DISEASES OF THE SKIN. — EXTERNAL PARASITES. 211 



" Warts are generally known as isolated growths, or dis- 

 persed in scanty groups on different parts of the body ; but 

 they are sometimes met with so numerously as to constitute 

 an eruption of warts." * 



,' Treatment. — Excision, ligature, or caustic. In isolated 

 warts the two former are most advisable, and the occasional 

 application of caustic afterwards may follow. Of caustics, 

 potassa fusa, nitric acid, acetic acid, and nitrate of silver are 

 those generally used. I have found the oxide of mercury 

 made into a paste with sulphuric acid, and a thin layer ap- 

 plied to the surface of the wart, more effectual than any thing 

 else. Of course the latter treatment is chiefly adapted to 

 external warts. 



FLEAS. 



Fleas are one of the common pests of dog life. Not only 

 are they a perpetual annoyance, but an indirect cause of much 

 mischief, from the remedies sometimes adopted for their de- 

 struction. As more or less in all parasitic associations, un- 

 cleanliness favors their presence. In hot weather they are 

 more abundant, and increase very rapidly. 



Treatment. — Among the popular remedies for the destruc- 

 tion of fleas may be mentioned : Persian insect powder, vari- 

 ous dog-soaps, paraffine, benzoline, tobacco-water, carbolic 

 acid solutions, etc. 



I usually, and with success, prescribe the following : 



Spts. Camph i drachm. 



01. Terebinth \ drachm. 



Acid Carbolic lo minims. 



A tablespoonful, in half a pint of chilled water, to be rub- 

 bed into the skin with a piece of flannel. Wash off in twenty- 



* Wilson's " Diseases of the Skin," pp. 546, 547. 



