Affections of the Skin
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
SKIN AFFECTIONS OF the dog fall into one or other of the following categories:-
1. External affections of parasitic origin, e.g. mange, ringworm.
2. Affections due to the presence of hyperplastic tissue, e.g. those originating from tumours.
3. Affections not due to physical agents, e.g. burns.
The skin performs essential functions such as excretion (e.g. of toxins), temperature regulation, and secretion (e.g. from
sebaceous glands). It also forms a protective cover. There may be an increase (hyperaesthesia) or an absence (anaesthe-
sia) of skin sensation, while many skin ailments are accompanied by severe or mild pruritus which may or may not be
associated with systemic disease. Itching, which may take the form of gnawing, scratching or biting, is responsible for the
development of secondary infection, pyogenic bacteria gaining entrance to the subcutaneous tissues once the skin is bro-
ken. As in other disturbances of health, when treating skin diseases homoeopathic medication must be directed towards
the patient as a whole, and if possible the dog's constitutional remedy should be sought and given prior to treatment with
an associated remedy. The constitutional remedy is not easy to elicit in all cases, but occasionally a remedy 'stands out' as
it were, and we are able to recognise the type accurately, e.g. the Mercury, Pulsatilla or Sulphur type. Close examination of
all symptoms and discussion with the owner as regards habits and modalities will usually narrow the choice of remedy,
and enable a proper prescription to be made.
NUTRITION. If the intake of proper food is inadequate, this will be reflected in the quality and appearance of the coat, e.g.
a harsh, dry coat may arise accompanied by the shedding of superficial epidermal cells (dandruff). Excess or deficiency of
vitamins and an imbalance of the carbohydrate, fat and protein ratio can also cause disturbances of the skin.
PROTEIN. Essential for the production of amino-acids, this basic material is the normal food requirement of the adult dog.
although the addition of a little fat and vegetable matter is also essential. Puppies require different amounts as well as dif-
ferent types of protein, e.g. they can assimilate more muscle meat than the adult dog, while the latter should have several
small meals rather than one or two large ones as this encourages better assimilation and utilisation of food. Protein intake
should constitute about a quarter of the total diet and may take the form of ordinary meat or fish together with milk.
FAT. This should be given in the form of unsaturated fatty acid, e.g. in a good vegetable oil (sunflower and safflower having
the highest percentage of unsaturated fat). Deficiency of fat intake may lead to alopecia in puppies, preceded by dryness
of the hair. Older dogs also show loss of hair together with redness of skin. If fat deficiency is of long standing, certain
recognisable skin lesions arise. These include thickening of tissue over the paws and around the metacarpal joints. Ear
discharges have also been known to occur, excoriating the ear flap, while temperamental changes may take place, e.g
excitability and peripheral muscle tremors. Essential fat requirement may be ensured by the addition of a teaspoonful of a
suitable vegetable oil to the daily diet. Of these sunflower seed oil is probably the best.
CARBOHYDRATE. Requirements of this factor should be given in the form of grain products or root vegetables such as
parsnip, beet or carrot.
VITAMINS. These are essential and are normally present in a balanced diet, but it may be necessary to supplement Vita-
min E. Fresh liver is a rich source of Vitamin B12 and should be included in the diet twice weekly. Skin conditions which
may arise because of lack or deficiency of vitamins are: hyperkeratosis, swelling of eyelids, susceptibility to infections (Vi-
tamin A), severe itching, necrosis, threatened gangrene (Vitamin E), de-pigmentation of hair (Vitamin B factor).
MINERALS. Essential trace elements are present in a normal diet. Puppies will require calcium and phosphorus in the
correct proportion, viz. one of calcium to two of phosphorus. These minerals should be administered in the form of CALC
PHOS, as young dogs will utilise them better in this way. Magnesium deficiency may cause redness of the skin and affections of tendons. It should be given as MAG. PHOS. lodine deficiency is associated with dry coat, poor growth of hair and
anaemia. It should be used in the form of KALI HYDRIODICUM. Iron, sodium and potassium are also essential minerals.
