Wormy Corn 57 



horses certain years and the folIoAving year the same section may sus- 

 tain a heavy loss probably clue to different conditions of rainfall and 

 gro\\lh of tlie plants. Wormy corn can be taken from sections suffering 

 losses into sections of no disease and horses fed the wormy corn or 

 forage will develop the disease, becoming afflicted with staggers, after 

 eating wormy corn or fungi infected forage about 60 days. The sound 

 food coming out of the same crib apparently has no effect upon other 

 horses. It does not seem to be the worms or dust causing the staggers but 

 appears to be a bacteria finding suitable feed for development in the 

 vicinity of the cornworm, or his products. Boiling does not prevent the 

 staggers hence the poison must exist before the corn is fed. 



Certain molds form on forage and fodder crops known as fungi 

 generally when a wet spell follows a drouth. This like wormy corn 

 poison is found in certain isolated sections during certain years, or may 

 be only on one man's farm where plant growth has been stunted. Clovers 

 are sometimes held responsible for inflammation of the brain. 



Inflamation of the brain is often caused by certain acids deveoping 

 in a given locality or field where plant growth has been stunted by 

 drouth or frost, notable for this is second [growth cane and drouth stricken 

 corn stalks. 



SYMPTOMS 



The symptoms of inflamation of the brain from any of the above 

 causes are inseperable. The symptoms may be those of mental excite- 

 ment particularly noticeable when the attendant enters the stall. 



When the symptoms of menial excitement are outstanding the horse 

 usually does not live long. Where mixed symptoms or symptoms of de- 

 pression are outstanding the outcome of the case is more favorable. 



Symptoms of mental disturbance are loss of appetite refuses to be 

 led and often throws himself when the attendant pulls on the rope or 

 flings himself recklessly against the wall. At intervals the horse may go 

 into a stupor. The organs of swallowing and the tongue may be useless. 

 After 8 to 10 hours the horse has difficulty in standing and may fall to 

 the ground expressing serious uneasiness and arising only with difficulty. 

 The uneasiness while down some what diminishes as the case advances 

 and persistent effort does not result in the horse regaining his feet. The 

 horse presists in turnng only one way and can often be backed into places 



