DISEASES OF THE ^"EliVOUS SYSTEM. 



397 



CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. 



Concussion of the brain is usually caused by the horse run- 

 ning away and striking- his head against some hard object, or 

 rearing and falling backwards and fracturing the basilar process 

 of the occipital bone. Concussion is due to an injury on the 

 head in various ways. 



Symptoms. — In concussion of the brain, complete loss of 

 motor power and sensibility takes place. The pupil of the eye 



Fig. 119 — Concussion of ti^e Brain. Showing mechanical conges- 

 tion from hanging the head to the extent of rendering the 

 animal unable to lift the enlarged head. 



is dilated, the pulse indistinct; the temperature of the body 

 lower than in health; the breathing is stertorous, and the animal 

 totally unconscious. In a few hours consciousness may return, 

 when he will make an effort to rise, getting up with his forelegs 

 under him like a cow, hind legs first. If the pulse is strong, 

 recovery may l)e expected. 



TiiKATMENT. — Apply cold applications to the head and warm 

 applications to the body and extremities. Prop the patient up 

 on his sternum, or sling him. dive stimulants and enemas. 

 Sometimes the patient will hang its head persistently until me- 



