HYSTERIA. 399 



In every case of the disease which I have treated hitherto, 

 it has been manifested in mares which had previously stood at 

 rest for a period varying from three to seven or eight days. 



The disease commences suddenly, and always by the animal 

 manifesting an unusual state of gaiety and wildness upon being 

 taken out of the stable, either for work or for exercise. 



The disease never occurs to mares which are daily put to 

 work, or are daily exercised ; so that it does appear that con- 

 fining mares in the stable for several days in succession is at 

 least a cause which predisposes the animal to the affection. 



The name which I have given the malady has been objected 

 •to, on the ground that it is not analogous to Hysteria in the 

 human being ; to me, however, it appears closely similar — so far 

 as I can judge of Hysteria from books especially — to what Dr. 

 Copland, in his " Dictionary of Practical Medicine," designates 

 the " anomalous forms" of the affection. 



Symptoms. — "When Hysteria is likely to manifest itself, 

 the animal, when brought out of the box, will commence 

 leaping and jumping in a wild and ungovernable manner, and 

 occasionally to falter in its gait. The limbs will suddenly be- 

 come powerless, and the lost power wiR appear as suddenly to 

 return. The animal will perspire excessively and breathe hur- 

 riedly ; when, if the rider or driver should suspect what may 

 happen, and return the mare at once into the stable, worse 

 consequences may not ensue ; but if the animal is driven for- 

 wards, symptoms indicative of a dangerous condition will in all 

 probability supervene. 



As the disease proceeds, the voluntary muscles of the hind 

 limbs will become so affected with spasm as to render them 

 powerless. The animal will fall to the ground, struggle, and 

 fight almost without ceasing. The mucous membrane of the 



