^DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 405 



step from side to side. Some will trot along for eight or ten 

 steps, and then jerk up the foot. 



The disease is incurable, and is not worth while treating. 



SHIVERING. 



Shivering is a form of chorea, and is dne to some lesion of the 

 nervous system, jierhaps the spinal cord. It affects the posterior 

 parts principally. 



Symptoms. — It is seen most when the animal is backing or 

 endeavoring to back. He has great difhcnlty in backing, and 

 becomes excited. There is muscular twitching, with elevations 

 and quivering of the tail. 



Treatment. — It is useless to treat. Xer^^e tonics and sedatives 

 may benefit it for a little while, as nnx vomica, in drachm doses, 

 and bromide of potash, in two-drachm doses, twice a day. 



IMMOBILITY. 



This is also a form of chorea, and is characterized by excite- 

 ment. The animal when excited loses all use of his limbs; there 

 is quivering, and he will finally sit down on his haimches. Xoth- 

 ing can be done in the way of treatment. 



SPINITIS. 



Inflammation of the spinal cord and its coverings occurs in 

 the acute and chronic forms. It may result from injuries or 

 struggling when confined for operation. Certain grasses and bad 

 food also cause the disease. It is likely to terminate in paralysis, 

 which may be due to softening of the cord. 



Sv^rPTOMs. — The symptoms in the acute form are as follows: 

 The animal while at, work will suddenly perspire profusely; the 

 breathing becomes quickened, and there will be great restless- 

 ness. The hind feet are lifted from the groun<l in a violent man- 

 ner. The animal may fall, struggle violently, and finally get 

 on his feet again. His pulse runs up to ninety, the mucous mem- 

 branes are injected, and the body bedewed whh. sweat. There 



