HMMAT0PINU8 PILIFEBUS. 397 



the side of the head (Fig. 86). Coarse breeds of dogs are not par- 

 ticularly affected by the bitts of fleas, but pet dogs and delicately 

 bred animals scratch and rub to 

 such an extent as to cause irri- ., fig. 86. 



tated splotches and redness over 

 the entire body, and lead the 

 owner to believe that the animal 

 is affected with mange. If the 

 fleas are removed from the skin by 

 a bath or in some other manner, 

 we may relieve the itching and 

 irritation by the application of „ ^ ,,., . „ 



_ •' _ -T^ Head of the ceratopsyllus cams. 



some soothing solution. (megnin.) 



Therapeutic Treatment. 

 Fleas are best removed by means of Persian insect powder (Flores 

 pyrethri). This must be moistened with alcohol and rubbed into 

 the hair. Zurn recommends the placing of pine shavings in dogs' 

 kennels. 



Hsematopinus Piliferus {Dog Lice) and Trichodectes 

 Latus Canis (Dog Parasites). 



Description of Hcematopinus Piliferus. This parasite is distin- 

 guished by an egg-shaped head fitted with fine, short hairs and 

 fleshy sheath-trunk with hooks at the edge. This when lifted 

 shows a sucking tube and two movable knife-shaped stilettos. 

 The thorax is wrinkled and possesses three pairs of scissor-like 

 claws. The posterior portion of the body is large and possesses 

 nine rudimentary legs. The length of the body is about 2 mm. 

 (see Fig. 87). 



Description of the Trichodectes. In this parasite the head is 

 broad, quarter-shaped, with three manacle feelers and a tooth- 

 shaped mouth. The thorax is contracted, the posterior part of 

 the body has nine distinct members, and the length of the body is 

 from 1 to 2 mm. (see Fig. 88). 



The former parasites are the most disagreeable, as they suck the 

 blood from the body, live particularly on those parts of the skin 

 where the hair is thick and which are not exposed to the cold, such 

 as the neck, flanks, and at the tail. The trichodectes feed, as a 