Lack of iron may cause localised oedema with paleness of skin, while dryness and ulcerations may arise in the absence or
deficiency of salt. Pregnancy and lactation will impose demands on the brood bitch and her skin may suffer if her diet is
not adjusted accordingly, e.g. there should be an increased intake of minerals and vitamins while maintaining her proper
requirements of other factors. Lactation will demand adequate calcium and phosphorus. In puppies fed on cow's milk the
addition of MAG. CARB to the milk will be beneficial.
When studying the nutritional requirements, consideration should be given to the following points:
1. The amount of food taken in may not be enough due to, e.g. simple lack of appetite or other factors such as alimen-
tary or other disease.
2. The presence of worms may affect absorption of the proper amount of food as may also the effects of drugs on the
intestinal mucous membrane.
3. Dysfunction of the liver or pancreas may interfere with the proper utilisation of food after absorption.
4. Excess secretion of certain glands and diseases such as nephritis and diabetes may interfere with utilisation. So also
could diarrhoea.
5. Animals undergoing regular severe exercise may require increased intake of food and water, e.g. racing greyhounds,
hunting dogs
ALLERGIC SKIN DISEASES
These occur frequently in the dog and take the form of dermatoses of various kinds. They are more often encountered in
the summer, although neglected or badly-treated cases may show chronic symptoms all the year round.
ETIOLOGY. Skin allergies may have their origin in external factors, e.g. sensitisation of epidermis, or be due to toxic factors
from within.
CLINICAL SIGNS Generalised itching is present in most cases and may be more severe when the skin becomes exposed
to warmth or be aggravated by cold conditions. The skin itself may show slight to moderate redness without any other
changes, or become thickened and be accompanied by a degree of alopecia. The abdomen and inner thighs particularly
show an erythematous and papular rash
Eczemas of various types can be considered under this heading, although not all forms of eczema are allergic in origin.
They may be acute or chronic, wet or dry with clinical signs and symptoms more or less in keeping with those outlined
above. Severe pruritus may cause secondary infection due to pyogenic bacteria and is evidenced by suppurative lesions.
TREATMENT. According to symptoms and modalities displayed, the following remedies will help. There is a vast range of
remedies applicable to skin conditions, but only the more commonly used can be mentioned.
1. SULPHUR 30c or 200c. Indicated when the skin is red and itching is intense, made worse by heat. The gums may be
unduly red. Papular or vesicular rash may also be present. It is a good intercurrent remedy and may be given with other
remedies to enhance their action or at the beginning of treatment generally.
2. ARSEN ALB. 30c to 1M. When the skin is dry and scaly, shedding of epidermal scales occurring and accompanied by
harsh, lustreless hair. The animal seeks warmth and shows a desire for small quantities of water frequently taken. Symp-
toms become worse after midnight and systemic disturbances include diarrhoea of cadaverous odour.
3. RHUS TOX. 6c to 1M. This remedy should be considered when the skin symptoms are aggravated by wet and the dog
shows stiffness when moving after rest but moves more easily when exercise proceeds. The skin shows papular or vesicu-
lar rash with much itching and redness. Warmth lessens the severity of the symptoms.
4. ANTIMONIUM CRUD. 6c. When skin lesions are more pronounced on the neck, back and limbs, taking the form of
papular eruptions which later become scabby, discharging a yellowish secretion. Itching is worse towards evening and ag-
gravated by warmth.
5. MEZEREUM 6c. Useful when skin lesions appear on the head, taking the form of large scabs with an underlying purulent
discharge. There is a sensitivity to touch. Itching rash is common over bony areas the rash being surrounded by a red zone. The condition tends to be exacerbated by scratching and warmth. Should be considered in chronic eczema where
symptoms agree.
6. HYPERICUM 1M. This is a suitable remedy for sensitisation due to external factors, e.g. photosensitisation. The resulting
skin lesions may affect non-pigmented areas and appear as reddish ulcerated areas which itch and have a peeled look.
There may be accompaning systemic changes such as jaundice.
7. HEPAR SULPH. 200c. The remedy of choice when lesions show extreme sensitivity to external stimuli and pus is begin-
ning to form. The skin is usually swollen and shiny with a tense appearance. It is helpful in drying up the underlying puru-
lent discharge in those cases attended by crusts and scabs.
