Form of wound, leeches in posterior nares, discharge of blood, mucus,
sneezing, snorting, dysphagia, anorexia, unthriftiness, anæmia.
Treatment, removal, sodium chloride, tar fumes, ether on sponge.
Though it more commonly attacks the mouth and lips yet the leech (Hirudo
Decora) will sometimes fasten itself inside the nose when that is
plunged in water. Its bite is to be recognized by its triangular shape.
When taken in by the mouth it may fasten itself in the posterior nares
where it is difficult to recognize its presence. In the anterior nares
it can be readily discovered and removed, but in the posterior nares it
may maintain its hold indefinitely. There appear in the nasal discharge
streaks or clots of blood which may also show at the corners of the
mouth. Sneezing, snorting, and difficulty of deglutition, may draw
attention to the trouble, and in protracted cases signs of anæmia,
inappetence, unthriftiness and general weakness. The most effective
treatment is to remove the leech with the fingers, but as they cannot
always be reached in this way, an injection of a strong solution of
common salt may be used. Blaise succeeded by burning tar under the nose
twice a day, and Louvigny by introducing a staff bearing a sponge soaked
in ether.