The last two varieties of mites can be seen by the naked eye but better by a magnifying glass. The first variety can be seen only by a glass and that with difficulty due to their burrowing under the skin.
One should be careful to distinguish mange from eczema as the origin and treatment of the two diseases are quite different, although the eruption looks much the same in each case.
1—Eczema is much more common in the horse than mange.
2—In mange there is a more definite boundary to the patches than in eczema.
3—In mange the itching is much more intense.
4—The actual discovery of the parasites by the aid of the magnifying glass is of course the final test.
Treatment.—Consists of clipping the hair around the infected patches, then cleaning them with oil or glycerine containing five per cent of creolin or lysol. Then apply a thick lather of green soap and leave on for twenty-four hours. This is to soften the scabs and prepare the skin for the actual remedy. For this purpose sulphur ointment (equal parts of sulphur and lard) is an old standby or a three per cent solution of creolin or lysol is good. The remedy must be thoroughly rubbed with a brush into the infected parts and when rubbed off by the animal reapplied for a period of a week. Then wash off and repeat the treatment two or three times.
In addition to this the horse should be removed from the other animals and all stalls, blankets, etc., that he has used should be cleaned by boiling water and a five per cent solution of creolin and lysol. This is necessary in order to destroy the mites which remain on such articles and which might infect the other animals or reinfect the horse.
Swelled Legs
This affection is of frequent occurrence in horses, and is more especially observed in coarse and badly groomed animals. The hind legs are most subject to it, although it frequently extends to the fore legs. Sometimes from metastasis of disease from other parts, the legs swell to an enormous degree, and it is attended with some degree of heat, tenderness, and peculiar lameness. The pulse is quickened, and there is evident fever. In such cases there is some inflammation of the cellular tissue, and an effusion of fluid forming the swelling. In these cases when there is heat and tenderness, a few doses of fifteen drops each of A. A., for Fever, will soon relieve the lameness and swelling. If the legs are swelled without being lame or painful, the I.I., should be given morning and night, with careful grooming and exercise, this will soon reduce the swelling. If the swelling is accompanied with Scanty Urination, the H.H., given three times per day is the proper remedy for the difficulty. Sometimes swelled legs are merely the result of a change of feed, and hence often occur in spring and fall, or when horses are taken from pasture and confined in close stables. Consult also Grease or Scratches.