APOPLEXY. 129 



rupturing of blood-vessels, causing the blood to escape into the 

 cavities of the brain; or by tumors within the skull pressing 

 on the brain. 



The^ causes which predispose to the disease are, any thing 

 that will have a tendency to weaken the blood-vessels of the 

 brain, or occasion too great a flow of blood to that organ, or 

 prevent its free return from it; too high feeding without proper 

 exercise; feeding too stimulating food, as corn, in hot weather; 

 improper gearing, as too tight a collar; and keeping the head 

 reined too hio-h. 



Apoplexy may be distinguished from megrims, by the attack 

 of the latter usually coming on suddenly, and the horse getting 

 up in a few minutes, comparatively well. In those cases in 

 which both diseases prove immediately fatal it might be diffi- 

 cult to tell which disease had done the work; and, indeed, I 

 think the distinction, in such cases, is almost, if not quite, with- 

 out a diflference. A careful attention to the symptoms of the 

 case, and the previous feeding, working, etc., of the animal, 

 will enable any one to distinguish between apoplexy and either 

 mad staggers or stomach staggers. 



Treatment—This ^Yi\l be divided into two parts: First, the- 

 treatment during the attack ; and, second, after it is over, to- 

 prevent a return. As soon as the attack is observed, a large- 

 quantity of blood should be drawn from the neck-veins. Botk 

 veins should be opened; the orifice, or opening, should be made^ 

 large, so that the blood may flow rapidly, and as high up on. 

 the vein as possible. From six to eight quarts of blood should 

 be taken, or continued till he almost drops down or faints. 

 As soon as it can be got down, a thorough i%sic should be- 

 given. The following will answer the purpose: 



Take — Barbadoes aloes 1 ounce. 



Castile soap, scraped 1 ounce. 



Ginger, pulverized 2 drams, 



pint. 



Mix, and give as a drench 



9 



Warm water 1 



