DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 399 



APOPLEXY. 



"Apoplexy is a disease characterized by sudden loss, more or 

 less complete, of volition, perception, sensation, and motion, de- 

 pending on sudden pressure upon the brain (the tissues of which 

 may be morbid), originating within the cranium." (Aithin.) 



It is due to arrest of the circulation of the blood in the brain, 

 and there may possibly be rupture of some of the small blood 

 vessels of the part and extravasation of blood. It is seen in all 

 animals. 



Symptoms. — There may be some premonitory symptoms, su«h 

 as staggering and partial paralysis. Soon the animal will fall 

 and lie in an unconscious condition, without the power of motion. 

 The eyes are wide open, presenting a ghastly stare. The breath- 

 ing is stertorous, the body cold, the pulse small. In some cases 

 the animal retains the power of muscular movements, and fights 

 convulsively. These symptoms may alternate with quietude. 



Treatment. — Give several doses of the hyposulphite of soda, 

 half-ounce doses, every four hours. Apply ice to the head, and 

 bleeding may be beneficial. Bromide of potash in half-ounce 

 doses should be given. 



Apoplexy affecting the cow will be given in chapter on dis- 

 eases of the ox. 



TETANUS, OR LOCKJAW. 



Tetanus is a common disease in certain localities. There are 

 some parts of the United States where tetanus is almost un- 

 known, but in other localities it is frequently seen at all times 

 of the year. It is seen mostly during the months of August aud 

 Septemlier, and frequently takes an epizootic form. The disease 

 is characterized by tonic contraction of the voluntary muscles. 

 The variety known as trismus, or lockjaw, is characterized by 

 contraction of the muscles of the jaws. There are several varie- 

 ties of tetanus, known as opisthotonos, to designate the variety 

 wherein the muscles of the back are rigidly contracted; empros- 



