210 CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS. 



gradually or follow an attack of acute hydrocephalus. Ac- 

 cordingly, blind staggers is characterized by disturbances of 

 consciousness. These symptoms may be observed while the 

 animal is at rest, but frequently they are not sufficiently pro- 

 nounced so that a diagnosis can be based upon them. Sub- 

 jecting a suspicious animal to exercise is a valuable aid in 

 making a diagnosis, it furnishes a better opportunity for test- 

 ing the psychic functions and the resulting increased blood 

 pressure intensifies the existing symptoms. 



It is of diagnostic importance that horses affected with 

 immobility can be used for work, though in a limited degree, 

 and that horses suffering with acute cerebral affections re- 

 fuse to work or. if worked, symptoms of cerebral 

 excitement follow. Again, horses with blind stag- 

 gers always have a low pulse, eat s 1 o w 1 y but nevertheless 

 eat a full feed. On the other hand, horses with acute 

 cerebral affections have poor appetite and a high, or change- 

 able, pulse. 



In examining for blind staggers the horses must be test- 

 ed while performing accustomed duties, and care must be ob- 

 served not to excite them ; in no case must they be subjected 

 to unaccustomed work. It is advisable to drive or ride the 

 animal oneself ; notice the facility with which the animal is 

 guided, effect of whip and spurs, tendency to go over to one 

 side, ease with which animal moves forward or backward. As 

 soon as the animal begins to sweat it is taken to a 

 quiet place and rested, here we repeat a careful examination 

 of the cerebral functions, (the animal's psychical 

 condition) ; observe the expression of the eye, effect of sur- 

 roundings, general attitude of the body, movements of the 

 head, use of eyes and ears. To determine the degree of sen- 

 sibility we resort to mechanical irritation : gently inserting a 

 finger into the animal's ear, flipping the finger against the nose, 

 stepping on the coronet, kicking against the cannon bone. 

 Finally the animal's motility is tested to determine whether it 



