CHAPTER XLIV. 



SPOEADIC DISEASE ^—continued. 



LOCAL DISEASES— cow^znwed 



{G.) DISEASES OF THE SPINAL COED AND ITS 

 MEMBRANES. 



Inflammation of the spinal cord and its meninges is described 

 as two separate diseases by human pathologists, and is termed 

 myelitis, when attacking the substance of the cord ; rachidian 

 arachnitis and spinal meningitis, when involving the membranes 

 only. I think that in the lower animals the distinction is un- 

 necessary. I shall therefore describe the disease under the 

 generic term. 



SPINITIS. 



Idiopathic inflammation of the spinal cord and its membranes 

 presents itself in the horse in two forms, namely, acute and 

 chronic. 



The symptoms of acute idiopathic spinitis are not always 

 alike. In some instances the paralysis, which results in every 

 case, may be manifested suddenly, and with little or no previous 

 premonitory signs of ill health, the animal losing all power of 

 movement over all parts posterior to. the seat of inflammation; 

 whilst in others, symptoms of cramp or spasm, great restlessness, 

 and a high degree of fever may for some time precede the 

 paralysis. 



The following case will illustrate this form of attack: — A 

 grey cart gelding, six years old, in previous good condition, 

 and at regular work, was observed to perspire profusely, to 

 breathe quickly, and to express signs of great restlessness ; the 

 hind feet were alternatelv lifted from the ground with great 



