Parasitic Diseases of the Skin. 243 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

 PARASITIC DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



Animal Parasites :— Scabies, or Mange— Poultry Lousiness— licks and Magi 

 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. Creat 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 

 1 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. 



