178 CEREBRO-SPINAL FEVER. 



more protracted cases good has resulted from the use of com- 

 pounds of iodine and of strychnine. When prostration is a 

 marked feature at an early stage of the fever, neither purgation 

 nor local applications of cold or heat seem to do so well as 

 general and local stimulation. This may be carried out by the 

 exhibition of small and repeated doses of alcohol with quinine, 

 or ammonia compounds, and by daily friction to the spine 

 through the use of ammonia or soap liniment. When pain, 

 muscular convulsions, and tetanic spasms are severe, the 

 administration of opium affords more relief than aught else ; 

 this may be exhibited in the usual manner by the mouth, but 

 is probably more effectually and economically dealt with when 

 employed hypodermically. Belladonna, given internally, and 

 applied by liniment or plaster to the spine, has been highly 

 spoken of by some, and the use of ergotina by others. 



The employment of this latter drug has not in my experience 

 been attended with the favourable results anticipated. In all 

 save the more active cases, and in these in their convalescent 

 stage, I have imagined that the greatest benefits have followed 

 local stimulation, the steady exhibition, in not too large doses, 

 of tonics and stimulants, particularly preparations of iron, 

 iodine, strychnia and ammonia. Considerable objections are 

 entertained by some to placing the suffering in slings ; this 

 must be regulated by the stage of the fever, the temperament 

 of the animal, and accessory advantages we may possess. From 

 experience, I should advise the use of this mechanical support 

 in all cases where the animal was not utterly powerless, and 

 when the restraint did not seem to cause aggravation of s^rnip- 

 toms. Complications which arise during the course of the 

 disease must be treated as they occur, and in accordance with 

 their character. 



In the matter of food, nothing special probably is demanded, 

 save to see that it is good, easily assimilated, and such as will 

 not tend to constipate ; where little food is taken, nutriment 

 should be combined with the medicine. 



