240 Diseases of the Skin. 



derangement of the digestive functions. The animal is 

 maddened by severe itching of the skin, and can scarcely 

 be restrained from injuring himself. For this fomenta- 

 tions with warm water containing opium may suffice ; in 

 some cases they afford no relief, and remedies of an 

 entirely opposite nature are required — viz., lotions of 

 nitrate of silver, ointment of nitrate of mercury, &c., 

 applied as circumstances require. The diet must be 

 carefully regulated, less animal food being allowed, the 

 exercise regular and duly proportioned to the strength 

 of the patient. Neglect of these precautions is sure to 

 bring on a fresh attack of the complaint. A common 

 practice exists in the use of mercurial or blue ointment 

 for the cure of this malady. The owner who is wise will 

 avoid the remedy entirely except under the care of the 

 canine surgeon. 



Erythema is a diffused form of irritation of the skin, 

 usually considered to be of a congestive character, pre- 

 ceding true inflammation, and affecting such parts as 

 receive a large quantity of blood for the supply of the 

 sebaceous glands within the structure. It arises from 

 disorder of the stomach or system generally, as indiges- 

 tion, worms, teething, chills, &c. As the active symptoms 

 decline, the skin throws off a considerable number of 

 scales or scurf, and shortly the affected parts resume 

 their natural appearance. This is the usual course under 

 ordinary management, but persistence of the cause 

 eventually develops true inflammation or eczema, already 

 described. 



Treatment consists of replacing animal food by a 

 variety less stimulating and partially vegetable ; giving 

 regular exercise, especially in the open air, and away 

 from home. Irritation of the skin may be allayed by 

 water containing a few drops of laudanum, or a lotion 

 containing five grains of the sulphate of zinc to the 

 ounce may be used. Boracic acid, five to ten grains to 

 the ounce of water, is also highly effectual. 



Warts, technically termed Verrucce, often prove 

 troublesome to the dog. Tney consist of inordinate as 

 well as deformed growths of the dermis, or deeper layer 



