Your Dog and Your Cat 



skin caused by a parasite which is so small that it 

 can be seen only with the aid of the microscope. 

 There are two distinct kinds of mange caused by 

 separate parasites, each of which has a different 

 method of attacking the skin. One burrows 

 through the superficial layers, while the other fol- 

 lows the hairs down to their roots. The latter is 

 naturally the more severe. Mange affects dogs of 

 all ages, and all breeds. It is contagious and may 

 be spread from one dog to another, not only by 

 actual contact, but through the medium of anything 

 used by the diseased animal. Thus the infection 

 may be harbored in the collar, leader, blanket, 

 combs, brushes, bed, and even in the cage, room, 

 or yard where the diseased dog has been kept. 



Symptoms. — ^The lesions so closely resemble 

 eczema that except in severe cases it is almost im- 

 possible to distinguish between them without the 

 use of the microscope. In severe forms of mange 

 pustules appear which as they break, discharge pus 

 that is filled with living parasites. Where pustules 

 form in large numbers in one area, the skin may 

 become pitted with holes. From this great quanti- 

 ties of bloody pus are discharged. Although the dis- 

 ease is a local affection, the general health of the 

 animal may become affected when the condition is 

 severe. 



Treatment. — ^Very vigorous methods are neces- 

 sary to combat mange. If the dog is of the long- 

 haired variety, the coat must be entirely removed. 



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