DHJEgJTlVE, XIRINARV, NKRVOHS, AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. 69 

 DlwSEASES OK THE NeRVOUS SySTEM. 

 CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN "BLIND ST AGGERS." 



This disease is caused by an accumulation of blood in the vessels 

 of the brain, due to some obstacle to its return to the veins. 



Causes.— Disease of the heart; excessive exertion; the influence 

 of extreme heat; sudden and ^reat excitement; artificial stimulants; 

 any mechanical obstruction whidi prevents the return of blood 

 through tiie veins to the heart, such as a small ill-fittint^ collar; 

 tumors or abscesses pressing on the vein in its coui-sc; extreme fat; 

 compression of the vascular structures (arterial capillaries) by an 

 abnormal tension of ^&s in the stomach and intestines; over-feeding 

 after a prolonged abstinence or when the exercise is insufficient; and 

 foods difficult of digestion. Fat horses or those with short, thick 

 necks are especially liable to attacks of this malady. 



Symptoms.— Congestion of the brain usually appears suddenly and 

 is of short duration. 



The animal may stop very suddenly and shake his head, or stand 

 quietly braced on his legs, then stagger, make a plunge and fall ; the 

 eyes are staring, breathing hurried and snoring, nostrils widely 

 dilated; this may be folio v/ed by coma (insensibility), violent con- 

 vulsive movement, and death. 



Generally, however, the animal gains relief in a short time, but he 

 may remain weak ami giddy for several days. If it is due to organic 

 change in the heart or disease of the blood vessels in the brain the 

 symptoms may be of slow develqpment, manifested by drowsiness, 

 diminished or impaired vision, difficulty in voluntary movements, 

 diminished sensibility of the skin, loss of consciousness, delirium, and 

 death. 



Treatment. — Prompt removal of all mechanical obstruction to the 

 circulation. If it is due to venous obstruction by too ti^t a collar, 

 the loosening of the collar will give immediate relief. If due to tu- 

 m<jrs or abscesses, a surgical operation becomes necessary. To re- 

 lieve the animal, if he becomes partially or totally unconscious, cold 

 water should be dashed on the head, and if this does not afford relief, 

 recourse must be had to bleeding to lessen arterial tension. If symp- 

 toms of paralysis remain after two or three days, an active physic 

 should be given, followed, after twenty-four hours, by iodide of 

 I)Otassium given in 2-drani doses three times daily. Place the animal 

 in a cool, dark, well-ventilated stable, keep him perfectly quiet, and 

 ijive coolin^r diet. 



