VERMIN IN THE SKIN. 469 



Or, 



Carbolic acid, 1 part. 

 Water, 30 parts. 

 Use as a wash. 



Canker of the ear has been alluded to under the disease of that 

 organ at page 446. 



Irritative inflammation of the shin is produced by fleas, lice, 

 and ticks, which are readily discovered by examining the roots of 

 the hair. Dog-fleas resemble in appearance those of the human 

 subject. The lice infesting him are, however, much larger, but 

 otherwise similar in appearance. Dog-ticks may easily be recognised 

 by their spider-like form, and bloated bodies, the claws adhering 

 firmly to the skin, so that they are with some difficulty removed 

 from it. These last are of all sizes, from that of an average pin's 

 head to the dimensions of a ladybird, beyond which they seldom 

 grow in the dog. They suck a great quantity of blood when 

 they are numerous, and impoverish the animal to a terrible extent, 

 partly by the drain on the system, and partly by the constant irri- 

 tation which they' produce. The remedies are as follows : 



To remove fleas and lice : 



Mix soft soap with as much carbonate of soda as will make it into a thick 

 paste, then rub this well into the roots of the hair all over the dog's body, 

 adding a little hot water so as to enable the operator to completely saturate the 

 skin with it. Let it remain on for half an hour, then put the dog into a warm 

 bath for ten minutes, letting him quietly soak, and now and then ducking his 

 head under. Lastly, wash the soap completely out, and dry before the fire, or 

 at exercise, if the weather is not too cold. This, after two or three repetitions, 

 will completely cleanse the foulest skin. 



Dry remedies for lice and ticks : 

 Break up the lumps of some white precipitate, then with a hard brush rub it 



