512 DOGS USED FOR SPORT. 



brain rather than the spinal marrow. There is no good ground 

 for the hypothesis that chorea is dependent upon a disproportion 

 in size between the spinal canal and the spinal marrow, or upon 

 inflammation of the vertebras, or upon spinal irritation, for we do 

 not even know that the seat of the malady really lies in the spinal 

 marrow. 



The prominent symptom of this disorder is, an irregular and 

 involuntary clonic contraction of some of the voluntary muscles, 

 which, however, are not wholly or constantly withdrawn from the 

 government of the will. In epilepsy with convulsive spasm, we 

 find suspension of mental functions ; a temporary interruption of 

 consciousness, and therefore of volition. But in chorea there is 

 no loss of consciousness ; no defect of volition. The ordinary 

 movements of the body can be performed in some degree, under 

 the direction of the will ; but it would seem as if some other power 

 wantonly interfered to excite them where they are not needed, to 

 render them unsteady and imperfect, and to arrest natural action. 

 The symptoms then, are involuntary movements and twitching of 

 the muscles, which may vary more or less according to circum- 

 stances. 



The cause of the disease being unknown, we are largely in the 

 dark as to treatment. As it so frequently results as a sequel to 

 distemper ( ?) and inflammation of the bowels, we may look upon 

 it as due in part to defective nutrition ; we therefore prescribe- 

 tonics and nervines. Of those drugs which combine both prop- 

 erties, the following are the best ; valerianate of quinine, of iron 

 and zinc ; erythroxylon coca ; iodoform, bromide of ammonium, etc. 

 These may each be tried as occasion demands. The happiest 

 results are frequently had from the use of Hubbel's elixir of valeri- 

 anate of ammonia, and the mineral acids, combined with the tonic 

 barks. 



N. B. Both chorea and epilepsy may be frequently traced to 

 the breeding of the parent or parents at an immature age. 



Rabies Canina ; Lyssa ; Hydroptiobia. — It is much to be re- 

 gretted that dogs suspected of rabies are usually quickly destroyed. 

 When a person has been bitten by a dog or any other animal sus- 

 pected to be rabid, the beast ought by no means to be killed, but 

 to be secured, and kept under surveillance, and suffered, if it shall 