8. PSORINUM 1M. This nosode may be necessary in eczemas of a particularly unpleasant nature with pronounced musty
odour and severe itching. The skin is usually dry, and the lesion is frequently of a vesciular or pustular type.
9. BACILLINUM 200c. As a general inter-current remedy which activates the skin, this nosode will be of service. It is partic-
ularly suitable in cases with dry scaly lesions.
10. TELLURIUM 30c. When this remedy is indicated the skin lesions usually take the form of circular reddish areas, fre-
quently on both sides of the body in symmetrical fashion. The outer ear flap is a predilection site.
SKIN CONDITIONS DUE TO EXTERNAL FACTORS
1. FOLLICULAR MANGE. This form of mange attacks young animals, e.g. under one year, although the effects may be
noticed at a later stage. Two main types of this condition exist-1. Squamous, 2. Pustular, depending on the ages of skin
attacked, while the type of skin also plays a part.
ETIOLOGY. The mite Demodex folliculorum is the cause and there is a predisposition to the disease congenitally.
CLINICAL SIGNS
a) Squamous Type. The hair follicles are attacked by the mite which also inhabits the neighbouring sebaceous glands.
The hair soon fails out giving a bald appearance generally over a wide area of skin, although smaller areas may also be
affected. Corrugation of the skin is the outcome together with dryness and scaliness while a bluish discoloration develops
over the bare patches. Pruritus is generally absent.
b) Pustular Type. In this form the hair follicles become the seat of small pustules most often seen around the mouth,
outer elbow and hock and in the axillary region. Extension of lesions leads to the development of small fistulae which se-
crete pustular material.
TREATMENT
a) Squamous Type. This should be instituted at the first sign before permanent damage can be done. There are excellent
topical applications available nowadays which are very effective, but their use will be enhanced by the administration of
the following remedies according to symptoms and stage of the disease:
1. SULPHUR 30c. A good general remedy which alters the conditions favourable to the development of the mite. Dose: one
twice daily for a week.
2. KALI ARSEN. 30c. Suitable for more advanced cases which begin to show corrugation of skin. The animal may be restless
and seek warmth. Dose: one daily for five days.
3. LYCOPODIUM IM. This remedy will help stimulate growth of hair provided the disease is not too advanced and destruc-
tion of hair follicles has taken place. Dose: one daily for one week.
b) Pustular Type
1. HEPAR SULPH. 30c. Possesses a powerful action on purulent infections of hair follicles. In this potency will abort the
pustular process. Dose: one daily for one week.
2. KALI ARSEN. 30c. As for squamous type.
3. SILICEA 30c. A useful remedy for those cases showing extension of lesions into fistulae. Dose: one daily for five days.
4. CALC. SULPH. 6x. This is also a useful remedy for healing pustular lesions, with small yellowish scabs. Dose: one three
times daily for three days.
5. MEZEREUM 6c. A remedy which is more useful when the lesions are chiefly on the head or face. Small scabs coalesce
and cover purulent areas. Dose: one twice daily for one week.
6. THALLIUM ACETAS 30c. Thallium in potency possesses the power of obviating the effects of trophic lesions on the skin
and subcutaneous tissues. It thus encourages growth of hair on denuded areas and is a suitable long term remedy in both
forms of mange. Dose: one twice weekly for one month.
2. SARCOPTIC MANGE This form of mange is much commoner than the follicular type and although less frequently en-
countered nowadays it is occasionally seen in animals kept in overcrowded, unhygienic conditions.
ETIOLOGY. The parasite is an acarus called Sarcoptes scabei and is allied to the human scabies mite
CLINICAL SIGNS. Unlike follicular mange this form is attended by severe irritation, biting and licking on account of the
intolerable itching which is set up. This is made worse by warmth and the animal seeks cool places whenever possible.
The disease is extremely contagious and frequently more than one dog in a pack or kennels is affected. Predilection sites
are the base of the tail, the outer ear flap, around the eyes and on the forelegs, although any part of the body may be at-
tacked giving rise to bare patches as a result of the hair having been bitten or scratched out. Handling the animal produces
a reflex scratching movement. The affected areas show numerous small pimples which soon become scabby. A heavy
musty odour is characteristic while in prolonged or untreated cases the skin becomes thickened and develops a folded
appearance.
