DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 251 



5. Inflammation of the Spinal Cord and Coverings (Spinitis). 



Causes. — This, too, is the result of injury in the majority 

 of cases, such as may take place in a runaway. We have met 

 a case where spinitis developed in a colt after a fall in the 

 pasture field. Casting an animal may so injure him as to 

 cause it, as also may nervous excitement from violent exer- 

 tion. 



Symptoms. — The earlier symptoms may not be well 

 marked but as the disease progresses the symptoms become 

 more apparent. There is considerable fever, weakness and a 

 staggering gait. He sometimes strikes his hind fetlocks in 

 walking and falls down when an attempt is made to turn him 

 around. If neglected and allowed to develop, the result is 

 usually paralysis and death. 



Treatment. — Give a physic of 



Bitter Aloes 8 drams. 



Bicarbonate of Soda 1 teaspoonful. 



Ginger 1 teaspoonful. 



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

 In addition to this give the following powder : 



Powdered Nux Vomica l /\ pound. 



Ground Gentian Root J4 pound. 



Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre l / 4 pound. 



Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful in the feed or on 

 the tongue with a spoon every night and morning. Keep 

 him very quiet and in a comfortable place. Blister along the 

 back with a mustard plaster — quarter of a pound of mustard 

 and enough vinegar to make it into a paste. Put this plaster 

 on every day for a few days. When getting better oil his 

 back, if sore from the mustard plaster, with sweet oil, lard or 

 goose oil. Feed on soft food with plenty of boiled flaxseed in 

 it to keep the bowels loose. Assist him in getting up, should 

 he lie down, for when once he gets off of his feet entirely 

 there is very little hope of recovery. 



6. Paralysis. 



Paralysis may be complete or partial. When complete, 

 of course there is absolute loss of muscular power and sense 

 of feeling, which soon results in death. Partial paralysis 

 affects but one part of the body — the hind quarters or one 

 side, etc. See Fig. 34. Should the spine be affected all 

 portions of the body behind it are also paralyzed. 



