PARASITES AND SKIN DISEASES 113 



In all cases the premises should undergo a 

 complete disinfection. To counteract the de- 

 bility and anemia a full and generous diet and 

 a course of hematinics should be prescribed. 



In addition to its importance as a skin para- 

 site, the Trichodectes is, as has been before 

 mentioned, the intermediate host of the Dipy- 

 lidium felis, so that its eradication is of double 

 significance. 



Fleas 



The fleas belong to the natural order Sipho- 

 naptera, of which the Ctenocephalus felis is the 

 flea peculiar to the cat. The Pulex irritanS 

 or the flea infesting man, and the Ctenocepha- 

 lus canis, or the dog flea, are also found at 

 times infesting the cat. 



Clinically, all fleas produce the same results, 

 viz., irritation and dermatitis and have a harm- 

 ful effect on the condition of the animal by in- 

 terfering with its rest. At the same time, fleas 

 do not produce such bad effects as lice except 

 very occasionally, when the same symptoms as 

 described for lice are noticed. 



Treatment. — The same treatment as advised 

 for lice is effectual, or the animal may be dust- 

 ed well with pyrethrum powder and rolled up 

 in a towel for ten minutes and then well 

 brushed. Spirits of camphor sprinkled on a 

 rough towel in which the cat is rolled is a very 

 cleanly and efficacious way of destroying fleas. 



