152 NEW YORK: ZOOLOGICAL’ SOCIETY: 
have been seen, and in general changes like those found in the 
brain. The blood-vessels of the cord, almost without excep- 
tion, show pronounced alterations, and it is highly probable that 
these are in a large degree responsible for certain of the degen- 
erated cells and fibers. The posterior root ganglia have been 
found to show diseased ganglion cells in some of the cases with 
a consequent degeneration of the posterior nerve roots. The 
anterior nerve roots have also occasionally presented degenerated 
fibers. 
In concluding this summary of the changes found in the cen- 
tral nervous system, we feel that we can do no better than to 
quote from the conclusions presented in our study concerning 
cage paralysis in last year’s report: 
“It seems evident that ‘cage paralysis’ as noted by animal men 
is not a true disease entity, but that it covers many types of 
paralysis, mostly of spinal origin and probably as numerous as 
the like conditions in man. 
“From the five cases outlined in this study it seems that the 
lesions very closely resemble those of similar and well-recognized 
human diseases.” 
PROGNOSIS. 
This condition can never be accounted less than serious. 
While a case in its very earliest stage is much more hopeful 
than one that is far advanced, with bones extensively softened, 
yet the prognosis as to recovery is always bad. In the earlier 
and more favorable cases, the disease may apparently be arrested. 
From the foregoing pathological lesions it is hardly to be ex- 
pected that healing and regeneration of the extensively altered 
bones, or of the degenerated nerve tissues, can take place. 
TREATMENT. 
In respect to the treatment to be recommended and instituted, 
we are of the belief that this can only be employed, with any 
rational hope of benefit, during the period of incubation, and 
with the anticipatory purpose of prevention. It is but seldom, 
however, that the necessary advantage of this early knowledge 
of the disease is secured, and when the true nature of the trouble 
has become apparent it is often too late to resort to the remedial 
measures which might have been employed in the early stages. 
We are using freely bone-dust and lime-water in the food and 
water of our cases. These substances being practically odorless 
