DISEASES OF THE SKIN.-^EXTERNAL PARASITES 1 97 



A dog suffering from mange requires either shaving to as- 

 certain the extent of the affection, or else to be thoroughly 

 dressed all over. The necessity of this will be apparent, 

 when we bear in mind that a single acarus will produce in a 

 fortnight upwards of twenty young. 



For the same reason all the litter should be destroyed, and 

 the habitation thoroughly cleansed each day — if in the ken- 

 nel^ — with boiling water, slightly impregnated with . ammonia 

 or carbonic acid. Old mats, particularly wool ones, should 

 never be allowed for repose in mange; plain straw or 

 shavings, where litter is required, are the most suitable 

 agents. 



Before the application of any dressing, the animal should 

 be well washed with warm water and soft soap. The oint- 

 ment I find most successful in mange is 



Sulphur Sub 8 ounces. 



Whale-oil 8 ounces. 



Oil of Tar i^ ounce. 



Ung. Hydrarg. J^ ounce. 



To be well blended, and applied as indicated. Wash off 

 and repeat in three days, and again after the same interval if 

 necessary. 



For mild cases the ordinary sulphur ointment, made with 

 sublimed sulphur and soft soap, whale oil, or lard, frequently 

 suffices ; or half an ounce of ol. terebinth to six ounces of 

 whale oil is a useful application. 



Benzine and paraffine have of late been commonly and 

 successfully used, and I have no fault to find with those agents, 

 save that they usually require frequent repetition. 



Tobacco-water is a popular remedy with some persons, but 

 from its narcotic effects, through absorption, it is not an advis- 

 able one. 



Carbolic acid is another, and in the use of this drug still 

 greater caution is required ; its strength should never be less 

 than 1-50 of soap-suds or whale-oil. 



