Sarcoptic Scabies. Acariases in the Dog. 203 



cape observation the crusts may be steeped for one or two hours 

 in a ten per cent, solution of caustic potash and then examined 

 under a low power of the microscope (20 diameters). In this 

 way the crusts are rendered quite transparent while the chitinous 

 covering of the acarus, being unaffected, stands out clearly. The 

 other methods of placing the patient in a warm atmosphere or in 

 sunshine to tempt the sarcoptes to leave its burrow or that of 

 tying the scab on the human arm may be tried. 



The mange caused by sarcoptes lupi is mainly to be distinguished 

 b3' the size of the parasite, the abundance, thickness and hard- 

 ness of the scabs, and the inveterate persistency of the disease. 



Treatment. The first step in long-haired dogs is universal 

 clipping. This obviates all risk of overlooking isolated centres 

 which are ju.st commencing. Next the whole skin may be cov- 

 ered with a solution of equal parts of green potash sOap and 

 alcohol and just enough carbolic acid to give it the odor. This 

 is washed off next day and the surface is covered with the follow- 

 ing : Naphthalin, ^ oz.; vaseline, 2}^ ozs. ; oil of lavender, 8 

 drops. This may be applied daily until a cure is established. 

 Another very effective dressing and equally safe is sulphur, i 02. ; 

 carbonate of potash, Yi oz.; lard, 4 ozs. For house dogs balsam 

 of Peru or styrax, J^ oz. to vaseline, 2 ozs., or alcohol i pint 

 makes a most agreeable, if somewhat expensive, dressing, which 

 though slow is effective. Creolin i in alcohol 15 is very efficient. 

 I^ysol may be used in the same proportions. Cevadilla, i oz.; 

 sulphur, y^ oz.; olive oil, 8 ozs.; alum, 2 drs., is highly recom- 

 mended, but like carbolic acid, tobacco, creosote, cade oil, tur- 

 pentine, benzine, and other preparations it necessitates a close 

 muzzle or a leather covering on the part dressed, to avoid poison- 

 ing of the patient. 



The burning of the litter, the whitewashing or disinfection 

 otherwise of the kennel, exercise in the open air, a varied and 

 liberal diet and a course of tonics are important auxiliaries to the 

 local treatment. 



Prevention must be sought by the compulsory seclusion of 

 mangy dogs, leading them only on chain, by the exclusion of all 

 such from public gatherings of dogs as in hunting, or coursing, 

 by the boiling in strong soda solution of all blankets, covers, rugs, 

 bedding, etc. , and by the avoidance of all handling of mangy 

 dogs, so that the disease may not be conveyed to human beings. 



