872 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



attentively in the sun or any \yarm place, a person may 

 distinguish, even with the naked eye, little organised, trans- 

 parent, shining bodies moving about ; these are acari — 

 insects belonging to the same family as the sarcoptce of 

 human itch. There is almost always to be discovered in 

 places within the substance of the skin more or less larvae 

 of these animalcules. In the horse the insect is large 

 enough to be seen without the aid of a lens in its travels 

 over different parts of the mangy animal's body. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of mange are seldom noticed 

 till the disease is established. They are very simple : the 

 animal is observed to rub himself uneasily, and then, on 

 examination, the hair is found loose and coming off, and 

 the multitude of minute pimples leave no doubt of the 

 nature of the case. Mange being suspected, its existence 

 may also be readily ascertained by inserting the fingers 

 among the roots of the hairs of the mane, and slightly 

 scratching the parts. The horse will extend his neck and 

 head, and continue motionless so long as the hand remains 

 upon its crest. 



Treatment — Though mange is principally treated by 

 local remedies, yet constitutional ones — cleanliness, warmth, 

 malt mashes, carrots, beetroot, speared corn, etc. — will 

 materially assist and expedite the cure. As in human 

 itch, sulphur is most relied on. When ointment, liniment, 

 or wash is to be applied, should the weather be fine, place 

 the animal in the sunshine for an hour ; if not, put it in a 

 warm stable, clean the coat sedulously till the scurf is 

 removed, and allow nothing to be used for other horses 

 that has touched the animal — brushes, combs, cloths, or even 

 halter or harness. Then rub in with the hand or a piece of 

 flannel either of the following, missing no part from the 

 nose to the end of the tail : 



MANGE OINTMENT. 



Sulphur vivum (yellow sulphur) , 6 ounces. 

 Linseed oil (or olive oil, 12 oz. ; and 



oil of tar, 4 oz.) .... 1 pound. 

 Oil of turpentine .... 2 ounces. 

 Mix. 



If the colour of the horse is desired to be preserved, add 



