DBMODECTIC MANGP 137 



This parasite is easily distinguished from that of 

 sarcoptic mange in that the latter is shaped some- 

 what like a horseshoe, while the former is elongated, 

 has four pairs of legs and a segmented abdomen, 

 and in shape somewhat resembles an oat grain. (For 

 full description, see works on parasitology.) 



In the pustular form, pustules varying in size 

 from a millet seed to the size of a pea are found 

 studded all over the affected area. These pustules 

 sometimes become confluent and larger areas of 

 skin become necrotic. On pressure of one of these 

 pustules, a sanguineous pus exudes which, if ex- 

 amined under the microscope, reveals the presence 

 of numerous demodecidse. As time goes on the skin 

 becomes covered with scales and much thickened. 

 Fissures and cracks make their appearance, become 

 infected, and exude a bloody pus that cakes on the 

 skin and gives the patient a most loathsome appear- 

 ance. Irritation as a rule is not great, and some- 

 times even entirely absent, but the skin is tender, 

 and scratching or rubbing the affected parts is re- 

 sented by the patient. In addition to the visible 

 lesions there is a characteristic mousy odor ema- 

 nated from the patient that, once experienced, is 

 unmistakable. 



Treatment. — This is most unsatisfactory, the usual 

 parasiticides being practically useless. The only 

 method at present that holds out any hope of per- 

 manent relief is the bacterin treatment. 



The patient must first of all be thoroughly washed 

 with green soap and a mild coal-tar antiseptic to re- 

 move all accumulations of scales and discharge. 

 Evacuate all pustules and give another antiseptic 

 bath (kerosene emulsion is suitable). 



Every fhree to five days inject hypodermically a 

 staphylobacterin. Dust the whole body with pre- 

 pared chalk {creta preparata) often enough to keep 



