(38 Observations on Parasites and Parasitic Diseases 



The frequent existence of Hccmatojnni in association with an 

 inflamed and sore state of skin, led, in the days of ignorance and 

 superstition, to the belief that the parasites buried themselves 

 beneath the integument, and after a time made their exit from 

 the body through the various organs. Thus Youatt remarks in 

 his work on "The Pig," that "Eric Viborg states that these 

 vermin sometimes burrow their way into the flesh, and come 

 out through the eyes, nostrils, or mouth, or have even been known 

 to be voided in the urine." * 



It is not difficult to rid pigs of lice, but, for the reasons before 

 advanced, it is necessary to repeat the anti-parasitic agent two 

 or three times. The sulphur liniment mentioned at page 62 is 

 to be preferred for use on the pig, and besides this none other is 

 likely to be required. Although the epizoa may be apparently 

 confined to one part of the bod}-, it is better to dress the animal 

 all over, to make sure of the ova being destroyed, as well as the 

 parasites themselves. 



Lice of the Dog and Cat. 



Varieties of the Hannatopinus and Trichodectes are the only lice, 

 so far as we are aware, which have yet been found on either of 

 these animals, the former being more rare than the latter. Dogs 

 affected with lice suffer a sfood deal of itching of the skin, 

 rhey usually fall away in condition, and have a very un- 

 healthy appearance both of the skin and hair. Young dogs 

 are, upon the whole, more often affected, and not unfrequently 

 they become so when suffering from distemper, or when just 

 recovering from this disease. We have, however, frequently 

 met with lice on dogs which were in the most healthy state, 

 and receiving the greatest care and attention as to feeding 

 and management. Indeed, the pet dog of the drawing-room 

 will now and then be attacked by these parasites ; although 

 more frequently it is the cur, which is made to inhabit dirty 

 sleeping-places and is neglected in every possible Avay, that suffers 

 from them. The irritation produced by lice often gives rise to 

 the notion, among persons who are not very conversant with the 

 diseases of the dog, that he is the subject of mange. A very slight 

 examination, however, by leading to a detectiem of the parasites, 

 will suffice to show the true cause of this irritation. 



These same remarks are equally applicable to the cat, except- 

 ing perhaps that this animal is less frequently affected with lice 

 than the dog. 



The means which are employed for ridding other animals of 

 lice will be found effective with these, but for many years we have 



* ' The rig,' p. D'J. 



