TENIA. 347 
teniz while at Madagascar. Under treatment he passed three worms, the 
united length of which was one hundred and seventy yards, and the weight 
nine hundred and twenty-two grains. 
The head of the tape-worm is so minute in size it is easily shielded from 
the action of vermifuges by the thick and tenacious mucus, which is always 
secreted in excess when such parasites are present. The small hooks, also, 
which are on the heads of most tape-worms, are generally so obstinately and 
firmly fixed to the lining membrane of the intestine that to make them break 
their hold is never easy ; while with some worms it is exceedingly difficult. 
Manifestly for treatment to promise success the conditions must be favor- 
able; and especially important is it that the head be completely uncovered. 
It is advisable, therefore, to make it a rule to institute preparatory treatment 
for at least one week before worm-medicine is to be given; the special purpose 
of the same being to combat the secretion of mucus, and have the head as 
nearly bare and unprotected as possible. 
To the desired end, for about the length of time stated, if the subject be 
full grown or a puppy well on toward maturity, the diet should be restricted to 
raw beef, and milk or broths thickened with a few well-toasted bread-crusts. 
It should really be of the ‘‘ starvation sort,” provided of course it can be safely 
borne, the subject being fairly strong and hardy. 
Under such restrictions in diet the mucous secretion should be greatly 
lessened, and perhaps sufficiently reduced; but still those who can conveni- 
ently do so ought to administer the following while the dog is under the low 
diet : 
Chloride of ammonium, two drachms; fluid extract of senna, six drachms; 
water, sufficient to make three ounces. Dose, one teaspoonful twice daily, 
between feedings. 
This dose is appropriate for breeds of medium and largest size; while for 
fox-terriers and the like it should be one-half a teaspoonful; and for toy ter- 
riers, one-fourth of a teaspoonful ; which quantity is about fifteen drops. 
The preparatory work having ended, the night before the worm-destroyer 
is to be administered, and several hours after a very light supper, — of a little 
milk or thin broth,—a goodly dose of Epsom salts should be given. For 
largest breeds it may be one tablespoonful; medium size, three teaspoonfuls ; 
dogs of about the size of fox-terriers, two teaspoonfuls; and a little less than 
one teaspoonful for toys. It will be necessary to force it into the patients, be- 
cause of its unpleasant taste and the quantity of water required to dissolve it. 
This cathartic is advised because it expels more of the mucus than any 
other like agent, and thus leaves the head of the worm more exposed to the 
toxic action of the vermifuge. 
If the dose of salts administered at night does not act, another must be 
given soon after daylight comes. 
