PHRENITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 483 



pail, and tries to gulp down a little water. It has no appe- 

 tite, and the discharge of faeces and urine is very scanty. 

 Prior to death the horse may be seized with convulsions, 

 and knock himself about seriously, or he sinks exhausted 

 and dies. 



The duration of the disease varies from forty-eight hours 

 to many days and even weeks. In the chronic form there 

 is partial paralysis, or peculiar modification in the action of 

 certain groups of muscles. 



TREATMENT. The most valuable remedies in congestions 

 and inflammations of the brain or its membranes are 

 cathartics and cold applications to the head. Clysters are 

 also used, and saline diuretics administered. Narcotics, 

 such as opium, are contraindicated. Blood-letting is more 

 to be recommended ; and we find the opening of the 

 temporal artery in favour with some veterinarians. Mr 

 Percivall says : " When blood can be obtained from the 

 temporal artery, that blood-vessel is to be preferred to the 

 jugular vein. In general, it is advisable to open both 

 temporal arteries. Should, however, even from both of 

 them, the flow of blood be not free and abundant, the jugu- 

 lar vein must be had recourse to, it being absolutely neces- 

 sary that blood in sufficient quantity should be extracted 

 to produce symptoms of faintness, and it being highly 

 advisable that this should be done as quickly as possible. 

 Supposing the blood can be collected in a blood-can or 

 water-pail for this cannot on all occasions be accomplished 

 in general we shall find that from two to three gallons 

 require to flow before this effect is produced, so much depend- 

 ing upon the size, condition, constitution of the horse, and 

 other circumstances. I used to consider the jugular vein 

 to be quite as good a channel as, if not a better than, the 

 temporal artery for blood-letting in affections of the head ; 



