Part 38

Mange as applied to animals is the same as itch in human beings, being beyond question caused by a parasite burrowing into the skin, resulting in the falling out of the hair, and sometimes in an exudation of an offensive-smelling pus, itching to such a degree that the patient scratches continuously.

There are two varieties of mange, viz., sarcoptic and follicular, both of which are contagious to animals, though very rarely to human beings. The first variety shows itself in little red spots, which exude a sort of pus, and these will spread over the entire body unless checked. Follicular mange is less irritating than the sarcoptic, but gives off a very offensive pus. This variety is generally very stubborn before yielding to treatment.

Provided the affected parts are not raw, rub well into the skin (twice daily) for three days a lotion of equal parts of benzine and sweet-oil. This will destroy the parasites. Then for a week apply daily the following, rubbing it well into the skin:

Milk sulphur ½ oz. Antimony ½ ” Whale-oil ½ pint

Purgative Mixture (Mild) should be given twice a week for at least three weeks.

A surfeit often shows itself on a dog, which is sometimes called red mange. This is not due to a parasite, but to overheated blood, resulting either from improper food, want of exercise, fleas, or inoperative digestive organs. Treat this affection as prescribed for mange.

PURGATIVE MIXTURE NO. 1 (MILD).

Syrup buckthorn (pure) 1½ oz. ” white poppies ½ ” Castor-oil 1 ”

Dose, 1 tablespoonful every other day for three days for a dog of 20 pounds. (The bottle should be well shaken before measuring out the medicine.)

PURGATIVE MIXTURE NO. 2 (STRONG).

Podophyllin 6 grains Comp. ext. colocynth 30 ” Powd. rhubarb 48 ” Ext. henbane 36 ”

Mix and make into 24 pills. For a puppy (setter six months old) a half-pill, assisted with a little broth. Repeat about every twelve hours until proper relief is had.

TONIC PILLS NO. 1.

Quinine 12 grains Sulp. of iron 18 ” Ext. gentian 24 ” Powd. ginger 18 ”

Make this into 12 pills, giving one night and morning. These are particularly good for debility arising from distemper and kindred diseases.

TONIC NO. 2.

Disulphate of quinine 12 grains Tinct. gentian 6 drams Syrup orange 6 ” Diluted sulphuric acid 10 drops

Mix and give a teaspoonful daily to a pup (setter). Graduate dose in proportion to size of dog.

WORMS.

There are three principal worms infesting dogs.

First, the common roundworm, from two to six inches in length, of a pale pink color, very thin like vermicelli, and greatly resembling the common earth- or angleworm. This is the worm most common in puppies, and inhabits the stomach and lower intestines.

Second, the tænia, or tapeworm, made up of white, flat joints (about half an inch long), often of great length, and also inhabiting the small intestines. It is about as thick as very coarse thread. Both extremities of this worm must be removed, else it will grow again.

Third, the pin- or threadworm, inhabiting the lower bowels, about half an inch in length and of pinkish color. It is apt to cause partial paralysis in puppies, which disappears after the worms are expelled.

More puppies and grown dogs die each year from worms than from all diseases combined. Their presence is generally manifested by the coat being dry and staring, dull and devoid of gloss, disturbed sleep very often resulting in fits, appetite capricious, distention of the stomach, breath generally offensive, nose hot and dry, loss of flesh, diarrhea accompanied by mucous discharge, and general irritableness. From an experience of ten years with Glover’s Vermifuge for all kinds of worms, I have never found anything to equal it, especially for puppies, however delicate. Having made it always a point to give my puppies a couple of doses of vermifuge at two and six months of age, whether they show evidences of having worms or not, I have rarely had any further trouble with these pests.

TECHNICAL TERMS.

Apple-head. A rounded head.

Blaze. White mark up the face.

Brisket. The part of the body in front of the chest.