CHAPTER XIII. 

 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



431. Congestion of the brain. — An accumulation of blood in 

 the vessels of the brain. 



Causes. — Diseases of the heart, overexertion, excitement, extreme 

 heat, pressure on the jugular veins (a tight collar), or compression of 

 the lungs due to bloating of the stomach or intestines. 



Symptoms. — In mild cases the animal is restless and excited, the 

 eyes are bright and the pupils dilated. The cranium feels abnor- 

 mally hot and the mucous membranes of the head are injected. 



Other cases are characterized by depression. The animal may 

 stop very suddenly and shake his head or stand quietly braced on 

 his legs, then stagger, make a plunge, and fall. The eyes are staring, 

 the breathing is hurried and snoring, and the nostrils are wddely 

 dilated. This may be followed by coma (stupor), violent couaoiI- 

 sive movements, and death. Generally, however, the animal gains 

 relief in a short time, but may remain weak and giddy for several 

 days. 



Treatment. — Prompt removal of too tight a collar or other 

 mechanical obstruction to the circulation will give immediate 

 relief. If the animal is partially or totally unconscious, apply cold 

 water or ice packs to the head. WTien able to swallow, give 1^ to 2 

 pints of raw Unseed oil. Put the animal in a quiet, well-ventilated 

 stall and feed a laxative diet. If the disease is caused by bloating, 

 treat as directed in paragraph 414. 



432. Concussion of the brain. — A bruising of the brain, the 

 result of injury to any part of the head. 



Causes. — (.'oncussion of the brain is generally caused by an animal 

 falling over backward and striking his poll, or by kicks, blows, or 

 collisions. 



Symptoms. — Giddiness, stupor, unconsciousness, or loss of muscu- 

 lar power, appearing as a rulo immediately after the animal has been 

 injured. In other cases, some minutes elapse before their appear- 

 ance. The animal may recover quickly or not for hours. Death 

 may occur on the spot or after a few days. 



137 