TREATMENT. Modern dressings are suitable and again should be supplemented by the following remedies which will has-
ten cure and prevent re-infestation:
1. SULPHUR 30c, 1M and 10M. This is the most important remedy and should be given in these ascending potencies, one
dose of each on three consecutive days.
2. ARSEN. ALB. 1M. For animals which drink frequently, are restless and experience an aggravation of symptoms after
midnight. There may be an associated diarrhoea of cavaderous odour while unaffected areas of skin are dry and scaly.
This remedy could profitably be employed after SULPHUR because of its beneficial effect on the skin generally. Dose: one
daily for one week.
3. HYDROCOTYLE 30c. This remedy could be of use in more advanced cases where corrugation and thickening of the skin
has taken place. It also has a beneficial action on the small pustules which arise. Dose: one twice daily for one week.
4. PSORINUM IM. Occasionally an animal will be met with where SULPHUR has failed to produce a completely satisfactory
response. When this happens Psorinum will probably bring about the desired result. Dose: one daily for three days.
5. SEPIA 30c. Gives good results constitutionally when given as a convalescent remedy after the administration of the fore-
going remedies. Dose: one per week for four weeks.
PREVENTION. When mange appears in a kennels or boarding establishment PSORINUM should be given to all in-contact
dogs. This remedy, being the scabies nosode, can be employed prophylactically as well as therapeutically. One dose daily
for three consecutive days.
3. OTODECTIC MANGE Although more often encountered in the cat, it is also seen in the dog and leads to irritation of the
affected areas.
ETIOLOGY. A specific mite is responsible.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The attention of the owner is first directed towards the animal shaking its head and rubbing the ears
with its paws. On examination of the ear, excess brownish wax is evident which usually contains the specific parasite. The
skin behind the ear flap may become excoriated due to scratching and resembles an eczematous lesion.
TREATMENT. After thorough cleansing of the ear with a mild solution of e.g. hydrogen peroxide, the following remedies
should be considered:
1. HEPAR SULPH. 6x. This remedy will allay internal inflammation of the ear canal which leads to the production of wax.
Dose: one three times daily for four days.
2. MERC. CORR. 30c. This will also help allay inflammation of a more severe nature especially if purulent infection super-
venes. Dose: one daily for five days.
3. TELLURIUM 30c. A useful remedy for allaying inflammation of skin behind the ear flap and for controlling the tendency
to otitis externa. Dose: one twice daily for one week.
4. SULPHUR 30c. Two daily doses will act constitutionally and make the animal less susceptible to infestation. It will also
aid the action of other remedies and may be given concurrently.
4. RINGWORM. This skin condition affects mainly the younger dog and may be related to the general health of the individ-
ual, e.g. those whose resistance to disease is below normal are more liable to contract it.
ETIOLOGY. There are two main groups of ringworm fungi which attack dogs:-
1. Microsporurn.
2. Trichophyton.
CLINICAL SIGNS
1. Microsporum Infestation. There is a natural affinity with the hair and initial infection soon leads to adjacent hair
follicles becoming involved, causing secondary changes such as a crusty appearance and possibly a vesicular eruption.
The areas most commonly affected are the head, neck and legs, lesions developing into circular areas which coalesce with
neighbouring ones to produce widespread involvement in severe cases. Pruritus is common in the early stages. The lesions
develop a crusty feel and sometimes these are not obvious, e.g. in long-coated breeds. Occasionally lesions may be seen
around the claws.
2. Trichophyton Form. This fungus produces lesions about half an inch in diamaeter which take the form of raised scabs
with a darker pitted centre. Any lesion may become the seat of secondary infection by pyogenic bacteria.
TREATMENT. The following remedies will be helpful in hastening resolution when combined with any suitable fungicidal
dressing
1. BACILLINUM 200c. This nosode has frequently been used successfully without recourse to any external dressing. Dose:
two doses at two weekly interval
2. KALI ARSEN. 30c. For the early pruritic stage. More suitable for the restless animal which shows aggravation of symp-
toms after midnight, and thirst for small quantities of water. Dose: one daily for five days.
3. CHRYSAROBINUM 6c. When the disease has progressed to the crusty stage with confluence of affected areas. Scaly erup-
tions are common around the eyes and ears. Dose: one three times daily for five days.
