CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES. 86 



CEREBEO-SPINAL ^lENINGITIS. 



Give the synonym. 

 Cerebro-spinal fever. 



What is the definition ? 



This is a specific infectious disease, occurring sporadically and 

 in epizootics, characterized by an inflammation of the cerebro-spinal 

 meninges, and running an irregular course. 



Give the aetiology. 



It is due to a germ which is not well understood. Bad hygienic 

 conditions, as damp, dark, ill-ventilated stables, excessive heat, over- 

 work, etc., probably assist in its development. 



What is the morbid anatomy? 



There may be no cJiaracterislic changes, as the majority die 

 before exudation takes place. In well-marked cases the meninges 

 of the brain and cord are inflamed, the blood-vessels standing out 

 prominently, and the ventricles contain a serous exudate. 



What are the symptoms ? 



It usually occurs as an enzootic disease. The animals are ap- 

 parently well at night, and in the morning one horse may be down, 

 another dead, others refuse their food, they being unable to swallow 

 on account of a paralysis of the throat, which condition can be 

 verified by the introduction of the hand into the pharynx. In the 

 course of several hours the paralysis may extend toward the posterior 

 extremity, causing a peculiar swaying motion, with a dragging of 

 the toe of the extremity. The tail is limp, it having lost its power. 

 These cases usually terminate rapidly, the average duration being 

 eighteen hours. The pulse, temperature, and respiration are not 

 of any particular use in making a diagnosis. 



How is the disease diagnosed ? 



It may be diagnosed by the suddenness of the attack, by the 

 inability to swallow, from paralysis of that part, which usually ex- 

 tends toward the posterior extremity. 



What is the prognosis ? 



Cerebro-spinal meningitis is usually fatal. 



Outline the treatment. 



This afl'ection does not seem to yield to treatment. Belladonna, 

 ergot, quinine, calabar bean, potassium bromide, morphine (hypo- 



