DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE. 175 



Symptoms. — In a pure case of this the animal looses all 

 motion and feeling", he becomes completely paralyzed, and may 

 lie without much signs of life. The pupils of the eyes will be very 

 large, his pulse will be very weak. If there is no sign of fracture 

 of the skull bones there is hopes of recovery. He will first begin 

 to show signs of consciousness by trying to get up, but will rise 

 on his hind legs first, and it may be some time before he will be able 

 to rise on his front legs. In some cases the animal gets better 

 quicker than in others, according to the amount of injury to the brain. 



Treatment.— Same as that given for sunstroke. 



STOMACH STAGGERS (MEGRIMS). 



Causes. — It may be caused in various ways. Anything that 

 will interfere with the f\ow of blood to the brain, such as heart 

 disease ; from indigestion ; from horses working in a tight collar; 

 or from a small tumor growing and pressing on the brain. 

 Very nervous animals are more subject to this than others of the 

 opposite temperament. 



Symptoms. — The horse will be attacked suddenly ; he 

 staggers and becomes unmanageable and falls to the ground. 

 These symptoms may pass off in a few minutes, and the animal 

 apparently seems as well as ever. A horse once affected with 

 this disease is unfit to use for single driving, for he may take one 

 of these fits at any time and fall down without showing the slight- 

 est sign before it. 



Treatment. — Dash cold water on his head until he comes to, 



and afterwards give him a physic drench consisting of 



Bitter Aloes 8 to 10 drams. 



Common Soda 1 tablespoonf ul. 



Ginger 1 " 



Mix in a pint of luke warm water and give as a drench. If 

 there is anything wrong with his stomach this will generally re- 

 lieve him, and it might be he would never have another attack of 

 it. If it is from a tight collar, put a large one on him. In some cases 

 it is recommended to give after the physic a teaspoonful of bromide 

 of potassium in his feed twice a day, for a while, to act on his nerves. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE SPINAL CORD AND COVERINGS (SPINITIS). 

 Causes. — -It is sometimes caused from the animal injuring its 

 back by falling over a bank while running away, by severe exer- 

 tion from nervous excitement. We have seen a case where a colt, 

 running in a pasture field, fell and hurt himself. It may also be 

 brought on by throwing an animal. 



