280 KENNEL DISEASES. 
BURNS AND SCALDS. 
Extensive burns and scalds are always serious even if only superficial. The 
pain is wearing and exhausting; important internal organs are liable to become 
affected ; and the healing stage is long and debilitating. In severe injuries of 
this character there is shock to the nervous system, and the same is followed 
by prostration, or may be collapse. Gangrene is also possible after such ac- 
cidents. While if the general health is not good a seemingly trifling burn or 
scald may be the beginning of an exceedingly obstinate skin affection. It is 
important, therefore, that some soothing application be made as soon as possible 
to burned or scalded parts. 
Generally, for a time at least, domestic remedies must be relied upon. 
Among them a solution of common baking-soda is quite effectual; and if 
promptly applied, it will often prevent blistering and destructive changes in the 
skin. A handful of the soda should be thrown into a pint of water; and with a 
cloth wet in this the injured parts should be covered and kept constantly moist. 
Dry flour and powdered starch are also serviceable remedies, but less active 
than the soda-solution. 
If the injury is a severe one and large blisters have formed, they should be 
promptly pricked and their contents evacuated, after which the air should be, as 
completely as possible, excluded from the affected parts. An old and long- 
tried remedy that is serviceable in such cases is the so-called “carron oil,” 
which is composed of equal parts of linseed-oil and lime-water. When this is 
used, a cloth dipped in it should be applied to the injured parts, and over the 
same there should be bound a large pad of absorbent cotton; or if that is not 
at hand, common cotton wadding will do. This oil has a very offensive odor, 
and likely many would seriously object to its use for that reason. 
Another very effectual application, but objectionable for the same reason 
as “carron oil,” is an ointment composed of vaselin and ten per cent of iodo- 
form. This speedily causes the pain to disappear and healing to take place 
rapidly without much suppuration. In absence of anything better, vaselin, 
fresh lard, or sweet oil may be used. 
Oily dressings must not be allowed to become dry, and they ought to be often 
renewed during the first two or three days; after which there can generally be 
substituted the ointment of the oxide of zinc or simple vaselin, in each ounce 
of which there should be incorporated ten grains of carbolic acid. 
For burns caused by powder, cider vinegar diluted with one-half its quantity 
of water, acts well; and its good effect may be heightened by the addition of 
a little powered chalk. 
Burns that are deep and which have destroyed much of the skin and many 
of the hair-follicles, leave permanent disfigurement. 
