498 ACUTE RED SOFTENING OF THE COED. 



tion and complete paralysis of the whole body. Movement 

 and sensibility may be retained for a few seconds in the 

 face, and the heart continues to beat under the influence 

 of the ganglionic system of nerves, but all signs of life soon 

 vanish. 



Fracture and displacement of the lower bones of the 

 neck may occur without paralysis, but usually both fore 

 and hind extremities lose their power. 



Fractures of the dorsal and lumbar vertebrae occur in 

 horses from violent muscular effort during surgical opera- 

 tions. When the fracture affects the dorsal spines, the 

 displacement is not so great as in fractures of the lumbar 

 region, hence an animal may rise, walk to its stable, and 

 only show signs of paralysis after many hours, and even 

 days, have elapsed. Commonly with lesions in the lumbar 

 region, there is at once irremediable paralysis of the hind 

 quarters. 



ACUTE RED SOFTENING OF THE CORD MYELITIS SPINITIS 

 ACUTE PARAPLEGIA. 



This disease is somewhat rare, but a number of cases have 

 been recorded in a more or less imperfect manner. During 

 the year 1863 several cases came to my knowledge, but I 

 observed one, in company with my colleagues, which can 

 well serve as a basis for the history of the disorder. 



Subject. A five-year-old mare of medium size, nearly 

 half-bred, and rather fat. Was accustomed to hard work in a 

 heavy van. Had stood in the stable three days ; and on 

 December 29, 1863, was taken out in the van for a mile or 

 two. The day was cold, with a drizzly rain almost con- 

 stantly falling. Nothing was noticed amiss with the 

 animal until taken from the van, about six yards from the 

 stable door. It then became excessively lame in the off 



