had really become a science. In speaking of the evolution, most enthusiasts and authorities go back to Mr J. Corbet's Trojan, whose date was about 1783. He was toasted, idolized, made the subject of verse and song, pilgrimages were made to gaze upon him, and Mr Corbet considered him infalhble and incomparable. To Mr Hugo Me5mell, however, if the history and legend of the chase speak the truth, is due the beginning of the change in the character of fox-hunting and the foxhound. He began to breed hounds for pace and soon had some disciples. It is generally admitted, too, that he was the one to introduce the forward cast as the first cast, thus encouraging dash, and at once saying good-bye to the harrier and the old, slow-dwelling, scent-drimken, Southern hounds. During the next quarter of a century there were hound matches and races galore. The evolution in pace was assured, and the real 8o Hounds evolution, to which there had previously been a slow but definite move, had begun in earnest. The added pace and dash of hounds was assured just as was that of horses, which at once began to improve owing to Meynell's discoveries and theories and the appHcation of them. Right down to the present day hounds have con- tinued to be bred with a view to pace and dash. Pessimists are apt to point to this as a distinct sign of deterioration in the fundamental principles and science as well as the enjoyment of venery, and to suggest that hunting has by a sporting evolution become a mere steeplechase, and that hounds are merely employed as machines to map out the course. There is some truth in the plaint of the old school. Hounds are possibly bred more with a view to pace to-day than ever was the case before, and more is thought of a fast twenty minutes' gallop over a nice jumping country by the average hunting man and woman than an hour's hunt full of hound work and hound music. It was the more speedy hound, however, which necessitated the altering of the old type of hunter, so full of stamina, so that the rider might live with hounds when they ran. Now, to a certain extent, the tables have been turned, and one might almost suggest hounds have to be bred with a view to keeping clear of the horses. Instead of run- ning in double harness, or I should perhaps say in ■ I^^^^^^^^HRr'^^^^^^l ^^^^1 f^^^yrJJ ^M r9^^^^^^^^^^^H^BP'"||B^^^''g|«H ^^^Kr^ "'^^^^^B' '' " ^^^^H HI ii^^l A Glance at the Evolution of a Foxhound 8i tandem — hounds and fox first and field afterwards — there seems to have risen a certain amount of com- petition betwixt the twain — which can be bred the fastest. The hound has ever won the race. Many men, if not the greater number, now ride horses clean thoroughbred, or nearly so, whilst " the blood 'un " has come to be looked upon as the best lady's hack. Not a few of these have won races, or are expected by their owners so to do. The first holloa from the huntsman and the first couple of hounds away from covert is equivalent to the raising of the much-discussed starting gate, except where there is a martinet master or field-master, and hounds are frequently over-ridden, thus handi- capping both their efforts and those of the huntsman, and spoiling sport into the bargain. The fact that hounds are over-ridden does not, however, go to prove that they are unequal to the pace of the horse ; indeed, despite all arguments, the whole of the evi- dence goes to show that the horse has neither the pace nor the staying powers of the hound. This has ever been the case. If we turn to the earliest of the racing calendars, that pubhshed by W. Pick of York, in 1785, we find that in 1779 the famous Col. Thornton made a match for a piece of plate with Sir Harry Featherstone and Sir John Ramsden, Barts. The match was that the Colonel would find a fox either on Hambleton or in the Easingwold country F 82 Hounds after Christmas which would run twenty miles. The certificate goes to show not only that hounds were possessed of great strength in those days, but had evidently a good turn of speed, and that both were greater than the corresponding quahties in the horse. It runs: " We, the undermentioned, do declare that, on a day appointed for the decision of a bet made by Col. Thornton with Sir J. Ramsden and Sir H. Featherstone, a fox broke off in view of the hound and company, which fox was killed after a continued burst (there not being one check), by the different watches, for two hours and thirty-eight minutes; and we, being the only gentlemen present, do believe that the said fox ran at least twenty-eight miles. Col. Thornton, being a party concerned, gave no vote. There were only eight horsemen out of seventy up. (Signed) Lascelles Lascelles, Henry Kitchingman, Val Kitchingman, William Dawson, Randolph Marriott." It must always be remembered, of course, that whatever hounds be hunting they have much to regulate their speed. Scent — that sporting mystery of all mysteries — is the great regulator. But even on a good scenting day, that is to say when con- ditions are favourable not for scent, but hounds procuring it, particles may not, and indeed probably A Glance at the Evolution of a Foxhound 83 will not, lie equally on the grass and on the plough. So hounds may leave the field well in the ruck whilst crossing the grass but their noses be brought to the ground, with a consequent decrease in pace, when fallow or stubble is reached. The huntsman in such cases hears the galloping throng behind. He is a man essentially well mounted, whose duty it is to ride with a spare neck and leg in his pocket and to go straight. Hence he is on fairly good terms with his pack. He has possibly been able to catch a glimpse of his fox in front — this is part of his stock- in-trade — but failing this he must put himself very quickly in the place of the fox, decide which way he would have gone had the tables been reversed, note the movement of distant sheep and birds, rapidly lift his hounds and, employing Meynell's method, gallop them on perhaps for nearly a quarter of a mile and put them on the line again. Failing this, he would have had the field down upon him and his hounds with their heads up. How many scores of times have we seen hounds thus forced for a mile or more by a galloping field who neither know nor care whether or not hounds are running so long as they are piloting them at a good pace across country. This is a later day outcome of evolution. We all know the story of Mr Punch's sportsman (save the mark!) who said, " Beastly nuisance, these hounds, aren't they? " 84 Hounds It is often said that foxes have deteriorated. Artificial feeding and artificial rearing, the killing off of old foxes at the end of every season and leaving nothing but youngsters to hunt and breed from has undoubtedly had a deleterious effect upon the vulpine race in many parts of England (indeed almost the hills only ex- cepted). When one hears old-time sportsmen arguing, " You never have the long runs we had," " Your foxes cannot stand up before hounds as long as they could in our day," and so on, we must remember that a fox only travels as fast as he is compelled to by hounds, which, on their part, travel as fast as their own powers and scent allow them, together with the ingenuity of their huntsmen, who may often come to the rescue when they are at fault. So on a good scenting day in the present century hounds will travel much faster than they would in the last century on an equally good scenting day. It is an old adage, " It is the pace that kills," hence the fox is rolled over very much sooner to- day than his contemporary would have been a hundred years ago. This is a natural sequence upon increased pace in hounds and horses rather than the deterioration of the fox. Turn again to W. Pick's Calendar (p. 8) and we find the following entry showing how long runs lasted A Glance at the Evolution of a Foxhound 85 before the epoch of pace — the great feature of the evolution: "BOROUGHBRIDGE MEETING, igtk March 1783. CERTIFICATE " We, the undermentioned, do declare that having met in order to see a match run between the Earl of Effingham's and Col. Thornton's Hounds — on the Confederate Hounds not appearing the Tryers declared the cup forfeited. " We also further declare that the hounds found at twenty-seven minutes past nine, and, except the space of near half an hour taken in bolting the fox from a rabbit-hole, had a continued run until five o'clock, when we had an entope ; and after repeated views we killed him at fourteen minutes past five by the different watches." Following upon fifteen signatures comes the note : " It was supposed that a greater number of horses died in the field than was ever known on a like Without referring to Mr Meynell's and Mr Barry's hound matches, let me sum up all the foregoing. We have glanced very hurriedly, at the primary cause of hounds himting, their adaptation, the directing of instinct by man, the usage of a certain amount of reason by hounds, the practice of employ- 86 Hounds ing the same hounds for all manner of chases, both for food, sport and extermination, the creation of types, and to a certain extent the recognition of Somervile's dictum (before Somervile's day), " A diff'rent hound for ev'ry diff'rent chase "; the period when the stag and the hare were the principal beasts of venery, the recognition of the fox and his inclusion in the hst of animals worthy of chase, the slow manner of hunting on foot, or horses possessing no pace, and with Southern hounds and harriers gifted with little pace, and later a type of Foxhound little better; then the commencement of the evolution of pace when the country became freer of forests and the true merits alike of fox and Foxhound were dis- covered. These are, very shortly, the principal headings of the evolution of the Foxhound and withal of fox-hunting, so far as they can be dealt with in the limits of so short a chapter. One would like to have followed the example of the old Southern hound and the old type of harrier and dwelt long on the line of such red-letter names in the history of the evolution as Charles Pelham (the first Lord Yarborough), Lord Granby, Sir Roland Winn, Mr E. Legard, Sir Walter Vavasour, Mr Willoughby, Sir Thomas Jascoyn, the Dukes of Grafton, Devonshire and Beaufort, John Warde, John Corbet, the sixth Lord Middleton, the im- mortal Osbaldistone, Mr John Musters, Col. A Glance at the Evolution of a Foxhound 87 Thornton, the Duke of Cleveland, Lord Vernon, Asshetor Smith, Lord Henry Bentinck, Mr G. S. Foljambe and many others, right down to the Rev. C. Legard of to-day, who first started the Foxhound Kennel Stud work. As a Yorkshireman I have a very great pride in writing these names insomuch as more than half of them are those of Yorkshiremen. There are hounds, too, on which one would love to dwell and dilate: Trojan, Furrier, Contest, Bluecap, Weather-gage and many others of later day. Hound breeding has now probably reached the zenith of perfection so far as science and perseverance can bring. The price of Foxhounds was never so high, and the same may be said for the interest in them: " Belvoir for tan, and Burton for wear, sir, Brocklesby keeping you well on the line \ Badminton pies swing along cheerily, Finding a scent, be it wild, be it fine. Each have their virtue, all are for hunting, Entries put forward soon die away ; Like many a huntsman, and many a sportsman, Leaves but a memory of a long bygone day. Giants there lived in days which have gone by, Hounds were they better? or huntsmen? Well, well; Keep up your standard, breed only for nose, sir, And stoutness, of course, for one never can tell. What sport in the future may somewhere await you, What runs we may chronicle, ride through and see ; But always remember wherever you hunt, sir, To look for a button that's marked with a * B.' " 88 Hounds THE GREYHOUND From time immemorial the Greyhound, or at any- rate a hound of similar conformation, has been used for coursing the hare. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth coursing appears to have been indulged in, as a physician to that Queen — Dr Johannes Caius — refers to the Greyhound, and the Queen used Greyhounds for coursing the stag, but it is quite possible that the hounds used at that period were more of the Deerhound type. Moreover, Edmund de Langley and Gervase Markham both refer to the Greyhound, the former writing in the fourteenth century and the latter about the begin- ning of the seventeenth century. In the British Museum there is the mummy head of an Egyptian hound, the anatomical outhnes of which bear some resemblance to those of the tall hound now under consideration. There is also a group of dogs dis- played in the same museum found at Monte Cagnolo. This piece of statuary depicts two dogs which appear to be representative of the Greyhound. In modern times the Greyhound has been repeatedly referred to. Thus Sir Walter Scott, in his introduction to Marmion, speaks of the Greyhound in the following terms: " Remember'st thou my Greyhound true? O'er holt or hill there never flew. From leash or slip there never sprang, More fleet of foot, more sure of fang." THE LATE MR. JAMES HEDLEV, WHO JUDGED THE WATERLOO CUP FOR 24 YEARS CONSECUTIVELY— A TRUE RECORD OF HIS GREAT ABILITY Hounds To face page 88 The Greyhound 89 And innumerable other references are made to the Greyhound throughout classic, mediaeval and modem literature. The Waterloo Cup was estabHshed in 1836, and in that year eight dogs ran for it; 1837, sixteen dogs; 1838, thirty- two dogs; and this national coursing event has been steadily continued ever since, the Cup being the blue ribbon of the coursing world. Coursing the hare with Greyhounds is a very popular form of sport, and anyone who has partici- pated in it cannot fail to appreciate the pleasure derived therefrom. In some counties, e.g. Norfolk, nearly every farmer keeps a brace or more of Grey- hounds, and when hares are plentiful good sport is the rule. It is customary to slip a brace of Grey- hounds after each hare as it requires a clever hound to catch and kill a hare single-handed, though plenty of them can do it, more especially hounds with more than a dash of the lurcher element in them. In passing it is worthy of note how extremely clever some lurchers are, so much so that the proprietor of one of these dogs usually receives a good deal of attention, both from the gamekeeper and the local policeman. The National Coursing Club was established in 1858, and formulated a code of laws for regulating coursing meetings, and this club practically rules Greyhound coursing in all parts of the world. In this go Hounds respect its sphere of action ranks parallel to that of the Jockey Club, its tribunal settling all disputes relating to coursing. The Duke of Norfolk, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, drew up a code of laws, and from that time onwards coursing became systematized and recognized as a sport of considerable national im- portance. The conformation of the Greyhound depicts in a remarkable manner the development of the dog for a specific use, viz., great speed and length of stride. These hounds hunt by sense of sight, and obviously possess extensive range of vision. The Deerhound, on the other hand, not only hunts by sense of sight but, when this fails, by scent also. The average weight of the Greyhound is about 70 lbs., but weight ipust not be regarded as of much practical importance. The famous Grey- hound, Coomassie, was only 42 lbs., whilst Miller's Misterton was 63 lbs. To be typical, a Greyhound must excel in two parts of its anatomy, viz., girth of chest and girth of loins. The girth of chest may be said to range from 26 to 31 or 32 inches, and the girth of loin from 18 to 24 inches. The height at the shoulder averages 26 inches, though this is variable. The head should be long and lean, and girth about 15 inches around the occiput, i.e., mid- way between the eyes and ears, and its length from the occipital peak to the nostrils measures from 9 CI ) ^^- - > ^ K^ •- •^ yr.-' i i ^-'^"^^ ^ 4"^ Y^T * ^ 1 1 The Greyhound 91 to io4- inches. Most of the length is gained from the eyes to the nostrils. In outline the head is wedge- shaped, but it must be clean, the jaws close-fitting, free from loose skin, covered by fine hair horizontally. The eyes are set closely together and are obhque in shape; ears small, closely set, elegantly folding over along the front border and tips. Strong, long jaws and sound teeth are a sine qua non. The chest must be very deep but not wide; the shoulders oblique and long, well muscled but not overburdened in this respect; the arm long; the forearm long, straight, big-boned, clean in outline, with elbows carried close to the side; pasterns long and broad, ending in round, compact feet. Great importance is attached to quality of fore limbs, more particu- larly as to straightness, obliquity of shoulder and the possession of good muscular development in the region of the neck. Moreover, the fore limbs must be placed well forward, and the hind ones correspondingly so. The back and loins must be broad, square, and heavily muscled, great strength of loin being one of the most important points in a Greyhound. Width, depth, and power in the latter region are keenly sought after by connoisseurs of the breed. Re- garding the hind quarters, both first and second thighs must possess great length combined with the highest degree of muscular development. Length of gaskin is better developed in the Greyhound than in any 92 Hounds other breed, and the same remarks apply to the pasterns. Hock joints broad and clean, and the points of the hocks must look directly backward. When hocks turn inwards or outwards the conforma- tion is decidedly faulty. The tail should be long and tapering, with a slight curve towards the tip. With reference to colour not much need be said, as a good Greyhound may be any colour. Black and white, fawn, sandy and white, red and white, blue, brindle, light or dark, are amongst the principa colours. The famous Greyhound, Fullerton, was a brindle with a patch of white upon the breast. White points are very common, especially in front, and on the feet; likewise as a " ratch " on the face. The great length of the body, the long neck, the long forearm, deep chest, long and powerful first and second thigh, long pasterns, together with the deep chest and comparatively small head, are individually and collectively distinguishing features of these hounds, and the better such points are developed the nearer the approach to perfection. The low position of the body during coursing necessitates an extraordinary degree of muscular action, so much so that a Greyhound will occasionally fracture a limb through excessive muscular contraction. General Management of Greyhounds. — Speaking in an Irish kind of manner, a Greyhound is no Grey- hound if it is not kept in constant training; The Greyhound 93 both heart, lungs and muscular system must be maintained in the highest standard of vigour. If exercise is insufficient or irregularly given the muscles become soft, the heart becomes weak, and its power to respond to increased exertion fails; being a hollow muscular organ, there is a tendency for its fibres to degenerate when thrown into a state of comparative ease. When the muscles covering the skeleton are manipulated they should convey the sensation of being as hard as boards, and the outlines of the individual muscles be plainly discer- nible; and the more vigorous the exercise, provided such is carried out with regularity, the better the muscular development. In training a Greyhound horseback exercise is unquestionably the best of all, and should be given daily with gradually-increasing severity ; from five to fifteen miles per day will con- stitute a reasonable amount of exercise, but a good deal will depend upon the amount of flesh to be reduced. To get a Greyhound well winded requires much the same care as the preparation of a hunter. In both, condition constitutes the most valuable asset, requiring time and patience combined with skill to obtain it. Some owners feed their Grey- hounds only once a day, others twice; but there is one golden rule to follow, and that is, never to run dogs on a full stomach, and another one — to avoid feeding Greyhounds on bulky food. Lean, raw beef, 94 Hounds milk and eggs, along with hound meal, constitute the best food for a Greyhound. NATIONAL COURSING RULES Constitution and Bye-laws, and Code of Rules ^ as Revised and Adopted by the National Coursing Club, 2%thjune 1893, with alterations and additions up to i6th February 1 909. {By kind permission of F. W. Lamonby, Esq. ) CONSTITUTION AND BYE-LAWS (a) The National Coursing Club shall be composed of Members elected by the Coursing Clubs of the United Kingdom of more than one year's standing, having not less than twenty-four Members each, and of Members elected as hereinafter provided. {b) No Coursing Club shall elect more than two representatives, the names and addresses of the representatives so elected to be sent to the Secretary of the National Coursing Club ; and should any Club fail to hold a Coursing Meeting for two consecutive seasons, that Club shall cease to send representative Members. (f) The National Coursing Club may elect as Members of the Club (the number of Members so elected not to exceed twenty-five) any well-known supporters of public Coursing, who have been proposed and seconded by two Members of the National Coursing Club at either of the Club Meetings held in London on the last Wednesday in June, or in Liverpool on the day of entry for the Waterloo Cup. {See Bye-law /.) Members are elected by the National Coursing Club for five years, and are eligible for re-election. A month's notice must be given to the Secretary of the names of candidates for election to the National Coursing Club, with their addresses, and the names of their proposers and seconders, before they can come up for ballot. The election shall be by ballot, in which one black ball in seven shall exclude. If a quorum of Members be not present, then the election shall stand over till the next Meeting of the National Coursing Club. The Secretary shall insert in the notice of business to be transacted at the Meetings of the National Coursing Club the name of any candidate for election, with his address, and the names of his proposer and seconder. {d) The National Coursing Club shall annually, on the day of entry National Coursing Rules 95 for the Waterloo Cup, elect two of its Members as President and Treasurer, and two of its Members as Auditors. At all its Meetings seren shall be the quorum. The Standing Committee to appoint Secretary and Keeper of the Stud Book, at such remuneration as they from time to time shall decide. (^«aA/, by Master Burleigh out of Phoenix, won. Mr D. J. Paterson's bk d Lord Glendyne, by Smuggler out of Fanny Warfield, ran up. ^ Winners of Waterloo Cup 119 Purse Mr T. M. Goodlake ns (Mr R. F. Wilkins's) f b p Wellingtonia, by Bluebeard out of Miss Cheerful, won. Viscount Molyneux ns (Lord Sef ton's) f w b p Suspense, by Botheration out of Jolly News, ran up. Plate Mr W. D. Deighton ns (Mr T. D. Hornby's) r b p Handi- craft^ by Improver out of Robina, won. Dr F. Richardson's w d p Midnight^ by Minute Gun out of Burning Bush, ran up. 1877. Cup Mr R. F. Wilkins ns (Mr R. Gittus's).f w bp Coomassie, by Celebrated out of Queen, won. Mr J. Briggs's bk b p Braw LasSy by Blackburn out of Happy Lass, ran up. Purse Mr R. B. Carruthers's bk b p Change, by Contango out of Hannah, won. Mr R. M. Douglas ns (Mr H. Watson's) f d p Hornpipe, by Light Cavalry out of Humming Bee, ran up. Plate Mr D. J. Paterson's bk d p Poacher, by Peasant Boy out of Nancy, won. Mr T. L. Reed ns (Mr G. Carruthers's) f b Coupland Lass, by Cashier out of Canzonette, ran up. 1878. Cup Mr H. F. Stocken ns (Mr T. Lay's) f w b Coomassie, by Celebrated out of Queen, won. Lord Fermoy's bk w b p Zazel, by Master Frederick out of Genevra, ran up. Purse Mr J. Trevor ns (Mr Southan's) w bk b p Adelaide, by Beverley out of Alice Hawthorne, won. Mr T. L. Boote's be b p Scorns Repose, by Willie Galwey out of Mischief, ran up. Plate Mr B. Colman ns (Mr J. S. Postle's) bk w b p Palm Flower, by Countryman, dam by Willie Wyllie, won. Mr W. G. Borron's be d Banner Blue, by Black Knight out of Hit or Miss, ran up. 1879. Cup Mr H. G. Miller's bk w d p Misterton, by Contango out of Lina, won. Mr R. B. Carruthers's bk w b p Commerce, by Contango out of Chameleon, ran up. Purse .... Mr R. M. Douglas's bk b Dear Erin, by Contango out of Death, won. Mr S. J. Binning's r w d Boy 6* Boys, by Bendimere out of Lively Bess, ran up. Plate Mr C. E. Marfleet's bk b Musical Box, by Handel out of Spice Box, won. Mr G. Darlinson ns (Mr S. Sewell's) f b Shepherdess, by C.P.B. out of Safranza, ran up. 120 Hounds 1880. Cup Mr R. B. Carruthers ns (Earl of Haddington's) r w d Honey- wood, by Cavalier out of Humming Bird, won. Mr J. Hinks's f w d Flujiger, by Backwoodsman out of Gretna, ran up (i). Purse Mr A. Wilkinson ns (Mr S. Sewell's) f w b Shepherdess^ by C.P.B. out of Safranza, won. Mr W. D. Deighton ns (Mr J. G. Dixon's) be w d Dakardo, by Diactieus out of Miss Nicholson, ran up. Plate Mr R. M. Douglas's be b Debonnaire^ by Master Sam out of Death, won. Mr S. J. Binning ns (Mr J. Trevor's) bd b Trtithful, by Great Gable out of Warwickshire Lass, ran up. 1881. Cup Mr H. G. Miller ns (Mr J. S. Postle's) w bd b Princess Dagmar, by Ptarmigan out of Gallant Foe, won. Mr T. Brocklebank's bd d Bishop, by Barleycorn out of Daffodil, ran up. Purse Mr W. Smith's fd Sapper, by Master Avon out of Wide- awake, won. Mr C. E. Marfleet's bk w d Memnon (late Sir Richard), by Caliph out of Polly, ran up. Plate Capt. Ellis ns (Mr N. Dunn's) r d Dodger, by Fugitive out of Ellen Johnson, won. Mr F. Gibson ns (Mr A. Coke's) be d APPherson, by Master Sam out of Annie M'Pherson, ran up. Cup Capt. Ellis ns (Mr T. Hall's) bk w h^ Snowfight, by Botha Park out of Curiosity, won, after an undecided and a no course. Earl of Haddington's bk b Hornpipe^ by Bedfellow out of Hornet, ran up. Purse.... Mr J. G. Winder ns (Mr A. Coke's) be d M' Pherson, by Master Sam out of Annie M'Pherson, won. Mr W. Reilly's w bd b Princess Dagmar, by Ptarmigan out of Gallant Foe, ran up. Plate Mr L. Pilkington's be b Debonnaire^ by Master Sam out of Death, won. Mr M. Morrison ns (Mr J. Shelton's) f or r b Maid Marian^ by Woodman out of Reckless, ran up. 1883. Cup Mr G. J. Alexander ns (Mr W. Osborne's) r b Wild Mint, by Haddo out of Orla, won. Mr W. D. Deighton ns (Mr W. Reilly's) bk w b Snowflight, by Bothal Park out of Curiosity, ran up. Winners of Waterloo Cup 121 Purse Mr R. B. Carruthers ns (Mr A. Vines's) f w d Markham, by Banker out of Pall Mall, won. Mr Shelton's f or r b Maid Marian, by Woodman out of Reckless, ran up. Plate Mr H. Haywood's r b Rota, by Balfe out of Ruby ] Mr H. G. Miller's r or f d p Manager, by |- divided. Misterton out of Devotion J 1884. Cup Mr C. E. Marfleet ns (Mr J. Mayer's) w bk d Mineral Water, by Memento out of Erzeroum, won. Mr R. B. Carruthers ns (Mr R. F. Gladstone's) bk d p Greentick, by Bedfellow out of Heartburn, ran up. Purse Mr J. Evans's bk t d y^ Escape, by Hubert out of \ Evangeline j ,. . , , Mr R. Jardine's bk b Gladys, by Misterton out ( °^^''^e^' of Annie M'Pherson j Plate Mr F. Gibson ns (Mr J. R. Marshall's) r w t d p Cocklaw Dene, by Lindahl, out of Blaewearie, won. Mr J. G. Winder ns (Mr J. T. Crossley s) bk d p Cyril, by Hubert out of Meg, ran up. divided. 