492 RESULTS OF WOUNDS. 



ounces of the tincture, has a most wonderful effect upon the 

 spasms, the pulse, and the breathing; but this effect is very- 

 transient, and is succeeded by a return of the spasms with great 

 severity. The seat of the wound is from time to time to be 

 smeared with the extract of belladonna ; and when the bella- 

 donna is administered internally, it should be either dissolved in 

 the animal's mash or drink, or else placed between his teeth, 

 allowance being made for the probable waste. 



The prussic acid treatment, so highly recommended by the 

 late Mr. Lawson of Manchester, has with me proved to have 

 no special superiority ; and doubtless the success of Mr. Lawson 

 in the treatment of tetanus was due more to the tact and skill 

 of the man than to any virtue contained in the remedy. 



Those cases of tetanus which terminate favourably take usually 

 about six weeks before the spasmodic contractions entirely sub- 

 side. As soon as they can eat good food, they are to have it 

 liberally. Corn, roots, and hay in the winter ; corn and grass 

 in the summer, and a few doses of tonic medicine, such as the 

 sulphate of iron, will materially assist convalescence. 



In the fatal cases of tetanus, the breath very frequently be- 

 comes fcetid prior to death, and if the mouth be examined, a 

 quantity of slate-coloured epithelium will be found on the inner 

 surfaces of the lips, gums, and tongue. 



The treatment of idiopathic tetanus requires no special notice. 

 It is to be conducted upon the principles already laid down, the 

 only difference being that no local applications are necessary. 

 It is generally supposed that the idiopathic is more amenable to 

 treatment than the traumatic ; but, so far as I can judge from 

 my own experience, it is even the more fatal form ; and I find 

 that I am supported in this conclusion by the veterinary surgeons 

 of the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. 



