THE SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM 103 



contractures of the muscles of the feet, neck and from 

 time to time generalized convulsions. The following days 

 these phenomena become more frequent and more pro- 

 nounced. It becomes impossible for the animal to stand 

 up; it becomes cachectic and dies usually in from eight 

 to ten days after the operation. 



The total extirpation of the parathyroids, therefore, 

 brings on fatal symptoms of tetany. 



The experimental cases which do not follow this rule 

 are explained by an incomplete removal or the existence 

 of accessory glands and are proved by autopsy. 



2. Toxic DISTURBANCES. The animal whose parathy- 

 roid has been removed shows digestive disturbances (loss of 

 appetite, dysphagia, intense thirst, abundant salivation, 

 frequent vomiting), a rapid breathing, an increased heart 

 rate; the excretion of urine is decreased, contains albumin 

 and often sugar and diacetic acid. All these symptoms 

 being signs of intoxication. 



3. TROPHIC DISTURBANCES. They are observed in 

 young animals who have only had a partial parathyroi- 

 dectomy; arrest of development, loss of hair, cutaneous 

 ulcerations, dental changes, etc. 



Of all the disturbances, the first are the most important. 

 The complete removal of these glands is incompatible with 

 life. It determines symptoms of neuro muscular hyper- 

 excitability (contractures and convulsions), comparable 

 to those observed in man during tetany. 



PARATHYROID SYNDROMES. 

 I. PARATHYROID INSUFFICIENCY AND TETANY. 



Tetany is characterized by attacks of painful contrac- 

 tures localized to certain muscles (usually those of the 

 extremities) and more rarely generalized. 



This affection was first described by Dance then Tonnele 



