ECZEMA. 



501 



Differential diagnosis. Eczema may be confounded with sup- 

 purating dermatitis which is produced hy wounds, contusions, 

 cauterizations, burns, cold, tonsurating scurvy, and mange in its 

 various forms. 



1. Traumatic dermatitis consists, as a rule, of a circumscribed 

 reactionary phlegmasia, which is developed around a scab produced 

 by cauterization, or a gangrenous blotch, etc. ; they coexist, as a 

 rule, with a limited mortification of the skin. Papules, vesicles, 

 or pustules characteristic of eczema are absolutely wanting ; but as 

 these lesions may not be perceptible in eczema, a distinction is some- 

 times quite difficult. 



2. Tonsurating thrush is recognized by the rounded form of the 

 eruption, by the absence of pimples, vesicles, pustules, and of 

 pruritus ; by its transmissibility ; finally, by the microscopic char- 

 acter of the alterations. 



3. Follicular mange is especially observed upon the head and 

 legs ; if contagious it produces but slight itchings ; its symptoms 

 are often typical, and in doubtful cases finding of the Demodex 

 assures the diagnosis. 



4. Sarcoptic mange affects preferably regions where the hair is 

 not abundant — the lower part of the abdomen and thorax, the 

 internal face of the thighs, the hock, elbow, and the base of the 

 ears. It is contagious and accompanied by very sharp itching. 

 These characters do not always suffice, however, to establish a 

 diagnosis, and sarcoptic mange shows sometimes a great resem- 

 blance to eczema ; in such cases the microscope is absolutely neces- 

 sary in order to establish the difference. 



Treatment. The treatment of eczema must vary according to 

 period of the affection and the constitution of the patients. In 

 the majority of cases the eruption would certainly be cured with 

 the help of Nature alone, if we could suppress the irritation pro- 

 duced by the pruritus. But it is extremely difficult to avoid this 

 irritation; in some dogs pruritus is violent and lasting, and the 

 patients are constantly tormented by itching; they overcome all 

 the mechanical devices used in order to prevent them from 

 scratching or rubbing themselves (muzzle, bandages, collars, 

 boots, etc.). 



1. In the benign forms or starting stages of eczema (erythema- 

 tous, papulous, vesiculous stages) we must first try antiphlogistics, 

 emollients, anodynes, and protective dressings. We use, as a rule, 



