270 
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
with blood. With the exception of from i to 2 mm. in length 
at the beginning and end, the mucous membrane of the small 
intestine was very much swollen and covered with a greasy layer. 
It was studded with punctiform haemorrhages and large petechiae, 
and contained many flat depressions with reddened bases. In these 
depressions and along the whole mucous membrane, forming thick 
convolutions, numerous small round worms clung. These parasites 
were undoubtedly the cause of death. By their presence they had 
occasioned severe changes in the intestinal mucous membrane, and 
established the state known as worm cachexia. It was also evident 
from the state of the body that they had occasioned considerable 
and continued loss of blood. 
" The worm was examined by Professor Dr, Ostertag, who 
pronounced it to be Unci^iaria os paptltatum, a worm which only 
occurs in Indian elephants. 
"The remaining elephants were treated with santonin, which 
effected the removal of a great quantity of the worms. The state of 
health of the survivors has since been satisfactory. A prophylactic 
taenicide in freshly imported young elephants has not hitherto been 
noted. ^' 
Uncinaria are found in elephants in Burma. A parasite which 
appears to belong to this species is not infrequently found in the 
ducts of the liver where it sets up much irritation. On several 
occasions post-mortem examination has demonstrated some of the 
ducts to be choked with these parasites and local changes to have 
occurred in the organ to such an extent as to warrant even death 
being attributable to their presence. Observation, however, on the 
effects of extensive infestation by round worms in elephants is 
very desirable. Uncinaria, though insignificant in size, are often 
by their numbers and blood-sucking propensities the cause of debility, 
diarrhoea and loss of life. In making post-mortem examinations 
therefore trouble should be taken to examine the mucous membrane 
of the small intestines thoroughly for small haemorrhages and to see 
if there are any small parasites adhering thereto. 
(c) Cobbold mentions that certain round worms are found in 
small tumours in the coats of the stomach. If such tumours are met 
with they should be incised, and if parasites are present they should 
be carefully preserved and labelled. 
Treatment for round worms. — A course of treatment of such 
drugs as sulphate of iron, arsenic, santonin, and thymol in doses 
of to 2 drachms [see also Form.ulae 47 — 53 and 39 — 46) is to be 
recommended. At intervals during this treatment the bow^el should 
be opened by a mild purgative, and enemas (see Formulae 85 and 
86) should also be at times administered. 
