350 REMEDIES SUITED TO THE DOG. 



CAUSTICS. 



This name is given to substances which either aduaUij or 

 potentially destroy the living tissue ; the actual cautery is an 

 iron heated in the fire, the potential of some chemical substance, 

 such as corrosive sublimate, lunar caustic, caustic potash, a mineral 

 acid, or the like. The actual cautery, or firing, is not often used 

 for the dog, but in some cases it is of great service. Both kinds 

 are used for two purposes : one to relieve the effects of strains, 

 and other injuries of the limbs, by which the ligaments are 

 inflamed ; and the other to remove diseased growth, such as warts, 

 fungus, &c. 



30. — firing, when adopted for the dog, should be carried out with a very 



small thin-edged iron, as the dog's skin is thin, and very liable to 

 slough. No one should attempt this without experience or previously 

 watching others. 



31. — Lunar caustic, or nitrate of silver, is constantly required, being very 



manageable in the hands of any person accustomed to wounds, &c. 



32. — Sulphate of copper, or bluestone, is much milder than the lunar caustic, 



and may be freely rubbed into the surface of fungus or proud flesh. 

 It is very useful in ulcerations about the toes. 



33. — Fused potass is not fit for any one but the experienced surgeon. 



34. — Corrosive sublimate in powder may be applied, carefully and in very 



small quantities, to warts, and then washed off. It is apt to extend 

 its effects to the surrounding tissues. 



35. — Yellow orpiment is not so strong as corrosive sublimate, and may be 



used in the same way. 



30. — Burnt alum and white sugar, in powder, act as mild caustics. 



