Prosiiiosis. Treatment. Injuries and Concussion of the P)rain. (I^.'J 



The luiK'oiis iii('iiil)raiies are pale, pupils dilated, jjapilhe 

 of the optic nerves pale, pulse rapid and thready, respiration 

 irregular — slower and deeper than normal or shallow and 

 rapid. This state of affairs may last for a varying length of 

 time, and there may be general convulsions followed immedi- 

 ately by death (socalled "nervous apoplexy" of old authors). 

 In slight cases there is a gradual return of consciousness, and 

 this may be followed either by complete recovery, or the ani- 

 mals may be weak and dull for some time and for some weeks 

 show a tendency to giddiness. 



The symptoms of chronic anemia are less striking; besides 

 dulness there may be fright, frequent starting up, spasms of 

 certain groups of muscles and even general convulsions. Ow- 

 ing to the adaptability of the brain, cerebral symptoms may be 

 quite absent in chronic anemia. 



Prognosis. This depends upon the nature of the cause of 

 the condition. It is a favorable sign if the pupils contract 

 again and react to light. If there are convulsions, severe ane- 

 mia is indicated. 



Treatment. Various stimulants may be used, vigorous mas- 

 sage of the surface of the body, smelling of vinegar, oil of 

 mustard, ammonia, subcutaneous injection of ether, caffein, oil 

 of camphor and tincture of musk. If possible, alcohol, black 

 coifee or brandy should be administered. Artificial respiration 

 if necessary, stimulation of the sensory nerves of the skin, and 

 in small animals faradization of the phrenic nerve are recom- 

 mended. Finally, injections of physiological salt solution or 

 copious clysters may be given. 



In chronic cases the primary disease must be treated, par- 

 ticular attention being paid to the general anemia. 



6. Injuries and Concussion of the Brain. 



Etiology. The causes of bruising of the brain are exclu- 

 sively traumatic injuries involving the cranium or some other 

 part of the head. In the horse, the commonest causes are 

 kicks, collisions, and so on, whilst in the dog it is most fre- 

 quently caused by falls from a height, blows on the head, or 

 being run over. In ruminants and swdne, such cases are less 

 common, but exceptionally concussion may be caused by falls 

 or injuries inflicted with the horns. In birds, traumatism of 

 the brain is in most cases caused by blows on the head during 

 flight. 



Pathogenesis. Any of these causes may, under certain cir- 

 cumstances, result in depression or fracture of the bones of 



