120 DISEASES OP CATTLE. 



corresponding to the place where the injury was inflicted externally. 

 In some cases pus is also discovered. It remains to be said that in all 

 animals that have died from this affection the lungs are found very 

 much congested. This leads the nonprofessional to suppose that the 

 disease was a lung affection, but in fact it is only a natural consequence 

 when death ensues from brain disease. 



APOPLEXY. 



That form of congestion of the brain known as parturient apoplexy, 

 which is so frequently associated with the period of calving, is described 

 in another part of this work. (See Parturient Apoplexy, p. 2-47.) 



Cerebral apoplexy, not connected with parturition, is a rare disease 

 among cattle. However, it may be due to degeneration and consequent 

 rupture of a blood-vessel in the brain ; the pressure of the blood which 

 escapes from the ruptured vessel upon the nervous substance causes 

 the alarming symptoms. 



The attack is sudden, the animal in most cases falling as if hit on the 

 head with an ax. Convulsions similar to those described as symptoms of 

 encephalitis may ensue, or the unconsciousness may not be accompanied 

 with any movements of the head or limbs; the eyes are open and 

 blindly staring, the mouth frothy, the body cold; the breathing may be 

 loud or snoring, the pulse frequent and small. There may be remis- 

 sions in the severity of the symptoms, but the pressure from the con- 

 tinued escape of blood soon causes death. 



There is described a form of congestive apoplexy, affecting cattle 

 which are in a plethoric condition. The congestion, or superabundant 

 quantity of blood in the vessels of the brain, may be followed by rup- 

 ture of the vessels. It is said to occur mostly in hot weather. In this 

 variety the symptoms given are somewhat similar to those exhibited 

 when the affection is due to degeneration of the blood vessels, but 

 not so violent; the animal may show premonitory signs, such as dull- 

 ness, staggering, and may only fall to the knees, the muzzle resting 

 on the ground. 



In such cases bleeding should be resorted to immediately, and when 

 the power of swallowing is not lost purgatives should be administered. 

 Cold applications to the head, and the general treatment recommended 

 for encephalitis are indicated. 



CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. 



Severe blows on the head, striking the head against some hard ob- 

 ject while running, or falling on the head, may cause concussion of the 

 brain. The injury may fracture bones of the cranium and produce com- 

 pression of the brain. 



The symptoms vary according to the severity of the concussion. After 

 receiving the injury the animal may lie prostrate, entirely unconscious 



