TETANUS. 131 



The treatment of this disorder is involved in great 

 obscurity, since it is the consequence of a cause which 

 has ceased to act ; and, therefore, the existing cause 

 cannot be attacked. Chloroform has been exhibited 

 with great advantage in some cases, while in others it 

 has entirely failed to produce any alleviation of the 

 pain or convulsions. The Cantharides blister strongly 

 recommended in the treatment of apoplexy, should be 

 used in a similar manner, and continued down the 

 spine ; and if a strong dose of physic, such as three 

 drachms of calomel and three of emetic tartar, can be 

 placed at the root of the tongue, so much the better. 

 Constant use of the enema will aid in the treatment, 

 and the injection should be composed of turpentine 

 and hot gruel. Some pin their faith on aconite, others 

 on digitalis, opium, &c. ; but chloroform seems now 

 the favourite remedy. 



In cases, however, where the disease has followed 

 some direct injury or operation, it will be well to ex- 

 cise a portion of the nerve beyond the injured or 

 lacerated part. 



This cannot well be done where the disorder is the 

 consequence of castration, but in docking, nicking, &c., 

 it is easily accomplished. 



Should the horse show any symptoms of recovery, 

 good nourishment, chiefly in a liquid form, should be 

 administered, and tonics will be found useful, but 

 should always be combined with emetic tartar, as is 

 recommended in all other cases where their use is 

 desirable. 



K 2 



