186 



PARASITES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



definitive host has eaten fish containing the living larvse, the tapeworms 

 develop rapidly, becoming mature in about four weeks. 



Occurrence. — This species is sometimes called the broad Russian 



Fig. 101. — Sections of Diphyllobothrium latum, — natural size (after Boas, by Kirkaldy 

 and Pollard, from Leuokart). 



tapeworm. It infests man and fish-eating dogs in Russia, Switzerland, 

 Japan, Finland, Sweden, and other foreign countries. It is extremely 

 rare in the United States, and is of little medical or economic importance 

 here. 



Treatment of T^eniasis 



Treatment of Taeniasis of the Dog. — Therapeutic measures for the 

 expulsion of tapeworms have two consecutive objects in view; first, the 

 bringing about of a torpid condition or weakening of the worm; second, 

 the expulsion of the entire worm from the host. The first is attained in 

 part by depriving the parasite of its nourishment, and by the adminis- 

 tration of a vermifuge which should sufficiently further weaken it to 

 cause its detachment from the mucosa; the second by a purgative which 

 will expel the detached worm with the evacuations. 



As preparatory to the action of the vermifuge, all food should be kept 

 from the animal for at least twenty-four hours immediately preceding 

 its administration; at the same time the cleaning out process will be 

 considerably aided if a mild laxative is given. Some advocate a milk 

 diet for several days, but in any case the fasting should be absolute for 

 a period of one day. 



Of the vermifuge agents, those which have been found most reliable 

 as tseniafuges are: (1) male fern (aspidium); (2) areca nut; (3) kusso; 

 (4) kamala. Of these male fern is particularly serviceable. Depending 

 upon the weight and age of the animal, the oleoresin of aspidium may 

 be given to dogs in doses of fifteen minims to one dram. It can be 

 advantageously combined with small doses of areca nut (one grain per 

 pound of body-weight), and conveniently administered in capsule. 

 Aspidium should never be given with oil as this favors its absorption, 

 and it is a local action which is sought. After three to four hours the 



