113 DISEASES OF CATS 



at relieving the irritation, becomes thickened, 

 and there is marked desquamation of the epi- 

 thelium. 



On close examination the nits or ova cases 

 are seen clinging to the hairs. The parasites 

 may be found either with their heads burrowed 

 into the skin or moving about over the surface. 

 The favorite locations of the lice are on the 

 head at the base of the ears, under the chin, on 

 the breast, around the shoulders, along the. 

 back and at the root of the tail. 



If infested with Hematopinus well marked 

 anemia is added to the clinical picture, and 

 emaciation and prostration may be extreme, 

 the animal passing into a state of marasmus, 

 often ending in death, if relief is not obtained. 



Treatment. — ^In slight cases where clipping 

 is objected to, the coat should be well brushed, 

 all matted masses of hair removed, and as many 

 of the parasites as is possible removed with a 

 fine comb. An infusion of stavesacre 1 to 20 

 should then be applied and well worked into 

 the hair and skin. The process should be re- 

 peated several times. 



In young cats or in cases that are debilitated, 

 chinosol 1/500 may be substituted for the infu- 

 sion of stavesacre, as there is some slight risk 

 of toxic effects from the latter.; Nits can be 

 removed from the hair by the application of 

 vinegar or dilute acetic acid. 



