Parasitic Diseases of the Skin. 243 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

 PARASITIC DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



Animal Parasites : Scabies, or Mange Poultry Lousiness licks and Mag- 

 gots. Vegetable Parasites : Favus Tinea Tonsurans, or True Ring- 

 worm. 



SCABIES, or Mange, is the common form of mange in 

 horses, and is due to the presence of animal parasites 

 which burrow beneath the epidermis in search of sub- 

 sistence as well as a nidus. Great irritation results, espe- 

 cially at night, from which sensitive animals become 

 almost frantic. The skin exhibits unusual scaliness, the 

 hair is removed, and the epidermis is elevated and de- 

 tached. The presence of the parasite and transmission 

 of the disease to other animals determine the case. 



Treatment. Remove the healthy animals at once to a 

 distance and to other buildings. Purify the clothing, 

 harness, &c., which has been in use for those diseased, 

 and cleanse the mangers, stalls, floors, walls, &c., as soon 

 as possible. For this purpose few remedies are superior 

 to " Sanitas " oil in cold water, soap being also used. 

 For the animal, sulphur ointment answers well as a mild 

 and soothing remedy. It should be well rubbed into the 

 affected parts for two or three days, and afterwards may 

 be washed off with water containing " Sanitas " oil and 

 soap. If necessary, apply the ointment again when the 

 hair is dry. 



LICE. These do not burrow, yet they create great 

 irritation. Old and debilitated animals are the common 

 subjects. 



Treatment. Proceed as in mange, or substitute for the 

 sulphur ointment a decoction of Stavesacre seeds, using 

 i oz. of the seeds to each pint of boiling water, and apply 

 when cool by means of a brush ; after which tie up the 

 animal's head until the parts are dry. Allow good food, 

 and administer tonics internally. 



