64 



Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1918. 



MANGE IN DOGS. 



Mange as commonly found in dogs is of two varieties, each due to 

 the rapid growth in or on the skin of mange mites or acari. One 

 variety which causes intense itching is known as sarcoptic mange. The 

 symptoms are small red patches, extending, which the dog contlunously 

 rubs; they may be on any part of the body, but generally commence 

 on the head and ears and lower line. The skin is red and inflamed, and 

 has small papules and vesicles not unlike those of eczema. The hair 

 falls off and the skin becomes thickened and grey and scurfy. The 

 disease spreads quicklj^, and in a few weeks the whole body may be 

 involved, the dog becomes poor and miserable. Treatment, says the 

 Veterinary Lecturer (Mr. F. E. Place, B.V.Sc, M.R.C.V.S.) demands 

 the destruction of all bedding and the disinfection of sleeping places, 

 otherMdse a cure is impossible. A soda bath should be given, and when 

 dry half the body should be dressed with a mixture of flowers of sulphur 

 4 ozs., liquor potasse 2 ozs., oil of tar 2 ozs., and olive oil to a pint. In 

 four days to a week he should have another soda bath, and the other 

 half of the body should be dressed. A week later all the grease should 

 be removed by another soda bath, and in most cases the dog will be 

 cured. 



The other form of mange is known as follicular, and occurs in two 

 forms, pustular or squamous, i.e., in mattery heads or scurfy scales. 

 It generally begins round the eyes, and spreads to the face and forehead, 

 it then appears on the feet and legs, especially inside the elbows, and 

 gradually extends over the body. The first symptoms are patches of 

 baldness, the skin is hot and purplish, with papules and piistules; as 

 the patches increase in extent the skin thickens and puckers into folds, 

 especially about the head, and there is a peculiar offensive smell, and 

 the skin turns a slaty grey, cracks, and blood oozes, and often there is 

 a dropsical swelling about the head. The dog seldom scratches, but 

 shivers and shakes himself. Eor treatment a satisfactory dressing is a 

 mixture of formalin 3 drams, glycerine 2 ozs., methylated spirit 2 ozs., 

 oil of cloves 3 drams, olive oil 3 ozs., almond oil 3 ozs. This is applied 

 daily, and there is a reddening and swelling of the skin; after a few 

 dressings the pustules dry, become scaly, and disappear; the skin 

 becomes soft and healthy. Sulphur ointment is then applied for a few 

 times, and followed by a daily dressing of formalin v dram, glycerine 

 1 oz., tincture cantharides 1^ drams, salicylic acid \ dram, methylated 

 spirit 1 dram, almond oil 2 ozs., olive oil 6 ozs. 



The hair begins to grow, and the worst case is cured. 



The squamous^or scaly type is more generally found in small pets 

 than in farm dogs, and requires less drastic but more persistent treat- 

 ment. — {^Journal of Agriculture, South Australia, May, 1917.] 



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