DISEASES OF THE SKIN 85 



mice are troubled with ringworm, and constitute 

 a common source of infection in the cat. It is due 

 to a vegetable fungus, the growth of which is 

 favoured by a filthy and unhealthy state of the 

 skin. Human beings, especially children, frequently 

 contract the disease from cats, as shown by 

 accurate investigations. 



The cat may also convey it to other animals, 

 and where there are calves affected with ring- 

 worm, the latter are liable to infect cats, and thus 

 there may be a cycle of infection established. 



The signs of Ringworm are a circular bare 

 patch or patches with the hairs broken across, 

 giving the surface a stubbly appearance ; but in the 

 honeycomb form, crusts are formed and a nasty 

 sore results. 



Clip the hair off around the patch ; then wash 

 with soft soap and warm water, subsequently paint- 

 ing it with a little tincture of iodine, repeating 

 every other day till cured. 



A cat thus affected should not be allowed to 

 have free range of the neighbourhood, it being 

 unjust to cats of neighbouring tenants. 



Groom regularly, and see that the animal is well 

 looked after in all other respects. 



Herpes. 



The term Herpes is sometimes applied to ring- 

 worm, but also to other skin eruptions accom 



