DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 211 



2 o-rains of sulphate of stiychnia twice a day until twitching of some 

 of the voluntary muscles occurs; then discontinue it for several days, 

 and then commence again with a smaller dose, gradually increasing 

 it until twitching recurs. Iodide of potash in 1 to 2 dram doses two 

 or three times daily may be emploj'ed with the hope that it will favor 

 the absorption of the clot or obstruction to the nervous current. In 

 some cases Fowler's solution of arsenic in teaspoonful doses twice a 

 day in the drinking water proves beneficial. Occasionally benefit 

 ma3^ be derived from the application of the electric current, especi- 

 ally' in cases of roaring, facial paralysis, paralj^sis of the eyelid, etc. 

 Nutritious but not too bulky food, good ventilation, clean stabling, 

 moderate exercise if the animal is capable of taking it, good groom- 

 ing, etc., should be observed in all cases. 



SnXAL MENINGITIS, OR INFLAIVIMATION OF THE MEMBRANES ENVELOP- 

 ING THE SPINAL CORD, 



Causes. — This may be induced by the irritant properties of blood- 

 poisons, exhaustion, and exposure, spinal concussion, all forms of 

 injury to the spine, tumors, caries of the vertebrae, rheumatism, etc. 



Symptoms. — A chill may be the precursor, a rise in temperature, or" 

 a general weakness and shifting of the legs. Soon a painful, convul- 

 sive twitching of the muscles sets in, followed by muscular rigidity 

 along the spine, in which condition the animal will move very stiflly 

 and evince great pain in turning. Evidences of paral^^sis or paraplegia 

 develop, retention or incontinence of urine, and oftentimes sexual 

 excitement is present. The presence of marked fever at the begin- 

 ning of the attack, associated with spinal symptoms, should lead us to 

 suspect spinal meningitis or myelitis. These two conditions usually 

 appear together, or myelitis follows inflammation of the meninges so 

 closely that it is almost impossible to separate i\\& two; practically it 

 does not matter much, for the treatment will be about the same in 

 both cases. Spinal meningitis generally becomes chronic, and is then 

 marked principally by paralysis of that portion, or parts of it, poste- 

 rior to the seat of the disease. 



Pathology. — In spinal meningitis we will find essentially the same 

 condition as in cerebral meningitis; there will be an effusion of serum 

 between the membranes, and often a plastic exudation firmly adherent 

 to the 2'>ici mater serves to maintain a state of paralysis for a long time 

 after the acute sj^mptoms have disappeared by compressing the cord. 

 Finally, atrophy, softening, and even abscess may develop within the 

 cord. Unlike in man, it is usually found localized in horses. 



Treatment. — Bags filled with ice should be applied along the spine, 

 to be followed later on by strong blisters. The fever should be con- 

 trolled as early as possible b}^ giving 20 drops of Norwood's tincture 

 of veratrum viride eveiy hour, until the desired result is obtained. 



