Common Diseases of the Horse 225 



Large White Worms 



These are very common, and are found either in the stomach or 

 the first portion of the small intestine. Sometimes a horse will 

 harbour a shovelful without showing any symptoms whatever. 

 When full-grown they are about twice as thick and long as an 

 ordinary pencil. The females produce eggs, which pass out with 

 the dung, and after a few changes reach food or water and are 

 ingested. Prevention, therefore, consists in burning all worms, and 

 preventing dried dung from blowing into the manger or water. 



The usual symptoms are unthriftiness, capricious appetite, 

 fatigue, loss of flesh, and the passage of a worm. The common 

 remedy is a course of bran mashes for two or three da}'s, followed 

 by a draught of 2 oz. of turpentine in just over i pt. of linseed 

 oil given first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. 



W^hip or Seat W^orms 



These pests vary in length from about 2 in. to nearly three 

 times that length. They are very soft and of a yellowish-white 

 colour. The tail is thin and the head end thick, somewhat resem- 

 bling a short-handled stock whip. Hence the name "whip" worm. 



The natural residence seems to be the blind gut, but they are 

 often found in the hind gut or the seat on the way to the exterior. 

 This accounts for their second name. They do not produce any 

 marked symptoms, but their presence is often indicated by exces- 

 sive rubbing of the tail and an accumulation of yellow material 

 round the vent. This is in reality composed of eggs, and it is said 

 that sponging out the nose or mouth and vent with the same sponge 

 is a means of reinfecting the animal. The usual treatment is bran 

 mashes for two or three days, followed by a dose of physic on an 

 empty stomach, coupled with weak but noxious enemata contain- 

 ing salt or quassia. 



Palisade Worms 



There are a few different species of these worms, but the most 

 important is a stiff straight one, measuring from f to i^ in. It is 

 found attached to the lining membrane of the large intestine in 

 very large numbers. It is one of the most important of equine 

 parasites, and causes great losses every year. It is often associated 

 with other worms, and especially the species next described. The 

 damage is in some cases not appreciable for years after the animal 

 has become infected. This will appear clearer if the life-history be 

 related. 



Vol. IIL 48 



