CHAPTER XI. 



DISEASES OP THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



I. PHRENITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIX. II. APOPLEXY. III. EPILEPc 



SY. IV. PARALYSIS. V. TETANUS. VI. RABIES OR HYDROPHOBIA. 



VII. NERVOUS DEBILITY AT PARTURITION. 



I. Phrenitis, or Inflammation of the Brain. 



This distressing disease, which is most common during the summer 

 months, may be either idiopathic (i)rimary disease) or symptomatic. It 

 may result from fever, or from inflammation in some other part, its im- 

 mediate cause being too great a flow of blood which presses on the tem- 

 poral arteries, and causes increased action in all the circulatory vessels. 



How to know it. — There will be strong pulsation in the temporal arter- 

 ies, constant watchfulness, and finally raving. The eyes are inflamed ; 

 the animal will fall suddenly, soon rising again, however; there will be 

 trembling and starting of the tendons ; the skin will be harsh and the 

 urine suppressed. In a more unfavorable stage, there will also be grind- 

 ing of the teeth, and total want of rest. Really idiopathic phrenitis is 

 rare. It is generally caused by acute indigestion, impaction of the 

 omentum, and other local troubles. 



What to do. — The treatment consists of a good cathartic, as, for in- 

 stance. No. 8, the effect of which should be assisted by injections of warm 

 water and soap. 



Bleed from the jugular vein ; keep the head cool by means of ice or 

 very cold water ; and if the limbs are cold, use mustard or strong embro- 

 cations of ammonia. Aconite is also considered beneficial, but it should 

 never be used except under the direction of a veterinarian. During re- 

 covery, the animal should be kept quiet, and have good nourishing and 

 easily digested food. 



II. Apoplexy. 



In true apoplexy, the animal drops suddenly, and death ensues very 

 soon, unless immediate relief is given. The means to be used are bleed- 

 ing from the jugular vein, and the administration of a purgative, such as 

 No. 8, with injections of soap and water. Give a change of food. 



m. Epilepsjr 

 Epilepsy is rare, except in the case of y<mng animals. There will be 

 severe convulsions, followed by stupor, with foaming at the mouth. The 



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