374! TETANUS. 



The ventricles of the brain are liable to the deposition of 

 tumours within their cavities ; also the vessels of the brain 

 proper are liable to congestion, inflammation, and to the forma- 

 tion of Abscess within their tissues. 



TETANUS. 



LOCK-JAW. 



It is usual to consider this disease as being presented under 

 two forms, viz. : — Idiopathic and Traumatic Tetanus. As the 

 symptoms which characterise both forms of the malady are 

 precisely similar, one general description of the camplaint will 

 suffice. 



Tetanus, arising from injuries of a direct nature, is the most 

 common form of the disease, and it is also the most fatal. It 

 is more prone to occur from injuries of a trifling nature in old 

 than in young horses ; and it is also more prone to occur from 

 injuries inflicted upon the hind limbs than upon the fore limbs. 



Injuries inflicted upon the hind feet, and upon the muscles 

 situate in the region of the ischium, are exceedingly liable to 

 cause the disorder ; and that too of a very unmanageable nature. 



The period, from the infliction of the injury to the period 

 of the disease being manifested, may be called its period of 

 incubation. 



Not unfrequently a wound or an injury causing Tetanus may, 

 to all appearance, be healed before the disorder is observed. 



On the other hand, it may arise within a few hours after 

 the occurrence of the accident, and run its course to a fatal 

 result with exceeding rapidity, and with a degree of violence 

 fearful to observe. 



Wounds so quickly inducing Tetanus are usually of the 

 variety called punctured ivounds. 



Old horses very seldom recover from the disease, especially 

 where the pulse is much disturbed at the commencement. 



