DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 129 



Symptoms. About the first thing noticed by the owner is 

 weakness in the hind quarters, and a staggering gait when walk- 

 ing. Colicy pains may precede this symptom. Walking in a 

 circle, reeling, drowsiness or stupor, blindness, leaning or push- 

 ing the head against some object, and occasionally more or less 

 frenzy, are all symptoms which may be seen in this disease. 



Other cases are entirely different, the horse showing no "brain 

 symptoms" until a short time before death. Paralysis usually 

 begins in the hind quarters and extends forward. In some cases 

 the animal can not swallow, and the bowels are usually consti- 

 pated. Few cases recover and death usually takes place in from 

 one to three days. But in some cases a slow and imperfect re- 

 covery takes place. 



Prevention and Treatment. As the cause of the disease is in 

 feeding musty or mouldy corn, oats, hay, etc., the prevention 

 must be to do away with all inferior or damaged feed. Moulded 

 or smutty ears of corn should never be fed to horses. As there is 

 little that can be done after a horse takes blind staggers, it is all 

 important to try and prevent it by being careful with the feed. 

 In mild cases a good purgative may be given, such as is pre- 

 scribed for constipation. Also give 1 dram of iodide of potas- 

 sium, and 1 dram of powdered nux vomica night and morning. 

 In bad cases there isn't much that can be done. 



CEEEBRO-SPINAL MEJSTINGETIS. 



This disease is quite similar to blind staggers and is considered 

 by some to be one and the same disease. It is an inflammation of 

 the spinal cord, brain and coverings. 



Causes. It is said to be caused by the influence of the air, bad 

 ventilation, etc. Among the exciting causes are food and water 

 containing vegetable and animal matter in a decayed or putrid 



