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.
CAUSE.—The common cause, perhaps, is a sudden chilling of the body; cold, damp, chilly weather and damp, drafty kennels are favorable conditions to cause chilling of the body and the rheumatic form of Pleurisy. Germs may also produce it. It is commonly met with in specific diseases, as Distemper, etc.
SYMPTOMS.—Chilling and high temperature, two to four degrees above normal, the dog generally refuses to eat, and acts dull. Pain is a noticeable sign, and when the sides of the chest are pressed with the hand the dog will flinch; this is very noticeable during the early stage of the inflammation, and may cause a dog to act restless. When breathing the ribs are always held rigid. The breathing movements are mostly in the muscles of the flanks, the dog getting his breath in short jerks. Later, when fluids collect in the chest cavity, the breathing is more labored, and all of the abdominal muscles are used. On absorption of this fluid, the movements of the lungs may again become jerky in case the inflammation becomes chronic. The character of the pulse beats varies, and in some cases is very weak. In the early stage of the disease, friction sounds, caused by the dry inflamed membranes rubbing against each other, are detected on placing the ear against the chest walls. Later, the collection of fluids around the lungs may deaden all lung sounds, especially towards the lower part of the chest. In a mild case of Pleurisy, the inflammation is localized to just part of the lungs, or pleura. A lameness in both front limbs and stiffness in moving about are the most noticeable signs in this form of disease. In Chronic Pleurisy a dog is usually very weak and depressed. He is seen frequently lying on his side, and shows great difficulty in walking. The course of Acute Pleurisy is from six to eighteen days; the chronic form may run a course of two or three months, or longer. This form is unsatisfactorily treated, and the dog eventually dies.