218 BUBEAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



In a few cases the spinal S3'mptoms, manifested b}' paraplegia, may 

 be the most prominent symptoms; in others they may be altogether 

 absent and the main symptoms be difficulty in mastication and swal- 

 lowing; rarely it may affect one limb only. In all cases where coma 

 remains absent for six or seven days the animal is likely to recover. 

 When changes toward recovery take place, the symptoms usually leave 

 in the reverse order in which they developed, but local paralysis may 

 remain for some time, rarely persistent. 



One attack does not give immunity, for it may recur at some later 

 time and prove fatal. Horses have been known to pass through three 

 attacks, being affected for a week or longer each time. 



Treatment. — In the worst class of cases treatment is very seldom 

 successful, and it is dangerous to attempt the administration of medi- 

 cine by the mouth, on account of the inability of the animal to swal- 

 low. If the condition of the animal will admit of a drench, give 4 to 6 

 ounces of whisky in 2 pints of milk; the inhalation of ammonia vapor 

 from a sponge saturated with dilute aqua ammonia may arouse con- 

 sciousness. 



In the second class of cases a purge should always be given, and the 

 further treatment recommended is to give strychnia in 2-grain doses 

 twice or three times daily. If there is twitching of the shoulder mus- 

 cles or gnashing of the teeth, this should be discontinued. The 

 strength of the heart should be kept up with carbonate of ammonia or 

 whisky. When the animal is unable to swallow, one-fourth-grain doses 

 of sulphate of atropia may be injected .under the skin every four, six, 

 or eight hours, as the case may demand. The atropia is a heart sthn- 

 ulant, increases capillary circulation, and quiets pain and excitability. 

 When the most prominent symptoms abate give such food as they may 

 be able to cat, and keep fresh, cool water constantly before them, sup- 

 porting them in slings if necessary ; clean stabling and plenty of fresh 

 air are of the utmost importance. 



Pathology. — Postmortem examination reveals, in some cases, more 

 or less congestion of the blood vessels at the base of the brain and effu- 

 sion in the ventricles and in the subarachnoid space, both in the cranial 

 and the spinal cavities. The brain and cord appear softened in some 

 cases where the greatest evidence of inflammator}^ action existed. In 

 other cases the i^ostmortem examination is entirely negative, no gross 

 lesions being visible. 



Hygienic measures needful, — Whenever this disease appears in a stable 

 all the animals should -be removed as soon as possible. They should 

 be provided with clean, well-ventilated, and well-drained stables, and 

 each animal should receive a laxative and be fed food and given water 

 from a new, clean source. The abandoned stable should be thoroughly 

 cleansed from all waste matters, receive a coat of whitewash contain- 

 ing 4 ounces of carbolic acid to the gallon of water, and should have 



