334: THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



produce irritation and inflammation is certain, and in tliis 

 sense it is contagious. It is better to act on this assump- 

 tion and keep the dog pretty much to himself, and espe- 

 cially not allow others to sleep with him. 



Sarcoptic mange is so extremely contagious, that when 

 there are several dogs in a kennel all, or nearly all, will be- 

 come affected ; and it spreads rapidly over the body from a 

 small beginning in separate vesicles that lead to a whitish 

 line, the burrow of the insect. The irritation in mange is 

 so great, that a dog may rapidly lose flesh and fall off in 

 health generally. Follicular mange is also contagious. 



Treatment. The indications are to remove the cause, 

 allay irritation, stimulate enfeebled parts of the skin, re- 

 lieve the skin by acting on other parts, correct constitu- 

 tional aberrations, etc. 



Parasitic disease when due to animals is much more 

 readily managed, follicular mange excepted, than when 

 vegetable organisms are concerned. Prompt measures 

 soon kill the dog-mite, break up its burrows, and destroy 

 the eggs. 



Suppose the case to be quite recent, very little inflam- 

 mation of the skin yet present, and consequently few 

 scabs, the dog should be well washed with soft soap, the 

 rubbing and scrubbing being of the most thorough char- 

 acter. 



An ointment the basis of which is sulphur will com- 

 plete the work within a few days, so far as destroying the 

 parasites themselves is concerned, but eczema may remain 

 and require additional treatment. 



In the management of all skin diseases, not only the 

 remedy but its mode of application is of great importance. 



