(_b_) Constant movement of the worms over the inflamed intestine adds to the irritation. (_c_) Severe, and sometimes rapid, loss of condition and accompanying anemia are usual symptoms. Diagnosis is confirmed by finding strongyles in the intestine upon autopsy of typical specimens. (3) _Treatment._ Treatment is not satisfactory. One-half CC doses of tetrachlorethylene may be tried. [Illustration: _Figure 45. Life cycle of pigeon strongyle._ TL70214] (4) _Prevention._ The same methods prescribed for ascarids apply to strongyles. _c._ Other round worms attacking pigeons are numerous, but only capillary worms will be discussed here. These are very thin, hair-like worms sometimes found in the digestive tract of pigeons from the crop down through the intestine. Their life cycle is direct. No satisfactory drug has been found to rid pigeons of this worm. Fortunately, their life cycle is similar to that of ascarids, and the same preventive measures are effective. _d._ Tape worms, which are occasionally seen in pigeons, acquire a length of 6 to 8 inches. (1) _Life cycle._ Tape worms have what is called an indirect life cycle, that is they must pass through at least two different species to complete it (fig. 46). (_a_) Adult tape worms are found in the small intestine. Their bodies are made up of a head and segments. The head is essentially an anchor that fastens the worm to the intestine of the bird. The body segments form at the head and mature as they grow further from the head. (_b_) Each segment contains both male and female sex organs and, as it matures, becomes virtually a packet of tape worm eggs. (_c_) Segments break off and pass out in the feces. (_d_) The tape worm’s eggs are then eaten by a snail, slug, beetle, or other insect which becomes the “intermediate host.” Here the tape worm undergoes a certain amount of development. [Illustration: _Figure 46. Life cycle of pigeon tape worm._ TL70215] (_e_) If the intermediate host is eaten by a pigeon, the young tape worm attaches itself to the bird’s intestine and soon grows to maturity. (2) _Diagnosis._ Tape worms harm the host by injuring the intestine at the point where they bury their heads, by absorbing food, and by giving off antenzymes. (3) _Treatment._ Unsatisfactory. (4) _Prevention._ (_a_) Pigeons must be well-cared-for and fed so that they will not care to eat the intermediate hosts. (_b_) The method of prevention prescribed for ascarids is also applicable for tape worms. 55. Treatment of Injuries _a._ CUTS AND WOUNDS. Pigeons have marvelous powers of healing their own tissues, perhaps because of their high body temperature and rapid rate of body processes. The following are aids to healing. (1) Clean solid or contaminated wounds with boric acid solution or some very mild antiseptic. Strong disinfectants burn the exposed tissues and delay wound healing.