226 Diseases of the Nervous System. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



Inflammation of the Brain and its Coverings— Inflammation'of the Substance 

 of the Brain— Epilepsy— Chorea— Shivering— Softening of the Brain- 

 Cerebral Apoplexy— Paralysis— Acute Paralysis— Tetanus, or Locked 

 Jaw — Rabies— Hysteria. 



Phrenitis — Inflammation of the Brain and its Coverings. 

 — In consequence of the disease assuming two distinct 

 characters, these have, by some, been erroneously con- 

 sidered as distinct diseases. The first, being marked by 

 stupor, slow and stertorous breathing, slow and tardy 

 pulse, with a tendency to thrust his head against some 

 stationary object, &c, it has been termed the sleepy stage. 

 The second is marked by excitement, unequal tempera- 

 ture, varying from extreme coldness to profuse perspira- 

 tion, injected membranes, muscular twitchings, rearing 

 up, hanging back, striking at the rack or manger with 

 the forefeet, staring eyes, hard and wiry pulse, tetanic 

 convulsions, &c, followed by great debility, blindness, 

 and eventually quiescence, with paralysis of the eyelids, 

 lips, or tongue. Such excitement is known as mad 

 staggers. These attacks may alternate, but at length the 

 creature sinks and dies in confirmed coma. 



In some seasons the disease prevails as an enzootic, 

 particularly in Scotland, usually traced to the effects of 

 rye grass, particularly the Lolium temulentum, or sturdy, 

 &c. 



Treatment. — Copious blood-letting when the pulse is 

 full and strong ; in any other stage it is injurious. Next 

 administer aperient No. 3, to which, for a large and 

 powerful dray-horse, 5 drops of croton oil may be added. 

 Allow plenty of drinking water, apply wet rags to the 

 head, kept constantly saturated with evaporating lotions ; 

 diligently use enemas to expedite the purgative; keep 

 the animal perfectly quiet, and, when the attacks of 

 excitement threaten, inject atropine beneath the skin. 

 Bromide of potassium, with strychnine alternately, will be 



