1 70 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



was formerly concluded as denoting a predisposition to apoplexy; this 

 supposition is not sustained by facts. 



Symptoms . —The abruptness of the attack, partial or complete uncon- 

 sciousness; slow, heavy, noisy breathing; full, hard pulse, less frequent 

 than in health; eyes fixed and reddened; mucous membrane purplish; 

 convulsive movements observed in some few cases. These are the more 

 common symptoms in apoplectic seizures. 



Treatment.— The head should be raised and kept cold by applications, 

 and the body "warm by coverings and artificial heat if needed. Generally 

 a cathartic should be given as soon as the animal can swallow. Too active 

 measures are unwarranted ; bleeding can do no good, and the treatment 

 must be expectant; perfect rest, and efforts to sustain the vital powers by 

 proper nourishment are the great essentials. Nature must be aided and 

 depended upon. Apoplexy is a grave condition; recovery may take place, 

 and the chances of a recurring attack depend upon the cause which gave 

 rise to it in the first instance. 



CONCUSSION OF THE BR£IjY. 



Concussion signifies sudden shock and interruption of the functions of 

 the brain. The condition is rare among dogs, but may exist, caused by a 

 blow or other mechanical injury to the head. 



Symptoms. — In ordinary cases the animal lies for a time motionless 

 and unconscious. If an attempt is made to arouse him he opens his eyes, 

 moves slightly, and again becomes insensible. After a time in this state, 

 the functions of the brain renew their activity, he moves restlessly, gen- 

 erally vomits, and his senses return. 



In more severe cases of concussion, the animal is unconscious of efforts 

 to arouse him, his breathing is slow, and his pulse quick and feeble; sur- 

 face and extremities cold. Vomiting in these cases rarely occurs. As 

 reaction goes on the pulse grows stronger, the breathing quicker, circula- 

 tion better, and the body warmer. After a time partial sensibility returns, 

 and when at last on his feet he staggers, reels blindly about, and possibly 

 again becomes unconscious. 



Death may follow a severe concussion; in some instances recovery 

 takes place slowly ; in others it is only partial, the animal remaining infirm, 

 with intelligence lessened. 



Treatment. —The skull should be carefully examined for a possible 

 fracture, and if one is found a surgeon should be immediately consulted. 

 In mild cases there is but little need of active interference. When the 

 symptoms indicate the injury a severe one, cold should be applied to the 



