DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 213 



softened and infiltrated with pus cells, and the nerve elements are 

 degenerated. 



Treatment. — Similar to that of spinal meningitis. 



SPINAL CONGESTION. 



This condition consists in an excess of blood. As the blood vessels 

 of the pia mater are the principal source of supply to the spinal cord, 

 peremia of the cord and of the meninges usually go together. The 

 symptoms are, therefore, closely allied to those of spinal meningitis 

 and congestion. When the pia mater is diseased the spinal cord is 

 almost invariably affected also. 



Cause. — Sudden checking of the perspiration, violent exercise, blows, 

 and falls. 



Sym-ptoms. — The symptoms may vary somewhat with each case, and 

 closely resemble the first s^miptoms of spinal meningitis, spinal tumors, 

 and myelitis. First, some disturbance in movement, lowering of the 

 temperature, and partial loss of sensibility posterior to the seat of the 

 congestion. If in the cervical region it may cause interference in 

 breathing and the action of the heart. When in the region of the loins 

 there may be loss of control of the bladder. When the congestion is 

 sufficient to produce compression of the cord, paraplegia may be com- 

 plete. Usually fever, spasms, muscular twitching, or muscular rigidity 

 are absent, which will serve to distinguish spinal congestion from spinal 

 meningitis. 



Treatment. — Hot-water applications to the spine, 1-dram doses fluid 

 extract of belladonna repeated every four hours, and tincture of aconite 

 root 30 drops every hour until the symptoms become ameliorated. If 

 no inflammatory products occur the animal is likely to recover. 



SPINAL ANEMIA. 



This ma}^ be caused by extreme cold, exhausting diseases, spinal 

 embolism or plugging of a spinal blood vessel, an interference with the 

 circulation through the abdominal aorta, from compression, thrombosis, 

 or aneurism of that vessel; the spinal vessels may be caused to contract 

 through vaso-motor influence, a result of peripheral irritation of some 

 nerve. 



Symptoms. — Spinal anemia causes paralysis of the muscles used in 

 extending the limbs. When the bladder is affected it precedes the 

 weakness of motion, while in spinal congestion it follows, and increased 

 sensibiiit}' , in place of diminished sensibility, as in spinal congestion, 

 is observed. Pressure along the spine causes excessive pain. 



Treatment. — If the exciting cause can be removed, the animal recov- 

 ers; if this fails, the spinal cord may undergo softening. 



