Neuralgia. 187 



and sometimes improved b}^ work and associated with muscular 

 weakness or paresis. Sciatica in man is, however, rarely a 

 simple neuralgia, but partakes rather of the nature of a neuritis, 

 and there is no good reason for supposing that the disease of this 

 nerve in the lower animals is other than an inflammatory 

 condition. 



Iveclainche after consideration of the te.stimou}' adduced, is of 

 the opinion that we still lack absolute evidence of uncomplicated 

 neuralgia in the domestic animals. 



T^-eatment. For toxic cases elimination of the poison is the 

 first consideration. For /«?«^ carefully graduated doses of iodide 

 of potas.sium to carry off the offending agent without increasing 

 its poisonous action must be continued as long as the metal is 

 passed b}' the urine. It may be followed by a course of strychnia, 

 by electricity, massage and blisters. Gouty subjects may be 

 treated with salicylate of .soda, alkalies, or colchicum. The vic- 

 tims of Bright' s disease must be treated for the kidney affection. 



Where there has been trouble of the digestive organs, in- 

 testinal antiseptics (salol, sodium salicylate, bismuth-salicylate, 

 beta napthol) and small doses of arsenious acid will .sometimes 

 benefit. 



In anaemic conditions a course of tonics (cod liver oil, iron, 

 quinine, nux vomica) are indicated, and, to improve the local 

 blood suppl}', nitro-glycerine. A rich stimulating ration, curr5'ing, 

 an open air life, and sunshine (in summer a run at grass) are 

 called for. 



In man with a suspicion of traumatic origin, W. H. Thom.son 

 strong!}' advocates a per.severing use of the hot water douche to 

 the parts first affected, the hypodermic use of morphia and 

 atropia, and in case of local anaemia nitrogl3'cerine every three 

 hours. Where there is a suspicion of inflammation he succe.ss- 

 fully employs absolute rest, with opium narcotism so as to abolish 

 the pain, for twent}' days if necessary. Aconite, antipyrin, 

 acetanilid, phenacetin, exaglin, and gelsemium have their 

 advocates, and may benefit in individual cases. A course of 

 arsenic is often successful, and phosphorus and ergot have each 

 proved of value. 



