WORMS IN THE NOSE. 61 
made, likely to reveal the cause; for it is not located in them, but, as stated, in 
some accessory cavity, and therefore out of sight. 
Fortunately this disease is but rarely encountered among dogs; also, that it 
can scarcely be mistaken ; for although offensive discharges from the nose are 
characteristic of “ Ulcerations in the Nasal Cavities,” and ‘“‘ Worms in the Nose,” 
those affections have peculiarities which are quite distinctive. 
If the disease is of recent origin it can be cured, but the gain will be slow; 
whereas if it has existed long the outlook is very unfavorable. 
It is believed by some able investigators that the actual cause of this disease 
is a specific organism or germ, and one of them has recently claimed to have es- 
tablished its identity. But the question of etiology must remain an open one until 
experiments have proved this or similar claims. However, the germ theory is 
highly probable, and treatment can rightly be applied in accordance with it. 
The peroxide of hydrogen promises best, and should be used — in solution of 
the same strength and as often — as advised for “ Worms in the Nose.” 
WORMS IN THE NOSE. 
Now and then worms make their way out of the stomach and up into the nasal 
passages. But such accidents are extremely rare. Another, also very rare, is 
the appearance of the maggots in these cavities. In the first instance, sneezing, 
pawing at the nose, and similar evidences that it is seriously disturbed, are the 
signs manifested ; and very generally the intruders are quickly dislodged by the 
vigorous efforts of the host. Not so, however, with maggots or so-called screw- 
worms, which fasten themselves to the mucous membrane, and considerable force 
is required to detach them. 
When fully developed, the screw-worm is three-quarters of an inch long and 
about an eighth of an inch thick. It is made up of segments, between which there 
are rings of bristles. These cause some resemblance to a screw; hence the name. 
Where the worms have invaded the nose they have been found in large num- 
bers, — over three hundred in one instance. After a time they usually set up a 
bleeding, which proves very obstinate, and exhibits a very decided tendency to 
recur at frequent intervals, if not persist. When this is absent there is a con- 
stant discharge of a malodorous, watery fluid from the nose and mouth. The 
eyes are usually swollen, and perhaps nearly closed; while the parts anterior to 
them are puffed out, rendering the expression hideous. 
They are immediately killed by chloroform applied by means of an atomizer, 
but a highly efficacious treatment is syringing the nose with the peroxide of 
hydrogen. This should be diluted with three parts water; for were it used full 
strength the foaming caused might choke the patient. 