4. TELLURIUM 30c. This remedy has proved useful in skin ailments where lesions take a circular formation (as in ring-
worm) and also a tendency to equal distribution on either side of the body. Dose: one twice daily for one week.
5. SEPIA IM. A suitable remedy where lesions take the form of small separate nodules with little tendency to coalesce
Dose: one twice weekly for two weeks.
5. ACUTE BACTERIAL DERMATITIS. This is a specific inflammation of the epidermis.
ETIOLOGY. Various organisms may be implicated but the commonest are members of the Staphylococcal and Streptococ-
cal families, frequently producing a mixed infection.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The initial lesion takes the form of a vesicular rash, the vesicles coalescing to form a raw area which
exudes serum. Severe irritation is set up causing the animal to lick the area more or less constantly producing extension of
the original lesions. Purulent material is soon evident because of secondary infection.
TREATMENT. The affected areas should be washed clean with warm water containing Calendula and Hypericum lotion,
the quantity being added in a strength of 1/10. The following remedies should be considered:
1. SULPHUR 6c or 30c. This remedy should always be given first as it helps clear the blood of impurities which could add to
the general inflammatory state.
2. RHUS TOX. 1M. Useful for the initial vesicular stage with erythematous swelling. Severe itching is present causing the
vesicles to rupture and produce a reddened area. Scratching does not relieve. There may be associated symptoms suggest-
ing rheumatism such as difficulty in rising but symptoms generally alleviated by movement, the animal showing consis-
tent restlessness.
3. ANTIMONIUM CRUD. 6c. When this remedy is indicated, lesions are seen more often on the upper parts of the body and
are worse in the evening. The vesicles have a nettle-rash appearance and may appear like measles, discharging a blood-
stained exudate. Itching is intense and the symptoms are worse by warmth and from touch. Signs of alimentary distur-
bance may be seen, such as disinclination to eat with vomition.
4. BORAX 6c. For erysipelatous inflammation with lesions appearing around the buccal area and on the lower limbs. The
vesicles are pale and surrounded by a red zone. Salivation may be present. There is a tendency to early suppuration.
5. COMBINED STAPHYLOCOCCUS and STREPTOCOCCUS NOSODES 30c. The intercurrent use of these nosodes will materi-
ally aid the action of the other remedies, and they could also be used curatively by themselves in mild cases.
6. CHRONIC BACTERIAL DERMATITIS. Furunculosis. This is of more frequent occurrence than the acute form, large
breeds of dogs being especially susceptible.
ETIOLOGY. Staphylococci and Streptococci are again implicated but the former more commonly.
CLINICAL SIGNS. Selected areas of infection occur around the feet, hock, elbow and occasionally the mouth, taking the
form of puffy swellings with the overlying skin assuming a polished appearance. The skin soon ulcerates discharging a
blood-stained fluid from numerous sinuses. Again the animal licks the lesions frequently because of irritation, extending
its borders. This leads eventually to thickening of the skin which is gathered into folds. A proud-flesh' appearance is not
uncommon while secondary infection by pyrogenic bacterial leads to a purulent discharge.
TREATMENT. According to the stage of the disease the following remedies should prove useful:
1. RHUS TOX. IM. For the early swelling particularly if associated with reddening of skin which looks erythematous, and
for lesions around the hock and elbow. There is usually severe itching causing licking and scratching.
2. SILICEA 30c. This remedy is the ideal one for the stage of ulceration with discharging sinuses particularly when these
become purulent. Especially suitable for the leaner breeds and for lesions on the feet. Pus which forms is usually thin and
grey. This remedy acts well in dogs with light-coloured coats.
3. HEPAR SULPH. 6x. When the lesion is attended by extreme sensitivity to touch and the discharge is thin and blood-
stained before pus has actually formed. It is applicable to lesions in any area but particularly those around the mouth. It
will also produce good results in the later purulent stages when the pus is yellowish and blood-stained. In low potencies
(e.g. 3x to 6x) it will promote suppuration and clearing of sinuses, while in higher potencies (e.g. 200c to 1M) it will abort
the suppurative process and promote resolution.
