282 CHAPTER 33A. 



will in ..due time reveal the nature of the affection. The one will not 

 yield to treatment, the other probably will yield. 



As a general rule laxatives followed by nerve stimulants are indicated. 

 Nux Vomica may be given powdered, in doses of one drachm twice daily, 

 or, if preferred, its active principle, strychnia, may be given in doses of 

 two or three grains night and morning. 



Good nursing, and easily digested food of a nourishing character are 

 imperative, and local applications to the spinal cord, such as fomentations 

 by means of hot blankets, covered with a waterproof sheet or a freshly 

 flayed sheepskin may be applied, and continued as long as necessary. 

 The application of irritants, such as ointment of cantharides, biniodide 

 of mercury, mustard or turpentine liniment, is generally recommended in 

 the subsequent treatment of the disease, but their utility is very doubtful. 

 The real seat of the affection is the brain or spinal cord, and it cannot be 

 reached by such like local applications. 



During recovery, however, they may, and doubtless do, assist nature 

 in restoring the nervous tone of the parts affected. 



569i. Local Paralysis. 



Local paralysis is not of frequent occurrence in the horse, but it is 

 occasionally seen affecting the facial muscles, especially those of the lips, 

 and is usually the result of some external injury, violence, or pressure 

 applied to one or more of the nerve trunks, such as is produced by the 

 use of heavy or severe bits, especially if the pressure be aggravated by a 

 tight curb chain. 



569/ t Symptoms. 



The lips will be pendulous and powerless to act as prehensile agents, 

 and the muscles of the mouth generally will be in a relaxed condition. 

 Difficulty is experienced in gathering the food, and mastication is a more 

 or less laboured performance. 



569fc. Treatment. 



Endeavour must be made to restore nervous power to the local 

 structure affected. Friction applied by the hand, and the application of 

 stimulants or mild irritants frequently repeated along the course of the 

 nerves, are the most appropriate remedies, accompanied by good nursing, 

 tonics, and nerve stimulants. 



In these cases Electricity has yielded the best results. It should be 

 applied for from ten to fifteen minutes daily, until returning sensation 

 indicates its application less frequently. 



