Diseases of the Skin. — External Parasites. 217 



potassa fusa, nitric acid, acetic acid, and nitrate of silver 

 are those generally used. I have found the oxide of mer- 

 cury made into a paste with sulphuric acid, and a thin 

 -layer applied to the surface of the wart, more effectual than 

 anything else. Of course the latter treatment is chiefly 

 adapted to external warts. 



FLEAS. 



Fleas are one of the common pests of dog life. Not only 

 are they a perpetual annoyance, but an indirect cause of 

 much mischief, from the remedies sometimes adopted for 

 their destruction. As more or- less in all parasitic associa- 

 tions, uncleanliness favours their presence. In hot weather 

 they are more abundant, and increase very rapidly. 



Treatment. — Among the popular remedies for the de- 

 struction of fleas maybe mentioned : Persian insect powder, 

 various dog-soaps, paraffine, benzoline, tobacco-waterj car- 

 bolic acid solutions, etc, 



I usually, and with success, prescribe the following : 



Spts. Camph i drachm. 



01. Terebinth i drachm. 



Acid Carbolic 10 minims. 



A tablespoonful, in half a pint of chilled water, to be 

 rubbed into the skin with a piece of flannel. Wash off in 

 twenty-four hours with soft-soap and warm water, and re- 

 peat in three days, if necessary. 



Gamgee observes : " The best remedy that I have used 

 for fleas is oil of aniseed in common oil. The dog or cat 

 must be well smeared, and a few hours afterwards is to be 

 washed with soap and water. It is essential to attend to 

 cleanliness, and to destroy all fleas or their larvae wherever 

 dogs are accustomed to sleep, such as in kennels," etc. 



Fresh fine shavings, or sawdust, on which turpentine may 

 be slightly sprinkled, forms a protective bedding from fleas. 



