174 Veterinaiy Medicine. 



the lesion, and when still further implicated, flaccid or spastic 

 paralysis, especially of the hind limbs and tail. When it impli- 

 cates the lumbar region in addition to the paralysis named for 

 the dorsal, there will be incontinence of urine and even relaxa- 

 tion of the anal sphincter. In a case of acute tuberculosis in a 

 cow, supervening on an ancient tuberculous lesion, as seen by 

 the author, there were imperfect control of the hind limbs and un- 

 certain gait, with tenderness of the dorsal region as if the animal 

 had sprain of the back. 



Diagnosis of these cases of vertebral disease may not always 

 be possible in the early stages, yet the symptoms of progressive 

 tenderness and stiffness in the region of the spine, the distortion 

 in some instances of the spinal column, the subsequent appear- 

 ance of localized motor and sensory symptoms, and later still the 

 spasms or spastic paralysis in all parts behind the seat of the 

 lesion, will be strongl)^ suggestive of such a disease. When in- 

 dications exist of osteoporosis, rachitis, or tuberculosis, of caries, 

 abscess, or infectious lesions of the cervical or dorsal spinal 

 region, the inference is still stronger. Then if reaction occurs 

 under the tuberculin test, or if the urine contains an excess of 

 phosphates in the herbivora, the case may be diagnosed with 

 certainty. 



Treatment. This will rarely be admissible on account of the 

 expense and uncertainty of result. Some meat animals may 

 be killed for food. If otherwise, keep in narrow stall where the 

 animal cannot turn even the head, feed from moderate level to 

 avoid movement of the spine by the upward and downward 

 movements of the head. Gentle brushing is useful as a means 

 of cleanliness, and of toning up the muscular sy.stem. Nourish- 

 ing food of an easily digestible kind is essential, and pure air and 

 sunshine are important auxiliaries. A course of cod liver oil 

 with bitters may be given to improve the general health, cal- 

 cium sulphide may be tried in case of suppurative caries, and 

 calcium phosphate will usually be desirable to improve the nutri- 

 tion and consistency of the osseus system. In case of a valued 

 patient which it is desirable to preserve for reasons of sentiment 

 or affection, or for breeding purposes, one might be warranted in 

 continuing a long and expensive course of treatment, but in the 

 regular run of cases considerations of humanity and economy 

 would counsel the prompt destruction of the animal. 