1885. Cup Mr E. Dent's bd w b p Bit of Fashion, by Paris out of Pretty Nell Mr J. Hinks ns (Mr C. Hibbert's) bd b p Miss Glendyne, by Paris out of Lady Glendyne Purse .... Mr T. L. Reed ns (Mr C. Murless's) r w d p Masdeu, by Merchantman out of Ella, won. Mr W. Smith ns (Mr A. J. S. Dixon's) w bk b Dansctise (late Morven), by Miner out of Netley Burn, ran up. Plate Mr F. Gibson ns (Mr J. R. Marshall's) r w t d Cocklaw Dene, by Lindahl out of Blaewearie, won. Mr J. Trevor ns (Mr E. M. Crosse's) r w b Che Sara, by Cui Bono out of Fair Rosalind, ran up. 1886. Cup Mr R. B. Carruthers ns (Mr C. Hibbert's) bd d Miss Glen- dyne, by Paris out of Lady Glendyne, won. Mr L. Pilkington's f b Penelope II., by MacPherson out of Stitch in Time, ran up. Purse Mr C. W. Lea's bk w d p Let Go, by Clyto out of Stylish Lady, won. Mr M. Morrison ns (Mr G. Bell IrMng's) bk b p Iris, by Coleraine Diamond out of Iron Cable, ran up. Plate Mr R. V. Mather's f w d p Meols Hero, by M'Pherson out of Meols Vixen, won. Mr E. Dent's bd w b Bit of Fashion, by Paris out of Pretty Nell, ran up. 122 Hounds 1887. Cup Mr R. F. Gladstone's bk d Greater Scot, by Mac-N rhcrson out of Madge I j- :j^j Mr T. D. Hornby's r d p Herscheh by MacPher- f ^^^^°«°- son out of Stargazing II. ^ Purse Mr G. J. Alexander's bk d p Alec Ruby, by Alec Halliday out of Rubia, won. Lord Wodehouse ns (Mr J. J. Stedman's) bd d Brixton, by Misterton out of Hertha. ran up. Plate Mr T. P. Hale ns (Mr M. G. Hale's) hkh Haffy. Omen, by Millington out of Radiant I jjyjjg^, Mr T. Graham's bk w b p Harpstring, by Glen- j livet out of Polly -' 1SS8. Cup Mr L. Pilkington's bk w d Burnaby, by Be Joyful out of Baroness, won. Mr W. Smith ns(Col. J. T. North's) be d p Duke MacPherson, by MacPherson out of Prenez Garde, ran up. Purse Mr C. Hibbert's bd b Miss Glendyne, by Paris out of Lady Glendyne, won. Mr J. Trevor ns (Mr W. H. Smith's) r d Donald Windlandy by Warpath out of Dewy Shamrock, ran up. Plate Mr T. E. Fiske ns (Mr H. Wansborough's) bk w d Win- farthing, by Millington out of Match Girl, won, Mr R. V. Mather's bk d p Meols Simon, by Greentick out of Meols Vixen, ran up. 1S89. Cup Col. J. T. North's bd d p Ftillcrion, by Greentick^ out of Bit of Fashion [ divided Mr J. Badger ns (Col. J. T. North's) bd p| a^^^^^a- Troughetui, by Greentick out of Toledo j Purse Earl of Sefton ns (Mr E. Huntington's) bd w b p Highness, by Harpoon out of Hannah Lightfoot, won. Mr A. Brisco ns (Mr L. Pilkington's) f b p Pins and Needles, by Britain Still out of Stitch in Time, ran up. Plate Sir R. Jardine's r d Glenogle, by Mentor out of Glencoe, won. Capt. M'Calmont ns (Col. J. T. North's) bk w d Dingwall, by MacPherson out of CEnone, ran up. 1890. Cup Col. J. T. North's bd d Fullerton, by Greentick out of Bit of Fashion, won. Mr J. Trevor ns (Mr N. Dunn's) f b Do'V7ipoiir, by Britain Still out of Haytime, ran up. Purse Mr S. Swinburne's w bk d Knockninny Boy, by Acides out of Wandering Kate II., won. Mr J. H. Salter ns (Col. J. T. North's) bd d Troughend, by Greentick out of Toledo, ran up. Winners of Waterloo Cup 123 Plate.. .. Mr T. Graham's r w d /im ' hkely it will '■''•'• : i prominent position on the show bench. The Gremt ane Qub fixed the minimum weight for an adult d< at 120 lbs., and that for a bitch at 100 Iba, bt:* !:fv this condition by saying that the greater .. .: ^nd >**cight are to be preferred, pro- vided tlut he animal is proportionate and shows quality thrighout. The Club fixes the height for adnlt dogs t 30 inches and that for bitches at 28 infhfft sudmeasuremcnts being of course taken at the ibotild, with the animal standing on level gfound. 1 3 hound-like characteristics are plainly marked in le breed, being particularly evident in the regions < the neck, withers, back, loins^quarters and flanks, »gether with the forward^ front hmbs nd the backward lirnK fcatiiiS which are best stride and peed. Great Dane is a enormous p<'/erj other varict> hounds at annual sIioW surprising to are cither jx)< 1 The Great Dane 177 probably one of the most conspicvus faults is in connection with the limbs, more es]cially the hind ones. A " cow-hock " conformat n stands pre- eminent as a fault in this direction out it must be borne in mind that it exists in a iriable degree, being so slight in some cases as to 1 hardly notice- able; in others the defect exists o a moderate degree; whereas in the third class is so manifest that it destroys all the beautiful his of contour as viewed from behind in a typical Indquarter con- formation. The hocks ought not 1 approach each other, but look directly backwards. leither inwards nor outwards. A less common de :t, nevertheless one almost as prejudicial, is that in hich the points of the hocks turn outwards, thus g'ing the dog the appearance of being too wide laind. Graceful shoulder conformation is as essent.l as big-boned, straight fore limJ^jx^juta Great3ane ought not to have the ^^^^^^^HH^^ heavily-fleshed shoulders ; ^ ^ftymous when f^^ ^^o be of r line, jn^ / i8o Hounds roomy, and as these dogs commonly suffer from thickening of the skin at the points of the elbows and hocks, the writer strongly urges the necessity for having a deep bed of sawdust covered with straw for these hounds to lie upon. Nothing can be more unsightly than these large bare patches of skin (psoriasis), the result of pressure and curable only by removing the cause and subsequently dressing with chrysarobin ointment of the British Pharmacopoeia, taking care to rub the ointment well in, once a day, and then removing any superfluous portions of it, otherwise harm may be done. Both the sleeping apartment and the kennel run ought to be large, whilst the runs for puppies must be as extensive as possible. Admitting that hereditary predisposition constitutes an important factor in the development of defective conformation, it is, nevertheless, a well- established truth that insufficient exercise and im- proper feeding are largely responsible for a pro- portion of such defects, therefore Great Dane breeders should treat their young hounds liberally both as regards exercise, regularity of feeding and the quantity and quaUty of the food supplied. Begin to wean the puppies when they are a month old, and feed them not less than five times per day up to the sixth week, and from that period up to the fourth month four times per|day, viz., at the following times: 8 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. All adult Beagles i8i Great Danes thrive much better with light clothing on in summer, and in the winter a flannel coat ; this helps to keep the coat down as well as create a healthy- condition of the skin in general. The daily use of the hound glove, combined with a general regard for all that appertains to the hygiene of the kennel, constitutes the basis for the successful management of the Great Dane, either as an individual hound or as a collection of such dogs. BEAGLES This is an ancient variety of hound and one that has been popularly known in its diminutive form under the title of " pocket " Beagle, also as " singing " Beagles. According to accounts, Queen EHzabeth had a pack of these small hounds. Their hound-like characteristics are so strongly marked that it is at once obvious the breed must have existed in its pure state from an indefinite period. Although there are many packs of Beagles throughout the United Kingdom it is seldom that classes are allocated to the breed. At even some of the larger shows, and with one or two exceptions, there are no prizes awarded for Beagles. This is to be regretted, being detrimental to the best interests of these useful little dogs. There has been a desire, more especially on the part of ladies, to reduce the size of the dog into i82 Hounds one only fitted as a toy dog. A reduction in size destroys the hound characteristics, therefore the utihty of these dogs, the breed having originally been designed for hunting the hare, though many sportsmen use them for rabbit-shooting, for which purpose they are particularly suitable. Rough and smooth-coated varieties of these hounds exist, and a standard of points has been formulated by the Enghsh Beagle Club and by the American Beagle Club. A beagle may be any hound colour, but the most popular are black, white-and-tan, then lemon-white, blue and lemon-mottle, black-and-tan, lemon, fawn, etc. It has already been pointed out that a hound may become (by in-breeding from under-sized specimens) too small, and in the same way it may become too large through breeding from big, coarse hounds, therefore, in order to correct these defects, the Beagle Clubs have a standard of height, whilst the Kennel Club adopts the following classification : (i) Hounds not exceeding lo inches. (2) Hounds not exceeding 12 inches. (3) Over 10, but not exceeding 12 inches. (4) Over 12 inches, but not over 16 inches. (5) In the Novice Class any height. (6) Class for rough coats. The English Beagle Club's classification is divided Beagles 183 into rough and smooth hounds not exceeding 16 inches and over 12 inches ; not exceeding 12 inches and over 10 inches; and not exceeding 10 inches. The American Beagle Club have their limit of height fixed at 15 inches, and rule that any dog or bitch exceeding this height shall be disqualified. Coarseness in a beagle is more than a venial fault, and connoisseurs are strongly opposed to a hound displaying such characteristics. Strictly speaking, a typical beagle should be a miniature Foxhound, and the nearer it approaches such type of conforma- tion in a modified form the more orthodox the hound. The coat must be close, and that covering the head short and finer than that on the rest of the body. In the rough coats the hair must be dense and wiry. The American Beagle Club Hke a coat moderately coarse in texture and of good length, regarding a short, close and nappy coat as a disquaUfication. The head, the legs and the feet constitute 40 per cent, of points, so that judges pay particular attention to these parts of the anatomy. The head must be of medium length and have a well-domed skull, there- fore a clearly-defined "stop"; any tendency to- wards a snipy muzzle is objectionable, but Beagle bitches lack the masculine characteristics in this region; the flews or cheeks should come well down and meet a powerful lower jaw. For size these hounds are wide in the breast. 184 Hounds nevertheless deep at the girth, thus enabling them to undergo prolonged exertion at anything excepting a fast pace. In comparison with the size of the dog the ears are large, hanging below the level of the lower jaw in graceful folds close to the sides of the face. The leather of the car must be free from coarseness. Black nostrils, hazel or brown eyes set well apart, and a thin skin covering the face, are points of beauty in a Beagle. The fore limbs must be absolutely straight and have plenty of bone and substance about the arms and forearms, with elbows carried close to chest wall, so that the hound is well coupled in front, which is as important as good coupling behind. The body must be of medium length, with strong back and loins and well- sprung ribs. The feet are rather round, compact, and carried in a line with the body, the same remarks being appHcable to the hind feet, whilst the hind limbs must be well muscled at both the first and second thighs, and all joints, but particularly those of the hocks and the knees, broad ; " cow-hocks " are a common fault, and as such are liable to be perpetuated, it is not advisable to make use of hounds with defects of this kind for stud pur- poses. The stern should be carried gaily under excitement, but down during repose, and must never curl over the back. Upright shoulders, cow-hocks, open feet, splay feet, eyes too close together, too Beagles 185 small, too light in colour, pig-jaws, short ears, flat skull, a long or sway back, a shallow chest, a short, cloddy neck, a teapot-curved tail and thick ears, also lightness of bone, together with a general want of symmetry, are, individually or collectively, defects common to many Beagles. In breeding these hounds it is necessary to select a sire and dam the con- formation of which is as near as possible in accordance with the points laid before the reader in this chapter. There are numerous packs of Beagles kept through- out England, and a few packs in Scotland, the follow- ing being some of the principal ones: Airedale This pack consists of twelve couples of 15-inch Beagles, and was established in 189 1, hunting over the districts around Shipley and Bingley; it has a minimum sub- scription of los. 6d. Aldershot The Aldershot Beagles hunt over a grass and heather country. It is a regimental pack, composed of twenty couples of 16-inch Beagles. Berwick This is a subscription pack, consisting of thirteen couples of 15-inch pure bred Beagles, and hunts the country from St Abb's Head to Holy Island, there being plenty of hares. i86 Hounds Brighton This pack of Beagles meets on Tuesdays and Satur- days to hunt the South Down country. It is composed of fifteen to seventeen couples of 15^-inch Beagles, and was established in 1894. Bronwydd This is a private pack of Beagles, established in 1846 by the late Sir Thomas Lloyd, Baronet, and the country over which they hunt is mostly moorland. There is about ten couples of 15 J-inch Beagles in the pack. BusHEY Heath A private subscription pack, founded in 1891 by Mr R. Mavor. It consists of fifteen couples of 14-inch pure Beagles. BUCKLAND The Buckland Beagles meet on Wednesday and Satur- day, and hunt over both pasture and ploughed land, where barbed wire is plentiful. The pack consists of seventeen couples of 15-inch Beagles, and is the property of the Master. Cheshire The Cheshire Beagles were estabhshed in 1854, and hunt over pasture land. No subscription less than £3, 3s. is taken, and the pack is composed of fourteen couples of I5j-inch Beagles. Christchurch, Oxon This is a private pack belonging to Christchurch College, and was founded in 1875. It is composed of fifteen couples of 15-inch Beagles. Beagles 187 COCKERMOUTH In this pack there are twelve couples of 16-inch Beagles, which hunt two days a week. It was estab- lished in 1857, ^^^ the kennels are at Hazelbank, Cocker- mouth. Exeter College, Oxon The Exeter College has a subscription pack of thirteen couples of 15-inch Beagles, the kennels of which are at Woodstock. Furness Beagles In this pack there are fourteen couples of i5j-inch Beagles entered in the Beagle Stud Book, as in nearly all other packs. It was established in 1886. Mr Greaves' s Pack This is a Welsh pack, and in the district in which it hunts hares are plentiful. It was formerly hunted by harriers, but Mr Greaves 's pack of twenty couples of 12- to 13-inch Beagles now hunt the district. Horsell The Horsell Beagles were established in 1875 ; the pack is now composed of eleven couples of 15-inch Beagles. No subscription of less than £2, 2s. is accepted, and the country hunted is partly pasture, plough and moorland. Instow The Instow Beagles are 15-inch tricoloured hounds belonging to a committee, and the pack was established in 1905. It meets twice a week and consists of eleven couples. i88 Hounds Lichfield Garrison This pack is composed of ten couples of 14-inch Stud- Book Beagles and is the property of the officers of the garrison. New College and Magdalen This is a private pack established in 1896 by New College, but subsequently became amalgamated with the Magdalen. The pack consists of fifteen couples of 15^-inch pure Beagles. Mrs Price's Mrs Price established this pack in 1901, and it hunts in the New Forest. In the pack are twenty- two couples of 22j-inch Beagles. Mr Price's This is a private pack established in 1900 by the Rev. J. Price, Talley House, near Llandilo, South Wales. These Beagles hunt mostly over pasture and moorland, and the pack consists of ten couples of 15-inch Beagles. Richmond, Yorks This pack of Beagles, which consists of twelve couples of 15-inch to 16-inch Beagles, hunts over pasture and plough land, hares being plentiful in the locality. The pack w£LS established in 1897 and is the property of the master. Pen-y-Ghent The Pen-y-Ghent Beagles is a private pack consisting of eleven and a half couples of 15-inch Beagles; the country being hilly and not hunted by Foxhounds. Beagles 189 Royal Agricultural College This is a pack, the property of the College, being main- tained by members of the R.A.C. It comprises fourteen couples of mixed hounds, the kennels being at Gren- cester. Shopwyke The kennels are close to Chichester, and the hounds hunt in the old Goodwood country. The pack consists of seventeen couples, and members of the hunt wear uniform of green coat, black collar with silver braid, and a black and silver button. Royal Rock This is a subscription pack of I5j-inch pure Beagles and consists of fourteen couples. It is an old-established one, being founded in 1845. The kennels are at Higher Bebington, Cheshire, and hounds meet sometimes three days a week. SURBITON The Surbiton Beagles hunt mostly over plough land, meeting on Wednesday and Saturday. The pack is a subscription one, consisting of fourteen couples of 15 J- inch Stud-Book Beagles. Trinity College, Cambs This is a subscription pack composed of twenty couples of Beagles ; it meets four days a week. The subscription is 30s. per term. Warwickshire The Warwickshire Beagles are 15-inch hounds, and in the pack there are twelve couples. They hunt over Warwickshire and Atherstone. 1 90 Hounds Worcester Park In the Worcester Park Beagles there are seventeen couples, but they are not all pure Beagles. Their country includes Epsom Downs, Bansted, Merstham, and Cater- ham Valley. WOODDALE The Wooddale Beagles belong to the Master and were estabHshed in 1900. They hunt in the district of Crawley and Horsham, and the minimum subscription is £1. The pack consists of sixteen couples of 15-inch Stud- Book Beagles, and the days of meeting are on Tuesday and Friday. The kennels are close to Billinghurst, Sussex. BEAGLES IN SCOTLAND Edinburgh This pack was established in 1897 and is composed of twelve couples of 15-inch Stud-Book Beagles. It has a minimum subscription of £2, 12s. 6d., and the days of meeting are Saturdays and every alternate Tuesday. The kennels are at Broomvale, Corstorphine. EsK Dale This is a small pack, having only seven couples of 1 5 -inch Beagles, some of which are entered in the Stud Book, others not. It is the property of the master. BEAGLES IN IRELAND There are not many packs of beagles in Ireland, the following being the principal ones: — Mount Mellick. — The Beagles of this pack consist of sixteen couples, but some are Harriers. It was established in 1902. The Dachshund 191 The MoYOLA Park Beagles comprise twenty couples of 15-inch Beagles, and the country they hunt lies in the counties of Antrim and Derry. It is a private pack. The Ballymartle Beagles meet two days a week and consists of fourteen couples of 14-inch Beagles, the property of the Master. The Bellmount Beagles were established in 1897 and they hunt the stoat during three seasons of the year, viz., spring, summer and autumn. The kennels are at Bell- mount, Crookstown, County Cork, and the hounds meet twice a week. THE DACHSHUND This is a German variety of dog, and one that has undergone considerable change through selection. Like the Basset-hound it exists in rough and smooth-coated varieties, though the latter is the one that finds most favour. The chief use of the Dachshund in Great Britain is for companionship only, for which purposes the breed is highly esteemed, more especially by the ladies. In Germany the Dachshund is used for hunting, but it has a much more workmanUke appearance than the British type of hound. In height the Dachshund should measure from 7 to 9 inches, such measurement being taken from the shoulder, whilst the weight ranges from 18 to 21 lbs. In Germany the clubs have three divi- sions of weight, namely, light, medium and heavy; the medium weight being the most preferable one. The coat should be short and close, whilst the skin 192 Hounds ought to be loose and abundant all over the body. With reference to colour, Dachshunds exist either in whole or parti-colours, but red, yellow and fawn are the principal ones, whilst black-and-tan, chocolate and-tan, also dapple, are the parti-colours usually met with. Pure white Dachshunds are exceedingly rare. The presence of much white hair on the body is regarded with disfavour. The nostrils must corre- spond to the body colour; for instance, a chocolate- and-tan dog must have a liver-coloured nose, and a black-and-tan dog a black nose. The conformation of the Dachshund is pecuHar in many respects, the length of the hmbs being alto- gether disproportionate to that of the body. It is a variety of dog which preserves an element of hound characteristics in the region of the head, but the reduction in the length of the limbs abolishes one of the leading characteristics of hounds, viz., speed. The body should be long, two and a half times the height at the shoulder — in fact length of body and crook of the fore limbs constitute points of the greatest importance. The loins must be well arched, the chest deep, and the back ribs well-sprung. Amplitude of chest capacity is indispensable, so that the chest must be deep, but a narrow chest and prominent breast bones are requisite quahfications. The head must be long and narrow, and the dome The Dachshund 193 of the skull well developed. The ears long, broad and soft; thin in the leather, and carried close to the side of the head. Muzzle long, rather square in outline, with the lower jaw bearing sound, level teeth. There must be no evidence of " stop." In looking at the Dachshund it will be noticed that the shoulders are prominent, being big boned and heavily muscled in this region. The eyes to be of medium size, and the same colour as the body. Particular attention is paid to the fore limbs, which must be short, with elbows lying close to the ribs. The shortness of the forearm and the relatively large size of the bone in this region, together with the crook at the knees and short pasterns and broad feet, are significant characteristics of the Dachshund. The English and the German Dachshund clubs differ in their code of points, therefore it would be as well to enumerate the German standard of points, the description of which is as follows : Colour. — {a) Single-coloured: red, yellowish-red, yellow, or red-and-yellow with black points, but one colour only is preferable, and