238 Diseases of the Skin. 



may extend to a large surface by the destruction of the hair 

 follicles in various forms ci skin disorder, which operate 

 through the medium of blood supply. The state is that 

 of local congestion, and death of the hair bulb in severe 

 instances, which ensure permanent baldness. The disease 

 is the common result of mismanagement, as improper 

 food, want of exercise, fresh air and grooming. The 

 most efficient re?nedy is one part of the ordinary ointment 

 of cantharides reduced by mixing four, six, or eight of 

 pure lard, which should be well rubbed in twice or three 

 times weekly. Iron and vegetable tonics should be given 

 internally. 



Anasarca, or Dropsy of the Cellular Tissue beneath 

 the skin, is generally seen below the jaws, on the breast, 

 and along the abdomen. The cause is some form of 

 local irritation, as colds from entering ice-cold water, the 

 effects of irritating mud or limy soil. It is also due to 

 debilitating influences, especially diseases of a prostrat- 

 ing character. 



Treatment. — Remove the cause ; followed by the ad- 

 ministration of nitric ether, ten to thirty or sixty drops, 

 with five to twenty grains of powdered gentian. In other 

 cases the treatment will be regulated by the disease with 

 which it is associated. 



An acute form of inflammation of the skin of the 

 scrotum, probably of the nature of erysipelas, has been 

 described in Chapter XV., on the Diseases of the Male 

 Organs of Generation (which see). The disease has 

 been considered as a form of cutaneous tuderculosis by 

 Continental veterinarians. 



Eczema, Dermatitis, or Surfeit, commonly known as 

 " Red Mange," and technically ^rs:^///<7 rubrum, consists of 

 a vesicular inflammation of the skin, sometimes acute, or 

 otherwise chronic in its character. It is a common dis- 

 ease of canine animals, being a frequent attendant upon 

 other affections, as indigestion, distemper, and in females 

 after pupping. Sudden chills after being heated are 

 common causes in sporting dogs. Two forms are 

 observed, the local and general. The first usually affects 

 the head, neck, and back ; in the latter all parts of the 



