AND HIS DISEASES. 87 



eephalus dispar, aphinis, common wKip-worm, , or long- 

 thread-worm, are found in tlie coecum. They resemble a 

 whip, the shank being about a third, and the thong two- 

 thirds of the length, usually about two inches. 



The teres lumbrici are very common, but seldom numer- 

 ous, and rarely produce much mischief. They are from six 

 to ten inches long, yellowish white, with a thick skin, about 

 the thickness of a goos^-quiU, and tapered at both ^ends. 

 The tape-worm, so common in man and dogs, is rarely seen 

 in horses. 



Symptoms. — ^Many horses have worms, and their presence 

 is never suspected till they appear in the dung. When 

 ascaris are numerous, they occasion indigestion, capricious 

 appetite, and irregular bowels, the coat being rough and 

 dusty ; he rubs the tail, and appears uneasy about the fun- 

 dament. The anus is surrounded with yellow mucus, which 

 is produced by the worm being crushed in its passage 

 through the sphincter.* , 



He is usually in an unthrifty Condition, weak, and easily 

 sweated. Troublesome diarrhoea is sometimes produced by 

 the presence of ascaris in the ccecum. They are sometimes 

 found in va.st numbers in the rectum. 



Treatment. — Most of these parasites are very difficult to 

 destroy, and but few medicinal substances are known that 

 have the power to dislodge them. Turpentine given in oil, 

 on an empty stomach, is found the most effective. 



When they are known to exist, the animal should be put 

 on bran-mashes for a few days, then either muzzle him or 



* Authors differ in opinion as to the origin of this yellow matter. Some 

 suppose it to he " an exorementitious product of the worms themselves," 

 others " a morbid secretion from the rectum." "We are satisfied, however, 

 that it arises from the crushing of the animal itself, as the dried skin of 

 the worm will sometimes be^ found adhering to the anus in connection 

 with it. , 



