442 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



5. Struck by Lightning. 



The shock is instantaneous, and affects the brain and 

 nerves. If heavy enough it causes immediate death, but if it 

 is not severe enough to cause death it leaves the animal 

 prostrate, unconscious and paralyzed. 



Symptoms. — When not killed the animal falls paralyzed 

 and unconscious, the muscles relax, are soft and flabby. In 

 some cases there is twitching of the muscles, breathing hard 

 and slower than natural. In most cases there are spots of 

 hair singed from the body. 



Treatment. — Dash cold water on the head, rub the body 

 and legs well to get the circulation up and apply a thin 

 mustard plaster on the back of the head and sides of the 

 neck. Blanket the animal well to keep the body warm, and 

 keep the head cold by applying cold cloths. As soon as 

 strong enough to swallow, if a cow or horse, give half a pint 

 of whisky in a pint of warm water; if a sheep, dog, or pig, 

 give a wineglassful of whisky in half a pint of warm water. 

 Pour the drench down slowly so as not to choke the animal. 

 Give a drench every hour, and turn it over from side to side 

 every once in a while, and attend to its general comfort until 

 better. After the shock has passed off, if the animal seems to 

 be paralyzed give a cow or horse a teaspoonful of powdered 

 nux vomica twice a day on the tongue with a spoon, or in its 

 feed as a nerve stimulant. Give a sheep, dog, or pig one- 

 quarter of a teaspoonful of powdered nux vomica twice a day 

 until strengthened. 



Indications of Being Struck by Lightning. — The finding 

 of an animal (previously healthy) dead after a thunderstorm 

 is sufficient to cause suspicion that death was due to light- 

 ning. Should this be the case an examination of the body 

 discloses the facts, (1) that the muscles are flabby, (2) that 

 the limbs may be easily moved from one position to another, 

 and (3) in some cases that the hair is scorched in spots about 

 the body. 



6. Ergoti F-m. 



This disease is most often seen in cattle, and shows itself 

 mostly in the winter and spring of the year. 



♦Ergot also affects rye and other grain and usually such grains or 

 grasses as grow on low, rich land during damp, hot seasons. The effect 

 is similar in principle to that of smut. 