4. CALC. SULPH. 6c. Has a somewhat similar action to HEPAR but has not the same sensitivity to external factors. Its use is
restricted to the stage when pus has formed and has little or no action earlier. More suitable for lesions on the limbs.
5. TARENTULA CUB. 6c. When the original swelling is hard and extremely painful with a surrounding red zone. When
ulceration occurs the sinuses are seen to run into one another, producing a central crater full of blood-stained material
and pus. There may be systematic feverish symptoms.
7. NOCARDIOSIS. This is a bacterial condition which usually assumes the form of a granuloma which sometimes becomes
suppurating. It may affect underlying tissues as well as the skin.
ETIOLOGY. Various species of nocardia have been associated with this condition.
CLINICAL SIGNS Although these granulomatous swellings appear on the skin, they are in reality subcutaneous in origin.
They may appear anywhere but favourite sites are the neck, chest and flank. The granuloma takes the form of a firm tu-
mour-like mass which slowly grows in size accompanied by a degree of pain. Some forms show extreme sensitivity. As the disease progresses, ulceration takes place and pus is discharged from underlying sinuses. Secondary spread takes place
including involvement of neighbouring lymph glands which, however, seldom show suppuration. Occasionally the animal
exhibits feverish symptoms.
TREATMENT
1. FERRUM PHOS. 6x. This remedy may be of use in the early stages of development when it acts by reducing hyperaemia
at the site of the lesion. This in turn serves to limit growth. It is mainly a right-sided medicine and granulomata may
favour the right neck and shoulder areas.
2. HEPAR SULPH. 6x to 200c. The principal remedy to be considered when pus is starting to form although not yet visible.
The main keynote of the remedy is extreme sensitivity to pain or external stimuli. When given in high potency it will abort
the suppurative process while its employment at lower strengths will promote the expulsion of purulent material.
3. SILICEA 30c. A useful remedy for the ulcerative stage when sinuses have formed and pus is discharging. More suitable
for the chronic case which keeps on breaking out. The quality of the pus is thin and greyish in colour. It will also help to re-
move scar tissue from healed areas and hasten resolution of the granulomatous mass.
4. CALC. FLUOR 30c. When the neighbouring lymphatic glands become involved this remedy should help. The glands are
usually of stony hardness and usually painless. This remedy will also have a beneficial effect on the size of the granuloma.
5. PYROGENIUM IM. If feverish symptoms develop in severe cases with threatened collapse and septicaemic complica-
tions. The guiding symptom for the use of this remedy is a variation in the temperature to pulse ratio, e.g a high tempera-
ture associated with a weak thready pulse.
OTITIS EXTERNA, including EAR CANKER and OTORRHOEA (see also chapter on the Ear)
Under this heading are included all forms of external ear trouble with or without discharges, irrespective of causation.
ETIOLOGY. The majority of cases are constitutional in origin and should be looked on as specific types of eczema. Some
are associated with ear mites, the action of which is accentuated in breeds with long ear flaps, occluding the free passage
of air.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The attention of the owner is first drawn to the animal shaking its head or pawing and scratching at
the ear. Frequently the ear is rubbed on the ground. One or both ears may be affected but not usually to the same extent.
On examination, the skin inside the ear flap is inflamed and possibly ulcerated due to scratching. Discharge may or may
not be present, but if it is it is usually thin and acrid at first, becoming purulent later. A characteristic musty heavy smell
accompanies this manifestation. Occasionally eczematous patches appear on the outside of the ear flap close to the head.
Prolonged affections lead to thickening of the ear flap, with an inability to raise the ear properly.
TREATMENT. If discharge is copious, the ear should be gently syringed with a 1/10 solution of CALENDULA and considera-
tion given to one or other of the following medicines:
1. SULPHUR 30c. If noticed in the early stages when the ear flap shows a reddish inflammation. There may be accompa-
nying red areas around the anus and above the tail. The preliminary use of this remedy will also aid the action of other
remedies in more advanced cases.
2. RHUS TOX. 6c. When this remedy is indicated, the ear flap is also reddened and inflamed but in addition numerous
small vesicles are usually present. Itching is intense. Systemic symptoms may be present in the form of stiff joints which
are eased by exercise.
