678 THE AMEEICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



disease were due purely to local causes, such as parasites; 

 but when constitutional in either parent, then the chances 

 are that the progeny will show a decided tendency to the 

 affection. Whether the seeds of the disease, or whether the 

 conditions of the system which invite its occurrence, are 

 transmitted is not, of course, known. But this fact is 

 settled, a puppy with an eczematous sire or dam is likely to 

 be marked with the same defect; and if he is, as the result 

 of hereditary taint, then he is comparatively worthless, for 

 in him the disease will always be intractable, and if 

 removed, it will be especially liable to return. This fact 

 should be given due weight in purchasing dogs. 



Both local and internal treatment are demanded in 

 eczema. If it is due to parasites, fleas, mange, etc., then 

 those troubles must be removed, and when they are, the 

 eczema is very likely to disappear of itself. In many 

 cases it is difficult to determine just what the internal 

 cause is which excites it. If it can be made out, treatment 

 should, of course, be directed to its removal. When in 

 doubt, the following general line of treatment should be 

 followed : Feed the dog largely on meat, and at least once 

 a day give him a little raw after he has taken his other 

 food. If thin in flesh, codliver-oil is recommended, and the 

 dose for one of the largest breeds of dogs is one table-spoon- 

 ful three times daily, mixed with his food if he will take 

 it so; if not, it should be poured into him clear. Dogs 

 which are too fat frequently have eczema, and in such cases, 

 of course, the quantity of food should be restricted and 

 more exercise enforced. In the local treatment, frequent 

 washings have an important place. The soaps used should 

 not be irritating; pure castile and carbolic soaps are the 

 best. If the skin is much inflamed, the former should be 

 selected. In washing, one must be very gentle, for hard 

 rubbing is sure to make the disease worse. After being 

 carefully dried, if the eruption covers a large surface, sul- 

 phur and lard a tea-spoonful of the former to a table- 

 spoonful of the latter should be gently applied. 



There are many other applications which would be more 



