288 KENNEL DISEASES. 
agement, etc., that may exist, and determining the cause or causes, or at least 
acquiring as near an idea of them as possible. 
Of the very few general rules which it would be well to follow the first is to 
use only applications that are mild and soothing where there is considerable 
inflammation, as shown by deep redness and perhaps swelling. That is, if the 
affected skin is of a bright red color, as in erysipelas, unless the applications 
were mild, they would add to the inflammation and existing trouble, instead of 
lessen it. 
Another rule is to distinguish between the moist and dry forms of eczema, 
and treat accordingly. For instance, if there is much oozing, ordinary oint- 
ments could have but comparatively little effect, for they must be speedily 
washed away; therefore powders should be used at first, and after the oozing has 
been stopped, or very nearly so, it being liable to return, ointments containing 
the same or similar powers in considerable abundance should be applied. 
Another rule bearing on washing suggests itself. Even water alone may 
intensify the inflammation of the skin; yet in most cases which seem to be of 
eczema it is advisable to preface treatment by a bath, not only for the purpose 
of securing thorough cleanliness, but to be on the safe side in event an error in 
diagnosis is made, and a case be one of mange instead of eczema. And that 
this precaution may be most effectual, it will be advisable in washing to use 
quite freely the strongest form of carbolic soap. 
When positively certain that a case is one of eczema, if there be deep red- 
ness and swelling of the skin, and especially if an oozing from it, the dog should 
not be washed except when it is positively necessary, and then, instead of soaps, 
borax or bran should be used. The right proportion of the former is a handful 
to a pailful of water. For the same quantity of water half a pound of bran 
would be sufficient ; and while it might be confined in a cheese-cloth bag, it were 
best to mix it with the water. Such a bath is not only cleansing but very sooth- 
ing, and does much to allay the sensations of itching, burning, and pricking 
commonly present. 
In old and long-standing cases, in which there is only comparatively little 
inflammation, the form of eczema is dry, and there are scales which must be 
detached, quite frequent washing will be imperative. The selection of soaps 
need not then be an important matter, for even those employed in the laundry 
could scarcely be too strong. Indeed, in such cases highly alkaline soaps are 
generally best. Or common washing-soda might often be used to advantage, one 
tablespoonful being dissolved in a pailful of water. 
Simplifying this rule as to washing, after it has been done once for the pur- 
pose of cleanliness, thereafter, in moist eczema, soap and water ought not be 
applied ; but in the dry, crusted or scaly forms of the disease, frequent washing, 
soap being used, is, as a rule, necessary, and a very important part of the essen- 
tial treatment. 
