DISEASES OF THE SKIN 49 



the crusts must be softened up with the soft 

 soap and should then be scraped off as much 

 as possible, but without causing too much dam- 

 age to the' skin. 



Psoroptic and Symbiotic Mange 



Psoroptic and isymbiotic mange in the rabbit 

 affects the ears, causing otorrhea or carilier. It 

 is transmissible to horses and from horses to 

 the rabbit, so that rabbits should be removed 

 from stables if either horses or rabbits become 

 affected. 



Symptoms: The rabbit is continually shak- 

 ing its head and resents handling of the affect- 

 ed ear. Upon exariiination, a catarrhal condi- 

 tion of the external auditory canal will be 

 found, the discharge being of the characteristic 

 brown color and distinctive odor. If the base 

 of the ear is pressed pain is exhibited and a 

 sucking noise is heard. The discharge cakes on 

 the inside of the earflap, and may produce 

 ulceration and excoriation. In advanced and 

 neglected cases, the animals may exhibit con- 

 vulsions of an epileptiform character. Unless 

 attended to, rabbits rapidly lose condition and 

 soon become emaciated, lose their appetites and 

 die of marasmus and inanition. 



Treatment: The earflap and external audi- 

 tory meatus and canal should first be thorough- 

 ly cleaned up with hydrogen peroxide, taking 

 care to remove all scabs and caked discharge. 