red is better than yellowish-red and yellow. White is also allowed. Nose and nails black, red also permitted, but not desirable {h) Two-coloured: deep black or brown, or grey, each with yellow or reddish-brown spots over the eyes, on the sides of the jaws and lower lips, on the N 194 Hounds inner rim of ear, on the breast, on the inside and back of legs, under the tail, and from there down one-third to one-half of the under-side of the tail. Nose and nails black in black dogs, brown in brown dogs, grey in grey dogs, and also flesh-colour. In one- and two-coloured dogs white is permissible, but only to the smallest possible extent, as spot or small streaks on breast. (c) Spotted: ground is a shining silver-grey, or even white, with dark, irregular spots (large spots are undesirable) of dark grey, brown, yellowish-red or black. Neither the light nor the dark colours should pre- dominate. The main factor is such a general appear- ance that at some distance the dog shall show an indefinite and varied colour which renders him par- ticularly useful as a hunting dog. The russet-brown marks are darker in darker spotted dogs, and yellower in the lighter ones, and there may be an indication of these in the case of a white foundation. Light eyes are permitted; when the ground colour is white a flesh-coloured or spotted nose is not a fault. White marks are not desirable in dark dogs, but are not to be regarded as faults which disqualify. Height at Shoulder. — y\ to 8|- inches. Coat. — Short, thick as possible, glossy, greasy (not harsh and dry), equally covering entire body (never showing bare spots). The Dachshund 195 Weight. — This is divided into three classes, viz., light weight: dogs under i64- lbs., bitches under 15I lbs. Medium weight: dogs from i6|- lbs. to 22 lbs., bitches 154- to 22 lbs. Heavy weight: dogs and bitches over 22 lbs. Head. — Elongated, and, as seen from above and from the side, tapering towards the point of the nose, sharply outhned and finely modelled, particularly in profile. Skull. — Neither too wide nor too narrow, only slightly arched, and running gradually without break (stop) — the less the break (stop) the better the type — into a well-defined and slightly- arched nasal bone Eyes. — Medium-sized, oval, set obhquely, clear and energetical expression. Except the silver colour of the grey and spotted dogs, and the yellow eyes of the brown dogs, the colour is a transparent brown. Nose. — Point and root long and slender, very finely formed. Lips. — Tightly stretched, well covering the lower jaw, neither deep nor snipy, with corner of mouth slightly marked. Jaws. — Capable of opening wide, extending to behind the eyes. Teeth. — Well-developed, particularly the corner teeth, these latter fitting exactly. Incisors fitting 196 Hounds each other or the inner side of the upper incisors touching the outer side of the lower. Ears. — Relatively well back, high and well set on, with forward edge lying close to the cheeks; very broad and long, beautifully rounded (not narrow, pointed or folded), very movable, as in all intelligent dogs; when at attention the back of the ear directed forwards and upwards. Neck. — Sufficiently long, muscular, lean, no dew- lap, slightly arched in the nape, running in graceful lines between the shoulders, usually carried high and forward. Shoulders. — Long, broad and set sloping, lying firmly on fully-developed thorax; muscles hard and plastic. Chest. — Corresponding with his work underground, muscular, compact; the region of the chest and shoulders deep, long and wide; breast bone strong and so prominent as to show a hollow on each side. Back. — In the case of sloping shoulders and hind quarters, short and firm ; if steep (straight) shoulders and hind quarters, long and weak; line of back be- hind shoulders only shghtly sunk, and only slightly arched near the loins. Trunk. — Ribs full, oval, with ample width for heart and lungs ; deep and hanging low between the fore legs; well sprung out towards the loins; loins short and broad; Hne of belly moderately drawn up The Dachshund 197 and joined to the hind quarters with loosely-stretched skin. Hind Quarters. — These must be round, full and broad, muscles hard and plastic; pelvis bone not too short, broad and strongly-developed, set mode- rately sloping. Fore Legs. — Upper arm of equal length with and at right angles to the shoulders. Strong-boned, well- muscled and lying close to the ribs, but moving freely up to the shoulder-blade. Lower arms short as compared with other animals, slightly inclined inwards. Strongly muscled and plastic towards front and outside; inside and back parts stretched by hard tendons. Hind Legs. — Thigh bones strong, of good length, and joined to pelvis at right angles; thighs strong and with hard muscles; buttocks also well rounded out; knee-joint developed in length; lower legs short in comparison with other animals, at right angles to thigh bone, and firmly muscled; ankle bones well apart, with strong, well-sprung heel and broad Achilles tendon. Feet. — Fore feet broad and sloping outwards; hind feet smaller and narrower;, toes always close together, with distinct bend in each toe ; nails strong and regularly pointed outwards ; thick soles. Tail. — Set on at medium height, not too long, nor carried too high. igS Hounds General Appearance. — Gnome-like, short-legged, elongated, but stiff figure, muscular. Notwithstand- ing the short limbs and long body, neither appearance stunted, awkward, incapable of movement nor yet lean or weasel-like, with a pert, saucy pose of the head, and intelligent expression. Defects. — Too weak or crippled, too high or too low on the legs; skull too wide, too narrow or too much arched; ears set on too high, too heavy or too short; also set on too low and narrow, or low or slack; "stop" too pronounced, and goggle eyes; nasal bone too short or pressed in; lips too pointed or too deep; overshot; short developed neck; fore legs badly developed, twisted or poorly muscled, hare-footed or fiat-spread toes; too deeply sunk behind the shoulders, i.e., hollow-backed; loins too much arched or weak; ribs too flat or too short; rump higher than the shoulders; chest too short or too flat; loins arched like a Greyhound; hind quarters too narrow or poor in muscle ; cow-hocked ; tail set on high, and carried too high, or too much curled; too thin, long, or hairless (rat-tafled); coat too thick, too coarse, too fine or too thin ; colour dead, dull, or too much mixed. In black dogs with russet- brown marks (tan) these latter should not extend too far, particularly on the ears. The foregoing description of the Dachshund as described by the Germans embodies all the principal The Dachshund 199 features of the English standard, but discloses the fact that continental capacity for taking pains is greater there than in Great Britain. Kennel Management and Hygiene. — Anyone con- templating the formation of a kennel of Dachshunds should endeavour to select as the foundation-stone for such kennel a fashionable brood bitch or two, and mate these with suitable sires. The constitution of the Dachshund is not particularly hardy, more especially in strains which have been a good deal inbred, nevertheless these hounds cannot be con- sidered as specially difficult to rear, provided that due attention is paid to kennel management in general. The best time of year to breed from bitches is the spring, so that the offspring will have the advantages of the summer weather for exercises and to attain a fair degree of development before the ensuing winter, in this manner fortifying the constitution against the ravages of such diseases as distemper, etc. Dachshunds over twelve months old should be fed night and morning, and a frequent change of food is most beneficial. Half a pound of flesh for each hound, mixed up with a quarter of a pound of soaked stale bread, or the same quantity of Spratt's hound meal, will be found suitable for the evening meal, whilst in the morning biscuits soaked in gravy, or Spratt's oval biscuits given dry, will make an economical and efficient food. Young hounds should 200 Hounds be fed three times a day, and food given both dry and soaked. The hound glove must be used regularly as lustre of coat constitutes a matter of considerable importance, especially in the show ring. If necessary to wash, do so on the week previous to the show, so as to give time for the lustre to reassert itself on the coat, which, of course, has been removed by washing. Overfeeding must be avoided, as the Dachshund when too fat loses that looseness of coat so needful in a typical specimen. Exercise must be moderate, that given at a walking pace being the best, as these hounds are precluded from fast work. THE BASSET-HOUND This variety of hound was first imported into this country by the Earl of Onslow, but subsequently by the late Mr George R. Krehl and the late Sir Everett Millais, and these gentlemen must be con- sidered the pioneers in estabhshing the breed in Great Britain. It is a French variety of hound that has by careful selection undergone remarkable improvements, although it must be admitted that the fatal system of too much inter-breeding has exercised a detrimental influence upon the con- stitution of the Basset, and this is one reason why a considerable proportion succumb to dis- temper. The Basset-hound 20i Basset-hounds exist in rough and smooth varieties, and in general conformation they bear no small re- semblance to the Dachshund, but if anything are built upon more substantial lines. The houndlike characteristics are particularly obvious in the region of the head and ears, and the benign expression of the face exists in its most perfect form. In a model type of hound the Hues of contour from nose to stern are of most beautiful order. About twenty-five years since the Basset was an exceedingly popular variety, and the classes at the principal shows were liberally filled with some remarkable specimens of the breed, but at the time of writing it cannot be said that these diminutive hounds are as popular as many other breeds, but it is quite possible that a reaction may set in in favour of the Basset. In France and Belgium any hound that measures less than i6 inches at the shoulder is spoken of as a Basset, the word itself meaning a low-set hound. There are only one or two packs of Basset-hounds in Great Britain, there being one at Slane Basset, County Meath, which comprises sixteen and a half couples of 13 to 14-inch smooth Basset-hounds, the pack being the property of the master. There is also another one at Stainrigg, near Cold- stream, Berwickshire, composed of ten couples of 12 to 14-inch Basset-hounds, which hunts the territory 202 Hounds hunted by the Duke of Buecleuch's and the Berwick- shire Foxhounds, thus proving that the Basset is not, from a sportsman's point of view, at anyrate so far as the British is concerned, of any particular utiHty; in fact it never has been used to any extent excepting for companionship. For the last-named purpose it would be difficult to find an animal more suitable, its sweet temperament and lovable dis- position rendering it second to no other canine companion. The Basset-hound Club was founded in 1883 and established a Stud Book, in which the best specimens have subsequently been registered. The smooth-coated Basset has always been in greater demand than the rough-coated, though the latter, so far as appearances go, is a more workman- like-looking hound. The ground colour of the body is usually white, with black-and-tan, hare-pied or any typical Foxhound-coloured markings. As a rule the markings on the head and ears are fairly evenly distributed, but not so upon the body, the patches being of variable size and irregularly scattered. Little importance need be attached to this, provided the colour is typical. All Bassets have an exceptional degree of muscular and bony development in the region of the fore-quarters and breast, and the prominence of the latter, together with the shortness of the limbs, brings the body very The Basset-hound 203 close to the ground; this also materially adds to the snake-like contour so much admired in these little hounds. The back and the loins must be long, with a graceful curve at the last-named region. Strong first and second thighs, clean but big hock joints, together with big-boned pasterns, are essential features of the breed. Like all other hounds the chest must be deep, with the breast bone particularly prominent. Neck short and thick, covered by loose skin. Judges pay a good deal of attention to quality of the fore limbs, and the stouter in bone these are the better the hound. Lightness of bone constitutes a decided fault, as it predisposes to knuckling over at the joints. Not only must the fore limbs be particu- larly strong, but, what is equally important, they must have a good crook at the knees, ending below in broad feet, which turn outwards. This peculiar conformation of the limbs must be looked upon as illustrative of economy of material, the necessity for which has evidently arisen with the shortening of the limbs, though it is questionable whether the latter has been to the advantage of the breed. The head of the smooth-coated variety preserves the houndlike characteristics in a more marked manner than that of the rough-coats. It must be long and narrow, with little or no evidence of "stop"; be deep in the muzzle, have the cheeks hanging well 204 Hounds down, and ending in broad nostrils. The muzzle is square at the end, any tendency towards narrow- ness being strongly objectionable. The ears must be long, set on low and carried in a similar fashion to those of the Bloodhound, whilst the eyes are slightly sunken, almond-shaped, and display the haw. But it is not typical of these little hounds to display too much of the facial characteristics of the Bloodhound. Compactness and proportion, combined with a lively and graceful carriage of the body, constitute the necessary qualifications of the Basset. Kennel Management and Hygiene. — Basset- hounds are not difficult dogs to keep in good condition, provided that they are regularly exercised, regularly fed, and properly groomed. Exercise must not be severe, as these hounds are incap- able of undergoing an excessive degree of exertion, but condition necessitates a gradual increase of exertion in order to brace up the muscles and improve the tone of the circulatory organs, and the more fit these become the better the condition of the hound. Feed liberally on a flesh diet, and for this purpose boiled horse-flesh is as suitable as any food, from three-quarters to one pound being about the correct daily allowance of flesh; this may constitute the evening meal, but if the proprietor wishes to feed his hounds in the morning as well, dry hound meal The Basset-hound 205 makes an excellent food. The free use of the hound glove, plenty of clean straw for bedding and thorough cleansing of the kennel are, in the main, the broad principles in the kennel management of Bassets. CHAPTER X THE WHIPPET The Whippet, Race or Snap dog, although of hound- like conformation, will not by many be regarded as a typical variety of hound; nevertheless a work of this description would, in the author's opinion, be incomplete without a brief reference to the Whippet, which is used to some extent for rabbit- coursing but principally for racing on a track. The chief patrons of the breed appear to be of the artisan class, and I think it is an indisputable fact that these little race dogs are in the greatest demand in mining districts, particularly amongst colliers, who are especially fond of the sport afforded by these dogs. The Whippet has become a well-established breed and reproduces true to type. It was originally pro- duced by crossing a Terrier with a Greyhound, to- gether with the introduction of Italian Greyhound blood, and even in the present time some Whippet owners have occasional resort to the Terrier as an out cross in order to re-establish constitutional vigour and pluck, an effect that when judiciously employed is advantageous, as a sound constitution is an essential feature of the breed. The term " Snap " 206 The Whippet 207 dog has for a long time been used as synonymous with that given at the heading of this chapter, implying quickness in snapping at its game. Terriers were formerly used for rabbit- coursing, wild rabbits being caught and turned down in an open space in front of the dogs; and as this constituted a cruel form of sport the Terrier was abandoned for such purposes and experiments turned towards the production of a dog that was capable of coursing rabbits in their own, but natural, enclosures, thus resulting in the pro- duction of the Whippet. Like the Greyhound these race- dogs require constant training in order to keep them fit — hard muscles, together with a sound heart and lungs, being indispensable requisitions. The best weight for a Whippet is about 16 or 18 lbs., but the Whippet Club fix the weight at 20 lbs. ; but such weight must not be taken too seriously because the show Whippet and the racing Whippet are often totally dissimilar in this respect. Again, colour is of very little importance, as a good Whippet can be any colour, but such colours as fawn, blue, brindle, black, red, white and combinations of these are the princi- pal ones. Fawn predominates, but, as previously stated, no importance need be attached to this matter. The coat may be either rough or smooth, but broken-haired Whippets have never been in much demand. For show purposes the head must be long and lean, fiat on the dome of the skull, and 2o8 Hounds have long powerful jaws. The cleaner the cut of the head the better. Fine rose-shaped ears and keen- looking eyes, together with broad nostrils, are features typical of the Whippet's head. The neck must be long, well-muscled, carried well up, and clearly de- fined in its outline ; any tendency towards throatiness or a loose skin in this region is regarded with disfavour. The better defined the anatomical outlines the more accurate the conformation ; this should be in nearly every essential a replica of the Greyhound, excepting the back, which is more arched at the loin. The shoulders are long, oblique, well laid with muscle yet elegant in form; the arms must be strong; the elbows carried close to the sides ; the forearms strong, of goodly length, yet shapely withal. Pasterns long, strong and obhque, terminating in long well-split- up toes. Judges are very keen on quahty of fore limbs, and to be typical the Whippet must stand well on its feet; in order to attain this desirable feature exhibitors of Whippets usually pay a great deal of attention to the nails, the rasping of which keeps the feet compact. Some Whippets are too short on the legs, others too long, whilst a third class are deficient in bone; bone and substance mean a sine qua non in the breed. The capacity of the chest is found in its great depth, but the breast must not be wide. The back and the loins require to be clothed with well- developed muscles, and the belly well tucked up at The Whippet 209 flank. It is almost impossible for a Whippet to have the lumbar muscles too strongly developed. The croup is practically a continuation of the first thigh and buttocks. The former should be long, and the whole region well clothed with muscles. A neatly- turned stifle joint, long, strong second thighs, " clean '* but broad hocks and strong, oblique pasterns, together with compact feet, are additional attributes of a well- shaped Whippet. In racing the Whippet the track selected is usually about 200 yards, and the dogs are slipped from the leash by the starter at the snap of a pistol, each owner encouraging the competitor at the opposite end of the track by waving a rag or handkerchief, at the same time lustily shouting, thus contributing to the amusement and excitement of the contest. Racing contests are run according to the weights of the dogs, and are subservient to the rules adopted by the vari- ous Whippet racing clubs. Handicapping is a good deal practised but calls for the exercise of consider- able skill on the part of the handicapper, who, like the referee in a football match, often finds a difliculty in satisfying interested parties. Kennel Management. — Beings short-haired and thin-skinned it is necessary, especially during the colder months of the year, to provide a Whippet with suitable woollen clothing, the chief desideratum being warmth combined with lightness; if a dog is 210 Hounds too fat the coat should be a thick one, as the wearing of this, with the addition of vigorous exer- cise, will help to sweat the dog, reducing any super- fluous flesh. In summer a thin flannel coat is the best, as it helps to keep the coat down and improve the lustre of it. A fat dog is no use for running, neither is one that does not receive a regular amount of exercise. It is advisable to feed night and morning on such foods as raw beef, dog biscuits, or hound meal. To train a Whippet to follow a rider on horseback or behind a gig con- stitutes an invaluable means of keeping the animal in good hard condition. The use of stimulants before or after racing is to be deprecated, and it is a practice that assuredly produces premature decline of con- stitutional vigour, as all forms of alcohol have a most pernicious effect upon the strength of the heart and lungs; this stimulant exerting nothing beyond a temporary excitation of the vital forces. CHAPTER XT PORTABLE HOUND KENNELS The introduction of portable kennels for the housing of hounds, either individually or in packs, constitutes a comparatively recent innovation, nevertheless one that will be found very satisfactory to many hound masters. As these structures are tenants' fixtures the advisability of erecting such sometimes becomes as convenient as they are economical. There are many manufacturers of hound kennels, and the selec- tion must be left to those contemplating purchasing such, but the author has found that the kennels made by Messrs Boulton & Paul of Norwich are superior to any with which he is acquainted. Most of the buildings sent out by this firm are as ornamental as they are useful, and the prices reason- able, consistent with good workmanship. Before erecting any of these portable kennels it is necessary to have the foundation laid, the best material for this purpose being concrete with a sound bottom. The drainage must also be provided for. If it can be so arranged, have the doors and runs facing the south or south-west, and place the kennel well away from trees, etc., as the presence of 211 212 Hounds Portable Hound Kennels 213 these only helps to render the kennel damp and the surrounding area moist — very often too moist to be satisfactory. Fig. I represents a very useful form of portable V -1 House t IX- 0- r BotllMQ HoUS* et-O- Run \ -^ fcoirro Hou»c 1 V Vr^ a Plan of Fig. i. hound kennel. It comprises a boiling-house, feeding- house, house for bitches, house for sick dogs, together with a run for same. The boiling-house and feeding- house communicate, and the runs of the other kennels also have openings into the feeding-house. The runs are 18 ft. in length and the living-rooms well venti- lated, the whole structure being very compact and admirably planned. Fig. 2 shows a range of hound kennels. This kennel has a range of four runs and comprises a whip's room, a store, feeding and boihng-houses, four lodging-houses and a covered courtyard, the whole structure being of handsome design and the best workmanship, materials, etc. 214 Hounds Portable Hound Kennels 215 2l6 Hounds In Fig. 3 a useful double kennel is shown and is very- suitable for keeping Boarhounds, Greyhounds, Deer- hounds, etc., in. The kennels are 7 ft. high at the back and 6 ft. at the eaves. One advantage possessed by the kennels depicted in Fig. 3 is that the runs are covered in, thus pro- tecting the hounds from exposure to the heat of the Fig. 4. sun, rain, etc. Anyone contemplating keeping a small kennel of such hounds as Wolfhounds, Deer- hounds, Boarhounds, Greyhounds, Borzois, etc., cannot do better than purchase portable kennels, as these erections have so much to recommend them. Further information can be had from the manu- facturers of the kennels, as depicted in the several illustrations. CHAPTER XII DISEASES AFFECTING THE EYES The dog is a frequent sufferer from various forms of eye trouble, some of which are of a temporary, others more or less of a permanent, nature. Most chronic affections are of an incurable nature, but many acute affections become sub-acute in form, and in this manner may permanently injure the eyesight. Congenital defects are occasionally observed, usually calling for surgical treatment. The eyelids, the lachrymal gland, its ducts, the mucous membrane Uning the eyelid, or the eyeball itself, are all Uable to participate in injury or disease; but hounds are not predisposed to any special form of eye trouble beyond those common to other breeds. One or both eyes may be impHcated in any disease, and it frequently happens that when one is affected by acute inflam- mation the other eye participates. One of the commonest affections is that known as Ophthalmia or inflammation of the eyes, which arises through a variety of causes, some of an external nature, others 217 2i8 Hounds as part of a general disease. Ophthalmia may, for convenience, be divided into (a) Simple, [h) Specific. Simple Ophthalmia As the name implies, this is the simplest form of inflammation, and commonly traumatic in its origin, i.e., arises from external injury, such as a wound to the eyelids, the admission of some irritating material lodging on the globe of the eye, or through a chemical irritant of some kind. This affection is denoted by intolerance to light, the flow of tears over the face, redness of the conjunctival membrane, and a consider- able degree of redness of the eyeball itself. If the irritation is prolonged the cornea gradually partici- pates and assumes an opaque appearance, either in the form of spots, or as one involving the whole of its surface. The participation of the cornea may be regarded as one of the undesirable results of ophthal- mia, and is especially liable to occur when unsuitable or no treatment is adopted. It is a fallacious idea to suppose that ocular troubles will do as well with- out any treatment, though unfortunately a dictum which is persisted in by many owners. A perma- nently-clouded condition of the cornea renders a hound unsoimd and unsuitable for work. A partial opacity of the cornea is of less significance than a total one. Diseases Affecting the Eyes 219 Treatment. — In treating cases of this nature a good deal depends upon the duration and severity of the malady, and upon the causes operating in its pro- duction. Needless to say that if any foreign body gains admission to the eye it should be removed at once. Follow this up with the application of some sedative lotion, such as: — Sulphate of zinc .... 