540 SPOEADIC DISEASES. 



injuries or disease of the bones, in which the dura mater is 

 inflamed on its adherent surface ; the areolar tissue uniting it 

 to the spinal canal is loaded with venous blood, or sometimes 

 broken down, and the dura matter separated from its attach- 

 ments. 



The causes of idiopathic spinal inflammation are very obscure. 

 Very probably it is often due to rheumatic inflammation localized 

 in the membranes primarily, the cord itself becoming secondarily 

 afi'ected. In Principles and Practice of Veterinary Surgery, page 

 248, I have pointed out that hereditary tendency is a cause of 

 spinal affections. 



TREATMENT. 



The acute forms are to be treated antiphlogistically ; blood 

 may be withdrawn and purgatives administered ; depletives must 

 not, however, be pushed too far, as acute spinal diseases have a 

 lowering or debilitating effect upon the system. The purgative 

 may be combined with belladonna, which will to some extent 

 relieve pain and spasm, as well as overcome the congestion of 

 the spinal vessels. Hot fomentations to the back and loins are 

 indicated in the earlier stages, and blisters, or even setons, should 

 there be but a partial recovery. It must be remembered that a 

 continuance of the symptoms, after the acute stage has passed 

 off, depends upon some degree of effusion or exudation, and that 

 means must be taken to promote absorption. On this account 

 iodide of potassium with diuretics is indicated. Ergot of rye 

 (Secale cornutum) in combination with the iodide of potassium 

 is well spoken of by physicians, and may be tried in the lower 

 animals. 



In all cases great care must be taken that the urinary bladder 

 be regularly emptied; and if micturition is not naturally and 

 easily performed, the catheter must be used at least thrice a day. 

 If the animal is recumbent, this should never be neglected. The 

 attendants must also be directed to turn the patient every now 

 and then, see that enemas are regularly administered, and that 

 the bed is kept clean and dry. 



