241 



suddenly, from the fractured pieces of bone becoming displaced, 

 and pressing upon the medulla oblongata — the connecting medium 

 between the brain and spinal cord. In cases of this kind, it is 

 advisable to keep the animal as quiet as possible, and await results. 



574. Apoplexy, or Congestion of the Brain, is extremely rare, 

 though very sudden in its attack. It ma\' be described as occurrmg 

 in two forms ; either from some organic lesion of the brain ; or, from 

 reflex functional derangement. In the former it may be due to an 

 overloaded or congested state of the blood vessels, causing pressure 

 on the brain substance, or from rupture of a vein with hcvniorvhage, and 

 the formation of a clot, causing loss of power and sensation. When 

 such cases affect the horse, sensibility and motion are completely lost, 

 a fatal termination occurring in a few hours. 



575. Functional Apoplexy. — This may be best described under 

 that very common complaint known as parturient apoplexy. 



DERANGEMENTS AND DISEASES OF THE 

 NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



576. Parturient Apoplexy, Milk-fever, or Dropping after 

 Calving. — Of all our domestic aniiuals, the cow is by far the greatest 

 sufferer from this complaint, though, as a rule, it is only attacked at the 

 third or subsequent calving. The Ayrshire and Shorthorn breeds 

 seem most predisposed to it, but in certain localities, and on certain 

 soils, heavy milkers of any breed are liable to it, especially if at grass, 

 when its effects are more fatal than when they are fed on dry food 

 indoors ; it is, however, not so frequent, nor yet so fatal, when cold 

 east winds prevail. Moreover, it seldom follows where there has been 

 any difficultv in calving, it being most common when the cow has 

 calved without any assistance. The real cause of this so-called milk 

 fever is not yet exactly known. My opinion is that it is due to a 

 succession of shocks to the system. First- — Through the easy expulsion 

 of the waters and calf from the womb. Secondly — Through the 

 removal of the calf from the presence of the mother, and not allowing 



R 



