All sorts of skin complaints have been classified under this title, which, to say the least, is somewhat ambiguous, though one may put it that the cat suffers from both acute and chronic forms of eczema.

These troubles are allied to, or may be indistinguishable from, parasitic mange, - which is contagious, whereas eczema is not.

Again, one usually arises from internal, whilst the other from external, causes.

Both diseases may be confined to one portion of the body, or may extend all over it. In many instances eczema is inherited.

Moreover, both skin affections are attended with a considerable degree of irritation, causing the cat to scratch and lose its fur.

Minute blisters usually appear, and scabs or crusts may form, if the irritation is acute. In chronic eczema, the skin usually assumes a dried-up condition, becoming very scurfy.

Treatment

Internal treatment is called for; in fact, most reliance must be placed upon this, an external application being secondary to it,

Feed the cat liberally on meat, and give it one of the following pills night and morning: Arsenious acid . . 1/60 of a grain. Sulphate of iron . . 20 grains. Extract of gentian . 60 „

Excipient sufficient to make 60 pills. Continue for 6 weeks.

As an external application use the following dressing daily: Creosote 1 drachm.

Oil of tar 1 „

Methylated spirits . . 8 ounces.

Mix.

In dry forms of eczema, tarry preparations are the best, and in the moist forms drying powders are often useful. As a simple application for the latter, boracic acid is useful, and should be dusted on daily.