574 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



A contagious cutaneous eruption accompanied by an intense 

 pruritus and symptoms which have just been detailed must be con- 

 sidered as sarcoptic mange, even when microscopic research gives a 

 negative result. 



Some papulous eczemas are marked by manifestations which are 

 quite similar to those of sarcoptic mange, but the effects of the 

 treatment are sufficient to dispel all doubts. Extended dermatoses 

 which disappear after therapeutic applications are not of a parasitic 

 nature. 



In certain doubtful cases the accidental transmission to man 

 permits us to establish a diagnosis. It is not rare in Berlin, where, 

 as previously stated, sarcoptic mange is very common. 



Prognosis. Notwithstanding that the prognosis of sarcoptia 

 mange is less serious in the dog than in the horse, the cure is not 

 always effected rapidly ; far from it. Old and generalized mange 

 is quite obstinate, and weak and debilitated animals often die during^ 

 the treatment. 



Treatment. It is indispensable to take certain precautions in 

 the case of the dog which may be neglected in other species ; he 

 must be prevented from licking himself by tying his mouth, by 

 muzzling or covering him with leather blankets, etc. Long-haired 

 dogs must be clipped, and we must wait for some days before cov- 

 ering the integument with acaridian preparations possessing any 

 toxic property ; it is also improper to apply them upon a too large 

 moist surface. 



Among the commended remedies against dog mange, the most 

 advisable are : 



1. Cresol used in the shape of a liniment (cresol and green soap, 

 of each 1 part ; alcohol, ^ part to 10 parts, according to the degree 

 of intensity of the disease and its extension). With this prepara- 

 tion a daily application is to be made upon the diseased surfaces 

 until a cure is effected. In generalized mange we rub every day 

 one-third of the surface of the body. A cure is obtained in from 

 one to three weeks. We may also use cresylic alcohol (1 : 10-20), 

 and also cresol soap. Cresol as compared with all other anti- 

 psorics has the advantage of being absolutely inoffensive. 



2. TaVj which is generally used as a liniment (tar and green 

 soap equal quantities, alcohol q. s.). The whole surface of the body 

 is to be rubbed three times — one-third of it at a time — each day. 

 On the sixth day the animal is washed in a bath, and the treat- 



