392 PARALYSIS. 



Stetchnia. — Before having recourse to Strychnia let the 

 malady have taken on a definite form, and the system have 

 become accustomed to the change. Strychnia will produce little 

 or no good if resorted to at the onset of the disease. Com- 

 mence with scruple doses of the remedy, prepared and used as 

 directed at page 390. Stronger doses may be given as the sys- 

 tem becomes inured to its action. The dose may be gradually 

 increased from drachm doses of the 1st trituration to 5-grain 

 doses of Strychnia. 



Cold Water Douche.— In having recourse to the Douche, 

 contrive to let the water descend upon the patient from a good 

 height ; and immediately the operation is completed, cover the 

 animal thoroughly and closely with thick woollen rugs, and 

 allow them to remain upon the body until warmth and dryness 

 are restored to the skin. 



In conclusion, I may add, if the season be favourable, turn 

 the animal for two or three months to grass. 



Paralysis Paeaplegha. — Two varieties of transverse para- 

 lysis are occasionally presented to notice : one where the loss 

 of motor power is complete — (a) loss of power in the hind 

 limbs from fracture of the spinal column ; and a second, where 

 the motor power is partly lost — (b) loss of motor power in the 

 hind limbs from temporary exhaustion. 



Treatment. — Loss of motor power, as a sequence to fracture 

 of the spinal column, cannot be cured. It is beyond the power 

 of a veterinary surgeon, and the aid of veterinary surgery, to 

 cure fracture of the spine. The sooner an animal so circum- 

 stanced is destroyed the better. "When arising, however, as an 

 effect of inordinate labour, or struggling long and violently, in 

 consequence of the animal falling into a ditch and being unable 

 to escape^ the probability is that good may be effected. 