3. ARSEN. IOD. 6c. The left ear is more often affected. The inflammation is accompanied by a thin serous acrid discharge
which corrodes the skin. There may be coryza with an aggravation of general symptoms towards midnight. The animal is
restless and drinks small amounts frequently.
4. MERC. CORR. 30c. When the discharge takes the form of greenish purulent material accompanied by the characteristic
heavy smell. There may be an accompanying diarrhoea or dysentery, and the ear flap usually shows thickening. The puru-
lent discharge may be seen from the nose also.
5. HEPAR SULPH. 30c. Indicated when the inflammation renders the ear extremely sensitive to touch. The neighbouring
lymphatic glands are usually swollen and tender. There may be purulent discharge which will tend to dry under the influ-
ence of this potency.
6. PULSATILLA 30c. This is a suitable remedy for timid, affectionate dogs showing bland catarrhal discharge with swelling
of the ear flap. Symptoms are worse in the evening and hearing is diminished.
7. TELLURIUM 30c. Eczematous lesions appear on the outer ear flap when this remedy is indicated. The left ear is more
often affected and produces an acrid watery discharge with offensive smell. Neglected forms may show ulceration of the
tympanum with suppurative discharge
ALOPECIA
Falling out of hair is usually constitutional in origin and may follow systemic disease or be due to hormone dysfunction.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The sides and lower back areas are chiefly affected and in severe cases the skin may be rendered
completely hairless, assuming a black polished appearance. Pruritis is generally absent except perhaps in cases associated
with eczema.
TREATMENT. If constitutional disease is suspected this should be tackled according to symptoms shown, while those
cases dependent on hormone imbalance should be given the appropriate hormone. Homoeopathic remedies which may
help include the following:
1. LYCOPODIUM 1M. Systemic conditions which may indicate the need for this remedy include liver dysfunction shown
as jaundice, and aggravation of general symptoms between 4 and 8 p.m. Early greying of the hair, e.g. around the muzzle,
may be seen.
2. SEPIA IM. More suitable for bitches especially if the loss of hair follows parturition. There may be an accompanying
uterine discharge.
3. PIX LIQUIDA 6c. This remedy may help when the skin has a cracked look instead of the more commonly encountered
polished appearance. Bronchial symptoms such as coughing up purulent sputum could also be present.
4. KALI ARSEN. 30c. This is a good general skin tonic and will greatly strengthen the hair and encourage growth.
5. USTILAGO MAYDIS 30C. When patchy alopecia affects the head. The lesions are usually circular and show no tendency
to coalesce.
6. THYROID 1x. Hormonal deficiency is usually related to the thyroid gland and a low potency like this given for a few
weeks should be sufficient to stimulate hair growth.
7. THALLIUM ACETAS 30c. Because of its action on skin and epidermis where it produces trophic lesions, this remedy in
potency should be given as long-term therapy over a period of 3 to 4 months at infrequent intervals.
INTERDIGITAL ECZEMA-INTERDIGITAL CYSTS
This common condition is included under diseases of the skin as the great majority of cases are constitutional in origin
and constitute a specific form of eczema.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The dog licks its paw frequently and in severe cases lameness is evident. Examination of early cases re-
veals a reddish area between two toes, sometimes extending up the leg a short distance. Progression of the trouble leads to
the development of a small pea-like nodule which may be hard or soft and sometimes filled with dark blood. Some forms
are less tender than others but the majority of cases are attended by extreme sensitivity. Neglected cysts show a tendency
to extend in the form of sinuses or fistulous tracts with purulent exudation.
TREATMENT According to the type of cyst one is dealing with the following remedies are indicated:
1. HEPAR SULPH se to 30e. This is the remedy of choice in the early stages and also for established cases where the chief
guiding symptom is extreme sensitivity. If there is a tendency to pus formation the lower potencies will promote a free
drainage while high potencies will abort the suppurative process.
2. SILICEA 30c. For hard cysts of longer duration than those needing HEPAR. Also indicated for fistulous tracts and sinuses
showing thin greyish pus. This remedy has the power of rapidly healing such lesions and absorbing any attendant scar
tissue.
3. GRAPHITES 6x. A suitable remedy for the softer cyst filled with dark blood. The surrounding skin is greasy and may se-
crete a honey-coloured exudate while numerous cracks may appear in the area and on the pads.
