1934 ANNUAL REPORT, 1933 15 



A granular appearance of some of the epithelial cells in the upper por- 

 tion of the villi was the only significant change noted in the gastrointes- 

 tinal tract. Small areas were observed where the cellular structures of the 

 villi were destroyed to some extent. The cells appeared pale and frayed. 

 The villi were often surrounded by mucin. 



A pronounced and generalized infiltration of the liver cells was evident. 

 In the lesser damaged areas the cells had a granular appearance. In the 

 more extensively damaged areas the cytoplasm showed small, round, clear 

 areas surrounding the nucleus, giving the cell a vacuolated appearance. 

 These vacuolated spaces enlarged, forming one clear space in the cytoplasm 

 mth the nucleus driven to the side of the cell. The capillaries were dilated. 

 The sinusoides contained degenerated and poorly stained red blood cells. 



Extensive damage took place in the kidney tubules. The cells lining 

 the tubulos were destroyed and lost their identity. The tubules appeared 

 as enlarged clear spaces, surrounded by narrow ring-like bands of tissue. 

 Blue staining deposits and casts were often present in the lumen of the 

 tubules. The lungs were emphysematous with the characteristic structures 

 of the alveoli destroyed. 



FLEAvS AND ANAEMIA IN FOXES 



By Ronald G. Law and Arnold H. Kennedy 



During an investigation carried out at the Ontario Government Ex- 

 perimental Fur Farm, it was found that fleas were responsible for a severe 

 anaemia in foxes. 



Fleas have always been considered detrimental to the general welfare 

 of the infested animal, but it is doubtful if the majority of ranchers fully 

 realize the actual harm which these pests can do to their foxes. 



It is generally accepted that fleas irritate the fox and by the scratching 

 which ensues the pelt may be injured to some extent. Furthermore, the 

 flea, on account of its blood-sucking habits, can produce an unthrifty con- 

 dition in the host. 



The extent of the loss of blood which results from a heavy flea infes- 

 tation has not been determined so far as we are aware by scientific methods. 



During the investigation referred to, ten fox pups were placed in a 

 covered shed and bedded with sawdust. Apparently the fleas were im- 

 ported with the sawdust, for upon examination these foxes were the only 

 animals on the farm found to be infested. 



These foxes were fed the standard ration in daily use for breeding 

 stock, which includes beef tripe and beef hearts, liver, fresh ground bone 

 meal, cereals, vegetable matter in the form of lettuce, spinach, and young 

 carrots. 



A small quantity of yeast and milk is also added to the feed. Simul- 

 taneously with this investigation, eight foxes which had not become in- 

 fested with fleas were undergoing blood examinations, and were fed this diet 

 and remained within the normal range, showing no traces of anaemia. 



All foxes were examined for the presence of internal parasites, previous 

 to commencing the investigation, and any showing slight infestations were 

 treated, until negative findings were obtained. 



