250 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



pole of the head violently against some hard substance. In 

 some cases recovery is rapid, but in others death comes very 

 suddenly. 



Symptoms. — In a pure case of concussion all power of 

 motion and feeling is lost. There is complete paralysis and 

 but little sign of life. The pupils of the eyes are very much 

 enlarged and the pulse very weak. Should the bones of the 

 skull be free from fracture there are chances of recovery. 

 Signs of consciousness are first indicated by a desire to rise 

 but he gets up on his hind legs first and it may be some time 

 before it is possible for him to get upon his front legs. 

 Recovery is variable according to the extent of injury. 



Treatment. — Follow the same course of treatment as out- 

 lined in section II. of this chapter for sunstroke. 



4. Stomach Staggers (Megrims). 



Causes. — It may be caused in various ways. Anything 

 that will interfere with the flow of blood to the brain, such as 

 heart disease, indigestion, working in a tight collar, or a small 

 tumor growing and pressing on the brain. Very nervous 

 animals are more subject to this than others of the opposite 

 temperament. 



Symptoms. — The attack is sudden. He staggers, becomes 

 unmanageable and falls to the ground. These symptoms may 

 pass off in a few minutes, and he may seem as well as ever. 

 A horse once affected is unfit to use for single driving, as he 

 may take one of these fits at any time and fall without show- 

 ing the slightest sign of doing so. 



Treatment. — Dash cold water on the head until he comes 

 to, and afterwards give a physic consisting of 



Bitter Aloes 8 to 10 drams. 



Bicarbonate of Soda 1 dessertspoonful. 



Ginger 1 dessertspoonful. 



Mix in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a drench. 

 If there is anything wrong with the stomach this will gener- 

 ally relieve him, and it might be that he will never have 

 another attack. If it is from a tight collar, put a large one on 

 him. In some cases it is recommended to give, after the 

 physic, a teaspoonful of bromide of potassium in the feed 

 twice a dav, for a while, to act on the nerves. 



