MANGE
Cause.—This skin eruption is produced by the Sarcoptes Scabi. There are two other forms of parasites that produce Mange, but they are so rarely found that we need not mention them. Insanitary conditions favor their production. A dog in a poor condition, with a dirty skin, etc., is more liable to be attacked than dogs in good condition and with clean skins. It may be communicated in various ways, through kennels, brushes, collars, etc.
Symptoms.—Are generally very plain. It usually attacks the back, about the root of the tail, and extends to the head and neck, spreading quickly. The scabs do not pile up as they do on other large animals, because the dogs, on account of the intense itching, continually rub and scratch themselves so that only thin scabs can form. The affected skin becomes denude of hair, the dog becomes thin, emaciated, etc. The parasites can be seen with an ordinary magnifying glass, or if the small scabs be scraped off and placed on a dark paper in the warm sun, you can readily see small, white objects moving about. Eczema usually attacks the belly, etc., while true Sarcoptic Mange attacks the back and then spreads.
Treatment.—Feed soft, laxative food and give one to two ounces of Castor Oil; also provide clean, dry sleeping quarters. I have found the following remedy very successful in the treatment of Mange: Oil of Tar, one-half ounce; Vinice Turpentine, two ounces; Sublime Sulphur, one pound; Crude Petrolatum, one quart. Apply once a day. A few applications are generally sufficient to effect a cure. Great care should be exercised, as this disease is very contagious, and communicated to other dogs.