DISEASES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 53 



stages they may have been infected ; but after the convulsive paroxysms 

 become more frequent they become more impaired. He may become 

 perfectly comatose. 



Post mortem. — You will not notice very well marked changes, especi- 

 ally to the casual observer. So you must be very careful in making 

 examinations, especially if several become affected and die suddenly. 

 The stomach and bowels will be empty ; the blood vessels reddened ; 

 effusion in the arachnoid, and into the ventricle of the brain ; also 

 extravasation into the intestines in small spots, from the size of a pin 

 head to the size of your finger. You may find congestion of the lungs, 

 but it is generally hypostatic, from lying in one position. Examine the 

 brain and spinal cord There will be a reddened appearance of the 

 coverings, and well marked effusion in the brain ; but there may be but 

 little of this reddened condition, and generally but little the matter with 

 the throat. The irritation of the throat in a pure case of meningitis 

 is generally due to some other cause, as the improper administration 

 of, or the giving of improper medicines. 



Causes. — *Atmospheric influence, or it may occur in an epizootic form, 

 from one cause operating on all at one time ; water containing a great 

 amount of organic matter ; decomposition acting upon and affecting the 

 nervous system. I have noticed some cases which I took were caused by 

 using water containing drainage from the stable. In some cases it affects 

 the spine more than the brain, hence the name. I have noticed some 

 cases, and I almost think it was influenza severely affecting the nervous 

 system 



Treatment. — If there is a complete loss of power, of course it is hope- 

 less : but if taken in the earlier stages, where it is confined to the 

 spine, it may be treated. You must treat to relieve congestion, and try 

 to prevent the spread of the disease. Use hyposulphite of soda, and 

 change the food. Belladonna is highly recommended, one, two, or three 

 drachms a day, and continue for some time, or its alkaloid atropine ; or 

 give ergot of rye in two drachm doses ; bromide of potassium in two or 

 three drachm doses. Use judiciously a good stimulant — hyposulphite of 

 soda may be tried. If there is a loss of power, use slings, but not unless 

 he can bear some of his weight upon the limbs. It is very difficult to 

 treat a horse after he has laid for some time, as he will be covered with 

 sores. You may give injections to act upon the bDwels, or use aloes, 

 two to four drachms ; but be careful if there is any irritation of the 

 bowels. After some time, if there'is still loss of power, use nux vomica. 

 If he is improving some, say in four or five days, take him out and allow 

 him to walk some ; try the effect of tonics. I have a tube which I can 

 insert through the oesophagus, for the purpose of giving stimulants 

 when there is loss of power, but have not tried it yet. Counter irritation 

 to the lungs, stimulating linaments, hot and cold applications have been 

 recommended, and I think may do good. Try hot and cold applications 

 alternately- It may produce a good effect If you think it does harm, 

 try other treatment. This disease is sometimes called cerebro- spinal 

 fever. There is a cause for every disease, but it is sometimes very 

 difficult to tell just what the cause is. 



Chorea. — All spasmodic twitchings may come under the head of 

 chorea, but we may just retain the common name "string bait.'" Chorea 

 in the horse is a peculiar affection of the muscles of the hind extremi- 

 ties. It causes a kind of shivering, and the horse is called a shiverer, 

 from the trembling of the muscles. It is the result of some lesion of the 



♦ See the first part of the Lecture. 