40 grains. Solution of sulphate of atropine . i drachm. Powdered boracic acid ... 20 grains. Water to 8 ozs. Label Eye Lotion, and apply three or four times a day, by bathing the eyes with this lotion and a piece of boracic lint. Lead lotions ought not to be used, as they have a tendency to cause precipitation of the albuminous matter in the cornea, thus favouring opacity. Two grains of corrosive sublimate added to six ounces of water makes a very useful eye lotion for simple ophthalmia. Boracic acid ointment is a simple but efficacious remedy for milder cases of this nature. An infusion of camomile is suitable for bathing the eyes, its soothing effects being beneficial. Treatment, to be successful, must be persevered with, and the opacity of the cornea dealt with accord- ing to instructions laid down under that heading. Specific Ophthalmia This is an extremely troublesome disease, and one 220 Hounds that usually ends in disorganization of the eyesight. In the horse there is a corresponding affection, equally destructive in its effects. Probably many will object to the use of this term " specific," so far as applicable to ophthalmia in the dog, but the writer is convinced that the term is justifiable; but whether it ought to be regarded as an ocular manifestation of distemper, or as an affection apart from that malady, it is difficult to determine. In any case its pro- gressive and disastrous effects are well known to those having any acquaintance with this affection. Both eyes are usually affected, and the disease is characterized by inflammation of the eyes, intolerance to light, weeping, injection of the blood-vessels of the eyeball, opacity of the cornea, followed by ulcera- tion of it at one or more points; commonly the cornea is perforated by the ulcer, and the aqueous humour escapes. Whenever there is an attempt at repair this seems to be overshadowed by secondary attacks, until the sight is finally destroyed. A modification of recurrent ophthalmia does occur in distemper, commonly in one eye, but this seems to be of a milder type than the one now under discus- sion. Many M.F.H.'s will be acquainted with the malignant eye trouble alluded to, and know what an undesirable affection this is. So far as the writer's experience goes, any treatment is of very little use, and it is questionable whether it is economical to Diseases Affecting the Eyes 221 treat hounds affected in this manner. If any treat- ment is adopted the most that can be done is to keep the kennel scrupulously clean, wash the eyes frequently with a weak solution of corrosive subli- mate, two grains to eight ounces of water, or with a weak solution of chinosol, say live grains to eight ounces of water, three or four times a day. After the lotion a little of the following ointment can be used : — Boracic acid ointment . . . i oz. Yellow oxide of mercury ointment J drachm. Atropine ointment . . . i drachm. Mix, and place a small piece in each eye night and morning. In addition to this it is advisable to isolate the affected animals, which are usually puppies, hence the reason why there are grounds for associating this affection with the virus inductive of distemper. Opacity of the Cornea As previously stated this may be temporary or permanent, and due to any of the causes considered under the foregoing conditions. A clouded condi- tion of it is very common in young dogs during an attack of distemper, but a blow over the eye is not an uncommon cause. The same remark applies to its production by other injuries. Treatment. — Astringent applications, such as a 222 Hounds solution of nitrate of silver, two grains to the ounce of distilled water, or a solution of zinc sulphate, five grains to the ounce of water, are indicated in the treatment of this affection. Most cases of opacity of the cornea, when in existence any length of time, become permanent, but the interference with vision will not only depend upon the size of the opacity but also upon its situation. Thus, for instance, a small speck at the border of the cornea will be less likely to interfere with the vision than one immedi- ately over the pupil, when the latter is acting under the ordinary conditions of light. Injuries to the Eyelids The upper or lower eyelids, or both, are occasionally torn, either in fighting or through some other agent, but the extent of the injury varies considerably. It may be the skin only which is torn, or the whole thickness of the eyelid, consequently the degree of inflammation set up varies in accordance with the injury. Ophthalmia is a common result, and need be treated in the manner prescribed under the name of that malady. It is a debatable point whether it is a good thing to suture the eyeUds or not, but the writer believes in the appHcation of sutures, especi- ally if such are carefully adjusted, and antiseptic precautions employed, and the injured eye protected from further injury by the animal itself; in fact, the Diseases Affecting the Eyes 223 latter precaution is one of the most important parts of the treatment. The infection is denoted by sup- puration, and this delays successful treatment. If sutures are used, fine wire is as good as anything, but pins can be employed instead. Many prefer adhesive plaster for bringing the torn edges together. After being carefully adjusted paint the part with Friar's balsam or styptic collodion. Inversion of the Eyelids (Entropium) In this complaint the eyelid is turned inwards, and sets up a considerable degree of ophthalmia, as the eyelashes may be turned against the eyeball. The only remedy for this trouble is an operation in which a portion of the upper eyelid is removed. Eversion of the Eyelids (Ectropium) In this affection the eyelid is everted or turned outwards, exposing the conjunctival membrane; it is the upper lid that is commonly affected, and in order to remedy this defect the mucous membrane lining the everted lid has to be scarred by the appli- cation of a caustic point. Both this and the previous abnormal condition necessarily require professional skill for their treat- ment. Cataract This is a permanently- diseased condition of the 224 Hounds crystalline lens, its capsular investment, or a com- bination of both in the diseased activity. Cataract may be partial or it may be complete, therefore the visional defect is proportionate to the area of the lens involved. Aged dogs are those most subject to this trouble, this being known as senile cataract, which, like all other forms of cataract affecting the dog, is incurable. It is not difficult to recognize advanced forms of cataract, but in the earliest stages of the disease it is very troublesome to do so. In partial cataract the specks are ex- tremely minute to begin with, and from these radiating lines gradually extend over the surface of the lens, finally becoming confused, until the whole structure of the lens is more or less involved. Glaucoma and Amaurosis This disease consists of a bulging of the eyeball, due to an excessive secretion of aqueous and Hqueous humours of the eye, causing the dog to have short sight. One or both eyes may be affected, but it is a somewhat uncommon ocular disease. Amaurosis occasionally occurs in hounds, being more popularly known by the title of glass eye, owing to the glassy appearance assumed by the organ. So far as appearances go, the eye is normal, yet the animal is totally blind. The optic nerve seems to be in a paralytic state and incapable of Diseases Affecting the Skin and Ears 225 transmitting the rays of light from the retina to the nerve centre. The best evidence of amaurosis is afforded by the pupil of the eye, which remains widely dilated in a strong light. The causes of this eye trouble are variable, sometimes resulting from injury, which induces pressure upon the optic nerve. Excessive bleeding is sometimes a cause. Diseases affecting the Skin and Ears The cutaneous affections of the dog are fairly numerous, but, what is still a worse feature, many of these are extremely troublesome, demanding the exercise of patience, perseverance, and a reasonable amount of skill for their successful treatment. Some skin affections are so closely allied in their clinical features that it not only requires considerable experience, but also the use of the microscope for their satisfactory demonstration. All those who keep hounds, no matter individually or as a pack, are well enough aware of the troublesome nature of many skin diseases. This is partly accountable for through errors in diagnosis of the disease, conse- quently the results are often very unsatisfactory. Let us take, for instance, parasitic mange, the early diagnosis of which is of vital importance, otherwise the disease may spread throughout the whole kennel. Popular terms for skin diseases in the dog are, 226 Hounds blotch, red mange, parasitic mange and black mange, the last named being one of the worst skin diseases affecting the dog. The term blotch is a very am- biguous one, and might be expressive of parasitic or non-parasitic mange. It is frequently employed synonymously with that of red mange. Eczema is also another term largely used, and unquestionably covers a multitude of skin diseases, but nevertheless it is a very convenient designation, and one that usually appeals to the dog-owner as sufficiently distinctive. Eczema This is a very common skin disease, assuming acute or chronic forms, and making its appearance upon any part of the body, but particularly prone to attack such parts as inside the thighs, under the fore- arms, on the face or round the eyes, on the nose, breast, etc. It is not, however, confined to these situations, and is occasionally seen in its acute form between the toes. The preliminary stage of this affection is really erythema, or congestion of the skin, denoted by redness, either as an isolated patch or in a diffuse form, the latter being a fairly common manifestation of it. This is succeeded by a con- siderable degree of irritation, and the appearance of minute vesicles upon the inflamed patch. These subsequently rupture, and the surface becomes Diseases Affecting the Skin and Ears 227 moist, the affection then being spoken of as " moist eczema." The animal aggravates the trouble by scratching and Hcking the part, which is often of a very angry-looking nature. If there are several patches the disease will be observed in its various stages — progressive and retrogressive. When the patches are in the latter stage they become dry and scurfy, and the same affection may subsequently become the seat of a secondary attack. Chronic eczema is usually denoted by a dry and scurfy con- dition of the skin, more especially around the margins of the ears, the points of the elbows, the points of the hocks, buttocks, etc. The skin becomes thickened, the hair shed or broken across, and the part irritable. Although eczema is capable of arising through a variety of causes, either chemical, mechanical, parasitical or constitutional, there is no doubt that hereditary predisposition is favour- able to its production. Disorders of the digestive apparatus, such as the irritation induced by worms or unsuitable food, congestion of the Hver or kidneys, are answerable for some cases of eczema. The causes are usually of an obscure nature, and treatment has to be directed towards the removal of the local signs. Treatment and Management. — An endeavour must be made to try and find out the cause, and as a rule it is a fairly good practice to begin with a dose of worm medicine, as so many hounds are infested 228 Hounds ^ with these parasites, and the sooner these pests are got rid of the better. The writer does not advocate that every dog affected with eczema should be treated for worms, which would probably do more harm than good, more especially if the animal is in a low condition. A popular but fallacious practice is that of administering repeated doses of Epsom salts, sulphur, and other laxative medicines ; whereas an equally absurd one is that of depriving the dog of its flesh food, which of all articles of diet for this animal is the most suitable. Starchy foods are more liable to induce eczema than any others, and there is no difficulty in proving the truth of this statement than by feeding a dog for a prolonged period upon a rich carbonaceous diet. Begin treat- ment by giving from one to three grains of camomile, in the form of a pill, and if it is a case of acute eczema, with the animal in poor condition, follow it up with dessertspoonful doses of extract of malt, or cod liver oil emulsion, in the same doses twice a day. In addition to this give the following mixture: Acetate of potash 2 drachms. Tincture of orange I oz. Tincture of nux vomica I drachm. Dialysed iron 2 drachms. Water 8 ozs. Dose for hounds is one tablespoonful night and morning. Diseases Affecting the Skin and Ears 229 As a local application boracic acid ointment will suffice for the simple cases, but for those of a more obstinate nature the following should be used: Creosote Ammoniated ichthyol Boracic acid ointment Precipitated sulphur Bicarbonate of potash 2 drachms. h drachm. , 2 ozs. 2 drachms. 2 drachms. Mix and rub on the sores night and morning. The chronic manifestations of eczema seem to respond better to tarry appHcations than any other remedies, for which purpose an ointment composed of the following will be suitable : Tar ointment . . . . i oz. Precipitated sulphur . . . J oz. Lanoline i oz. Mix and rub well into the scurfy patches for ten minutes night and morning. The addition of a drachm of creosote or a drachm of red oxide of mercury ointment to each ounce of the ointment previously prescribed can very often be employed with benefit. As a constitutional remedy for this affection arsenic stands pre-eminent, and is most con- veniently administered either in the form of Fowler's solution of arsenic, or Donovan's solution. From five to ten drops in conjunction with the same quantity of dialysed iron in a tablespoonful of water, given night and morning, will meet the requirements. 230 Hounds This treatment must be persevered with for a month, a camomile purge then given, and the arsenical mixture recommenced in a week or ten days' time. The idea of leaving off the arsenic for the period specified, and also the administration of a chola- gogue laxative, is to expel any traces of arsenic that may have accumulated in the system. Feed liberally on raw meat, keep the kennel clean, change the bedding frequently, and place the animal under the best conditions obtainable, not, of course, neglecting exercise, which has very often a good deal to do with the production of eczema. The moist forms of eczema are benefited by dusting the surface with some protective powder, of an antiseptic or astrin- gent nature, such as one part of powdered boracic acid to three parts of powdered starch; lotions are also useful for a similar purpose, such as an ounce of creosote to eight or ten ounces of methylated spirits of wine, freely wetting the surface with it. In some cases baths do good, whereas in others they are absolutely harmful. Chronic forms of eczema are recurrent, and prolonged treatment has to be indulged in before a cure can be anticipated. Parasitic Mange Two fairly common forms of mange infect the dog, one being known as sarcoptic mange, produced by the sarcoptic mange acari, which parasites live upon Diseases Affecting the Skin 231 the surface of the skin, or, at anyrate, in galleries beneath the superficial layer of the epidermis. These parasites set up a good deal of irritation, which may be accepted as one of the earliest indications of the disease. The male acari are much smaller than the females, and nothing like so numerous, but the latter are very prolific, so that the species is freely perpetuated. A pregnant female may rapidly spread the disease over the body, but the destruction of the parasites or their ova, if such be complete, puts an end to the disease; but mange is often of a very recurrent nature, perhaps less so than in the horse. Sarcoptic mange is not, as a rule, a difficult disease to cure, but its infective nature renders it very liable to contaminate a whole pack of hounds, if reasonable means are not adopted to prevent its transmission from one dog to another. Mange in the fox is apparently due to a different species of parasite, but whether it can be communicated from this animal to the dog is doubtful. Infection may be direct or indirect; by direct infection we mean the contact of the diseased with the healthy; in- direct, on the other hand, through some other media, such as collars, brushes, clothing, kennel fittings, bedding, feeding- vessels, etc. One mangy dog may in a locality transmit the disease to a large proportion of other dogs in the same or other locaUties, and hence the difficulty in fixing the original source of 232 Hounds infection. This shows how necessary it is for people having mangy dogs to confine them within the pre- cincts of their own premises, and not disseminate an unwholesome complaint amongst the dogs of neighbours. In some instances mange is associated with neglect, and negligence is evidence of idleness, and idleness is one of the greatest curses of mankind. The other variety of parasitic mange is that known as folUcular, or black mange, due to the invasion of the hair folUcules and sebaceous ducts by acari, known as Demodex folliculorum. Black mange is not difficult to recognize, but it is a most intractable malady, yet less infective than the sarcoptic variety. Months often elapse before a cure is effected, and even then it is not an easy matter to decide whether an animal is completely cured or otherwise. Significant features of the latter form of disease are that the dog is more inclined to shake itself than scratch; the skin becomes blackened, and of a deep slatish hue in patches, and when squeezed the follicules either suppurate or bleed. These are the essential clinical features, but the diagnosis is necessarily based upon the presence of the acari, as revealed by examination with a low power of the microscope. The acari are elongated in the body, whereas the sarcoptic acari have a rounded body, and only four pairs of legs. Treatment and Management. — In every case of mange it is advisable to make what may be vulgarly Diseases Affecting the Skin 233 termed " a clean sweep " of the disease, i.e., dress the animal from head to foot, there being no necessity to clip in the case of hounds, only, whatever the dress- ing used, it must be rubbed thoroughly well into the skin, and every inch of the body surface gone over. The dressing ought to be repeated twice a week, the bedding changed daily, and all sources of infec- tion, such as benches, rubbing-posts, feeding-vessels, scalded every day, and then washed with a disin- fectant solution. Most cases of sarcoptic mange are greatly benefited by giving the dog a bath of sulphuretted potash, say twice a week. For this purpose dissolve half an ounce of the potash in each gallon of water used. The best plan is to dissolve the amount of potash required in a quart of boiling water, and then add water to make it the proper strength. Even when there is only one or two patches of mange on the body the baths recom- mended will do a lot of good, and besides have the advantage of being destructive to fleas and other pests of the skin. A very useful mange dressing is composed as follows : Oil of tar 2 ozs. Creosote . . . . . i oz. Mix and then add whale, rape, colza, linseed, train or other cheap oil to make to the extent of a pint, and subsequently adding an ounce of bicarbonate of potash, dissolved in four ounces of water, so 234 Hounds as to make an emulsion of the whole. The addition of four ounces of flowers of sulphur, or of the same quantity of storax, is invaluable in cases of mange; in fact, sulphur seems to be almost a specific for sarcoptic scabies. In black mange (follicular) the treatment is of a very tedious nature, as whatever medicaments are employed there is a great difficulty experienced in reaching the parasites, owing to the sheltered posi- tion they occupy. Unless it is a valuable hound the author considers the most economical plan is to destroy the animal, but of caurse this would not be done unless the diagnosis has been confirmed, i.e., the detection of the parasites characteristic of this affection. If treatment is decided upon the best plan is to shave the hair off all around the diseased areas, which are commonly situated about the shoulders, neck, throat, back and sides, having a blackish appearance, and then dress with the follow- ing liniment : Oil of eucalyptus 2 ozs. Creosote 2 ozs. Liquor potassae 3 ozs. Ichthyol 2 drachms Olive oil lo ozs. Paraffin 5 ozs. Dissolve the ichthyol in the oil of eucalyptus, add the creosote, then the paraffin oil and the olive oil, Diseases Affecting the Skin 235 finally the liquor potassae, shaking thoroughly to- gether, so that the hniment is to a certain degree emulsified. This dressing requires applying three or four times a week, the bedding to be changed frequently and the dog allowed plenty of exercise; but all this treatment must be supplemented with not only the best of hygienic conditions, but also internal medication, such as the daily administration of from five to ten drops of powdered solution of arsenic, a drachm of which may be added to the mixture recommended under the heading of the treatment for eczema. The mere fact of the hair beginning to be regenerated must not be accepted as positive evidence that the disease is cured, its recurrent nature being well known to veterinary surgeons, though it would probably be more correct to regard its reappearance as a continuation and not recurrence of the original disease. From three to twelve months is commonly requisite for the eradication of this trouble. It may not be generally known, but folUcular mange has been observed in the ox by continental veterinary surgeons, and there is a possibiHty of its communicabiUty from this animal to the dog. Ringworm This is not a common complaint in the dog, al- though it does occasionally become affected with it. 236 Hounds It is due to the presence of a vegetable fungus in- vading the hair follicles and shafts of the hairs, causing the latter to break off, which gives the area of disease a stubbly appearance. This trouble is characterized by the formation of circular patches upon the skin, which are of a dry, scurfy appearance, of a slaty colour, spreading from the centre to the circumference. As ringworm is common in calves it is quite possible that the dog may contract it from this source of infection, but it is not an un- common disease amongst cats, so that a cat may really transmit the disease to a dog, or it may be to man. There is a tendency for ringworm to exhaust itself, so that spontaneous recovery is by no means unknown. The best treatment is to paint the part with iodine liniment, or with a solution of hypo- sulphite of soda. If an ointment is preferred chrysarobin ointment is the best remedy, but there are many other applications suitable for ringworm, and whatever is applicable in the case of man and other animals is, as a rule, equally suitable for the dog. Pityriasis Versicolor This skin trouble is mostly seen in young dogs, say under twelve months, but occasionally in older ones. It is due to a vegetable parasite, and of an infective nature, so that one hound may convey it Diseases Affecting the Skin 237 to another. It begins with diseased patches of skin, circular in outUne, similar to those observed in ringworm. The spots are at first very small, and may appear upon any part of the body, head or limbs. Some- times they attain the size of a two-shilhng piece. Treatment comprises dressing the parts with the following lotion: Sulphurated potash ... 