Ferrets Diseases. 209 



scratching. A remedy which may succeed is Spratts 

 Mange Lotion for dogs, to which an equal portion of 

 glycerine has been added ; but an ointment and mode of 

 application intended for dogs suffering from mange is very 

 efficacious in curing scab in ferrets, if a slight modification 

 in its composition be made. One must first have the follow- 

 ing made up: Ung. resini, 3oz. ; sulph. sub., loz. ; ol. junip., 

 sufficient to work up the two components into a thick oint- 

 ment ; but before it is applied to the affected animals, 

 sufficient sweet oil must be added to render the mixture 

 of about the consistency of cream. While being treated 

 with this, the ferret must be muzzled, to prevent it from 

 licking itself. In the morning wash and thoroughly dry, 

 and rub in the remedy equally well to the skin ; next day 

 wash again, and repeat the process in all three times, when 

 in all probability a cure has been effected ; if not, a subse- 

 quent repetition of the remedy in a week's time will bring 

 about the desired end. It must be borne in mind that the 

 ferret is a tender animal, and consequently the repeated 

 washings and dressings must be made with care. One 

 dressing of the above will effectually remove all lice, fleas, 

 or ticks which may, and frequently do, appear in large 

 numbers upon some ferrets. 



Ferrets suffer a good deal from worms, much more so 

 than is generally believed ; but six grains of areca-nut, 

 ground, given in two pills of butter three hours apart, 

 followed each time by about five or six drops of castor 

 oil, will prove effectual. 



As will be seen, most of the diseases to which ferrets are 

 liable are brought about in the first instance by want of 



