Diseases of the Skin. — External Parasites. 211 



eyelids, great dulness, offensive exhalations from the skin, 

 and sometimes death. Recoveries occur slowly.* 



ERYTHEMA. 



Dogs are occasionally affected with superficial inflamma- 

 tion of the skin, which chiefly takes place on the face, espe- 

 ■cially about the mouth and the extremities. The inflam- 

 mation occurs in patches, which are throughout attended 

 with but little heat or irritation, except in the latter stages 

 of the affection, when the skin on the portions attacked 

 peels off, leaving the surface underneath red and sensitive ; 

 then more or less febrile disturbance is apt to take place. 

 When the pad of the foot is involved, the animal walks with 

 reluctance and evident soreness. Young dogs, particularly 

 when teething, are those usually attacked. The disease is 

 non-contagious, and readily yields to treatment. 



Treatment. — Mild saline aperients in the first instance, 

 followed by tonics, form the most effectual medicinal 

 treatment. 



With regard to local applications, the oxide of zinc oint- 

 ment or lotion is most suitable. Sponging with cold 

 vinegar and water or a weak solution of alum is likewise 

 beneficial. The diet should be plain and unstimulating. 



RINGWORM (PROPER). 



This disease is occasionally met with in the dog. It is 

 due to the presence of a minute vegetable parasite or 

 fungus (Tricophyton tonsurans., Malmsten, or Achorion 

 Lebertii). 



Ringworm is exceedingly contagious, communicable from 

 man to the lower animals, and vice versa. 



* Gamgee's " Our Domestic Animals in Health and Disease," 

 vol. ii. p. 133. 

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