252 



THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



Causes. — It may be the result of injury to the brain or 

 spinal cord, tumors in the vicinity of these organs or great 

 excitement. Injury to the back may occur at the time of 

 falling or when being cast for an operation. Horses used in 

 the hunt sometimes develop it because of slipping or severely 

 straining the muscles under the spine. A rib fracture some- 

 times renders a horse unable to rise to his feet. It may 

 develop in a stallion because of serving a great many mares. 

 Cows are more subject to paralysis than horses. 



Symptoms. — Partial paralysis renders that part of the 

 body affected powerless and senseless. Should one side, for 

 example, be paralyzed, it is so indicated by walking in a 

 -ircle ; again if the seat of the trouble be in the hind quarters, 



Fig. 34. — Paralysis of the Hind Legs. 



su£h will be apparent because of the loss of power in these 

 parts. There is sufficient power to raise the body upon the 

 front feet but that is all. The loss of the sense of feeling may 

 be proven by pricking the affected part with a pin when 

 apparently no notice will be taken of it. Even when unable 

 to stand because of paralysis the appetite may be fairly good. 

 Treatment. — Should he be able to bear his own weight, 

 raise him with pulleys or slings. In warm weather apply a 



