212 Tne Management and Diseases of the Dog. 
Causes.--Cold, wet seasons; badly drained, dirty, and 
uncomfortable kennels ; insufficient and nutritious food ; 
inattention to the cleanliness of the skin, are each conducive 
to the presence of ringworm. 
Symptoms.—The most prominent symptom is the charac- 
teristic circular patch, with silver scaly crusts, whilst the 
presence of the fungus at once removes any doubt that may 
exist. The hair has a dry, harsh appearance, is exceedingly 
brittle, and easily detached. As the disease advances, the 
hair breaks of itself close to the crust, and when the latter 
is removed, the hairs are exhibited in short, bristle-like 
pieces, surrounded with the spores of the fungus. 
From the animal biting, rubbing, or scratching itself, the 
characteristic shape is sometimes obliterated. 
The period of incubation is from eight to fourteen days. 
Treatment.—Mild mercurial and iodine ointments are 
generally effectual in the treatment of ringworm, The 
following is also a very useful application :— 
WiRATEZGI. eeccciteisanatederwesees 6 ounces. 
"TEFEBINEN: cesccaraeccdacannorecas’ 2 ounces. 
OM OE MAT: eae lvceceincetinsesewemsars 1 drachm. 
Acetic Acid ................065.5 I drachm. 
To be applied to the parts after first thoroughly washing 
the skin with soft-soap and warm water, and repeated in 
two days and so on, as may be necessary. 
“Attention to hygiene is the principal object. Good 
food and cleanliness must be insisted upon. Recovery will 
be greatly accelerated by topical remedies. The scales 
should be removed by washing the parts with soap and 
water, or hyposulphite of soda lotion ; or, if the crusts are 
very adherent dressing them with oil and afterwards wash. 
ing. The diseased places may then be treated with a weak 
solution of corrosive sublimate, carbolic acid, tincture of 
cantharides, or iodine, oil of tar, chloride of zinc, paraffine ; 
or mercurial iodine, or oxide of zinc ointment. This cures 
