SKIN FILARIA 271 



Filaria Irritans. — This is a silver-white larva 2 or 3 mm. 

 long, the adult form of which is unknown. It lives in the 

 subcutaneous connective tissue of the horse and is the cause 

 of a skin disease commonly known as "summer sores," or 

 granular dermatitis. The lesion manifests itself first by little 

 nodules which appear in the harness rests, legs, or other parts 

 of the body. The nodules ultimately erupt, leaving behind 

 ulcers which are covered with reddish-brown granulations. 

 On careful examination small hempseed-sized, yellow, cheesy 

 or calcified foci may be noted. In these centres the filarial 

 larvae are found. The ulcers show a tendency to spread and 

 are very obstinate to treat. This is due to biting and rubbing 

 by the patient and the irritation caused by flies. The ulcers 

 usually heal after the fly season, but recur the following 

 summer. 



Treatment. — Treatment consists in preventing the animal 

 from rubbing or biting the part and preventing flies from 

 reaching it. It is recommended to paint the ulcer with a 

 thin layer of sulphide of arsenic, which forms a dry scab, 

 under which healing occurs. Picric acid (1 per cent.) and 

 glycerin are also good. Other remedies are chloroform, ether, 

 or iodoform applied daily. Sometimes the hot iron is effec- 

 tive, as is curetting or even the total extirpation of the affected 

 area. 



Filaria Hemorrhagica. — This is a fine thread-like worm 

 28-70 mm. long which is parasitic and lives in the sub- 

 cutaneous and intermuscular connective tissue of Oriental 

 horses. It causes during the summer months skin hemor- 

 rhages. The blood raises the epidermis or skin in the form 

 of a hazel-nut-sized or small hematoma which ruptures in 

 one or two hours, its contents flowing over the skin. Usually 

 a number of these nodules occur close together so that the 

 invaded area is covered with blood. The condition disappears 

 in winter to recur the following summer. Healing usually 

 occurs spontaneously. The disorder is not serious, although 

 objectionable. 



Treatment. — The treatment consists in washing the skin 

 with an antiseptic and protecting the bloody area from the 

 harness. 



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