EINGWORM. 141 



As mange is solely due to the presence of a parasite, whose 

 attacks can in no way be modified by the internal administration 

 of medicines or special forms of food, given with the view of im- 

 proving the general health of the animal or the health of his skin, 

 constitutional trea,tment should be limited to those cases in which 

 the disease has produced debility that calls for relief. 



DISINFECTION. — Horses infected with mange should be strictly 

 isolated from healthy ones. The bedding, after it has been used, 

 should be removed and burnt, or deposited in some place where 

 it would not be a source of contagion. The stall or box and its 

 fittings should be scrubbed and washed out with a plentiful supply 

 oi boiling water, and afterwards with a solution in water of chloride 

 of lime (1 to 10), creolin (1 to 6), or of corrosive sublimate (|- oz. 

 to 1 gallon). The clothing, dusters, brushes, curry combs, bits, 

 stirrup irons, curb chains, etc.,, should be placed for a few minutes 

 in boiling water, or immersed in one of the solutions just men- 

 tioned. It should be borne in mind that the corrosive sublimate 

 solution has an injurious action on iron and brass work. Articles 

 of leather may be placed in boiling water for about half a minute, 

 or into the solution of creolin or of corrosive sublimate. If the 

 panels of saddles which have been in contact with mangy horses 

 cannot be disinfected, either by being placed in boiling water or 

 in an antiseptic solution, they may be kept in a moderately heated 

 oven (say, about 200° F.) for half an hour, or destroyed. 



Parasitic Ringworm {Tinea tonsurans). 



DEFINITION. — Parasitic ringworm is due to the invasion of a 

 fungus (vegetable parasite), which is met with on horses all over 

 the world, and has many varieties. I think it is more common 

 among Irish horses than among those of Great Britain. It is a 

 mild disease, which readily yields to proper treatment, and which 

 will often disappear of its own accord, especially under conditions 

 of cleanliness and good grooming. It is also seen on men, cattle, 

 dogs, cats, and other animals. 



This fungus penetrates into the hair follicles, sets up inflamma- 

 ■ tion, and attacks the hairs, making them dry and brittle, so that 

 they readily breai. 



CONTAGIOUSNESS AND VITALITY.— This disease is very 

 contagious among horses ; the chief means of infection being 

 saddlery, harness, and stable implements. I have seen frequent 

 instances of saddles used with animals suffering from ringworm, 

 produce the disease in several other horses upon whom they were 



