244 Diseases of the Skin. 



also recommend care in its selection, as some of these 

 appliances are perfect tortures, fitting badly and inflict- 

 ing pain on the suffering creature. For various forms of 

 mange dressings see Chapter VIII. under Parasiticides. 



Follicular Mange differs from Sarcoptic Mange both 

 in respect of the parasite and its location. The former 

 is the analogue if not the identical parasite Dei?iodex 

 follicidorufn common to mankind ; indeed, this form of 

 human itch has been transferred to the dog, and back 

 again to mankind. The location of the parasite is the 

 bag or pouch-like sebaceous glands and hair follicles ; it 

 is microscopical, possesses a large abdomen, several pairs 

 of short legs, elongated after the form of a shrimp, and is 

 endowed with remarkable powers of multiplication. The 

 disease produced is much less susceptible of medical 

 treatment, and there is also at first much less irritation 

 and resulting fever. It appears in patches, first about 

 the head, face, lips, &c., and later it invades the legs, 

 loins, belly, sides, and scrotum in the male. The dis- 

 charge from the sebaceous glands partakes of pus as well 

 as the excess of a morbid secretion, by reason of which 

 the sufferer presents a loathsome appearance and highly 

 offensive odour. The animal shakes himself instead of 

 using his feet, and he refuses to be handled. When the 

 hairs are plucked singly from the follicles, the parasite 

 may be detected at the root by means of a microscope ; 

 the pus and also the secretion from the gland likewise 

 furnish the same conclusive evidence. The first signs of 

 the malady consist of small bare patches, on which 

 appear red spots, which proved to be the enlarged ducts 

 of the sebaceous glands, filled with serum, and later, with 

 pus. These subsequently burst and form scales, and 

 occasionally one or more pustules become confluent, or 

 united, especially when the skin is acutely inflamed ; the 

 hair is also freely shed over the entire body, and the 

 animal suffers much from cold, requiring ample clothing, 

 especially in adverse seasons. Further aggravation arises 

 from the formation of sores and cracks, the result of death 

 of the tissues of the skin, blood and pus flowing freely 

 from the discharging surfaces. 



