S38 DISEASES OF DOGS : THE MANGE. 



disposed to generate it, we must necessarily con- 

 clude that its nature is involved in great obscurity. 

 AH we can therefore say concerning its nature is, 

 that the salutary functions of the skin in mange 

 are peculiarly and morbidly altered ; but whether 

 this specific action of the skin be an increased or 

 diminished action, we have no means of ascertain- 

 ing. Dogs are particularly liable to the mange 

 that are confined in ill ventilated kennels; and 

 where cleanliness is not duly observed, the atmo- 

 sphere of such kennels becomes contaminated with 

 effluvia, which renders it very unhealthy, and unfit 

 to preserve entire the salutary functions of life. 

 Infection is another source by which this disease is 

 propagated ; but some dogs are more disposed to 

 take it than others, and indeed there are dogs 

 which, though exposed to it, do not take it. Mange 

 is likewise hereditary, but I do not mean by saying 

 the disease is hereditary, that it is congenital, but 

 that the whelps of a mangy bitch, or those got by 

 a mangy dog, have a strong predisposition to the 

 disease from peculiarity of constitution. 



In the treatment of common mange, it will be 

 proper to observe, that in the generality of cases 

 it easily admits of a cure ; but sometimes it is ob- 

 stinate, and requires a more patient perseverance 

 in the application of remedies. Either of the two 



