The Cat 



to the base of the tail. There may be areas of 

 dry, rough scales, or the lesion may consist of a 

 reddened moist patch, devoid of hair. As the dis- 

 ease advances the lesions increase in size and spread 

 to other parts of the body. 



Treatment. — If the diet is bad it should be cor- 

 rected. If the cat is fat, he shoiild be put on short 

 rations. If worms are present, they should be 

 treated. Unless the lesion is of very long standing 

 it will probably respond to careful applications of 

 borated vaseline, which should be applied sparingly, 

 and well rubbed in, so that the cat will not in clean- 

 ing himself lick up too much of it. If the condi- 

 tion persists for any length of time internal medica- 

 tion and more vigorous external treatment will be 

 needed. 



Mange. — Mange first appears about the head and 

 ears and gradually spreads back over the body. The 

 lesion consists of a very thick crust of scales of 

 gra)rish-brown color which gives the skin the appear- 

 ance of being very much thickened. If the disease 

 involves a large part of the skin area it is ques- 

 tionable whether or not it is advisable to attempt 

 treatment. In the early stages and in mild cases 

 sulphur and lard may be applied. However, it is 

 much better to consult a veterinarian while there is 

 still a chance of saving the animal. 



Fleas. — ^During the summer months cats suffer 

 greatly from fleas. Because of their susceptibility 

 to drugs great care must be exercised in the selec- 



157 



