DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 337 



ulcers? Is thickening and loss of hair prominent? etc., 

 are among the questions to be considered. Ointments are 

 more continuous in their action, unless lotions be applied, 

 as suggested above. 



The following hints as to the preparation and use of 

 certain drugs are to be remembered : Glycerin, when pure, 

 tar, turpentine, balsams, coal oil, etc., are all stimulating 

 and unsuitable for the most acute form of a skin inflamma- 

 tion, though valuable in subacute and chronic forms. So- 

 dium carbonate and bicarbonate, borax, acetate of lead, 

 etc., are soothing in most cases. 



The best basis for ointments is vaseline, as it does not 

 readily become rancid. Belladonna, though an excellent 

 sedative, is not in the case of the dog to be used in oint- 

 ments, as it may be licked off and cause poisoning. Opium, 

 though seldom required, is not so dangerous. 



Itching may be relieved by the addition to ointments 

 and lotions of alkalies, carbolic acid, and rarely opiates. 



Sulphur, in powder, dusted through the hair down to 

 the skin, is soothing ; and dry oxide of zinc is useful when 

 exudation is excessive. 



In non-parasitic disease the internal treatment may be 

 the more important of the two, as generally the cause of 

 the trouble is to be traced to some disorder of the digest- 

 ive organs. The state of the bowels should be especially 

 attended to, and the diet. Sulphur, Epsom salts, cream of 

 tartar, and bicarbonate of soda, are useful. Violent purg- 

 ing is usually not required. Often the liver is at fault, and 

 the portal circulation sluggish ; in this case one of the 

 officinal compound cathartic pills at night, and a saline in 

 the morning, may prove efficient. 



