378 SPASM. 



effused into the spinal canal, and disturb the functions of 

 the part ; in which case, topical applications are requisite, 

 to encourage an absorption of the obstructing deposit. 

 When the paralysis can be traced to some visceral atlec- 

 tion, or to disease of the stomach, kidneys, bladder, the 

 result is not necessarily unfavourable, although our hopes 

 of a recovery are lessened. We should, in these cases, 

 primarily attend to the exciting cause, if it can be dis- 

 covered. But when there is loss of sensation without loss 

 of motion, the limbs being cold and the horse insensible 

 that he is in possession of such parts, and moving them 

 only when absolutely forced ; or otherwise, when they are 

 entirely paralytic, and yet sensitive, it is probable that the 

 nervous irritation originates within the spinal canal ; and 

 though we may with propriety use external stimulants, yet 

 there will be but small prospect of success. Of internal 

 remedies, strychnia has been found sometimes useful, in 

 one grain, gradually increased to three grain doses ; and it 

 may be united with other tonics, as gentian, or aromatics. 

 This, with purgatives as required, blisters, sheepskins, or a 

 charge over the loins, has often effected a cure, when the 

 paralysis has been confined to the hinder limbs only. 



SPASM 



Appears to be a morbid interruption of the ordinary 

 movements of the general muscular fibre, w^hether it be 

 local or diffused ; and as these movements are effected by 

 influence derived from the nervous system, so we look to 

 these sources for the acting cause of all spasmodic affec- 

 tions. Of spasm we have instances in gripes. We witness 

 the violence of the muscular contractions under the mental 

 influence in vicious and in terrified horses ; we see also 

 the same under an inflammatory state of the brain in 

 phrenitis, rabies, &c. ; and we know that mechanical imta- 

 tion can produce it. 



In the treatment of spasm two indications present them- 

 selves : either to allay the nervous excitement, or to render 

 the part attacked above or helow the disposition to be ex- 

 cited. The first indication takes in such remedies as are 

 direct sedatives to nervous excitability, as opium, hyo- 

 scyamus, belladonna, tobacco, &c. The second indica- 



