Diseases of the Nervous System. 235 



having the object of preventing the recurrence of in- 

 flammation. 



When Encephalitis has set in, the appHcations of cold 

 water to the head should be diligently pursued ; the 

 bowels should be moved by mild aperients and enemas, 

 the violence of the attack being controlled by aconite, 

 prussic acid, &c. Chronic states should be met by blis- 

 ters or setons externally, and internally by the bromide 

 of potassium. 



Hydrocephalus, or Dropsy of the Brain, usually 

 common in delicate, highly-bred toy dogs, as terriers 

 and French poodles, is doubtless due to a senseless plan 

 of mating without regard to stamina of constitution. The 

 result is either a monstrosity or weakly and attenuated, 

 never useful, but always worthless and positive pests in 

 the household. Such creatures are fit subjects of dropsy 

 of the brain, and after suffering from confirmed lethargy, 

 somnolence, inability for any exertion, paralysis of a 

 partial or complete nature sets in, and the owner dis- 

 covers he is possessed of an object of real misery, which, 

 however, soon terminates in death. 



Paralysis in the dog more frequently arises as the 

 result of other diseases or injuries than as a distinct 

 affection, the usual course being through their serious 

 effects upon the spinal cord. 



Syjnptoms. — Weakness, unsteady gait, crouching and 

 reeling of the hind quarters, accompanied with twitchings 

 of the muscles locally or generally. The acute form pro- 

 gresses rapidly, all power being lost in a few hours or less, 

 and the animal falls, and lies in a helpless condition. 

 Palsy or paralysis signifies disablement by loss of power, 

 of sensation, or of both. In chronic cases the weakness 

 continues, other signs are delayed, and the animal loses 

 flesh and becomes a spectacle of misery and suffering. 

 Complete paralysis is common when the brain is the seat 

 of the injury or disease as the exciting cause. Partial 

 paralysis arises from disease of one side only, and it is in 

 the reverse side of the body. In injuries or diseases of the 

 spinal cord the paralysis is limited to the parts behind the 

 seat of disease. Vomition is a conspicuous sign in acute 