4. CALC. SULPH. 6c. Suitable for young dogs with excessive weight and poorly-nourished tissues. It is indicated once pus
has formed and has found an outlet, healing taking place with attendant greenish scabs.
5. SECALE 6c. If neglected cases are encountered where the part has a necrosed and withered look and gangrene of the
area is threatened, this remedy will promote healthy circulation and healing
URTICARIA
By this term is meant the production of small weals or plaques under the skin and accompanied by a degree of itching.
ETIOLOGY. There are various causes, some constitutional, others external. Puppies may experience it due to faulty feeding
or at teething, while change of environment may bring it about, e.g. a boxer dog was severely affected when on a seaside
holiday from an industrial town.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The plaques may appear on any area and show as soft fluctuating swellings filled with fluid. The head
and limbs are ularly affected and the former may show extensive oedema. Urticaria due to external causes such as
contact with stinging nettles produces a similar picture.
TREATMENT. The following remedies should be considered:
1. APIS MEL. 30c. The most effective remedy for the diffuse oedematous form caused by coalescence of neighbouring
plaques. The lesions may be hot or cold and the plaques or oedematous areas show pitting on pressure.
2. CALC. CARB. 30c. A suitable remedy for young fat puppies with defective assimilation, and a tendency to rickets.
3. CHAMOMILLA 6c. If dentition in the young dog is thought to be a contributory factor, this is the remedy to be considered.
There may be an accompanying greenish diarrhoea.
4. NUX VOM. 6c. If thought to be due to faulty feeding and subsequent indigestion. Constipation may be present.
5. URTICA URENS 6c. The main remedy for urticarial weals dependent on external allergic causes, although it may also
be used for cases not dependent on these. It will promote urination and so lessen the fluid content of the oedematous
plaques.
6. ACONITUM 6c. Should always be given as a preliminary remedy, especially in cases of sudden onset.
7. RHUS TOX. 6c. If there is an accompanying cellulitis with redness of skin and severe itching, this remedy will be found
useful
WARTS
Although these manifest themselves on the skin, they are invariably systemic in origin.
ETIOLOGY. Many warts are due to viruses, but some are constitutional, dependent on disorders of metabolism.
CLINICAL TYPES. Warts vary greatly in character. Some are flat and sessile, firmly adherent to the skin. Others are pedun-
culated, thin and long. They may be smooth, corrugated or jagged-looking and may bleed easily on touch. Common sites
for their occurrence include the eyelids, ears, head and upper chest. In the older animal the wart assumes a cauliflower-
like appearance and is found principally on the head, particularly the nose, and the limbs.
TREATMENT. This varies according to the type of wart
1. THUJA 6c. The chief remedy for pedunculated warts, although sessile types are also susceptible to its action. They are
usually tender to the touch and bleed readily. It may be necessary to continue treatment with a higher potency, while the
external application of tincture will materially aid the internal action of the remedy.
2. ACID. NIT. 30c. For cauliflower-like warts associated with a generally unhealthy skin which ulcerates easily and tends
to discoloration. Lesions are frequently encountered around orifices, e.g. warts may surround the mouth, eyes and anus or
vulva.
3. CALC. CARB. 30c. Small smooth warts are usually associated with this remedy, found on most areas and more often
encountered in puppies, especially if flabby and overweight. The skin itself is usually flaccid and rough and may show ac-
companying eruptions of a pimply nature.
4. CAUSTICUM 6c. For rough-coated warts seen especially on chest and lower limbs. The skin surrounding the warts is
usually inflamed and painful. There may be associated respiratory distress such as hard dry coughing. More often indi-
cated for the older dog.
5. SABINA 6c. This is a lesser-used remedy but has been used successfully in bitches which have developed wart-like
growths as a sequel to whelping associated with post-partum haemorrhage. The warty growths are dark and mole-like in
appearance.
6. DULCAMARA 30c. For wart-like growths which develop from pustular inflammation, especially on lower limbs. The skin
generally may have a scabby inflamed look, while lesions commonly appear when cool evenings follow suddenly after
warm days, e.g. in Autumn. Also the animal is generally worse in wet weather.