digestive, urinary, nervous, and lymphatic systems. 69 

 Diseases of the Nervous System. 

 congestion of the brain "blind staggers." 



This disease is caused by an accumulation of blood in the vessels 



of the brain, due to some obstacle to its return to the veins. 



Cause*.— Disease of the heart; excessive exertion; the influence 

 of extreme heat; sudden and great excitement; artificial stimulants; 

 any mechanical obstruction which prevents the return of blood 

 through the veins to the heart, such as a small ill-fitting collar; 

 tumors or abscesses pressing on the vein in its course; extreme fat; 

 compression of the vascular structures (arterial capillaries) by an 

 abnormal tension of gas in the stomach and intestines; over-feeding 

 after a prolonged abstinence or when the exercise is insufficient : and 

 foods difficult of digestion. Fat horses or those with short, thick 

 necks are especially liable to attacks of this malady. 



Symptoms.— Congestion of the brain usually appears suddenly and 

 is of short duration. 



The animal may stop very suddenly and shake his head, or stand 

 quietly braced on his legs, then stagger, make a plunge and fall; the 

 eves are staring, breathing hurried and snoring, nostrils widely 

 dilated; this may be followed by coma (insensibility), violent con- 

 vulsive movement, and death. 



Generally, however, the animal gains relief in a short time, but he 

 may remain weak and giddy for several days. If it is due to organic 

 change in the heart or disease of the blood vessels in the brain the 

 symptoms may be of slow development, manifested by drowsiness, 

 diminished or impaired vision, difficulty in voluntary movements, 

 diminished sensibility of the skin, loss of consciousness, delirium, and 

 death. * 



Treatment. — Prompt removal of all mechanical obstruction to the 

 circulation. If it is due to venous obstruction by too tight a collar, 

 the loosening of the collar will give immediate relief. If due to tu- 

 mors or abscesses, a surgical operation becomes necessary. To re- 

 lieve the animal, if he becomes partially or totally unconscious, cold 

 water should be dashed on the head, and if this does not afford relief, 

 recourse must be had to bleeding to lessen arterial tension. If symp- 

 toms <>f paralysis remain after two or three days, an active physic 

 should be given, followed, after twenty-four hours, by iodide of 

 potassium given in 2-dram doses three times daily. Place the animal 

 in a cool, dark, well-ventilated stable, keep him perfectly quiet, and 

 give cooling diet. 