3 ozs. Boiling water . . . . i pint. Apply to all the diseased patches daily, taking particular care to thoroughly wet the skin. Five- drop doses of Fowler's solution of arsenic should be given with the food, three or four times a day; but as hounds are commonly fed only once a day ten- drop doses can be allowed for a full-grown hound, but this should not be continued for longer than three weeks at a time, to be followed by a four- or five-grain pill of calomel. At the end of a week or ten days' time the arsenic may be repeated. This method of the administration of arsenic is applicable in the case of all skin diseases in hounds, and it may be accepted, as a general rule, that it is a drug which proves beneficial in most chronic skin diseases. CHAPTER XIII DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS Respiratory troubles are of rather common occur- rence, not only in hounds but in all other breeds, and when such complaints do come on careful manage- ment is required in order to tide the animal over the critical phases of some of these chest affections. One of the commonest troubles is Pneumonia either as an independent affection or as a compHca- tion of that deadly scourge distemper. Pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, may be confined to one side of the chest or affect both sides, i.e., either the right, left, or both lungs be imphcated, and the gravity of the malady is to a large extent regulated by the area of the lung involved in the morbid pro- cess. It is usual to speak of pneumonia as either " catarrhal " or " lobular," and " croupous " or " lobar," in accordance with the areas of the lungs affected. When the pneumonic form of distemper makes its appearance in a kennel of hounds there is generally a heavy percentage of deaths, equalled only by the biHous form of that malady. Pleurisy 238 Diseases of the Respiratory Organs 239 is often associated with pneumonia, hence the term pleuro-pneumonia probably expresses the true con- dition of affairs better than that expressed by pneumonia or by pleurisy. Most lung inflamma- tions, at any rate such as are associated with dis- temper, begin as catarrhal bronchitis, i.e., inflamma- tion of the bronchial tubes, which is liable to extend into the smaller air tubes, and finally into the alveoh or air spaces of the lungs, producing catarrhal pneumonia. It is quite possible that this form of pneumonia is set up by micro-organisms — either micrococci or bacilli — at anyrate bacteria of some kind. Symptoms. — When a hound puppy has distemper it is needful to carefully watch it for the onset of lung trouble, though doubtless such does exist in the majority of cases of distemper, yet it may be so slight as to escape detection. In its development it is of a very insidious nature, but speedy in its termination, and unless prompt measures are em- ployed the chances of successful treatment — though not very hopeful at the best — are small. In addition to the ordinary catarrhal signs, prostration, etc., the bronchitis is plainly marked, and the coarse rales characteristic of bronchitis implicating the larger air tubes give place to sounds of a more wheezy and catching character, as though the dog was going to be suffocated. The repeated coughing 240 Hounds affords the animal no relief, and it seeks such posi- tions as will afford it the most fresh air, as a space at the bottom of the kennel door or any other chink where a draught comes through. The internal temperature is generally about 105° Fahr. ; the breathing is quick and extends to the flanks, but at the later stages of the malady the cheeks (flews) are used as an auxiliary for pumping air in and out of the lungs ; this is known as oral breathing, and is usually precursive of a fatal issue. The temperature may run up to 107° Fahr., or a trifle higher, but the dog rarely lives many hours under these circum- stances. When pleurisy is present friction sounds are present during the early stages of the trouble, but with the advent of effusion they disappear. If the malady takes a favourable course and the fluid is reabsorbed the friction sounds may again reappear, but in a modified form. Distemperic pleuro-pneu- monia is, in the writer's experience, a very low form of disease; the reparative powers of the tissues are weak, whilst the changes observable post-mortem are generally extensive, implicating lungs, pleural membranes, pericardium, mediastinum and lym- phatic glands in connection therewith. When pneumonia develops independently of distemper the writer believes that it is much more re- sponsive to treatment, probably accountable on the ground that the animal has not suffered Diseases of the Respiratory Organs 241 from the severe exhaustion so characteristic of distemper. Treatment and Management. — A dry kennel, warm clothing for the body, pure air, and unremitting attention are indispensable factors in the manage- ment of a hound when affected with this trouble. Distemperic pneumonia, being an infective malady, calls for immediate segregation of the animals attacked, but it is no use to pick out the infected ones from amongst the healthy unless due precaution is exercised in regard to the latter. The temperature of all the puppies should be taken night and morning, and directly any single member shows the slightest rise above the normal — which ought not to exceed 102° Fahr. — it should be at once isolated and placed under the best circumstances possible. Counter- irritation certainly constitutes a valuable means of controlling advancing disease in connection with the lungs and adjacent structures. Mustard paste is a severe remedy and requires to be employed with discretion, and in order to diminish the severity of its effects the author considers that it is better to combine equal parts of linseed and mustard, making this into a paste with warm water and then smearing it over the sides and front of the chest, but not beneath the arms, otherwise the mustard will pro- duce discomfiture and useless pain, which aggravates the malady already in existence. As an alternative 242 Hounds ordinary mustard alone can be used and then washed off in half an hour's time. Other forms of counter-irritation are hot-water flannels, mustard poultices, linseed or oatmeal poultices, cantharides liniment, turpentine stupes, ammonia liniment, red blister ointment, etc., and any of these can be employed as substitutes for the agents first of all recommended. Repeated blistering is pernicious, whilst counter-irritation is useless if the pneumonic symptoms have become firmly estabhshed; in fact success can only be hoped for in the incipient stages. Counter-irritation must be followed by internal medication, and for this purpose the mixtures as per prescription below can be employed : Iodide of potash ... 2 drachms. Bicarbonate of potash Tincture of senega Ipecacuanha wine Carbonate of ammonia Syrup of lemon . Chloroform water to make 12 ozs. Directions for Use. — Shake the bottle, and give from a dessertspoonful to a tablespoonful three times per day to each affected hound. Continue this treatment until an improvement is sufficiently marked, and then substitute the following mixture: Ammoniated tincture of quinine . i oz. Tincture of cinchona bark . . i oz. Water . . . . . .10 ozs. oz. I oz. I oz. 2 drachms. 3 ozs. Diseases of the Respiratory Organs 243 Directions. — One tablespoonful night and morning. In addition to the treatment already indicated the system requires good nourishing support, along with alcoholic stimulation, in order to enable the animal to tide over the critical stages of the disease. Egg flip is as suitable as anything else; it is made by taking four ounces of brandy and four ounces of cinnamon water, then beating up the yolks of two eggs, adding to these half an ounce of refined sugar, subsequently blending the whole. The dose for a hound is one or two ounces every three hours. Both bovril, virol and Valentine's meat juice, like- wise Brand's essence of beef, as well as minced raw beef, are all useful for supporting the system, and any one of the articles named can be used. A moist atmosphere is favourable within the kennel, and the best means of obtaining this is by means of medicated steam. A bronchitis kettle does very well for this purpose, and the steam may be medicated by adding an ounce each of oil of eucalyptus, spirit of camphor, turpentine and creolin, or any of these can be used separately for the same purpose. If the atmosphere in the kennel is kept constantly surcharged by this vapour it will materi- ally facihtate resolution, but proprietors must not be misled into an erroneous conception concerning certain proprietary articles advertised. No inhala- tion is capable of curing distemper, and the only 244 Hounds utility of medicated steam is to encourage the dis- charge from the respiratory passage. That form of pneumonia supposed to originate from exposure to cold is practically treated upon the same lines. Bronchitis Bronchitis, or inflammation of the bronchial tubes, is a tolerably common trouble amongst hounds, but when it does occur it is generally associ- ated with distemper, and has been considered when speaking of the previous disease. It may be acute or chronic, but it is commonest in its acute form, being accompanied by a certain amount of febrile disturbance. The inflammation starts into exist- ence in the larger bronchial tubes, and if allowed to run on unchecked has a tendency to extend into the medial and smaller air tubes, possibly ending in catarrhal pneumonia (which see). It is customary for veterinarians to speak of bronchitis as being induced by chemical, mechanical, parasitical and specific causes. The chemical result from the inhalation of irritating vapours; the mechanical through the accidental admission of medicine, etc., into the windpipe; and as parasitical when the air tubes are invaded by threadworms — FiliaricB bronchialis canis — worms that correspond to those producing hoose in cattle and sheep, but fortunately for the dog this is a rare cause of Diseases of the Respiratory Organs 245 bronchitis. Under the heading of " specific " causes the organisms of distemper are of first im- portance, and a frequent cause. Acute bronchitis may terminate in the chronic form, or the latter re- solve itself into the former, though both are some- what unusual in the dog. It is not a difficult matter to recognize the existence of bronchitis in a hound, the bronchial rales being of sufficient diagnostic importance, and the louder these are the less serious the trouble. In chronic bronchitis five-grain doses of iodide of potash given night and morning in a tablespoonful of water is a useful remedy, but for the acute form of the disease the following mixture should be used : Syrup of squills . . . . i oz. Ipecacuanha wine . . . i oz. Glycerine . . . . . 5 J ozs. Paregoric . . . . . 2 ^^' Mix, and give one dessertspoonful night and morning. Medicated steam, together with hot linseed and mustard poultices, are invaluable ad- juncts in the treatment and management of bronchitis. Pleurisy The pleural membranes line the chest wall, and arci reflected over the lungs, and, as previously stated, when the latter are inflamed the pleural membranes are very liable to participate, just in 246 Hounds the same manner as the pericardium may become involved when pleurisy occurs. The author's ex- perience leads him to believe that inflammation of the heart sac is a frequent accompaniment of pleuritis when such is concurrent with distemper. The pain present in pleurisy is known as pleurodynia, and it becomes most obvious when the animal attempts to cough, hence the latter is always of a short, sup- pressed, dry character, the breathing laboured, the temperature usually about 104° Fahr., and the dog has no inclination either for exercise or food, but remains persistently standing, or else in a semi- recumbent attitude. Effusion, or dropsy of the chest, is common in pleuritis, and if severe dropsical swellings [Anasarca) may make their appearance, especially about the breast. Treatment. — Warmth and a moist atmosphere are indispensable features in the management of this trouble. Counter-irritation is necessary, though not adopted by all veterinary surgeons. Five-grain doses of iodide of potash night and morn- ing is a most useful drug as it favours absorption of the fluid. Painting the chest with iodine liniment is an excellent form of counter-irritation, but with reference to this matter see " Pneumonia," and also the treatment prescribed under the heading of that disease, the general management of which is practi- cally the same in the two complaints. Diseases of the Respiratory Organs 247 Catarrh (Coryza) Although catarrhal symptoms as a rule stand pre- eminent in distemper, such are not by any means significant of that malady, any more than they are of the more benignant trouble catarrh, which of itself is a comparatively trifling affection. Catarrh, or coryza, must of necessity be accompanied by an increased secretion from the mucous membranes lining the nasal and ocular cavities. The preUmi- nary stage of such congestion is indicated by redness and dryness of the membranes, succeeded by exces- sive moisture. The eyes are intolerant to light, the dog drowsy, and has a variable degree of lassitude. Sometimes there is a cough, but this must not be accepted as a symptom of coryza. Very little treat- ment is required in cases of this nature, the most important matter being to isolate a puppy directly it manifests the slightest signs of catarrh. This timely precautionary measure may be the means of checking an outbreak of distemper, but under any circumstances it will enable the master of the hounds, or such as are responsible to him for the welfare of the pack, to regulate the well-being of other members of the kennel. In exceptional instances nasal catarrh is induced by a peculiar form of parasite invading the nasal passage; the worm referred to is white or creamy in colour and technically known as Pen- 248 Hounds tastoma tcenoides, which is an extremely irritating parasite attaching itself to the mucous lining and causing the dog a great degree of discomfiture. It is constantly sneezing and sometimes dislodges the parasite during an attack. A nasal douche of salt and water is the best remedy. CHAPTER XIV RHEUMATISM, KENNEL LAMENESS OR CHEST FOUNDER For generations this troublesome complaint has been well known to masters of hounds, in fact to all kennel- men who have had much experience with dogs; nevertheless, the sands of time have not rendered this affection any less prevalent than heretofore. Kennel lameness, as the name implies, is at once suggestive, indicating as it does a form of lameness arising from influences direct or indirectly attribu- table to the kennel. The specific epithet " chest founder " is equally dogmatic in its meaning, point- ing to a " foundered," rigid, or bound condition of the muscles surrounding the chest and breast, more especially the latter. It may be canine phraseology, but the terms are just as useful as rheumatism, though perhaps as convenient when it comes to particularize upon the nature of the malady. Rheumatism assumes both acute and chronic forms, and when it exists in its acute form it has, in addition to the muscular stiffness and pain, an accompanying degree of fever, sometimes of a rather severe type The author regards chest founder as a chronic mani- 249 250 Hounds f estation of this complaint which is even less respon- sive to treatment than an acute attack. Kennel lameness has always been attributed as the result of hounds lying on a damp floor, or else housing in a kennel that is damp in some respects. This brings us to the question as to whether a clay or a sandy soil is the best for the erection of a hound kennel upon; opinions are divided. A combination of sand and clay is a very retentive soil and not a good one to build a kennel on. All clay lands are both cold and retentive, and favourable towards the pro- duction of kennel lameness, especially if the drainage is at all faulty. This troublesome affection is one that is largely influenced by cUmatic conditions, cold winds and wet rendering the trouble more obvious than at other times. Pathologists are not at all settled as to the causative agent of rheumatism. Some authorities regard it as due to the presence of micro-organisms circulating in the blood, others that it is due to cold, and a third class as depending upon the existence of lactic acid in the blood. From a layman's point of view it does not matter much which of these theories is the correct one. It is a tolerably well-established fact that when hounds come in wet and hot after severe exertion, and then lie on a damp kennel floor, that such animals will, more especially if constitutionally predisposed, develop in a variable degree kennel lameness. One Rheumatism, Kennel Lameness, etc. 251 of the worst features of the trouble is its tendency towards impHcating the valves of the heart, the structure of which is closely alHed to the same tissue that enters into the formation of joints, i.e., fibrous tissue, and the organisms of rheumatism seem to have a selective affinity for this particular variety of tissue, though not exclusively. Lumbago is really nothing but rheumatism affecting the muscles of the loins, though very often in a severe form. Acute rheumatism is denoted by stiffness of a vari- able degree, but if a sharp attack the hound may be unable to move, howling with pain when it is even touched. As a rule kennel lameness attacks one of the fore hmbs and the muscles of the breast, causing pain and stiffness, though in a lesser degree than acute rheumatism. A characteristic feature of this trouble is its tendency to change from one limb to another; in other words, it is metastatic. There are many obscure forms of lameness amongst hounds that are ascribed to rheumatism, correctly or incorrectly, but one attack of rheumatism predis- poses to others, so that if one or more hounds in a kennel are troubled with this complaint it is of primary importance to attend to the condition of the kennel flooring, and also to keep the hounds warm and comfortable after they come in from work. Brisk hand-rubbing and a deep bed of straw will go a long way towards preventing the appearance of 252 Hounds this affection, prevention being much better than cure. Treatment. — Local applications, although of utility, must rank as secondary to internal medication, the aim of which is to create a better condition of the blood, reduce the fever, and assist the excretory organs to expel the deleterious products circulating in the blood. One of the most useful drugs in the treatment of acute rheumatism is salicylate of soda, or else methyl salicylate in combination with col- chicine; the methyl is given in doses of three drops, and the colchicine in doses of 1-25 oth of a grain, special globules being prepared for this purpose, the drugs named being extremely active ones. One or two globules can be given to each hound three times per day. A most useful mixture for the same purpose is as follows: Salicylate of soda . . . i oz. Bicarbonate of potash . I oz. Colchicum wine . J oz. Epsom salts 2 drachms. Chloroform water 16 ozs. Dose, one tablespoonful to be given to each hound every six hours, and the stiff muscles or joints rubbed with the following liniment: Opodeldoc 10 ozs. Laudanum 2 ozs. Liniment of capsicums . ■ . . 2 ozs. Liniment of belladonna ... 2 ozs. Rheumatism, Kennel Lameness, etc. 253 Mix and rub well in twice a day. Supposing that it is an ordinary case of kennel lameness or chronic rheumatism (chest founder), the best plan is to freely rub or massage the parts with neatsfoot oil, or camphorated oil, giving internally the mixture as per prescription below: Iodide of potash . . . i^ drachms. Liquid extract of sacred bark 2 drachms. Tincture of digitalis . . i drachm. Tincture of cinchona bark . i oz. Water to make 8 ozs. Dose, one tablespoonful night and morning. In obstinate cases of kennel lameness good will some- times result from the application of a Uniment con- sisting of 7 parts of opodeldoc, and I part of compound tincture of iodine. Rub the liniment in only once a day. A dose of purgative medicine is generally of service in rheumatism, either camomile or Epsom salts being the best for this purpose. The camomile can be given as a single dose, from five to eight grains, or one grain may be given daily until the desired re- sult has been obtained. Imphcation of the heart — endocarditis — may exist in acute or chronic form. The chronic manifestation occasionally leads to the production of warty-like growths upon the valves, destroying their integrity though in a variable 254 Hounds degree. A heart affection of this nature is permanent and the animal is incapable of undergoing severe exertion. Concerning the question as to the here- ditary nature of rheumatism nothing definite can be said, but the author believes that hereditary pre- disposition does occur, and that it is not advisable to breed from hounds troubled with this complaint, although this view must not be accepted as an un- tenable one. CHAPTER XV POISONS, AND WHAT TO DO IN CASES OF POISONING Hounds, like all other dogs, are liable to suffer from the effects of various irritants of a chemical nature, either accidentally picked up about the streets or premises where poison has been laid down for the destruction of small vermin, as rats, etc., whereas in other cases the poisonous substance has been laid down with mischievous intent. Both foxes and Foxhounds are occasionally destroyed through some malevolent act shown towards the keeper, or to the kennel huntsman, about which there is generally a difficulty in bringing the miscreant to justice. The perpetrator of such acts has, obviously, some grievance that he wishes redressed, and seeks to do so at the expense of the keeper's charge. In the majority of cases of poisoning of this nature strych- nine is the drug used, but the writer has known such substances as Cooper's sheep dipping to be employed, which principally consists of arsenic. If more strin- gent measures were adopted regarding the sale of this and other poisonous dips the better for the 255 256 Hounds safety of man and animals. In some cases several members of a pack of Foxhounds have been destroyed through picking up pieces of poisoned meat, probably laid down by a gamekeeper for the destruction of some enemy to game, and keepers are warned that this dangerous practice is deserving of the severest cen- sure, in fact it is a criminal offence and ought to be punished accordingly. In general the symptoms produced by such poisons as arsenic and antimony, etc., are vomiting, pain in the belly, prostration, thirst, dysentery, all of which persist for a variable period, and result in their destructive effects in proportion to the amount of poison consumed, the amount of food in the stomach, and the general condition of the animal's constitution, together with the nature of the poison. Both vomiting and dysentery are, obviously, intended to be salutary, and ought not to be checked unless the dog is too exhausted to withstand their depress- ing effects. All irritant chemicals produce gastro- enteritis (inflammation of stomach and bowels), but the specific effects of a poison may be more manifest in the intestines than in the stomach, depending upon its degrees of solubility. Again, poison may be acute or chronic in accordance with the duration of the inception of the irritant. Thus, for instance, arsenical poisoning may become acute if the medicinal administration of arsenic is con- What to do in Cases of Poisoning 257 tinned for several months without using suitable medicaments to ehminate it from the system. Strychnine This is one of the most deadly drugs known, and is only administered to dogs in the most infini- tesimal doses, either as tincture of nux vomica or in solution of liquor strychnine. When given with malicious intent either the crystals will be used, or else the powder (nux vomica) from which the strych- nine has been derived, as the latter is one of the two active principles obtained from the nux vomica plant. The symptoms of strychnine poisoning are very