DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 257 



and bran should be applied to the spine, and hand-rubbing 

 and mustard or other stimulating embrocations, to the limbs. 

 Copious injections of warm water may be thrown into the 

 rectum, containing in solution aloes or other purgatives. Opium 

 or chloral-hydrate may be given to relieve extreme pain or 

 spasm, but the agents which are especially demanded in the 

 early stages are bromide of potassium and ergot of rye. These 

 may be used as injections, or, still better, subcutaneously, the 

 (irst in strong solution, the last as ergotine. When swallowing 

 is perfect they may be administered by the mouth. When the 

 acute symptoms have passed, stimulants (ammonia, ether, 

 alcoholic fluids) and tonics (quinia, cascarilla, boneset, etc.) 

 may be given, and blisters (mustard, Spanish flies) applied 

 along the spine. The remaining palsy must be treated on 

 general principles. (See Paralysis.) 



ENZOOTIC MYELITIS IN SHEEP. TREMBLIVG. HYDRO-RACHITIS. 



The true cause of this affection is unknown, but it has pre- 

 vailed, especially on newly-limed land which has undergone a 

 great temporary increase of fertility. In some parts of Scotland 

 its prevalence is circumscribed by the windings of a river 

 (Tweed) and without any ostensible cause; or it is fatal on 

 one slope (south) of a hill while the opposite escapes; or again 

 it prevails on the richest table-lands. It attacks mainly lambs 

 or sheep under i \ year old and proves very fatal, often destroy 

 ing the entire offspring of the year. 



Symptoms vary somewhat. Many lambs appear paralysed 

 when dropped, either in the hind or fore extremities or both, 

 others are attacked a few days or weeks later. Sometimes the 

 head or entire body is drawn to one side by tonic spasm, in 

 other cases there is spasmodic movement of the limbs in pro- 

 qrcssion (louping-ill). There is usually much apparent stupor 

 and drooping ears, but the patient is easily startled, and in its 



R 



