GASTRIC, VASCULAR, AND NERVE TONICS 509 



Nux-vomica and strychnine are prescribed in many 

 cases of paralysis. Where paralysis depends on loss or 

 diminution of nerve force, due to debility after some systemic 

 disease, or to prolonged inaction following an injury, 

 strychnine will give tone to both muscles and nerves. 

 Where, however, there is degeneration or destruction of 

 nervous tissue causing paralysis no treatment is of any 

 avail. Subcutaneously injected over the larynx strychnine 

 has been recommended for roaring in early cases. In 

 epizootic eerebro-spinal meningitis it has been used 

 in one-grain doses repeated two or three times a day, 

 but the mortality in this disease is extremely high 

 and the benefits to be derived from strychnine are 

 very doubtful. 



In cattle practice, nux-vomica and its alkaloids are used, 

 in indigestion and in chronic paralysis. Two bullocks 

 suffered from chronic paralysis, one had to be carted home 

 from the grass field. He was dull ; his pulse 55, and rather 

 weak ; his hind extremities and tail had lost their power 

 of movement, their sensation was impaired ; the sphincter 

 ani was relaxed, and both faeces and urine were passed 

 involuntarily. Purgative medicine was given, and operated 

 next day, without, however, any abatement of the paralysis. 

 Two drachms nux-vomica were prescribed night and morn- 

 ing for ten days ; but little improvement being notable, 

 the dose was increased to three drachms thrice a day. This 

 treatment being continued for ten days, the patient was 

 able to walk round the house in which he was confined, and 

 rapidly recovered. The other bullock exhibited similar 

 symptoms, was treated in the same manner, and with like 

 satisfactory results. 



A week or two before parturition, cows, especially if in 

 low condition, occasionally lose the power of their hind limbs, 

 and are unable to stand. Little can then be done beyond 

 propping the patient in a suitable position, turning her 

 several times daily, and allowing laxative, nutritive diet. 

 Within two or three days after parturition, most of these 

 cases gradually regain the use of their limbs ; but when 

 defective nervous power continues, nux-vomica or strych- 

 nine is used with success. 