characteristic, the animal being affected with violent muscular spasms (convulsions) most painful to witness. These continue for a variable time, from a few minutes to several hours, but as a rule prove rapidly fatal, so that there is very little time for the adoption of any treatment, and even when such can be carried out is rarely successful. What to do. — What may be termed the orthodox treatment in strychnine poisoning comprises the administration of an emetic in order to produce speedy emission, as the sooner the stomach empties its contents the better. Various drugs may be used for this purpose, but a domestic emetic comprises two or three teaspoonfuls of mustard and salt given in a half -pint of warm water. Twenty to forty 258 Hounds grains of sulphate of zinc or sulphate of copper, dis- solved in two or three tablespoonfuls of warm water, are both safe and speedy emetics, but perhaps the best of all is a hypodermic injection of apomorphine, though this is really a matter of professional work. In every case of poisoning it would be better to have a professional opinion, provided that there is suffi- cient time. To subdue the spasms chloroform is of service, or twenty grains of chloral hydrate dissolved in a tablespoonful of water may be given every two or three hours. The correct antidote to strychnine is a decoction of tobacco, but this is not as useful as the remedies already referred to. Arsenic and other Poisons This is a constituent of some sheep dips, certain weed-killers, and various rat poisons, but commonly the latter contain either Phosphorus or Barium. White arsenic, or arsenious acid, is a heavy white powder, very insoluble in water, but the sulphides of arsenic are yellow. Arsenic is commonly pre- scribed in chronic skin diseases, usually in the form of a solution (Fowler's solution), the average dose being five drops two or three times a day. When given in excessive doses, and prescribed for a long period without intermittency, it accumulates in the system, and may provoke an acute attack of arsenical What to do in Cases of Poisoning 259 poisoning, accompanied by peculiar symptoms im- plicating the digestive and nervous systems. Antimony gives rise to much the same symptoms as arsenic, and, like the latter, usually proves fatal. Tartar emetic is a white powder, but a very deadly compound of antimony, and only prescribed in minute doses for dogs when it is needful to give an emetic. Very little can be done in poisoning by arsenic or antimony, but small doses of brandy may be used to overcome the prostration. A solution of iron is the correct antidote, but in suspected cases the best plan is to have professional advice, as in all other instances of poisoning, no matter of whatever nature. Some Methods Adopted for the Destruction of Dogs Circumstances frequently render it expedient that some canine favourite should be as speedily and as mercifully as possible destroyed, and as a means to this end various methods are employed. One of the most expeditious comprises the injection into the thorax, by means of a hypodermic syringe, of twenty or thirty drops of Scheel's prussic acid. The syringe is first of all charged with the acid, and the needle of it pushed through the skin between the spaces of the ribs, and then through the flesh (inter- costal muscles) into the chest, and the piston of the 26o Hounds syringe squeezed home; death is practically instan- taneous. Destruction by chloroform is frequently resorted to, though it is not as speedy as the first- named procedure; methylated chloroform is the best for this purpose, and it usually requires from two to eight or ten drachms to destroy a hound. If chloroform is used the best plan is to put the dog in an air-tight box, then pour the chloroform upon a piece of cotton wool and keep the lid down until the breathing has entirely ceased. In the prehminary stage of destruction by chloroform the animal usually struggles a little, to overcome which a hypo- dermic injection of morphia is occasionally used previous to the administration of chloroform. Coal gas is sometimes used as a substitute, but a cer- tain amount of care is necessary when destroying dogs with this explosive. The lethal chamber has been used extensively for the painless destruction of dogs and other small animals, and there is no doubt that this is a very easy method. CHAPTER XVI DISEASES AFFECTING THE LIVER Hounds, like any other variety of dog, are not un- commonly affected with liver troubles, some of which are of an acute nature, others chronic in their course. It must be understood that the hver acts as a store- house for the glycogen, or animal starch, and that this substance is mainly instrumental in supplying the heat of the body. It is contained in the minute cells of which the liver is mainly composed, and it is used up in accordance with the demands of the body. A liver complaint may exist in combination with some other affection, such as distemper, being popu- larly known in hound kennels under the title of " the yellows," to which a large proportion of young hounds succumb; in fact, the mortahty from this trouble in the various hound kennels throughout Great Britain is a very considerable one. Another term for the same affection is " jaundice," although this symptom, i.e., the jaundice, may be indicative of variable affections of the liver, both of an acute and chronic manifestation. In the generality of liver complaints there is one unmistakable sign presented for observation, which is a saffron colora- 261 262 Hounds tion of the skin, mucous membranes, and white portion of the eye well known to hound-masters and kennel-men. Jaundice This term, as previously stated, is indicative of a liver affection, of which the jaundiced or yellow condition is the predominating feature, and when it appears amongst a kennel of young dogs it may, with very good reason, be regarded as existing in combination with distemper, or as a complication of this malady. In addition to the yellowness of the skin, etc., the excrescences from the urinary apparatus are stained with bile pigment; vomiting and diarrhoea are not uncommonly present, whilst if the dog has distemper there will be in addition the severe depression characteristic of that malady. The internal temperature usually ranges about 104 or 105 degrees, and remains near this point until an amendment occurs. The saffron discoloration of the skin, etc., is produced by the absorption of the bile into the blood, and its subsequent distribution throughout the various tissues of the body, upon which it exerts a detrimental influence, and the longer it exists in these abnormal situations the more serious the trouble becomes. Management and Treatment. — Doubtless the high percentage of deaths arising from liver complications in connection with distemper might and ought to Diseases Affecting the Liver 263 be considerably reduced. Timely isolation should constitute a means towards this end. The walking of puppies is to a large extent a commendable practice, but the more remote the walkers are the better the chances of successful rearing, though un- fortunately it often happens that too many hound puppies are placed in the same village or neighbour- hood, which renders association more liable to occur, thus distributing such complaints as the one under consideration. It is rather remarkable that when the bilious form of distemper makes its appearance in a kennel that this particular type of the malady should be more or less prevalent throughout the locahty. In this affection the animals must be kept warm and in a dry kennel, as this materially contributes towards a successful issue. Begin treatment by giving five grains of grey powder in conjunction with ten grains of bicarbonate of soda night and morn- ing, until about six doses have been given. Follow this treatment up with the powders according to the following prescription : Powdered euonymin . . 6 grains. Ammonium chloride . .1 drachm. Powdered red cinchona bark 2 drachms. Mix and divide into one dozen powders, giving one night and morning in a tablespoonful of soda-water and milk. The best form of nourishment comprises 264 Hounds soda-water and milk, boiled fish, custard, along with the use of some stimulant, such as a teaspoonful of whisky or brandy every other hour. Local applica- tions are useful, so that the region of the Hver may have a mustard plaster applied, the mustard paste being washed off in about twenty minutes after appHcation. If preferred, linseed meal and mustard poultices may be applied, only these are of no use unless they are kept tolerably hot and re- applied several times during the first hour or two. Chronic Enlargement of the Liver The liver may be permanently enlarged, such change being brought about by an increase of the delicate fibrous tissue intervening between the lobules of the liver, such increase being spoken of as cirrhosis, or induration of the liver, which, needless to say, is incurable, and not as a rule recognizable during life, unless the enlarged organ renders itself manifest by external manipulation. In some in- stances dropsy of the belly follows induration of the Hver, due to obstruction of the circulation of the blood in the liver. Diseases Affecting the Kidneys and Urinary Apparatus Unfortunately for dogs these animals are not un- Diseases Affecting the Kidneys, etc. 265 commonly troubled with various urinary complaints, some of a temporary, others more or less of a per- manent nature. The urinary organs comprise the right and left kidneys, the ureters or tubes conveying the fluid from the kidneys to the bladder ; the bladder and the urethra serving to conduct the urine ex- ternally. The acid nature of the urine in carnivora predisposes these animals to the formation of phos- phatic calculi in some part of the urinary apparatus, such as the kidneys, very commonly in the bladder. The calculus may form in one situation of the uri- nary track, but subsequently be transferred to some other portion of it. It seems almost needless to say that the formation of a stone or calculus in the kidney is more immediately dangerous than stone in the bladder, though not necessarily, so much depending upon circumstances. No matter what portion of the apparatus be involved, the existence of a calculus is attended with considerable danger, and whenever possible it is expedient to have pro- fessional skill. Inflammation of the Bladder The bladder may, and occasionally does become the seat of acute or chronic inflammation, brought on through variable causes. In some instances one or more calcuH will have set up such irritation, but the degree of inflammation varies in extent and dura- 266 Hounds tion. If the surface of the calculus is rough the greater the UabiUty towards abrasion in the lining of the bladder. Calculi vary in their size, shape and form; in exceptional instances the whole cavity of the bladder is occupied by a single calculus. Various irritant drugs, such as turpentine, cantharides, etc., are liable, when indiscriminately employed, to lead to irritation of the bladder. Symptoms and Treatment.— In this affection there is an evident degree of pain in the posterior part of the body, and the urine is passed in drops, the act of urination being accompanied by pain, and some- times by haemorrhage, produced by abrasion of the mucous membrane, either of the bladder or urethra, possibly by gravel or stone. As the treatment is both operative and medicinal it follows that pro- fessional advice is indispensable, therefore the sooner such is obtained the better the chance of success. The food should consist of soda-water and milk, and custards. Stricture The urethra is occasionally the seat of stricture, usually the result of gravel or stone accumulations within it, or else through contraction produced by injury of its mucous lining. Cantharides, when given internally, is liable to lead to strangury or the passage of urine in drops. In order to over- Diseases Affecting the Kidneys, etc. 267 come the obstruction it is necessary to resort to the use of the catheter, which is easily passed, both in the dog and the bitch, the urethra being in the latter very short. Rupture of the Bladder This accident fortunately is of uncommon occur- rence, and when it does occur it is needless to say proves fatal. External injury and over-extension of the viscus must be regarded as contributory causes. Infla7nmation of the Kidneys Inflammation of the kidneys is likely to assume either an acute or chronic form, and the author be- lieves that kidney troubles are not very frequent amongst dogs, though it is quite possible that ab- normal conditions of the kidneys are frequently overlooked, consequently the records in connection with such are very poor. Stone in the kidney is capable of setting up a chronic form of inflammation, gradually obliterating the true substance of the kidney, so that in due course this organ or organs are no longer capable of performing their functions satisfactorily. This is closely allied to what is popu- larly known as Bright's disease, although the causes may be different in man and the dog. The symptoms of chronic inflammation of the kidneys are very obscure, but vomiting, short and sharp pains refer- 268 Hounds able to the abdominal region (renal colic), together with the general signs of ill-health, and albumen in the urine, are the principal features present in kidney affections. In addition there may be pain across the loins, suppression of the urinary secretion, and in some instances a urinous odour from the skin, though the latter is exceptional. Treatment. — The treatment comprises hot fomen- tations to the loins, and the administration of bella- donna, hyoscyamus or opium internally, but cases of this nature certainly require skilled assistance. CHAPTER XVII DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT The Teeth During the cutting of the temporary teeth there is usually a good deal of irritation arising therefrom, but much more so when these are being replaced by the permanent ones, and when distemper occurs at this period the author is inclined to believe that this source of irritation acts as a predisposing cause in the development of convulsions. Entanglement of the teeth occasionally happens during replacement, or a tooth may become displaced through this cause. The temporary tooth should be removed in order to allow the permanent one to come into its place. Sound teeth constitute an essential part of the anatomy; irregularities and caries (decay), likewise the deposition of salts upon the teeth, are the princi- pal troubles, and must be dealt with accordingly. Foreign Bodies in the Throat At the back part of the mouth the pharynx forms the entrance to the oesophagus or gullet, and it occasionally happens that a bone, etc., gets fixed 269 270 Hounds up in either of these regions. The animal is unable to swallow properly, but if the obstructing agent is at the back of the mouth it makes repeated at- tempts to dislodge the offending body. If located in the gullet it will possibly be felt through the skin, but of course there may be an obstruction in the gullet, in that portion of it which passes through the chest, which is inaccessible to external manipulation. A gag should be placed in the mouth and an effort made to dislodge the foreign body. It is a very good plan to lubricate the passage with a Httle oil before resorting to the use of the probang, though the latter must be employed if other means fail. Stricture and Dilatation of the Gullet These abnormal conditions may exist indepen- dently or be co-existent, the dilatation following upon the stricture. Injury to the mucous membrane lining the gullet, and subsequent contraction of the scar tissue, is liable to lead to stricture, which is a most serious condition as the food is cut off from the stomach. Cases of this nature demand the exercise of professional skill, so that if suspected no delay should occur in obtaining such. In exceptional instances obstruction of the gullet arises from the pressure of some morbid growth adjacent to the outer surface of the tube. Diseases of the Digestive Tract 271 Vomition All dogs have the power of vomiting or ejecting the contents of the stomach at will, consequently, whenever nauseating substances pass into the stomach, this animal usually expels them at once. The readiness with which vomition is induced con- stitutes, in a measure, some safeguard against the absorption of irritant poisons by the stomach, so that it is not always advisable to check vomition, as such may be the most efficient means of clearing the stomach of some noxious substance that might, if the vomition were arrested, lead to the animal's death. The ready response of the dog to an emetic renders it easy to clear the stomach almost im- mediately, and in the majority of cases of poisoning it is expedient to do so. From half to two ounces of ipecacuanha wine is a simple but efficacious emetic. Antimonial wine can bo used as a substitute. From the foregoing remarks it will be gleaned that the vomiting is often a salutary process, and that it is only when it becomes excessive that it ought to be checked. When prolonged it is exhausting, troublesome vomition being a common symptom in distemper; but even in that disease a good deal of care is necessary, as diarrhoea often follows when remedies have been used to check the vomiting. When vomiting is troublesome all water must be 272 Hounds withheld, and the more rest given to the stomach the better; no soUd food ought to be allowed, but a Httle iced milk, or milk and soda-water, will usually prove beneficial. When the stomach of a hound is in an irritable condition soda-water should be sub- stituted for the ordinary Vv^ater, and if a teaspoonful of invalid bovril be added to the soda-water the stimulant will help to nourish the animal until such time as the stomach regains its normal tone. From five to thirty grains of bismuth — either the carbonate or the nitrate — is one of the most useful remedies that can be employed for arresting vomiting and allaying an irritable condition of the stomach. This can be given either as a powder or along with a tablespoonful of soda-water, or even with milk and soda-water. Gastric Catarrh An irritable condition of the stomach arises during the course of various maladies, and ranges from the most trifling irritation of the mucous membrane to one of violent inflammation, frequently imphcating the mucous membrane, the muscular coat and its outer serous covering. The condition last referred to is occasionally observed in cases of poisoning, more especially when the dose has been a large one. Strictly speaking, the term "gastric catarrh" ought to be limited to a mild inflammatory condition of Diseases of the Digestive Tract 273 the mucous lining. The leading symptoms are thirst, peevishness, eructations, vomiting, capricious appetite, and general unthriftiness. Worms are a frequent cause of this trouble, and much the same remark appHes to food unsuitable in quantity or quality, irregular feeding, or feeding or watering when the body is overheated, as happens after severe exertion. Treatment. — Try and ascertain the cause. It is generally a good plan to give a dose of worm medicine. Soft food ought to be allowed, more especially boiled rice, boiled fish, or soaked hound meal; bulky food must be avoided, so must the use of bones. To bring about a healthier condition of the stomach extract of malt in dessertspoonful doses night and morning will prove beneficial, more especially if supplemented with the following mixture: Pepsin 32 grains. Dilute hydrochloric acid . ioz. Carbonate of bismuth . 3 drachms. Bicarbonate of soda 3 drachms. Bromide of potash 2 drachms. Rectified spirits of wine 2 ozs. Chloroform water added to make the mixture measure 12 ozs. The dose for an adult hound is one tablespoonful night and morning immediately before feeding. In some instances a purgative will prove beneficial, but 274 Hounds if worm medicine has been used there is no necessity for this. Castor oil, buckthorn, etc., in cases of this nature, do more harm than good. HcBmorrhage from the Stomach Blood may be ejected from the stomach either intermingled with the food, etc., during vomition, or it may be expelled in the form of clots, depending upon the causes giving rise to its production. Ulcera- tion of the mucous membrane, or the rupture of a small vessel in the wall of the stomach, may lead to a trouble of this nature. Ice packs to the belly, and iced milk, etc., is the correct treatment to adopt. Enteritis, or Inflammation of the Bowels Inflammation of the bowels is not of uncommon occurrence, and when it does occur it is, practically speaking, a fatal disease. The inflammatory changes may be confined to the mucous membrane, or extend, though in a variable degree, throughout the thick- ness of the wall of the gut. The area involved may be small, or extend over a length of the intestine either large or small, but the author believes that inflammatory changes are most frequently met with in the small intestines, especially in that portion immediately adjacent to the stomach, i.e., the duodenum, in which absorption is particularly active. The causes of enteric inflammation are almost in- Diseases of the Digestive Tract 275 numerable, but a very common one in young hound puppies arises through the presence of numerous round worms, as Ascaris marginata. These parasites may be so plentiful in the bowel even a few days after birth as to completely occlude the canal and set up acute enteritis. Unfortunately for dogs these are not the only cause of the trouble under considera- tion, a fairly common cause being some form of irritant poison, such as arsenic, antimony, phosphor paste, strychnine, etc., but superadded to the ente- ritis there is usually gastritis or inflammation of the stomach. (See '' Poisons.") A lesion of the bowels, especially in puppies, is one known as intussusception or the telescoping of one part of the bowel into another, which leads to inflammation and subsequent mortification of the invaginated portion of the bowel. Twist of the bowel is another cause of enteritis, whilst obstruction produced in variable ways may lead to a similar result. Very little can be done under these circumstances; in fact it is questionable whether any treatment is of real utility in a disease of this kind. The leading symptoms are pain in the belly, vomiting, thirst, prostration, injection of the visible mucous membranes, together with other signs of severe illness. As a general remedial agent ordinary chlorodyne, given every three hours, in doses of twenty or thirty drops, com- bined with a tablespoonful of water, proves service- 276 Hounds able. When inflammation of the bowels arises from external injury, such as a wound in the belly, it is generally associated with peritonitis. Hot fomenta- tions for the belly, or poultices, will help to subdue the pain. Diarrhoea and Dysentery The former is symptomatic of derangement of the stomach and bowels, whereas the latter is frequently indicative of disease of the mucous lining of the lower end of the bowel, and indicated by blood-stained evacuations so commonly observed in the low form of distemper. Distemperic dysentery is more liable to prevail where the sanitary conditions of the kennel are not good, and there is nothing tends to exhaust the body quicker than this trouble. It may be the best method that Nature has of getting rid of the noxious material from the system, but it is a very exhausting process and demands careful treatment. Diarrhoea arises through sudden changes of food, from the presence of worms, from the prolonged use of soft food, as the result of fee iing on greaves and dried meat in other forms, exposure to cold, and from the abuse of purgative medicine. As the causes are so variable it seems almost unnecessary to remark that the treatment must be just as varied, so that it is essential to try and ascertain what has produced the diarrhoea. To resort to the use of Diseases of the Digestive Tract 277 astringent mixtures is not judicious treatment, unless the cause is clearly defined and likely to be benefited by the use of such astringent remedies. In the majority of instances a mild dose of castor oil, com- bined with thirty drops of paregoric, or the same quantity of chlorodyne or of laudanum, will prove beneficial. Sometimes antacids are indicated; this being the case where the diarrhoea arises through hyper-acidity of the intestinal secretion. Fifteen grains of grey powder, given daily for two or three days, will do very well under these circumstances. If due to cold, five drops of Rubini's essence of camphor, or twenty drops of paregoric, given in a tablespoonful of cold arrowroot gruel three times per day, usually does good. For dysentery, ipecacu- anha is a very good remedy; it should be given in twenty-five grain doses, combined with ten grains of bicarbonate of soda, and half an ounce of syrup of orange. Repeat in eight hours, and for two or three days afterwards give the same drug in eight- grain doses. In both diarrhcea and dysentery no liquid must be allowed until such time as recovery is complete; a httle iced water, or small doses of Wyeth's beef juice, may be allowed for nourishment. If vomiting is troublesome, give bismuth, twenty grains, three times daily in a tablespoonful of soda- water. CHAPTER XVIII SOME DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM Convulsions Convulsions, or "fits," as they are popularly termed, are rather common amongst puppies, and in the majority of instances arise through the presence of worms in the alimentary canal, more especially round worms {Ascaris marginata), which parasites infest about 70 per cent, of puppies. These round worms infest both the stomach and the bowels and set up a great deal of irritation, and convulsions result from this reflected source of irritation. Some- times puppies only a few days old will be affected in the manner named; if so it is a difficult matter to treat them successfully against these pests. The best remedy is santonin and castor oil, and the dose for puppies ranges from half to five grains of santonin. If the puppies are a month to six weeks old give two grains of santonin combined with five grains of areca nut, the whole to be mixed with one teaspoonful of castor oil. This should be administered after the puppies have been kept without food for a few hours. 