344 THE VETERINARY DOCTOR. 
the size of the animal, to sustain life after more than three days of perfect 
abstinence from eating. Though a little flesh might be allowed in case of 
weak puppies, or when great weakness has come on, broth is better even 
then. Large, hardy animals may be without food a few days and no harm 
result, It is a safe rule to keep the animal pretty strictly on a diet of 
vegetables and articles of food made from the flour of grains. 
MANGE.—ITCH. 
This disorder is liable to confusion with eczema, and the reader should 
compare what is said on that disease with the remarks here made. It is 
not of frequent occurrence. It is caused by parasites in the skin and 
presents the aspect of the like affection in the horse, to which the reader 
is referred. The parasite may be transmitted to the human body, but does 
not there remain so stubbornly as in the dog. Conditions that are favora- 
ble to the development of the parasite are close, unhealthy lodgings, 
dirty, damp bedding, or general uncleanness, want of air and exercise, 
bad or deficient food. The symptoms are thinning of the hair; dry, scaly, 
ridgy skin, especially on the neck, back, ears and eyes; rubbing and 
scratching, resulting in red spots, or pimples, which burst, their discharge 
forming yellowish crusts and brownish scales; the dog is dejected, ex- 
cept under special excitement; appetite good and thirst excessive, the 
body being feverish; in a few weeks the whole body may be affected, 
and if the disorder is neglected, the dog may become poor, bloated, 
weak, and hopelessly diseased. 
TREATMENT.—The killing of the parasites is necessary to a cure. 
To effect this, follow the directions given for the removal of lice, ticks 
and fleas given in the following article. If this fails, use one of the oint- 
ments mentioned in the treatment of this affection in the Horse. It may be 
necessary to resort to an ointment composed of one ounce of mercury to 
one pound of lard, well rubbed into the skin, but the animal should not 
get wet during its application. Promote a good condition of flesh and 
general health as a preventive of a recurrence. 
FLEAS.—TICKS.—LICE. 
These pests cause the dog much inconvenience and the household 
much annoyance, They cause the dog to scratch and rub himself, and give 
rise to small pimples which are torn open and discharge serum or matter 
and form sores. They may be on any part of the body, but lice are more 
often found on the head and about the eyes and lips. Scratching and un- 
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