DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 73 



by continued irritation and inanimation; or it expires in turible 

 convulsions. Tetanus, indisputably, is a nervous affection. An 

 injury to a small fiber of some nerve exten'is to the origin of the 

 nerve, when the brain becomes affected, and a diseased action of 

 the body ensues. When locked-jaw results fatally, it will be be- 

 fore the expiration of nine days, as the horse dies, without a remis- 

 ftion of the spasms, from sheer exhaustion. The free use of the 

 \ancet is regarded as one of tlws surest means of curing tetanic 

 cases, as by a flow of blood we open the bowels and tranquilize 

 the system. Venesection is the most powerful sedative for mus- 

 cular spasms. The nervous influence passes off with the blood ; 

 therefore the flow should be most copious. We may bleed the 

 horse until he falls, before the triumph is complete. The perma- 

 nent strength of the animal is not hazarded by the free use of the 

 lancet, but we simply make an attack upon the seat of the disease. 

 Physic, also, is a matter of much importance. Profuse bleeding 

 will cause the muscles of the jaws to relax, when the dose may be 

 introduced into the mouth. Clysters assist the action of the pur- 

 gatives; therefore aie useful. The application to the spine of 

 green sheep-skins, warm from the slaughtered animal, will some- 

 times diminish the sufferings of the patient. By gently rubbing 

 the spine with the hand, and then by using an opiate liniment, a 

 relief may be afforded. From eight to ten drachms of aloes should 

 be administered as a physic. The farina of crotou-nut is also a 

 powerful purgative. A solution of Ejjsom salts constitutes a safe 

 injection as a clyster. Opium, when given in doses, varying from 

 one half to two drachms, is a valuable medicine in cases of lock- 

 jaw. The disease is a violent one, and to check it proiupt meas- 

 ures must be resorted to." 



Contrast this with the following case : AVhilc in the city rS St. 

 Louis, a short time ago, I was requested to visit a bay gelding 

 aged eight years, the property of Captain Silva. The meysi-nger 

 informed me, not knowing that it was a case of tetanus, that the 

 horse was " all stiffened up." On an examination, the following 

 symptoms were presented : The muscles in the region of the neck 

 and back, rigid ; the eyes had a sort of squinting appearance; the 

 nose protruded ; the ears were erect and stationary ; the n')stril3 

 were expanded to their utmost capacity; the head, neck, and trunk 

 seemed to be immovable, so that it waj impossible to make hira 

 turn in any direction, or describe the least segment of a circle 



