HYDROCEPHALUS. 355 



between this intra-utorlne malformation and some constitutional 

 predisposition or cachexia, most probably the scrofulous, in 

 one or both parents ; and second, because of the difficulties 

 such cases offer during the course of parturition. When 

 occurring at a more advanced period of life it is, in all those 

 cases Avhich I have observed, of a subacute rather than 

 decidedly chronic character, and seemed to be intimately asso- 

 ciated with a previous attack of inflammatory action. 



Anatomical Characters. — The greatest amount of fluid I have 

 invariably found in the lateral ventricles, not in connection 

 with the membranes, which of themselves give very distinct 

 evidence of increased vascular action, the condition of conges- 

 tion extending to the vessels of the bones. The arachnoid I 

 have observed to be opaque and somewhat thickened, particu- 

 larly over the inferior surface of the brain, where it will often 

 be found clogged with the results of inflammatory deposition. 

 The quantity of fluid, which is of a pale and watery character 

 and slightly turbid, varies much; I have not, however, met 

 with a greater amount than eight ounces. In such cases, the 

 progress of the disease and accumulation of fluid has operated 

 in destroying the septum naturally existing between the 

 ventricles, raising the corpus callosum, and thus throwing the 

 normally distinct cavities into one large sac, the superior walls 

 of which appear gradually to be undergoing a thinning 

 process. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms simulate, or rather are similar to, 

 those of inflammation of the encephalon combined with pres- 

 sure. In the first stage there is fever and increased irritability ; 

 this generally lasts a few days, when it is followed by the 

 second stage, of diminished consciousness and sensibility ; 

 which, if not reheved, passes gradually into the final and fatal 

 stage of paralysis with convulsions. 



Treatment. — In all these diseases of a chronic nature affect- 

 ing the contents of the cranium, little can be done in the direc- 

 tion of cure beyond the strict enforcement of correct hygienic 

 conditions, a careful protection of the animal from aU disturb- 

 ing influences, and combating adverse symptoms as they occur. 

 The greater number are benefited by a judicious use of tonic 

 and even stimulant medicines, alternated with certain altera- 

 tives and diuretics. 



23—2 



