DISEASES OF THE SKIN.— EXTERNAL PARASITES. 201 



Mr. Hunting, after a series of unsuccessful experiments, 

 made conjointly with Professor Duguid, in the treatment of 

 follicular mange, observes : 



" It occurred to Mr. Duguid that, as the parasites were 

 situated so deeply in the skin, it might assist the action of 

 any dressing if we could soften and break up the cuticular 

 layer of the skin. With this object in view we employed a 

 solution of caustic potass, in addition to a creosote dressing, 

 and with marked benefit. To facilitate the action of the 

 dressing still further we adopted the plan of frequent wash- 

 ings of soap and warm water, gently removing at the same 

 time any scabs, and rupturing any pustules. The following," 

 says Mr. Hunting, " is the formula I advise : olive-oil, seven 

 parts, and creosote one part, well shaken together, then add 

 two parts of strong solution of caustic potass. This is to be 

 applied every third or fourth day, to all diseased spots, with 

 a piece of rag, and the dog should be washed a few hours 

 before each dressing. To prevent the spread of the disease- 

 when limited to small or single spots, it is well to s',.*ve off 

 the hair for about an inch around each diseased part, and in 

 cases where most of the body is affected, we shave the whole 

 animal. This operation deprives the parasite of all protec- 

 tion afforded by the hair, and is not unnecessarily severe, as, 

 without shaving, the loss of hair is certain to be very great, 

 and much hair hides from view the first symptom of new cen- 

 tres of disease. 



" Considering the damage done to the roots of the hair, we 

 should expect but a very partial reproduction of the coat. It 

 is, then, satisfactory to be able to state that it is thoroughly 

 and completely restored when the parasite is got rid of, save 

 On any small spot where the skin was so damaged as to be 

 repaired by cicatrization. 



" The proper recognition of this disease is the most im- 

 portant part, because many dogs will not pay for three or four 

 months' treatment, and because this dressing is unnecessarily 

 severe for ordinary mange, and decidedly injurious to those 



