332 ANEMIA 



Various complications will be observed from the emboli 

 affecting the different functions in the body. The most 

 pronounced complicating symptoms are in connection with 

 the heart, lungs and brain. The blood shows evidence of 

 anemia and leukocytosis. There is absence of fever, and a 

 gradual progressive anemia which may continue for several 

 months. 



Diagnosis. A correct diagnosis can be made only by a 

 microscopic examination of the blood for embryos. These 

 are easily recognized by their shape and peculiar snake-like 

 movements. 



Treatment. Very little can be done in the way of treat- 

 ment. Nutritious food and iron preparations are recom- 

 mended. Atoxyl in small doses has been used successfully 

 to reduce the number of embryos in the blood. 



Complicating symptoms are treated as they develop. 



Hematozoon Lewis!. This parasite is found infesting the 

 circulatory system in much the same manner as the Diro- 

 filaria immitis. Dogs are most commonly affected. A micro- 

 scopic examination of the blood is necessary in order to 

 establish the diagnosis. The embryos attach their heads 

 to the cover-glass and move their bodies very rapidly when 

 viewed under the microscope. Little is known concerning 

 the life history of this parasite. It is supposed to be taken 

 into the body from fleas and lice in which the larvse of this 

 parasite have been found. 



Treatment is the same as for Dirofilaria immitis. 



Haemostrongylus vasonun. This is a fine, thread-like worm 

 infesting the right ventricle of the heart and the pulmonary 

 artery and its branches. The male parasite is about 13-16 

 mm. long, and the female 17-20 mm. It forms small nodules 

 in the lining membrane of the vessel wall and thrombi in the 

 smaller vessels. The female parasite lays eggs which lodge 

 in the finer vessels, which, like the embryos, lead to the 

 formation of small nodes. The embryos migrate into the 

 bronchi and are coughed up and taken in by other animals. 



Symptoms. The symptoms are mostly those of a progres- 

 sive anemia and are not characteristic. 



