ERYTHEMA 141 



contained embryos. In addition, as many nits as 

 possible should be removed by the use of a fine- 

 toothed comb. 



Ticks infest the dog and cause considerable irri- 

 tation and obstinate sores if the invader is pulled off, 

 as it invariably leaves its pinchers behind. The 

 most effectual way to relieve the patient from ticks 

 is to drop a few drops of gasoline onto each indi- 

 vidual tick, which immediately lets go and can then 

 be removed and destroyed. A ready way to remove 

 ticks while camping or in the woods where gasoline 

 is not available, is to make the tick let go by hold- 

 ing the end of a lighted cigarette or cigar to its 

 posterior extremity. 



Harvest hugs also infest dogs, and are the source of 

 much irritation. They yield to the lime and sul- 

 phur dip or to application of benzine or gasoline. 



The dermatitis resulting from the invasion of any 

 of the above vermin is easily controlled by the appli- 

 cation of mild antiseptic lotions or Lassar's paste. 

 Infected sores should be disinfected with tincture of 

 iodin and dressed with an antiseptic dusting powder. 



Erythema 



This disease consists of a hyperemia of the papillae 

 and superficial layers of the skin. 



Cause. — Erythema occurs either independently or 

 forms the introductory stage of other skin dis- 

 eases. Its causes are mechanical, due to pressure, 

 whipping (wheals), dipping dust, and friction; the 

 result of chemical irritants, due to washing with 

 crude soap, unduly strong antiseptics, insect bites, 

 and decomposition of urine on the skin near the 

 place of discharge during paralysis of the hind legs ; 

 or thermal, the result of excessively high or low 

 temperatures, burns and scalds of the first degree, 

 or sunburn. 



