PARASITES AND PARASITIC DISEASES OF HORSES 7 



to the wall of the cecum produces small ulcers in the regions to which 

 the worms are attached. 



Treatment. — Very little is known regarding treatment for tapeworms 

 in the horse. The following treatments have been recommended but 

 have not had critical test to determine their precise value. 



Oil of turpentine is said to be an effective remedy. This is given in 

 a dose of 2 fluid ounces (60 cubic centimeters) in capsules, followed 

 every second day by 1 ounce {SO cubic centi- 

 meters) in capsule until five or six doses have 

 been given. The last dose is immediately pre- Figure 2# _ The dwarf 

 ceded or followed by 1 quart of raw linseed oil. tapeworm Anophce- 



It would seem that the drugs used for the phalamamillana, oi 

 treatment of tapeworm infestation in other size 

 animals would offer more promise. 



Areca nut may be of value for the removal of tapeworms from the 

 horse. Areca nut, freshly ground, may be given to adult horses in 

 doses of from 1 to 1.5 ounces (30 to 45 grams) in capsules after fasting 

 the animals for 24 to 36 hours. The drug has a purgative action, but 

 if the bowels do not move within 4 or 5 hours, it is advisable to ad- 

 minister 1 to 2 pints of raw linseed oil. Areca nut should not be given 

 to very old or very young animals or to those in a weakened condition. 



Kamala may be found to be of value for the removal of horse tape- 

 worms. Kamala may be given to adult horses in doses of 1 ounce 

 (30 grams) in capsule, after they are fasted from 24 to 36 hours. The 

 drug itself has a purgative action and seldom needs to be followed by 

 a purgative. Kamala should not be given to very young or very 

 old animals, to those in a weakened condition, or to those suffering 

 from febrile diseases, such as influenza, distemper (strangles), and 

 infectious anemia (swamp fever). 



Oleoresin of male fern is another drug which may be of value for 

 the expulsion of tapeworms from the horse. This drug may be given 

 to adult horses in doses of 3 to 6 drams (10 to 20 grams) in capsules 

 after fasting the animal for 24 hours. The drug should be immediately 

 preceded or followed by 1 quart of raw linseed oil. 



The foregoing drugs should be used with caution and given only 

 to animals in good condition and presumably able to withstand any 

 poisonous effects of the drugs. 



Prevention. — No definite control measures can be recommended. 

 It should be remembered, however, that the eggs present in gravid 

 segments which are eliminated with the manure are the starting points 

 of new infestations. Any measures which are taken with reference 

 to the proper disposal of manure will aid in preventing infestation 

 with these parasites, especially if the manure is stored and permitted 

 to undergo self sterilization by heating, so far as the destruction of 

 parasite eggs and larvae is concerned. This procedure is described 

 later in this circular. 



ROUNDWORMS 



Roundworms or threadworms comprise the vast majority of para- 

 sites which infest horses. These worms, which are also known as 

 nematodes, are elongated, cylindrical in shape, and usuaUy tapering 

 at both ends. Some roundworms are almost white, some are grayish 

 white, most of them are yellowish in color, and some are pinkish or 



