274 CHAPTEE 31. 



on the brain. Such tumours, as they increase, produce gradually aug- 

 menting results either of coma or delirium, or of both at different 

 intervals. Or concussion and pressure, such as that produced by a blow 

 or fall, may bring on similar effects. From such causes the blood-vessels 

 may even give way in the brain, and death may be the immediate result, 

 or sensibility may be lost and a state of perfect coma may ensue. 



Sunstroke or the effect of powerful sun and heat, especially on an 

 animal in a plethoric state, may bring on affection (usually comatose) of 

 the brain. 



555. The Brain. 



It is a remarkable fact that the Brain, though it is the seat of all 

 sensation, is yet in itself devoid of all feeling. It may be laid bare, or a 

 portion of it may be removed or lacerated without causing pain or head 

 symptoms, but the least pressure upon it immediately causes prostration 

 or delirium, and the animal is deprived of sense. 



556. Treatment. 



The disease, namely functional derangement of the brain (from what- 

 ever cause proceeding), is the same in both Sleepy and Mad staggers. 

 Hence the treatment will be somewhat similar, though certain variations 

 will be required according to the cause or supposed cause and according 

 to the stage of the disease. 



When the comatose attack arises, as it does in the great majority of 

 cases, from indigestion, and especially whilst it is yet in the early stage, 

 nothing answers better than the administration of a large dose of opening 

 medicine. It is most important, if possible, to open the bowels. Relief 

 may be expected if the bowels can be got to act. Large doses of purga- 

 tive medicine must be employed, because the bowels are always difficult 

 to move when the brain is affected. Enemata of warm water, to which 

 may be added solution of aloes, should also be thrown up. Diffusible 

 stimulants, such as bicarbonate or acetate of ammonia, will also act 

 beneficially in assisting the action of the purgative. With a similar view 

 hand-rubbing and fomentation should be applied to the belly. If the 

 purgative does not act in twenty-four hours it must be repeated. 



If the stomach and intestines are distended with gas as mentioned 

 above in par. 550, it will be advisable to give medicine with the view of 

 neutralising it. In the very early stage, when carbonic acid gas is 

 probably evolved, Liquor . Ammoniae, which will cause carbonate of 

 ammonia to be formed, will answer best ; whilst later, when putrefaction 

 of the food has begun and sulphuretted hydrogen is evolved, the chlori- 

 nated water of lime, which will cause the formation of muriate of lime, 

 will be required, or the chlorate of potassa may be given. 



Turpentine liniment should be rubbed all over the legs. In addition 

 to its action in rousing the secretions of the skin, some portion of the 

 turpentine will be absorbed through the skin into the system, and will 

 there act beneficially by increasing the action of the kidneys. Saline 



