176 DISEASES OF TEE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



The treatment consists of mild laxatives, blisters or setons to the back 

 of the head, perfect quiet, nutritious diet, the iodide of potassium in three 

 grain doses three times daily, and possibly after this agent has been used 

 for several weeks, strychnine can wisely be substituted. The appetite and 

 general condition of the animal will indicate whether quinine and iron 

 need be added to the strychnine. 



Chores. 



Chorea or as it is more commonly called, St. Vitus' dance, is a spasmodic 

 affection generally accepted as purely nervous. 



The causation is obscure. "Worms have been assigned, but the evidence 

 is insufficient. Great mental excitement, fear, and anger might induce the 

 disease. It very commonly follows distemper. It is characterized by 

 irregular contractions or twitching of certain muscles, movements which 

 the animal has no power to control. The affection may be extensive, in- 

 volving several parts of the body, but it is more generally confined to one 

 set of muscles, the head or a limb. 



Treatment. — The disease is exceedingly obstinate, and recovery is by 

 no means certain. The purpose should be to remove if possible all mor- 

 bid states of the body which may tend to aggravate the disease, such as 

 constipation, indigestion, worms, debility, etc. To sustain the general 

 strength and improve the vigor of the nervous system by tonics, nutritious 

 diet, and every influence conducive to perfect health. 



A diversity of remedies have been advised by different authors as a cure 

 for this disease. Doubtless the most serviceable drugs are strychnine and 

 arsenic; the preference given to the former. It should be commenced early 

 in the affection and may be given as follows. — 



R Strychnia? Sulph. gr. ij 

 Aqure 5 i 



Ft. Mist. Sig. Dose three drops twice a day. 

 The dose should be increased one drop daily until the physiological effects 

 of the strychnia are observed, as evinced by a stiffening of the legs or 

 neck. When this occurs the dose should be at once reduced to three drops, 

 and increased again as before. It will not do to make the giving of this 

 medicine a matter of convenience ; it must be faithfully and regularly ad- 

 ministered, and its action carefully watched. If no decided improvement 

 follows the use of strychnine after a reasonable quantity has been given, 

 arsenic should be substituted. The most convenient preparation is Fow- 

 ler's solution and of this four drops can be given twice daily, and increased 

 one drop every two or three days until the specific effects of the medicine 



