144 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



The more common symptoms observed among our animals are 

 the following: Considerable abdominal distention or bloating, 

 vastly disproportionate to the amount of food taken ; voracious or 

 depraved appetite, manifested by eating all sorts of foreign bodies, 

 sticks, stones, bedding, etc., thirst, and an offensive odor to the 

 breath; intermittent abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a 

 rough, dry, harsh coat, with gradual emaciation. 



TREATMENT. 



A very large number of drugs have from time 10 time been 

 recommended for intestinal parasites ; but many of them have an 

 unwarranted reputation, and it is best to employ only those the 

 efficiency of which has been well established. 



After carefully noting the effects of a number of parasiticides 

 and vermifuges on the various animals, I am convinced that the 

 safest and at the same time the most effectual remedy for the 

 round worms infecting these animals is santonine, alone or in 

 combination with the aethereal extract of male shield fern (Oleo- 

 resina aspidii) in properly graded doses. For tapeworm, oil of 

 areca-nut is most effectual. This oil should be freshly prepared 

 as needed. It is prepared as follows : Take three ounces of fresh- 

 ly-ground areca-nut and six ounces of olive oil. Place in a wide- 

 mouthed bottle and thoroughly mix, remove to a warm place and 

 macerate frequently for 48 to J2 hours, and then allow it to settle. 

 Decant the oil, which is now ready for use. The dose of this oil 

 for a large animal, like a polar bear, is from two to three ounces, 

 given preferably in a pan of milk, after the animal has been pre- 

 pared by fasting for 48 hours, or at least on an empty stomach. 

 As the object of treatment is primarily to expel the worms, it is 

 very important that remedies shall reach them readily and find 

 them in a somewhat famished condition. 



In many instances it is better that the anthelmintic treat- 

 ment should be preceded by half-diet for a number of days. A 

 purgative may be added to the vermifuge, in order to expel the 

 worms which have been killed or stupefied. 



I have found, in such cases, that calomel, in small doses, is both 

 efficacious and entirely safe. Occasionally it may be found that 

 remedies which in some cases are effectual, are in others inactive. 

 For this reason, when there is positive or presumptive evidence 

 of the existence of worms, absolute dependence should not be 

 placed upon any one agent, but others be given after a proper in- 

 terval has been allowed. In giving medicines for the destruction 



