88 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY 



Parasites 



The parasite with which we are chiefly concerned 

 is the Strongylus gigas, a nematode worm usually 

 of a blood-red color, slightly tapering at the ex- 

 tremities. Its length may reach three feet. The 

 ova are oval in shape and brownish in color, appear- 

 ing granular or pitted on the surface. The diag- 

 nosis of infestation by this parasite can be made 

 with certainty by the discovery of the ova in the 

 urine by microscopic examination. Suspicion of this 

 parasitism should be aroused by frequent attacks 

 of renal colic, hematuria, rabiform symptoms, and 

 emaciation. 



The treatment consists of repeated small doses, 

 from five to ten minims, of oil of turpentine. 



Diabetes Insipidus 



This is a rare disease in the dog, characterized by 

 an abnormal increase of the urinary secretion. It 

 is most frequently found in young animals, and may 

 be ascribed as due to some derangement of the 

 nervous system possibly afifected reflexly from the 

 intestinal canal. Pressure on the brain caused by 

 neoplasms has also been noted as a possible cause. 



Diabetes Insipidus is classed with diseases of the 

 kidney because an increased functionating of this 

 organ is the most noticeable symptom. It is prob- 

 able that it should be discussed with diseases of 

 the nervous system. 



Symptoms. — Increased thirst, emaciation, and the 

 passage of large quantities of pale-colored urine of 

 low specific gravity characterize this disease. 



Treatment. — A meat diet, avoidance of cereals, 

 and exercise are essentials in the treatment. Codein 

 in doses beginning with one third to one grain and 