278 Some Diseases of the Nervotis System 279 For the convulsions the following mixture may be used: Bromide of ammonia . . 40 grains. Bromide of potash . . . i drachm. Syrup of lemon . . . i oz. Peppermint water to make 6 ozs- A dessertspoonful of the foregoing mixture may be given every six hours, and continued until the convulsions have passed away. If the puppies have been weaned they must be fed upon some very soft food, such as boiled rice and milk, boiled fish and milk, or Spratt's malted food. Epilepsy Epileptic fits are frequently met with in hounds, commonly arising through excitement, exposure to severe heat, also as the result of external injury to the cranial bones, and from irritation within the ali- mentary canal. Although a difficult matter to lay down any distinctive features between epileptic seizures and the convulsions previously alluded to, this much can be said, viz., that the former are most frequently met with in adult dogs, and the latter are specially prone to attack the young. During dis- temper, convulsions are common, and by many authorities such fits are regarded as the true form of epilepsy; their appearance is, however, in the writer's opinion, largely determined by some form 28o Hounds of intestinal irritation. Epileptic seizures are de- noted by sudden loss of consciousness, falling to the ground, champing of the jaws, foaming at the mouth, and other minor signs. The period of unconscious- ness may be momentary, may persist for hours, and in exceptional instances for several days. In other cases, instead of loss of consciousness delirious symptoms appear and the dog rushes wildly about, barking and snapping at objects, leading the owner to suppose that the animal is going mad — which for the time being it is ; but such madness is totally different from that terrible disease known as "rabies," which, fortunately for both dog and man, has been stamped out in Great Britain. When a dog is affected with this delirious form of epilepsy it ought to be immediately placed under restraint, otherwise it is Uable to injure itself, and the excitement leads to exhaustion. Moreover, if the fit occurs in the street it leads the stupid and the ignorant to regard the dog as affected with rabies, and suggestions are offered, and occasionally put into execution, that it is advisable to destroy the dog at once. It would be better if those who made suggestions of this kind were compelled to suffer in a corresponding manner, and perhaps one would then hear less of mad dogs, at anyrate in the British Isles. In the treatment of epilepsy the dog must be kept absolutely quiet, then given a dose of purgative Some Diseases of the Nervous System 281 medicine, followed by a course of bromides. Twenty grains of bromide of ammonia can be given to an adult hound every six hours, or even a httle oftener, if the fits are severe or recurrent. Bromide of strontium, of soda, or of potash, can be substituted for the ammonia if necessary, and given in the same doses, mixed with a tablespoonful of water. Parturient Eclampsia In this trouble the affection is characterized by epileptiform seizures and c nfined to the parturient bitch, in other words, to the dam, whilst suckling her puppies. Its appearance seems to be mainly dependent upon anaemia of the brain, due to exhaus- tion of the economy by the excessive demand made upon the mother by the offspring. The puppies should be weaned as soon as possible, or, what is still better, get a foster mother ; the drain upon the system must be reduced. A dose of laxative medicine must be given, all excitement avoided, and the bitch should have twenty grains of bromide of potash night and morning in a Uttle water. Feed on soft food. Paralysis A paralytic condition of the body, or any part of the body, is capable of arising through a multipHcity of causes, and the paralytic condition is but sympto- 282 Hounds matic of either disease or injury in accordance with the part implicated. As a rule paralysis is due to defective musculo-nerve power. Take, for instance, the eye, in the diseased condition known as amauro- sis, in which the optic nerve fails to respond to ex- ternal stimuli, yet the organ appears to be healthy, though incapable of performing its functions. A fractured limb for the time being is paralytic, and much the same remark applies to a dislocated limb. Paralysis of the tongue, usually in a partial form, is not uncommon in the dog, whilst paralysis of the lower jaw occasionally occurs independently of that obscure but deadly malady known as " dumb rabies." Paralysis may be either local, i.e., con- fined to one part, or general, i.e., distributed more or less over the body. In hounds paralysis of the hind quarters is tolerably common, especially during, or subsequent to, an attack of distemper. A general paralytic condition of the body is by no means rare and is often the result of reflected irritation, arising through a torpid condition of the bowels, and usually disappears immediately after an enema has been given. Most cases of paralysis are benefited by a course of massage, and in fact for the so-called " distemper spine " there is nothing better than good massage and a course of hypophosphates in conjunc- tion with cod-liver oil. In other cases paralysis must be treated in accordance with the cause. Distemper 283 Distemper Foremost amongst all canine scourges distemper stands pre-eminent, and it is as active in its varied manifestations in the present day as it was nearly two hundred years ago. The hound-master dreads this scourge as much as any man whose interests are centred in dogs, because he knows the severity of its ravages, and the losses, to say nothing of the inconvenience, this trouble entails in connection with his hunting establishment. In trencher-fed packs obviously distemper must create less mortality than in packs congregated together, and there is no doubt that the practice of walking puppies should constitute one of the best safeguards against severe losses, and which it would do if sufficient discrimina- tion were exercised in the distribution of the pups to the walkers. It is a fatal mistake to distribute puppies amongst walkers hving as it were " cheek by jowl " with one another, and the author has been surprised to note this system adopted where a different state of affairs might have been expected to exist. Every master of hounds and kennel hunts- man knows what an extremely infectious disease distemper is, and is also equally well aware how members of a community in a village associate with one another — sometimes too much so — and com- pare hound with hound, whilst the hounds them- 284 Hounds selves belonging to adjacent walkers are not slow to take advantage of the association thus afforded. This statement clearly shows how distemper may be spread from its point of origin to other and distant centres. The wide distribution and isolation of trencher-fed hounds constitutes the most rational system that can be followed, and the author strongly recommends its adoption by all M.F.H.'s. Another precautionary measure worthy of note is, never send a puppy on to premises where a previous hound has had distemper, as infective material is capable of hanging about such premises for a variable, though we will not say indefinite, period. If timely precaution is adopted the losses amongst fox and other hounds can be greatly diminished. First of all, owners of hounds may hke to know what dis- temper really is, as it is surprising the remarkable ignorance that prevails amongst many people as to the nature of this trouble. Although definitions are seldom much use it may help the reader if a con- cise definition be given, which is that : Distemper is an infective febrile disease, insidious in its onset, having an incubative period of not more than eight days : variable in its manifestations, dura- tion, severity of attack and termination. It is char- acterized by dullness, loss of appetite, a discharge from the eyes and nose, rise of internal temperature, a hard cough, together with a tendency towards lung, bowel^ Distemper 285 liver, brain, or spinal implication, and by the appear- ance of an exanthematous or cutaneous eruption, more especially upon the skin covering the belly, inside the thighs, or distributed more or less over the whole skin, and subsequently by desquamation, or shedding of scurf. What may be regarded as the classical features of this trouble may briefly be summarized as follows : (a) Its infective nature. The writer does not for a moment suppose that any proprietor of hounds will dis- sent from the view that distemper is an exceedingly infective complaint ; the term infection is more service- able than contagion, as it satisfies all methods of trans- mission of the malady, whereas contagion has a very limited meaning. A question that necessarily arises in the mind of a thoughtful observer, and to be a thoughtful observer one must also be a speculative thinker, is that relating to the channels of transmission and what the material is that is transmitted. First of all it is toler- ably certain that the living infected hound constitutes a much more active agent in disseminating the malady than the cadaver or dead body, though the latter cannot be regarded as a medium incapable of transferring the complaint, i.e., within a reasonable period. Direct transference takes place, or is Hable to occur, when an infected hound is brought into contact with a previously healthy subject, provided that the animal has not had a prior attack of the malady, it being a well-ascertained fact that youth constitutes a predis- posing factor in determining an attack of distemper. The nasal discharge does, in the author's opinion, form one of the most active agencies for transmission, either by ingestion of it or through implantation of it upon 286 Hounds a mucous surface in connection with the respiratory tract, so that if a healthy subject suffers inoculation at the nose, or at the mucous membrane of the eye, the disease will be reproduced. Indirect transference may occur in a similar manner, hence one is forced to con- clude — with abundance of proof that such does occur — that the clothing of men and animals, the hands, benches, feeding utensils, water-troughs, as well as various species of rodents and birds, all act as carriers of the active contagion. Foxes, badgers, ferrets, pole-cats, weasels, stoats, along with other members of the Mus- telidce, commonly suffer from distemper. The author can cite instances relating to kennels that have never had distemper amongst their inmates, the disease being unknown to the gamekeeper in charge possibly for thirty years, when the accidental introduc- tion of a distempered fox or ferret has brought the malady on to the premises, resulting in the complete destruction of the whole stud. Experienced and ob- servant gamekeepers have noted that the freedom during certain years from such vermin as stoats, weasels and squirrels has been due to a severe epidemic of distemper amongst these animals. Another question of consider- able importance presents itself for solution, which is — Is the virus of this malady both " fixed " and " volatile " ? If the latter, then there are reasonable grounds for as- suming that the trouble can be perpetuated through the medium of the atmosphere — in other words, the germs of distemper can be inhaled. This atmospherical trans- ference is accepted by some authorities, but not by all. In any case it is advisable to regard such transference as possible. The water-troughs which are placed at shop-doors by sympathetic but foohsh people do, in the writer's opinion, act as media for the transmission Distemper 287 of distemper. The prevalence of distemper in a kennel is often succeeded by the appearance of the malady in other kennels, either in the same or different localities, very often due to some form of intercommunication between one kennel and another. When confined to a particular locaHty it is spoken of as endemic or enzootic, whereas its distribution over a larger area, it may be in the same, or other, counties, is then epidemic, panzootic, or epizootic. It is correct to regard the disease as constantly existing in the latter form, though ready at any time, under favourable influences, to be transformed into an actively-prevailing endemic a} trouble. Climatic and geological formations have an indirect bearing upon the severity or otherwise of dis- temper. For instance, if the weather is particularly moist, the wind cold, say in the east or north-east, lung trouble is more liable to make its appearance, whereas if the ground on which the kennel stands is of a retentive nature, or the kennel situated where there is much moisture present, rheumatic complications, or those of a dysenteric nature, may possibly predominate. Both high and low states of barometrical pressure do, as in- dicated, exercise an important bearing upon this patho- logical condition. {b) The presence of catarrhal signs. In the majority of instances the catarrhal signs are obviously present, and persist for a time after the malady has subsided, though such discharges are still capable of perpetuating the complaint. (c) That pyrexia or fever is a constant feature, even during the incubative phase; in fact, the clinical ther- mometer does, in the author's opinion, constitute one of the most valuable instruments for ascertaining not only the initial stages but also for marking the patient's 288 Hounds progress throughout the complaint. Taking the normal standard at loi^ F., we very often find, prior to the onset of well-marked clinical phenomena, that the internal temperature registers at 104° or 105°, to be followed in a short time by symptoms universally regarded as diag- nostic of this affection. To state distemper exists with- out any rise of temperature or catarrhal signs, is to my mind contradictory to well-ascertained facts. {d) That the organisms, no matter to what class they belong, have a decided preference for attacking the mucous membranes, both of the respiratory and digestive tracts; moreover, that the predominating features are largely determined by the condition of such at the moment of invasion by the specific organisms. [e) That there is a tendency for a particular type of the malady, such as the lung form, the yellow or bihous form, or the cerebral form, to prevail more markedly, though not altogether to the exclusion of other mani- festations of the same affection. (/) That distemper belongs to a class of diseases technically known as specific exanthemata, is evidenced by the fact that a cutaneous eruption commonly makes its appearance, though it may be so slight as to escape observation. Some writers on canine pathology look upon such eruption as pathognomic of distemper, and suggest critical inspection of the animal to determine the existence of the rash. The author does not attach much importance to such statements, and any practical veterinarian would ridicule the idea of adopting this method, as one suggestive of much practical utility, especially during the admission of dogs into a show. A well-marked pustule eruption is of value, but not one so trifling as to require minute search for. (g) In addition to the foregoing classical features Distemper 289 prostration and rapid wasting of muscular tissue are distinctive features, although not invariably present, more especially if the attack occurs when the dog is fairly well matured. In continuance of the description of distemper, the development of such clinical phenomena as a spinal weakness (distemper spine), chorea, paralysis, etc., no absolute rule can be laid down as to the pre- cise period at which their onset may occur, but, as a rule, the spinal weakness and chorea usually make their appearance on the approach of convalescence, that is, if such appear at all. Chorea is denoted by an involuntary twitching to a variable degree of one or more muscles, more particularly in the region of the head, ears and limbs, and its estabUshment is, in nine cases out of ten, permanent. Spinal weak- ness, though of a very persistent nature, can usually be abolished by freely massaging the patient and the prolonged use of cod liver oil and hypophosphates or some other alhed compound. Distemper being a specific febrile disease, it must run a definite course, and there is no medicine can cut short such course ; by careful nursing and good management much can be done towards directing the patient to a favourable issue, whilst the timely isolation may do more to- wards preventing than by attempting to cure it. Up to the present time no method has been devised for protecting hounds against this trouble; vaccina- 290 Hounds tion, inoculation, and all other et ceteras, either of British or Continental origin, are absolutely- useless. The author does not consider it necessary to re- capitulate the various s5nnptoms or compUcations attending this malady, as these have already been dealt with under the headings of bronchitis, pleurisy and pneumonia, jaundice or yellows, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhoea and dysentery, to which the reader must turn for the requisite information. The catarrhal signs are characterized by a discharge from the nose and eyes, shivering, cough, together with lassitude, loss of appetite, and other indications of greater or lesser importance, but all sufficient to warrant, when such make their appearance in a young dog, immediate segregation. With reference to im- munity, it is a well-established fact that one attack of a specific exanthematous disease confers a degree of immunity, though such must not be accepted as absolute, against another or succeeding attacks of the same trouble. The benign nature of distemper is as well known as its malignancy at other times ; therefore prognosis is always speculative. A simple attack sometimes develops into one of the most malignant nature, and carries off a patient in a remarkably rapid manner. Thorough disinfection constitutes an important part in the management of this complaint, and it is strongly recommended Distemper 291 that areal disinfection should be carried out, prefer- ably by means of sulphur and formalin candles, both of which substances are destructive to the virus of this disease. Chorea or St Vitus' s Dance This is a nervo-muscular trouble, extremely common as a sequel to distemper, often developing during the convalescent stage. It is an affliction that varies greatly in its severity, some dogs having the complaint so slight that the owner may not be aware of its existence. On the other hand it is of so great severity as to necessitate the destruction of the hound. No true pathological knowledge has been ascertained up to the present time. Chorea is characterized by involuntary muscular twitchings, especially about the face and the limbs. These move- ments are sometimes in abeyance during sleep. In slight cases recovery sometimes occurs, but medicinal treatment does very little good. CHAPTER XIX ENTOZOA (WORMS) Hounds are no exception to the rule when it comes to the invasion of the ahmentary canal by worms, which are divisible into two principal classes, i.e., Ncematodes or round-worms, and Cestodes or tape- worms, both of which are exceedingly common, in- habiting either the stomach or the intestines, or both. There is an uncommon form of parasite which takes up its abode in the wall of the stomach — being a true blood-sucking parasite. This is called Spiroptera sanguinonata, and it is a rare cause of haemorrhage from the stomach. A fluke-shaped worm occasionally invades the nasal passage or sinuses in connection therewith. (See " Catarrh in Respiratory Diseases.") In some foreign countries a thread-worm takes up its habitat in the chambers of the heart ; it is spoken of as the cruel thread- worm or Filaria immitis. The commonest round-worm is Ascaris marginatay also referred to under the head- ing of "Gastric Catarrh and Inflammation of the Bowels" (which see). The commonest tape-worm is Tania cucumerina, and the larval or dormant phases of this tape-worm takes up its abode in the 292 Entozoa {Worms) 293 flea and the dog louse, hence the necessity for keep- ing a hound's coat as free as possible from these un- desirable visitors, otherwise their host acts, though unwittingly, as a medium for the perpetuation of the worms named. Another common tape- worm is the serrated worm [TcBnia serrata), which attains many feet in length. The larval form of this worm resides in hares and rabbits, hence the objection to allowing sporting dogs to consume the entrails of these animals. TcBuia marginata is another tape- worm infesting the dog; the larval stage of this re- sides in the sheep and pig. There is a small tape- worm, not more than one-third of an inch in length, called TcBnia echinococcus; it is an uncommon parasite in English dogs ; the larval forms of it take up their abode in the hver, lungs, brain, etc., of horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, etc., and such may lead to the host's death. Take, for instance, the hydatid cyst in juxtaposition to the brain; its presence here will cause most serious symptoms, such as a want of co-ordination, etc. Echinococcus disease affects man as well as animals, and this is one reason why it is such a bad plan to fondle dogs, as the eggs of TcBnia echinococcus might be transferred from a dog to a human being through fondling. Hounds are particularly liable to be infected with the serrated tape- worm already alluded to, whilst about 70 per cent, of dogs in general are infested with Tcenia 294 Hounds cucumerina. What is known as the gid tape- worm (TcBfiia ccBnurus), has its hydatid or resting-home in the sheep, and in one situation, viz., upon the brain. When sheep and lambs are troubled the affection is spoken of as sturdy, or gid, also as sturn sickness, and a variety of local appellations. Blindness and a want of control over the movements are signs well known to flock-masters. It is unfortunate that these ruminants should be troubled in this manner, but much can be done by keeping dogs off pastures and by the periodical dosing, say three or four times a year, for worms. There are numerous other entozoa infesting the dog, but the foregoing are the principal ones. All hounds, both adults and puppies, should be dosed at least three times a year for worms, and all worm medicines give the best results when administered to a dog that has been fasted for a time, ranging from six to twenty-four hours. Worm medicines that kill the worms are known as vermi- cides; those that expel as vermifuges; whilst a remedy that is useful for tape-worms only is known as taenifuge. All purgatives are more or less vermi- fuges, but a drug that merely expels once is not to be relied upon as an efficient remedy for such pur- poses. All brood bitches require to be kept par- ticularly free from internal parasites, especially from Ascarides or round-worms. There are an ex- traordinary number of worm medicines on the market. Entozoa (Worms) 295 many of which are quite useless and ought not to be used. An anti-worm remedy that combines ver- micide and purgative properties is the most useful, but at the same time its value is materially enhanced if it has the power of being equally destructive to both tape-worms and round-worms. Santonin is regarded as the remedy par excellence for round- worms, but it requires to be given in combination with a purgative, for which purpose castor oil is a very suitable medium. Eight grains of santonin, in conjunction with a couple of ounces of castor oil, is a suitable dose for a full-grown hound, whilst for hound puppies five grains of santonin and one ounce of castor oil, repeated at intervals of ten days, does ^^ery well. Five grains of thymol, dissolved in a dessertspoonful of spirit and given with an ounce of castor oil, can be used for the same purpose. Areca nut, kamala, quassia, turpentine, Hquor extract of male fern, camomile, etc. etc., are the remedies com- monly used for the treatment of tape-worms. The following powders will be found suitable for hounds : Areca nut ^^in powder) . 