102 MODERN FAliUIEil. 



IVIr. Lawrence justly observes, that it is a very 

 erroneous opinion to suppose that the locking of the 

 jaws, and the being incapable of receiving any sus- 

 tenance, is the cause of the animars death. The 

 fact is, that death is the consequence of suffocation, 

 arising from the rigidity reaching the nuiscles of the 

 ribs, in which case their expansion is prevented, and 

 the breathing of course is stopped. It is probable 

 also that the action of the heart and arteries is sus- 

 pended from the same cause. 



Causes. — This disease is generally primary ; but 

 it is sometimes symptomatic, and may be produced 

 by various causes, particularly from wounds, where 

 the nerve is partially divided ; from cold, when the 

 body is in a profuse sv/eat. It may arise also from 

 internal irritation, as from worms, which, in Mr. 

 Gibson's opinion, are a very common cause of it. 

 Probably it more frequently proceeds from wounds, 

 as a puncture in the foot or any other part ; and it 

 has certainly often been brought on by the barba- 

 rous operation of docking- and nicking'. There 

 seems no doubt that the brain is the principal seat 

 of the affection. 



Cia^e. — Instances of recovery from this disease in 

 horses are very rare. It is, however, necessary to 

 use some vigorous means as early as possible. Opium, 

 aconite, hellebore, &c. have been tried in the veteri- 

 nary college in very large doses, but without any 

 beneficial efrects. From considering it as a disease 

 of the brain, trepanning has been used, with the 

 view of making pressure on the brain, and this has 

 sometimes appeared to take off the spasm of the 

 muscles ; but as soon as the pressure was removed, 

 the spasms returned with nearly equal violence. 

 An infusion of tobacco, to the amount of two 

 pounds, has been given by Mr. Coleman ; but the 

 symptoms appeared to be aggravated. Mr. Feron. 

 recommends bleeding, and immersing the animal in 

 a warm bath at 90 deg. of Fahrenheit, so as to keep 



