TREATMENT. 413 



perfect quietude, correct sanitary conditions, and careful nurs- 

 ing, the medicinal agents which I have found productive of any 

 benefit have been bell adonna, prussic_acid, tincture of aconite 

 and bromide of potassi uro^ Chloroform I have tried largely, 

 but have invariably found that although tranquilizing the 

 animal while under its influence, the spasms and muscular 

 tonicity have appeared with greater severity on returning con- 

 sciousness. 



Of the Calabar bean, from which, on its introduction, great 

 results were expected J can speak with very little more confi- 

 dence. Lately, ^chl^raHiydrate has received much attention, 

 and, from what I have seen of it, believe it is deserving of 

 further trial and close attention, until its use in these particular 

 cases is established. 



The employment of external applications, as mustard, sheep- 

 skins, ice-bags, etc., to the course of the spine, do not, from 

 their results, warrant us in recommending them with certainty 

 of benefit, but rather in particular cases as matters of experi- 

 ment ; and certainly, the less such applications partake of an 

 irritating character, the more likely are they to be productive 

 of good. 



The best form in which to administer jDcUadonna is probably 

 that of the extract, while, if it is too firm in consistence, it may 

 be readily made softer and more adherent by grinding it along 

 with ajittlejtreacle and acetated liquor ammonia ; in this con- 

 dition it is introduced into the mouth, smeared over the tongue, 

 or placed amongst the molar teeth without causing the animal 

 any annoyance. The quantity given during the day varies 

 from three scruples to three drachms, according to size and 

 age ; and is to be administered at intervals of three or four 

 hours, rather than given at once. 



The hydrocyanic. acid andj3otassmm^alt are taken without 

 trouble when mixed with the drinking-water or soft mash ; the 

 former is better kept constantly before the animal, but never 

 in too large quantities, so that we may regulate the giving of 

 the medicines. From sixtyJ:o_ twpJmmireji_aM_fOT^ minims 

 of the medicinal acid, B.P., may be allpwedjn the twen tyzfour 

 hours, and from two to^jglit drachms of the po tassiu mbromlde. 



A very safe and all but needful precaution, when we possess 

 the facilities, is at the very outset of the disease to place the 



