Diseases of the Skin. 237 



glands, whose especial office is the production of the 

 secretion commonly known as sweat. Physical condi- 

 tions gave the denial to this theory, as it became evident 

 under certain forms of disease in which the functions of 

 the kidneys were suspended, that the skin vigorously 

 eliminated in an aeriform state the effete products which 

 imperilled the animal's existence. The progress of his- 

 tology, or the study of the ultimate tissues of the animal 

 body, has decided the existence of sudoriparous glands in 

 the skin of canine animals, which assume an activity of 

 secretion proportionate to muscular exertion. Neverthe- 

 less, the office mainly consists of sending forth the waste 

 and useless products of decomposition in the form of 

 exhalation or vapour, any appreciable moisture being 

 probably the after-result of cooling and condensation. 

 As we recognise the existence of these organs, we look 

 in other directions for the causes v\7hich secure the genesis 

 of maladies formerly attributed to their absence. The 

 skin of the dog requires especial care. It is liable to 

 various forms of disease which owe their origin entirely 

 to the absence of proper regimen and sanitary excellence. 

 Deficiency of air, exercise, or food, as well as excess of 

 the latter, and especially when unsuitable, work out their 

 results in disaster and peril to general health. Mis- 

 inanagenmit of this kind is the sure road to the end 

 alluded to, general foulness of the skin being a significant 

 danger- signal. Immediately it is observed the proprietor 

 should resort to a thorough cleansing by water and 

 *' Sanitas " Dog Soap, using warm water in winter, and on 

 all occasions taking especial care to remove moisture 

 from the skin as much as possible by friction with dry 

 cloths, and with protection from cold draughts. Con- 

 jointly a vegetable diet should be substituted, along with 

 regular exercise. Spratt's Beetroot cakes admirably come 

 to the rehef of the owner under these circumstances, often 

 saving the lives of useful servants when they are being 

 ignorantly killed with kindness. 



Alopecia, Baldness, or Loss of Hair, may be partial or 

 complete, sometimes being confined to a few or single 

 patches on various parts of the head, body or legs, or it 



