126 SPECIAL EQUINE THERAPY 



FOOT SCAB 



Foot scab in horses is a localized form of mange caused 

 by the Dermatoeoptes communis, and is important for 

 the practicing veterinarian because it must be differen- 

 tiated from scratches. Foot scab is most prevalent during 

 the winter months and affects the region that is commonly 

 the seat of scratches, the posterior face and sides of the 

 pastern region. 



Before any visible lesion is present there is considerable 

 itching, which the horse manifests by stamping and gnaw- 

 ing or licking the parts. Shortly after this the skin in 

 the region desquamates and becomes scurfy and raw, fol- 

 lowed by the formation of large crusts. The skin becomes 

 thickened, and transverse wrinkles or folds are formed. 

 Eventually these assume a tough, horny character and 

 remain even after the disease has been eradicated. 



Treatment. In the itching stage one or two applica- 

 tions of mercurial ointment, well rubbed in, will usually 

 put an end to the trouble. Most cases, however, do not 

 come to the veterinarian for treatment until actual skin 

 lesions are present. These respond quite promptly to 

 treatment with applications of coal-tar antiseptics or 

 sulphur ointment. Transverse, horny wrinkles or folds 

 can be slowly removed with a ten per cent ointment of 

 salicylic acid, which should be applied daily. 



When it is not possible to treat the horse as above 

 described, a complete cure can often be obtained by smear- 

 ing the affected pastern regions liberally with pine tar. 

 One application will accomplish the desired result in the 

 early stages of the disease. When the disease has become 

 chronic and the skin is marked with tough wrinkles and 

 folds more careful treatment is required. Foot scab is 

 transmissible through the agency of brushes, currycombs, 

 cloths, ankleboots and attendants' hands. 



