Prurigo and Pruritus are not to be confounded as being expressive of the same condition. The former is a disease always associated with papular development, while the latter is intense itching, purely a nervous manifestation, unattended with any visible changes in the skin or tissues.

Pruritus is a special form of skin irritation connected with many physiological changes. Thus, in diseases of the kidneys, jaundice, and other liver disorders, plethora due to over feeding and want of exercise, piles, worms, constipation, indigestion, and a sluggish cutaneous circulation from lack of cleanliness and proper grooming, are influences which induce pruritus. The affection is not uncommon in old dogs dependent upon the invariable changes in the skin induced by age.

In young dogs the disease is more common among those of a highly nervous temperament, possibly the result of continued inbreeding. When intense itching exists the animal must be very carefully examined to determine if possible the cause. Pruritus must not be accepted as the diagnosis until all doubt as to the existence of diseases of the skin and parasites is removed.

The condition of the animal will suggest what constitutional treatment to employ. All disorders are to be overcome and the general health improved by medicine, dieting, proper exercise, etc.

Frequent bathing or immersions in cold water when the weather permits, or the use of diluted vinegar or alcohol as lotions, are the local treatments to employ.