DISEASES. 109 



to induce vomiting. Strict attention to diet will be requisite for 

 some time afterwards. No stimulating food should be given ; the 

 water should be slightly nitrated, and the animal bled at least every 

 three months. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 



Inflammation both of the substance and of the membranes of the 

 brain is by no means of unfrequent occurrence, and almost invariably 

 follows an attack of apoplexy. It is also induced by heating or ex 

 citing or indigestible food, as an over-feed of grains, or new corn, 

 &c. The precursory symptoms are dullness, redness of the eyes, 

 and disinclination to move; but as the inflammation becomes more 

 intense the animal runs wildly to and fro, seems blind and uncon- 

 scious where he is going, runs against every thing ; the pulse is small 

 and rapid ; and the breathing slightly accelerated. The first thing 

 to be done is to bleed, from the palate if possible; if not, or if suf- 

 ficient blood cannot be obtained from there, let incisions be made in 

 the ears, and these repeatedly washed with warm water, which ma- 

 terially increases the bleeding. Magn. sulph. with ginger should be 

 given internally as a purgative. Enemas (clysters) have also a 

 beneficial effect, and then the animal should have repeated cooling 

 doses of sulphur. Castor oil and jalap have been given as purga- 

 tives ; and the system stimulated by the application of a blister to 

 the throat. 



PHRENITIS. 



This is a disease very much resembling the last mentioned, and is 

 often called brain-fever or frenzy ; it arises pretty much from the 

 same cause ; all excitants of the system, all things which tend to drive 

 the blood to the head, will induce it. The symptoms are prostration 

 of strength, blindness, frenzy, and often convulsions. The treatment 

 must consist in copious bleedings and strong purgatives, which should 

 be followed up by doses of sulphur to keep the bowels open. Croton 

 oil with tincture of ginger has been given in extreme cases, and 

 with beneficial effects. The dose for a moderate-sized animal is 

 about two minims of croton oil and one dram of tincture of ginger. 



SPINAL CORD. 



Next to the diseases of the brain follows a consideration of those 

 arising from the spinal cord. This proceeds from the brain to the 

 tail, and is divided by a central line on the upper and under surface 

 throughout its whole extent, forming it into two separate columns, 

 each of which has been proved to possess a distinct and separate 

 function, the inferior surfaces being connected with voluntary motion, 

 and the central ones on the upper surface with sensation. 



