The racoons (Procyon) are infested by a species of pentastome (P. subcylindricum), and Prof. Leidy has described a threadworm (Filaria insignis) obtained from a cyst in the foot. The gluttons (Gulo) are liable to be infested by an Ascaris, a Ligula, and by Eustrongylus gigas. The giant strongyle also infests the coati (Nasua). The skunk harbors Tænia crassipora. The Hunterian Museum contains four specimens of Strongylus cruciformis taken from a badger (Meles). The otters are largely infested by flukes; Distoma trigonocephalum, D. incrassatum, and D. rude being found in Lutra vulgaris, L. solitaria, and L. braziliensis, respectively, the latter also harboring Hemistoma clathratum. Otters are likewise infested by Ligulæ and Eustrongyli. The weasels (Mustelidæ) are attacked by a legion of entozoa, comprising flukes, tapeworms, round worms, and thorn-headed worms; they are also liable to harbor many ectozoa, a large tick (Ixodes) being especially troublesome.
Fig. 55.—Strongylus gigas, coiled within the kidney of a coati. After Leuckart.
Amongst the nematodes is Van Beneden’s Filaroides mustelarum, for specimens of which I am indebted to Mr Wright Wilson. This is found in the lungs, trachea, and in the frontal and nasal sinuses of the common marten (Mustela foina), in which situations it causes absorption of the cranial bones. This worm occurs also in the polecat (M. putorius), in the common weasel (M. vulgaris), and in the pine-marten (M. martes). The larvæ reside in frogs. Weasels are also very liable to have their kidneys invaded by Eustrongylus gigas. A species of Ascaris and a Trichosoma (T. entomelas) are not uncommon in the intestines. In regard to the tapeworms, Tænia tenuicollis infests the polecat and the common weasel, and T. intermedia the pine-marten. The most common fluke of the weasel is Distoma trigonocephalum. This infests the intestine, while D. megastomum is found in the stomach. The stoat or ermine (M. erminea) harbors Strongylus patens and Tænia brevicollis.
The parasites of the civets, ichneumons and their allies, (Viverridæ) are of little importance. Many years ago I described a small fluke (Distoma compactum) obtained from the lungs of the common Indian ichneumon (Viverra mungos). It is figured in my ‘Entozoa,’ (p. 16). Two species of tapeworm (Tænia platydera and T. genettæ) have been found in the common genet (V. genettæ), and also a round worm (Ascaris brachyoptera). From another viverra (V. senegalensis) Dujardin obtained a strongyloid worm (Dochmius crassus). A species of mongoos (Herpestes leucurus) is likewise infested by tapeworms (Bothriocephalus folium).
Comparatively speaking, very few entozoa infest the hyænas. In this family I include the earth-wolf (Proteles lalandi). Some years back Prof. Flower sent me a large number of delicate nematodes found loose in the peritoneal cavity of this singular South African carnivore. The worms themselves were so peculiar that I was compelled to form a new genus for their reception (Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides). From the intestines of the common Hyæna striata Dr Lautner obtained Echinorhynchus gigas.
The parasites of the wolf, jackal, and fox family (Canidæ) have especial interest, as including those of the dog. I can, however, do little more than mention the names of the various helminths of the dog, and the sources whence they come. At the same time, I shall incidentally refer to the wild canine animals that happen to harbor the same parasites.
Fig. 56.—Distoma conjunctum. Eight parasites of the natural size. Original.