The Management and Diseases of the Dog (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1881 edition. Excerpt: ...llINGWOKM This disease is occasionally met with in the dog. It is due to the presence of a minute vegetable parasite or fungus (Tricophyton tonsurans, Malmsten, or Achorion Lebertii). Ringworm is exceedingly contagious, communicable from man to the lower animal, and vice versa. Causes.--Cold, wet seasons; badly drained, dirty, and uncomfortable kennels; insufficient and nutritious food; inattention to the cleanliness of the skin, are each conducive to the presence of ringworm. Symptoms.--The most prominent symptom is the characteristic circular patch, with silver scaly crusts, whilst the presence of the fungus at once removes any doubt that may exist. The hair has a dry, harsh appearance, is exceedingly brittle, and easily detached. As the disease advances, the hair breaks of itself close to the crust, and.when the latter is removed, the hairs are exhibited in short, bristle-like pieces, surrounded with the spores of the fungus. From the animal biting, rubbing, or scratching itself, the characteristic shape is sometimes obliterated. The period of incubation is from eight to fourteen days. Treatment.--Mild mercurial and iodine ointments are generally effectual in the treatment of ringworm. The following is also a very useful application: --Whale-oil 6 ounces. Terebinth 2 ounces. Oil of Tar 1 drachm. Acetic Acid, 1 drachm. To be applied to the parts after first thoroughly washing the skin with soft-soap and warm water, and repeated in two days and so on, as may be necessary. " Attention to hygiene is the principal object. Good food and cleanliness must be insisted upon. Recovery will be greatly accelerated by topical remedies. The scales should be removed by washing the parts with soap and water, or hyposulphite of soda lotion; or, if the crusts are...