DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 227 



If delirium is present they push their heads against the wall, 

 kick and thrash about; the pulse becomes quickened, the mucous 

 membranes injected, the eye has a wild look, and there is heat over 

 the region of the brain. 



In the course of twelve or twenty-four hours symptoms of 

 coma may be shown; the animal becomes dull, the head down or 

 resting on the manger, the legs in various positions, either spread 

 apart or together under the body; in these cases it is difficult to 

 excite the animal, as the sensibility is diminished. There is an 

 irregularity of the appetite and the bowels are costive. 



What is the prognosis ? 



It is usually grave as regards a cure. An abscess may form 

 and produce death, or immobility, hemiplegia, or blindness may 



result. 



Give the indications for treatment. 



Purgatives to determine the blood to other parts, cold appli- 

 cations locally are the principal indications. 



The drugs likely to be indicated are aconite or veratrum, 

 valerian, belladonna, hyoscyamus, and possibly stimulants. 



If wounds are present, treat antiseptically. 



HYDEOCEPHALUS. 



What is the synonym ? 



Cerebral dropsy. 



What are the forms ? 



There are two forms, congenital hydrocephalus and acquired 

 hydrocephalus. 



What is congenital hydrocephalus ? 



This is an excessive accumulation of the cerebro-spinal fluid 

 in the ventricles of the brain or in the meshes of the pia mater in 

 the young, characterized by an enlargement of the head and more 

 or less pronounced nervous phenomena. 



Where is this form mostly met with ? 



This form is seen at the time of birth and is apt to cause 

 difficulty in delivery. It is rare among foals, being more common 

 in ruminants. 



