DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 327 



Arsenic should always be stopped when the constitu- 

 tional symptoms of its action as reddened eyes, whitish 

 tongue, nausea, etc. show themselves. The same applies 

 to strychnine and nux vomica. Any stiffness or tendency 

 to spasms demands an immediate withdrawal of these 

 drugs. Phosphates and cod-liver oil may do good in 

 very mild cases. 



When both paralysis and chorea follow distemper the 

 case is nearly hopeless, and the animal may soon, in spite 

 of care, become so wretched that it is kindness to chloro- 

 form him to death. 



Hyoscyamin in small doses may be tried, but with no 

 great degree of hopefulness, in pure chorea. 



Injuries to the Brain. In consequence of violent blows, 

 falls, etc., there may be concussion, or, if rupture of a 

 blood-vessel or fracture of the skull, compression of the 

 brain. 



It is difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish these 

 when they do not occur together, as is commonly the case. 



Bleeding from the nose, and especially from the ears, 

 is suggestive of fracture of the base of the skull. 



Unconsciousness, alteration in the mobility or size of 

 the pupils, either as compared with each other or with the 

 normal, points to compression. 



The symptoms of compression from a blood-clot or 

 other cause have been already dwelt on (see " Apoplexy "). 

 They may be sudden, or gradually increasing to the point 

 of complete paralysis, coma, and death. 



Treatment. Little can be done but meet the indica- 

 tions as they arise. If possible, keep the bowels and blad- 

 der free, administer nourishment or stimulants, and await 



