502 ACUTE RED SOFTENING OF THE CORD. 



spinous processes of the vertebrae immediately above the 

 seat of disease. After a period varying from two to three 

 days to some weeks, the animal becomes paraplegic, i.e., the 

 posterior extremities become completely paralysed. In the 

 worst cases, the animal is unable to void or retain urine, and 

 faeces voluntarily, and the posterior extremities often mortify. 



It is not to be understood that such cases always follow 

 the course indicated. Doubtless in many the stage of con- 

 gestion is scarcely passed, and the structure of the cord is 

 not involved to any serious extent. Were time allowed, in 

 many of these cases the animal would gradually improve, 

 and might, in the course of time, regain to a considerable 

 extent the lost power. When, however, there is loss of 

 control over the bladder and rectum, the case must be 

 looked upon as so serious as to warrant, in almost every 

 case, the destruction of the animal. 



Treatment should, in these cases, be directed particularly 

 to diminishing the congested condition of the cord. In the 

 smaller animals cupping may be had recourse to with ad- 

 vantage. Great attention must be paid to the condition 

 of the bowels, which have a great tendency to become con- 

 stipated. There are certain remedies which exert besides a 

 useful influence, probably by inducing contraction of the 

 minute vessels of the cord. Of these belladonna and its 

 alkaloid, atropia, and the ergot of rye, are the chief. 



The following prescriptions would answer very well for a 

 large dog : 



5- Atropise grj. 



Acidi sulphurici dil. mins. x . 

 Aquae font. Sviij. 



Solve. 



Liq. 40 drops to be given twice daily. 

 The dose to be increased after some days. 



