ALOPECIA 459 



vegetable parasites, we should use the treatment recommended for 

 favus and herpes. 



I^. Tincture of cantharides, 5.0 



Balsam of Peru, • 10.0 



Spts. vini rect., 100.0 



M. D. T. 



Sig. — Hair tonic. 



It is advisable in alopecia areata to use antiparasitic agents, such 

 as diluted tincture of iodine (Friedberger and Frohner), or an alcoholic 

 salicylic acid (10 per cent.). The principal therapeutic agents, however, 

 are rubbing with a strong brush, increasing the nutrition of the skin, 

 plenty of exercise, and, above all, patience. 



Pruritus (Pruritus Cutaneous). — This is an anomaly of the skin in 

 which there is intense itching without any apparent cause, either from 

 parasites or visible anatomical alterations of the skin. In man a 

 similar condition is observed in icterus, diabetes mellitus, chronic 

 affection of the kidneys and intestinal tract; also from the administration 

 of some medicinal substances or certain kinds of food. It is also seen in 

 old age. Intense itching has been observed in rabies, from the presence 

 of large numbers of intestinal parasites shown by anal itching (pruritus 

 ani), in certain affections of the spinal cord, distemper, neuritis, disorders 

 of nutrition, and in some instances no true cause can be found. Fre- 

 quently old dogs that have been extremely healthy, suddenly begin to age 

 rapidly and show intense itching of the skin. The treatment of these 

 nervous conditions depends on finding the true cause of their origin, and 

 treating these causes. Where it is due to unknown causes, consult the 

 chapter under the head of itchiness of the skin without the formation of 

 papules. 



Prurigo {itching vesicles) is a disease of the skin which appears at 

 an early age. It is generally incural)le. There is the formation of a 

 rash which is intensely itchy. Sometimes Ave may find a prurigo exan- 

 thema which is indicated by the formation of numerous nodules, followed 

 later on with pigmentation of the skin and tumefaction of the lymphatic 

 glands (prurigo bubo). This disease, as a rule, appears only in young 

 dogs, commencing with an eruption similar to urticaria. The treatment 

 consists in thorough cleaning with mild sulphur soaps and sulphur, tar, 

 and ichthyol ointments. 



Seborrhoea {Greasy Skin). — This disease is characterized by an 

 extraordinary secretion of the sebaceous glands. We find two forms, 

 seborrhoea oleosa and seljorrhcea sicca et pitj'roidis. These two forms 

 may both be present in fat, overfed dogs. The seborrhoea sicca is 

 especially found in long-haired dogs, like poodles, as an accompaniment 



