312 KENNEL DISEASES. 
CHAPTER III. 
PRURIGO. 
Now and then, but fortunately not often, are encountered cases of severe 
and persistent itching which evidently are not parasitic, nor does there seem to 
be sufficient eczema or other actual disease of the skin to account for the dis- 
turbance. There is an eruption in such, but only of very mild form; indeed, 
it is not likely to appear except to the eye of the careful examiner, although 
appreciable to the touch, the affected surface feeling somewhat rough and 
uneven as the finger passes over it. 
In this affection, termed prurigo, the eruption consists of very minute pap- 
ules or pimples, usually not larger than common pin-heads. Sometimes they 
are slightly reddish, but generally the difference in color between them and the 
surrounding skin is not noticeable. They have a decided preference for the 
thin and delicate skin of the abdomen, and on the inside of the thighs and 
elbows; and cause intense itching, which excites scratching, and that in turn 
produces an artificial eczema. 
The latter usually soon becomes so prominent that it conceals the evidences 
of the prurigo, otherwise the scratched skin would appear dry and thickened, 
with here and there a few small blood-red crusts. 
The causes of prurigo are not well understood, but there are certain general 
conditions with which it is known to occur so frequently that it is believed that 
they have a decided causative influence. For example, the affection is much 
oftener noted in dogs that are but indifferently cared for than in the fortunate, 
well-fed tenants of clean, dry kennels. Again, instead of appearing in the 
strong and healthy, it is more liable to develop in feeble and poorly nourished 
dogs, and especially those in which the tone of the blood has been lowered by 
long and severe attacks of sickness. 
It is not peculiar to any age, and the young and old alike suffer from it; but 
the latter more severely, because with them it proves by far the most obstinate. 
In the treatment of prurigo, naphthol is one of the most serviceable agents. 
It should be mixed with vaselin, — one drachm of the former to two ounces 
of the latter, and be well rubbed into the affected skin every night; after 
which the parts should be dusted with dry sulphur. 
Twice, each week, if possible, the patient should be well washed, sulphur 
soap being used. 
