220 CANINE DISTEMPER 
strong disinfecting solution and soap ; then, if- ‘possible; 
place in the sun to dry. In the case of wood, especially 
that which has become soiled by the dog’s excreta, thé 
scraping operation is essential, and better results are 
obtained if the solution is allowed to soak well in, and 
remain as long as possible, in direct contact with any 
organisms which may be present. The walls and floor 
should next receive attention, both being scraped with a 
wire brush, then scrubbed down with germicidal fluids ; 
at this stage the kennel may be fumigated, and whether 
or not this be done, finish off by freely throwing the 
disinfectant solution over every inch of surface. Finally, 
where indicated, lime-washing inay be proceeded with, 
and in this connection I must lay stress on the fact that 
to lime-wash over the old dirt, without any preparation, 
is worse than useless. Yet how often it is done! Lime- 
wash is more efficacious than ordinary whitewash, but 
both are improved by the addition of about half a pint 
of pure carbolic acid to the gallon. Unslaked lime may 
be slaked by the addition of 7 gallons of water per 
1 cwt.; to make the wash use a 20 per cent. solution. 
The blow-lamp was greatly used in the army during 
the late war, and is very effectual indeed provided that 
the offending organisms are not protected behind débris, 
etc., and that the flame is made to cover the whole of the 
suspected surface. The flame is so often used in a hap- 
hazard way that al/ parts do not come under its steri- 
lising influence, in which case of course the method 
then comes into disrepute, and is wrongfully blamed. 
(6) Distnrectant Batus ror Docs.—In cases aie 
it is desired to disinfect the body or coat of a dog after 
recovery from a contagious. disease, or after. suspected 
contamination with an infected dog, one must be 
guarded in the choice of chemicals added: to the bath 
water, since these small animals: are very ‘susceptible 
to poisoning, and-even when ifsufficient time ‘is.allowed 
for- absorption by the skin, dogs will frequently” lick 
themselves, with- occasionally diré--results.- “Irritants; 
