196 VETERINARY STATE BOARD 



ness, gastro-intestinal catarrh, passing of worms 6 to 12 inches 

 long. 



Sclerostomata = violent colic, frequent defecation, followed by 

 arrest, eyes sunken, cold sweating, paralysis of bowels, death. 

 These symptoms are not due to the presence of the worm in the 

 bowel but to its embryonic form which lodges in the anterior mesen- 

 teric artery, causing a thrombus and emboli to form. The latter being 

 carried to the peripheral arteries of the intestinal walls produce 

 the fatal results. Otherwise, the mere presence of the mature worm 

 in the bowels, unless in large numbers, may pass unnoticed. If 

 abundant the symptoms are similar to those of ascariasis and, in 

 addition, marked anaBmia and emaciation. 



Prognosis: Good in ascariasis; very bad in case of obstruction 

 of the mesenteric arteries by sclerostomata (" thrombo-embolic 

 colic"). 



How may the following be distinguished: sclerostoma equinum, 

 sclerostoma tetracanthum, oxyuris curvula and oxyuris 

 mastigodes? State the relative gravity of infestation by 

 each, giving reasons. 

 The sclerostoma equinum is larger than the sclerostoma tetra- 

 canthum, and its head terminates bluntly, whereas the sclerostoma 

 tetracanthum has a tapering anterior extremity. Oxyuris curvula 

 and oxyuris mastigodes are nearly identical except that the female 

 of the latter is 3 to 4 inches long and of the former only 1 to 1^4 

 inches. 



Sclerostoma tetracanthum is comparatively harmless; it sucks 

 blood and may injure the mucous membrane, producing 

 unthriftiness. 



Sclerostoma equinum is very harmful ; its embryonic form enters 

 the circulation and produces thrombo-embolic colic which ends in 

 death. 



The oxynridae lodge in the rectum and cause uneasiness and 

 unthriftiness. 



What conditions favor the propagation of strongylus (sclerostoma) 

 equinum and tetracanthum and what measures will pre- 

 vent their production? 

 Fecal contamination of water and feed favors the development 

 of these worms. As preventive measures, clear the intestinal tract 

 of the worms and destroy the faeces containing the parasites and 

 eggs of same. Prevent contamination of water with fseces. 



