The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-12

taken at the outset. Some cases of ec- zema however, are more or less con- stitutional and this at times develops so seriously that the dog becomes per- feet martyr As is the case with human eczema, when a dog has once had an at tack of it, he will be liabel to re- occurrence, and various things may bring on a fresh attack, such, for instance, as change in diet 8 change Of living In any way, or even change Of weather.
 The most important thing of all in treating a dog for eczema or for any kind of skin complaint Is to see that suit able internal medicine is given to purify the blood. I have found the Common Sense Remedies very good in the treat ment of the mango and eczema.
 It may be said here that eczema is not an infectious disease, so that there is nothing to be feared by allowing a dog which is suffering from it to remain with other dogs. It is particularly preva-
 lent among pet dogs, especially those kept by ladies, and good many of such cases can be satisfactorily dealt with by putting the animal on short diet and giving it some physic.
 The general health and condition of the patient must always be taken into consideration in treatment. It is neces- sary to determine whether the disease is of parasitic, of neurotic or other origin, or a combination of the foregoing. and
 
 not wise to give any external treatment at all but to attack the disease at it's source by means of diet, hygiene and in- ternal remedies. Eczema often runs a chronic course; and if untreated may continue indefinitely. Nearly all cases | will however, yield to judicious and per | severng treatment If internal parasites are present they should be expelled. at the earliest opportunity.
 Eczema is sometimes supposed to be he- reditary, but I am not aware that there 1 is any actual proof of that fact. It is certainly true that some breeds of dogs are more prone to it than others and ex- perience seems to show that it affects
 smooth-coated dogs to a greater extent than long-coated breeds. It is also very prevalent among toy dogs, a fact which in the opinion of some authorities though the point is not universally held,
 and is undoubtedly a debatable one) is due to inbreeding and to the various artificial measures necessary to keep toy dogs down in size. Anyway, constant skin irritation is most likely due to ec- zema; if 1t be mango proper there will be pustules which come to a head and discharge-clearly indicating the pres
 ence of the sarcopic parasite under the skin. Eczema, on the other hand, ap- pears as red rash, very irritating, of course and showing itself usually on the most exposed parts of the body-on
 the belly and inside the logs. where l there is least hair It comes and goes 1 in many cases with changes of weather and other external influences.
 Eczema, too. is often to be regarded as sign of the presence of worms, and its connection with them can readily be explained. Worms interfere with the di- gestive processes and cause impurities to accumulate in the blood, with the very natural result that skin irritation en- sues. It is always safe rule when ever dog has any form of skin trouble, to begin treatment by doctoring him for worms. It cannot possibly do any harm, and may do a great deal of good if only to the extent of giving the animal a good cleaning out.
 In all cases, the amateur should, at the first signs of skin trouble, seek a good standard remedy from your druggist or sporting house. These preparations art put up by experts after years of experiments, and are supposed to go to the seat of trouble at once. The Com
 mon Sense Remedy company will send out free literature on all diseases and cures.