2 ozs. Kamala I oz. Powdered cinchona bark 2 drachms. vSantonin 2 drachms. Powdered liquorice h 02. Mix thoroughly, and then divide into 15 powders. Give one powder to each full-grown hound, either 296 Hounds made into a bolus with treacle or honey, or else given in liquor form, for which purpose there is nothing more suitable than a dessertspoonful of treacle dis- solved in two tablespoonfuls of warm water. A sufficient quantity of treacle and water can be put in a wide-mouthed bottle, the whole of the powder then added, thoroughly shaken up, and divided into 15 doses. Instead of the treacle a table- spoonful of linseed oil can be used for each dose, which will act as a laxative, thus rendering it un- necessary to administer any further purgative medicine. It is a good plan to dose all the hounds at the same time, taking particular care to thoroughly disinfect the kennel flooring afterwards. In whelp bitches ought not to have worm medicine during the later phases of gestation, but, as previously stated, they should be cleared of these pests before the breed- ing season. When hounds are affected with worms the appetite is capricious, the coat staring, the bowels irregular; there is occasional vomiting, but above all a want of constitutional vigour, combined with the general signs of unthriftiness. CHAPTER XX FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS Fractures Hounds, like every other variety of dog, not uncom- monly suffer from various injuries to their bones and joints, more especially fractures of the long bones of the limbs. Broken bones in puppies unite more readily than in adult dogs, and in the middle-aged quicker than in old dogs. It may be accepted as a practical truth that nearly every injury, the result of direct or indirect force appHed to the bones of the vertebral or spinal column, is either at once fatal or subsequently proves so, so that the deduction is when a hound receives a severe spinal injury the most economical method is to have it as speedily as pos- sible put out of existence. One of the commonest methods of injury occurs through the animal being run over either with a vehicle or motor-car, but as a rule, in the latter case, death is instantaneous. Spinal injuries are often difficult to determine, and if there is any doubt it is better to give the animal 297 298 Hounds the benefit of this, because a few days' treatment will usually enable one to ascertain whether the injury is curable or otherwise. A fracture may be transverse, oblique or longitudinal, the oblique fracture being, as a rule, the one most amenable to treatment. It is usual to speak of such as a simple fracture when the bone is merely broken into two parts, which can happen in any of the forms of frac- tures alluded to. If the bone is broken into a number of fragments it is a comminuted fracture, whereas a compound fracture is one in which there is a wound in the skin and flesh plus the fracture. The worst injury is the compound comminuted fracture, and this requires very skilful treatment. It takes from three to six weeks for the union of a bone, but it is always advisable to 'leave the splints, etc., in position for two or three weeks longer, as their too early removal sometimes results in permanent lame- ness. Needless to say, fracture through a joint is a much more serious matter, and such injury is very liable to end in a permanently stiff joint. The causes of fracture are variable. It is sometimes due to violent muscular contraction, to direct or indirect concussion, to disease of the bone; but by far the commonest cause is direct injury. The signs of fracture are as variable as the causes, but in theory it is customary to speak of increased heat, pain, crepitus, swelling, sudden lameness and shortening of Fractures and Dislocations 299 the limb as diagnostic, any of which signs in practice may be absent. There may be no sweUing, no shortening of the Hmb and no crepitus, yet a bone may be fractured, and this is where the layman is baffled in his diagnosis. As previously stated, fractures of the Hmbs occur frequently in hounds, especially of the forearm and pastern bones ; the arm or shoulder blade is occasionally fractured, and if there is displacement there will be no difficulty in detecting crepitus. But displacement does not al- ways occur at the time of injury; if not, the fracture is spoken of as deferred. Fractures of the pelvis, i.e., the girdle uniting the hind limbs to the spinal column, is liable to happen when a dog is run over, though it is not necessarily an incurable injury, as the writer has proved that certain forms of pelvis fracture are curable by keeping the animal in as small a space as possible for a period of about three months, so as to ensure as much restriction from movement as possible. Fracture of the thigh bones must be looked upon as a serious injury and only capable of treatment under professional guidance. If swelling accompanies the injury it is advisable to foment the part with hot water; the broken ends should then be adjusted (that is after the sweUing has disappeared) and maintained in position either by means of a plaster of Paris or starch bandage; if neither of these substances are at hand, white of 300 Hounds egg or gum may be used instead. As a rule it is advisable to put on a dry bandage first and then the supporting bandage. Plaster of Paris bandages are made by taking an ordinary bandage, smearing the whole of it with dry plaster of Paris, afterwards rolling it up tightly. When required for use, soak it for a minute or two in water, apply, and adjust to the limb. Dislocations A dislocated joint is one in which the bones enter- ing into the formation of the joint are temporarily displaced from the normal position. Accidents of this nature are not of very frequent occurrence amongst dogs, and when a dislocation does occur it is either the shoulder, elbow or stifle joint that is the seat of such injury, but it must be understood that any joint may be dislocated; perhaps the commonest of all is dislocation of the elbow joint, in which the ulna slips out of its normal position, but is capable of easy replacement, being neverthe- less of a recurrent nature. When a dislocation is allowed to remain in existence for weeks, or even months, the ligamentous structures of the joint, etc., become stretched, and there is a tendency for the dislocation to become permanent. To reduce a dislocation means the replacement of the bones Fractures and Dislocations 301 in their proper position, and subsequently retain them in such position, either by means of an adhesive bandage, a plaster of Paris bandage, or some other surgical means, until such time as permanent res- toration is effected. CHAPTER XXI WOUNDS AND VARIOUS OTHER INJURIES Hounds, like other dogs, are liable to wounds in various parts of the body, and such injuries may be either superficial or deep, simple or compound. In a simple wound the injuries are confined to the skin and subjacent tissues, whereas in a compound wound other structures, such as the lungs, bowels, etc., may be involved. A clean-cut wound is spoken of as "incised"; when the edges are jagged, as " lacerated "; " punctured " when it is in the nature of a " stab "; " contused " when there is consider- able bruising of the surrounding tissues. Punctured wounds are, as a rule, the most serious and demand skilful treatment. Both lacerations and punctured wounds frequently occur during combat of one hound with another, and critical inspection is needful in such cases, because the skin wounds may be appa- rently trifling whilst deep punctures and lacerations possibly exist in the flesh. The author's experience is that injuries of this nature frequently prove fatal, death occurring through mortification; early treat- ment in such injuries is necessary, therefore pro- fessional aid should be obtained as soon as possible. The size of a wound cannot be accepted as evidence 302 Wounds and Various other Injuries 303 of its harmless nature, knowing that the most trifling wounds are occasionally followed by death. Punctured wounds should be syringed out with some antiseptic solution night and morning, but to probe a wound is not judicious treatment. The situation of a wound has an important bearing upon the ultimate results; for instance, a penetrating wound of the chest or belly, or of the cranial cavity, is very liable to set up inflammation of the lungs, bowels or brain, and a septic inflammation of this kind generally leads to death. Wounds about the feet, eyelids and ears are very common and must be treated in accordance with their severity. If the feet are cut, first of all cleanse the wound and dress with boracic acid ointment spread on lint, or with carbolic oil, eucalyptus liniment, or some other antiseptic; put a piece of linen over the foot, pad with tow or cotton wool, and maintain the dressing in position by means of a bandage. Rest and clean- liness are two essentials in the management of wounds about the feet. For superficial wounds, Friar's balsam, or styptic collodion painted on, are suitable applications. Wounds in the region of the eyelids, especially if involving the cartilage of the lids, are necessarily associated with ophthalmia, and this in its turn will lead to opaci^ of the cornea or partial blindness. It is customary for veterinary surgeons to either sew or pin up wounds in this region, 304 Hounds and treat ophthalmia according to the principles laid down for a trouble of this character. (See " Diseases of the Eye.") The rounding of Foxhound ears is regarded by the majority of masters of hounds as a preventive against the infliction of injury to the flap of the ear, though this view is not enter- tained by all authorities. Wounds of the flap of the ear are generally very troublesome and show little disposition to heal, so that it is necessary to bestow very careful treatment upon injuries of this kind immediately they are inflicted, otherwise the so- called external canker of the ear is liable to result. In this condition the edges of the wound thicken and prevent union of the torn edges; the best plan is to draw the cut edges together with adhesive plaster, and then bandage ear to side of face till ^ch time as heahng takes place. If the edges of the wound are thickened, remove the thickening with the finger and touch with lunar caustic, so as to set up healthy granulation. In deep wounds of the sjiin and the muscles strong sutures are requisite, and of course drainage of the wound must be provided for. For the general treatment of all wounds the following lotion may be used : Sulphate of zinc I drachm. Sulphate of alum . I drachm. Permanganate of potash I drachm. Water .... I pint. Wounds and Various other Injuries 305 Dissolve and apply to the wound several times a day, or if necessary syringe it out with the lotion, which can be further diluted as recovery takes place. All wounds ought to be thoroughly cleansed, and if bleeding is severe this can usually be arrested, either by the appHcation of cold water, some styptic agent such as tincture of steel, or by the appHcation of pressure. In the case of an artery that has been torn, if of sufficient size, the best plan is to put a ligature round it, which may consist of a piece of catgut or silk. Bleeding from veins is denoted by a continuous flow, whereas that from an artery is thrown out in jets and of a bright scarlet colour. The loss of a few ounces of blood is not of much significance, but prolonged bleeding may lead to death from syncope. Bruises and Sprains Both bruises and sprains are of common occur- rence. When a part is bruised it usually swells, whilst a sprain may be accompanied by swelling, also by pain, and a variable degree of lameness. The ligamentous and tendonous structures in connec- tion with the hmbs are often sprained, therefore it is expedient for one to become acquainted with the elementary principles of treatment. Bruises should be treated with an evaporating lotion immediately after the injury, but after twelve hours or so hot 3o6 Hounds water is as useful as any other application. Six ounces of methylated spirit mixed with the same quantity of vinegar makes a good evaporating lotion, and the bruised part should be wetted with this several times a day. The same treatment will answer for sprains, more especially if a bandage is applied around the sprained part. Bee, Wasp and Adder Stings Instances have been recorded in which dogs have been severely stung by bees, resulting in the death of the animals. It commonly happens that the dog, in order to rid itself of the source of the irritation, snaps at the bees, and this results in the animal being severely stung inside the mouth and at the back part of the throat. Convulsions usually come on, and in spite of treatment the dog usually dies. As an external application a solution of ammonia, or vinegar, or powdered blue is as useful as any remedy, and to prevent the convulsions it is advisable to give a mixture of bromide of potassium and hydrate of chloral, that is, provided the dog is able to swallow. From ten to thirty grains of each of these drugs may be given every three or four hours in a tablespoonful of water; but after the first three doses have been administered the chloral should be discontinued, but the bromide may be continued for several days. INDEX Adcock, Mr, 174 Adder-stings, 306 "Afghan Bobs "(Hound), 138 Afghan Greyhound, see Grey- hound, Afghan Airedale Beagles, 185 Aldenham Harriers, 147 Aldershot Beagles, the, 185 Aiken, referred to, 79 Amaurosis, 224 American Beagle Club, 182 Annual Peterborough Show, see Peterborough Antimony Poisoning, 259 Arsenic Poisoning, 258 Asiatic Greyhound, 139 Hound, 138 Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles, 144, 146 B Badminton (Hunting Volume), 78 Badminton Hounds, 75 Bake well, Robert, 15 Bally mar tie Beagles, 191 Banff, Mr, 138, 140 Barnard, Gary, 138 Barry, Mr, 85 Basset-hound, 17, 200; kennel management, 204; packs, 201- 202 Club, 202 Beagles, 17, 181 ; packs, 185-191 Beaufort, Duke of, 75, 86 ; on hunting, 78 Beckford, Peter (quoted), 142 Bee-stings, 306 Bellmount Beagles, 191 Bentinck, Lord Henry, 87 Berkley Hunt, 14 Berwick Beagles, 185 Bilsdale Pack, 75 Blakeborough, J. Fairfax (quoted), 71 Bladder, Diseases of, 265-268 Bloodhounds, 17, 129; kennel management, 136; man-track- ing, 129-133 ''Blue Cap "(Hound), 87 Boarhounds, 168, 174 Boothby, Mr, 14 Border Counties and North Wales Otter-hounds, 153 Boroughbridge Meet, 85 Borzoi, 18, 159 et seq. Club, 160 Boulton & Paul (Norwich), por- table kennels, 211 Bowels, inflammation of, 274 Brighton Beagles, 186 British Museum, Egyptian Hound's head in, 88 Brocklesby Hunt, 13 Bronchitis, 244 Bronwydd Beagles, 186 Bruce, Robert, hunted by Blood- hounds, 130 Bruises and Sprains, 305 Buckland Beagles, 186 Bucks Otter-hounds, 151, 154 Bushey Heath Beagles, 186 Caius, Dr J., 88, 129 Cameron, Mr, 149 Carlisle Otter-hounds, 153 307 3o8 Index Carmarthenshire Otter-hounds, see Pembrokeshire and Car- marthenshire Otter-hounds Carrington, Lord, 71 Cataract, 223 Catarrh, 247 Cecil, on Fox-hunting, 67 ; (quoted), 76 Chase, The, on the Fox, 77 Cheriton, William, 154 Cheriton Otter-hounds, 149, 154 Cheshire Beagles, 186 Chest Founder, 249 Chloroform, 260 Christchurch (Oxon) Beagles, 186 Clay, Mr Hastings, Otter-hounds, 155 Cleveland, Duke of, 87 Cleveland (Yorks) Pack, 75 Cockermouth Beagles, 187 "Contest" (Hound), 87 Continental man-tracking by Bloodhounds, see Bloodhounds Convulsions, see Fits *' Coomassie " (Greyhound), 90 Corbet, John, 79, 86 Cornea, Opacity of, see Opacity of the Cornea Coryza, see Catarrh Coursing, 88 et seq. See also National Coursing Club Cox, on Bloodhounds, '129 Criminals, Bloodhounds for Track- ing, see Bloodhounds Cropping of Ears, 174, 304 Crowhurst Otter-hounds, 155 Culmstock Otter-hounds, 154 Dachshunds, 17, 191 et seq,; defects, 198 ; kennel manage- ment, 199 et seq. *• Daniel" (quoted), 132 Dartmoor Otter-hounds, 155 Davies, Mr David, Otter-hounds, 156 Davison, Mr, 156 Dawson, William, 82 Deerhound, 18, 164 et seq.; char- acteristics, 90 Scottish, 165 De Langley, Edmund, 88 Devonshire, Duke of, 86 Diarrhoea, 276 Digestive Organs, Diseases of, 269-277 Diseases : eyes, 271 et seq. ; skin and ears, 225 et seq. See also under the names of Diseases Dislocations, see Fractures Distemper, 283-291 Dogs, destruction of, methods, 259 ; racing of whippets, 206 et seq. Dumfriesshire Otter-hounds, 148, I5i> 156 Dysentery, 276 Ears, Diseases, 225 ; rounding and cropping, 174, 304 Easingwold Hunt, 81 East of Scotland Otter-hounds, 156 Eclampsia, see Parturient Ec- lampsia Eczema, 226 Edinburgh Beagles, 190 Effingham, Earl of, 85 Egyptian Hound, mummy in British Museum, 88 Elizabeth, Queen, coursing, 88 ; pack of Beagles, 181 Elk Hound, 18 England, Beagle packs, 185 et seq.; Harrier packs, 143-146 English Beagle Club, 182 Enteritis, 274 Entozoa, see Worms Epilepsy, 279 Eskdale Beagles, 190 Essex Otter-hounds, 156 Exeter College (Oxon) Beagles, 187 Eyelids, Diseases and Injuries, 222-223 Eyes, Diseases of, 217 et seq. Index 309 Farndale Pack, 75 Featherstone, Sir Harry, 81 Fits, 2"]% et seq. Fitzhardinge, Lord, 14 Foljambe, G. S., 87 Fox, 7 1 et seq. ; bell-ringing custom, 77. See also Fox- hunting Fox Beagle, for Hare-hunting, 142 Foxbush Harriers, 147 Foxhound, 65-87 ; breeding, 14 ; conformaLion, 15, 61 ; ears, rounding of, 304 ; evolution of, 71 ; for Hare-hunting, 144; con- trasted with Harriers, 143 ; for Otter-hunting, 148; crossed with Otter-hounds, 152 ; running riot, 74-75 Kennel Stud, 87 Foxhound Shid Book, The, 67 Fox-hunting, 13, 65 et seq.: Duke of Beaufort on, 78. See also under Fox Fractures and Dislocations, 297 et seq. *• FuUerton " (Greyhound), 92 "Furrier "(Hound), 87 Furness Beagles, 187 Gas, for destroying dogs, 260 Gastric Catarrh, 272 Germany, Dachshund Clubs, 191 Glaucoma, 224 Grafton, Dukes of, 86 Granby, Lord, 86 Great Dane, ij^etseq. ; cropping of ears, 174; kennel manage- ment, 179 Great Dane Club, 176 Greaves's Pack (Beagles), 187 Greyhound, 18; anatomy, 33; conformation, 90 ; management, 88 et seq. , Afghan, 138 , Russian, see Borzoi Gullet, injury to, 270 H Halcombe Harriers, 143 Hambleton Hunt, 81 Hare-hunting, 16, 141. See also Coursing Harlequin Great Danes, 175 Harrier, 16, 141 et seq. ; con- trasted with Foxhound, 143 j packs, 143-146 Hawkstone Otter-hounds, 158 Horsell Beagles, 187 Hounds, anatomy, 25-60 ; con- formation, 61 ; destruction of, methods, 259 ; diseases, 225, 271 ; injuries, 302 ; instinct, 73 ; internal organs, 35 ; kennels, 211; points, 21-24. See also under names of Hounds Hunting, Fox, see Fox-hunting I Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, on Otter-hunting, 149 Indian Kennel Gazette (quoted) 140-141 Inflammation of the Bowels, see Bowels, Inflammation of Injuries, 302 Instow Beagles, 187 Ireland, Beagle packs, 190 ; Har riers, 143, 146 Irish Wolfhound, see Wolfhound, Irish Club, 171 Jascoyn, Sir Thomas, 86 Jaundice, 261-264 Jeflferson,€. H., 150 Jones, A., 151 Kemp, C. W. M., 147 Kennel Club, 138, 182 310 Index Kennel Lameness, 249 et seq. Kennels, Portable, 211 et seq. Kidneys, Diseases of, 264-268 King's Shropshire Light Infantry, .^59 Kitchingman, Henry, 82 Val, 82 Krehl, George R., 200 Lameness, see Kennel Lameness Lascelles, Lascelles, 82 Legard, E., 86 Rev. C, 87 Lethal Chamber, 260 Lewes, T. P., Otter-hounds, 158 Lichfield Garrison Beagles, 188 Littleworth, Wm., 149 Liver, Diseases of, 261 et seq. Lloyd, Sir Thomas, 186 Lurchers, 89 M H. Madden, Rt. Hon. D (quoted), 77 Madness, 279-280 Magdalen Beagles, see New Col- lege and Magdalen Beagles Man-tracking, see Bloodhounds Mange, 230 Markham, Gervase, 88 ; on Bloodhounds, 130 Marmion (quoted), 88 Marriott, Randolph, 82 Master of the Game, Z^^, (quoted), 65 Mastiff, 174 Mavor, R., founds Bushey Heath Beagles, 186 Melville, Whyte (quoted), 13 Memoir of the Rev. John Russell (quoted), 77-78 Meynell, Hugo, 14, 78-79> 85 Middleton, Lord, 14, 86 Millais, Sir Everett, 200 Miller, owner of "Mister ton" (Greyhound), 90 • *' Misterton" (Greyhound), 90 | Monte Cagnolo, statuary of dogs found at, 88 Mount Mellick Beagles, 190 Moyola Park Beagles, 1 91 Musters, John, 87 N National Coursing Club, 89 ; rules, 94-110 Natural History Museum, stuflFed Afghan Hound at, 138 Nervous System, Diseases of, 278-282 New College and Magdalen Beagles, 188 "Nimrod," referred to, 79; on Hare-hunting, 142 Norfolk, Duke of, 90 Norfolk, Hare-coursing, 89 Northern Counties Otter-hounds, 151. 157 O Old English Harriers, 143 Onslow, Earl of, 200 Opacity of the Cornea, 221 Ophthalmia, 217-221 Oriental Hounds, 138 Osbaldistone, 87 Otter-hounds, 17, 148 et seq.; Foxhound cross, 152 ; packs, 153 et seq. Paralysis, 281 Parturient Eclampsia, 281 Pelham, C, 13,86 Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen- shire Otter-hounds, 158 Pennistone Harriers, 143 Pen-y-Ghent Beagles, 188 Peterborough Harrier and Beagle Show, 144, 147 Pick, W. (York), Racing Calendar, 81 ; (quoted), 84-85 '* Pityriasis Versicolor," 236 Pleurisy, 245 Index 311 Pneumonia, 238 '* Pocket" Beagles, see Beagles Poisons and Poisoning, 255 et seq. Pope (quoted), 25 Price, Rev. J., Beagles, 188 Mrs, Beagles, 188 Prussic Acid Poisoning, 259 Punch (quoted), 83 Quorn Hunt, 14 R Rabbit-coursing, 206 Rabies, 280 Race Dog, see Whippet Racing Calendars, 81 ; \V. Pick's (quoted), 84-85 Ramsden, Sir John, 81 Respiratory Organs, Diseases of, 238 et seq. Rheumatism, 249 et seq. Richmond (Yorks) Beagles, 188 Rickards, L. E., 147 Ringworm, 235 Rosendale Harriers, 144 Roxby and Cleveland Pack, 75 Royal Agricultural College i Beagles, 189 Royal Rock Beagles, 189 Rural Sports {^nottd), 132 Russell, Rev. John (quoted), 71 77-78 Russian Greyhound, see Borzoi Wolfhound, 159 " Sanguinarii," see Bloodhounds " Satan" (Boarhound), 174 Scotland, Beagle packs, 190 ; Harriers, 143 Scott, Sir Walter (quoted), 88 Scottish Deerhound, see Deer- hound, Scottish Scrope, Conyers, Pack, 75 Seistan (Afghanistan), Hound from, 138 " Shahzada " (Afghan Hound), 138 Sheep, Leicester Breed, 15 Sheep-worrying, 75 Shopwyke Beagles, 189 Siberian Hound, 160 " Singing" Beagles, see Beagles Skin, Diseases of, 225 Slane Basset, County Mealh, Basset Pack, 201 Smith, Asshetor, Sy Snap Dog, see Whippet Somervile, 71 ; on Bloodhounds, 129 ; quoted, 77 ; referred to, 86 Southern Hound, 17 Sporting and Dramatic News, see Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News Sports and Pursuits of the English (quoted), 13 Sprains, see Bruises and Sprains Stag, Coursing, 88 Staghounds, 149, 164 Stainrigg Basset-hounds, 201 Stings, 306 Stomach, Diseases of, 271 et seq. Strychnine Poisoning, 257 Stud Book Harriers, 144 Study of Shakespeare, and of Elizabethan Sport (quoted), 77 Surbiton Beagles, 189 Talbot, the, 131 Teething, 269 Terrier for Rabbit-coursing, 207 Tetcott Otter-hounds, 158 Thornton, Colonel, 14, 81, 85, 87 Throat, 269 Tracy, Mr Courtney, Otter- hounds, 157 Trethall Harriers, 144 Trinity College (Cambs) Beagles, 189 " Trojan "(Hoand), 79, ^^ Turbervile, 71, 76; on Blood- hounds, 130 312 Index Tweedie, Major- General (quoted), 73 Tyrwhitt, Sir John, 13 U United States, Bloodhounds and man-tracking, 133 Urinary Apparatus, Diseases of, 264-268 Vavasour, Sir Walter, 86 Vernon, Lord, 87 Vomition, 271 Vyner, Robert, 13 W Wales, packs of Harriers, 143-146 Wallace, hunted by Bloodhounds, 130 Warde, John, %e Warwickshire Beagles, 189 Wasp Stings, 306 Waterloo Cup, 89; Table of Winners, 1 10-128 "Weather-gage" (Hound), 87 Welton Dale Harriers, 144 West Cumberland Foxhounds, 150 Otter-hounds, 150, 154 Wharfdale Otter-hounds, 157 Whippet, 206 et seq. ; kennel management, 209 Whippet Club, 207 Whitbread, Mr, 138 Willoughby, Mr, 86 Wilton, Lord (quoted), 13 Winn, Sir Roland, 86 Wolf-coursing, in Russia, 159-160; in Ireland, 168 Wolfhound, 18 , Irish, 165, 167 ef seq. , Russian, 159 Wooddale Beagles, 190 Worcester Park Beagles, 190 Worcestershire Foxhounds, 151 Worms, 292-296 ; cause of fits, 278 Wounds, 302 et seq. X Xenophon, records of Hare- hunting, 141 ; of Fox-hunting, 65 Yarborough, Lord, see Pelham, Charles " Yellows, The" (disease), 261 Yorkshire, hunting in, 87 Ynysfor Otter-hounds, 157 **Zardin" (Hound), 138, 140 Zuetta, Afghan Hound shown at, 138 COLSTONS LIMITED, PRINTERS, HDINBURGH r^ Webster Family Library ot Veterinary I^ledicine Cummings School of Veterinary F/iedicme at Tutts University 200 Westboro Road North Grafton, MA 01 536