CERTAIX DISEASES OF THE SPINAL CORD 251 



Hemorrhage of the Spinal Cord. Apoplexia Spinalis. — Hemorrhage 

 maj' occur between the membranes of the cord as well as in the cord itself, 

 and in most instances is due to traumatic influences. One observer found 

 in a dog that fell while running very fast a profuse subdural hemorrhage 

 extending from the second cervical vertebra to the sacrum; there was 

 also more or less hemorrhage in the central sections of the spine of the 

 cervical and lumbar regions; the animal lived three days. 



The clinical symptoms either as convulsive twitching or paralysis 

 appear, but may disappear very quickly if the blood is reabsorbetl, or 

 the animal dies in a short time. In some cases partial or complete paraly- 

 sis may follow as a result of the hemorrhage. 



The treatment consists in absolute rest, cold compresses to the spine, 

 and the internal administration of iodide of potassium. Much better 

 results are to he expected if the case is treated at its onset. 



Fractures, Luxations, Diastasis of the Vertebral Column. — Fracture 

 of the vertebral column is caused by blows, falls, being run over by a 

 wagon or automobile, and is detected by deformity or curve of the 

 vertebral colunni, by pain on pressure and want of mobility of the spine. 

 It is extremely difhcult in fracture of the spine to get actual crepitation. 

 In fracture of the lumbar vertebra and of the sacrum, the place of fracture 

 may sometimes be felt by introducing the finger into the rectum and 

 feeling along the column. Fracture of the cervical vertebra invariably 

 causes death in a very short time, that is if the arch of the vertebra is 

 broken, but frecjuent recoveries are made where the fracture is of the 

 transverse or oblique processes. If the latter are injured, the}- heal 

 leaving a torsion or crookedness (torticollis). Fractures of the lumbar 

 or sacral region, while not necessarily fatal, cause such helplessness and 

 misery that the animal should be mercifully destroyed. 



Luxations (diastasis) of the spine without fracture are extremely 

 rare, although we may occasionally find distortion or sprain of the cord 

 with compression and tearing of the vertebral discs. In such cases the 

 prominent symptoms are great rigidity of the vertebral column, stilted 

 gait, local pain on pressure. The symptoms may disappear quickly or 

 they may increase rapidly and develop into acute inflammation of the 

 intervertebral discs (see page 250). Rest, Priessnitz compress on the 

 lumbar region, later on local friction or massage of the afTected part. 



Concussion of the Spinal Cord. Commotis Medullae SpinaUs. — This 

 is apt to occur from the same causes as produce commotis cerebri. This 

 condition may be present and the animal be completely paralyzed and no 

 change is found in the vertebral column. Frequentl}'' animals affected 

 in this way make a very speedy recovery and it is not wise in doubtful 

 cases to destroy the animal too hastily. 



Tabes Dorsalis. — This disease is a degeneration and atrophy of the 



