MANGE. 417 



have to nibble one another. Mange in cattle has been propagated 

 to the horse, and from the horse to cattle. There are also some 

 well-authenticated instances of the same disease being connuuni- 

 cated from the dog to the horse, but not from the horse to the dog. 



Mange has been said to originate in want of cleanliness in the 

 management of the stable. The comfort and the health of tlic 

 horse demand the strictest cleanliness. The eyes and the lungy 

 frequently suffer from the noxious fumes of the purifying dung 

 and urine ; but, in defiance of common prejudice, there is no au- 

 thentic instance of mange being the result. Poverty and starva- 

 tion are fruitful sources of mange, but it does not appear that 

 filth has much to do with it, although poverty and filth generally 

 go hand in hand. 



The propriety of bleeding in cases of mange depends on the con- 

 dition of the patient. If mange is the result of poverty, and the 

 animal is much debilitated, bleeding will increase tlie evil, and 

 will probably deprive the constitution of the power of rallying. 

 Physic, however, is indispensable in every case. A mercurial 

 ball will be preferable to a common aloetic one, as more certain 

 and effectual in its operation, and the mercury probably having 

 some influence in mitigating the disease. In this, however, 

 mange in the horse resembles itch in the human being — medicine 

 alone will never effect a cure. There must be some local appli- 

 ?,ation. There is this additional similarity — that which is most 

 ofiectual in curing the itch in the human being must form the 

 basis of every local application for the cure of mange in the horse 

 Sulphur is indispensable in every ointment for mange. It is the 

 sheet-anchor of the veterinary surgeon. In an early and not very 

 acute state of mange, equal portions of sulphur, turpentine, and 

 train-oil, gently but well rubbed on the part, will be applied with 

 advantage. Farriers are fond of the black sulphur, but that which 

 consists of earthy matter, with the mere dregs of various substan- 

 ces, cannot be so efTectual as the pure sublimed sulphur. A tol- 

 erably stout brush, or even a curry-comb, lightly applied, should 

 be used, in order to remove the dandriH^or scurf", wherever there 

 is any appearance of mange. After that, the horse' should be 

 washed with strong soap and water as far as the disease has ex- 

 tended ; and, when he has been thoroughly dried, the ointment 

 should be well rubbed in with the naked hand, or with a piece 

 of flannel. More good will be done by a little of the ointment 

 being well rubbed in, than by a great deal being smeared over 

 the part. The rubbing should be daily repeated. 



During the application of the ointment, and as soon as the physic 

 has set, an alterative ball or powder, similar to those recommend- 

 ed for the other affections of the skin, should be daily given. If, 



after some days have passed, no progress should apj-ear to hav* 

 27 1. 



