RINGWORM 619 



run along untreated, large sloughs may develop and the animal 

 loses weight and strength and becomes permanently stunted. 



Treatment. — Prevention of the disease consists largely in keep- 

 ing the feed lots and sleeping quarters clean and dry. Old dirty 

 hog- wallows are a constant source of irritation to the skin. An- 

 other important factor in preventing this disease is proper feeding, 

 especially of young pigs, to prevent chronic bowel trouble and con- 

 sequent weakening of the animal. Eczema will very seldom develop 

 in an animal unless its condition is below normal. 



The most essential point in the successful treatment of a case 

 of eczema consists in determining the cause and removing same. 

 In nearly every case some cause for constant irritation exists, and if 

 this be overcome the condition will quickly clear up of its own ac- 

 cord. In many cases, if the skin be examined, large numbers of 

 lice will be found, and these parasites are an important part of the 

 cause of the disease. As a first step in the treatment of such cases 

 it is desirable to have the affected animals dipped in a 2 per cent, 

 solution of kresol or some other effective disinfectant dip. 



For the purpose of relieving the itching and protecting the skin 

 from air and irritation oily solutions should be applied. Small 

 amounts of carbohc acid (10 gr. to the ounce) may be added to 

 linseed oil or olive oil and applied for the purpose of relieving the 

 intense itching. Ointments are often useful, the most effective 

 being the official zinc oxid ointment or a paste made of zinc oxid, 

 starch, and vaseUn. Carbohc acid, in amounts of about 10 gr. to 

 the ounce, may be added to these ointments to increase their power 

 in relieving itching. 



Attention should also be given to the bowels, and a cathartic of 

 calomel and oil given to sweep out any irritating substances that 

 may be present. Much benefit will also be obtained by the 

 administration of a good condition powder containing powdered 

 nux vomica, powdered gentian, sodium bicarbonate, and sulphate of 

 iron. In the long-drawn-out chronic cases small doses of arsenic 

 may be added with benefit. 



RINGWORM 



Pigs occasionally develop ringworm quite similar to that seen 

 in man and other animals. It is seen most commonly on the back, 



