DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, 109 



RABIES (HYDROPHOBIA). 



[See discussion of tliis disease in cliapter on " Infectious diseases," p. 356.] 



LIGHTNING STROKE (ASPHYXIA ELECTRICA). 



When an animal is struck by lightning the shock is instantaneously 

 expended on the nervous system, and as a rule death occurs immedi- 

 ately; but when the shock is not fatal animation is suspended to a 

 greater or less extent, as evidenced by prostration, unconsciousness, 

 and paralysis. 



Symptains. — When not fatal, the symptoms vary much, according 

 to the severity of the shock. The animal usually falls, as from an 

 apoplectic attack, and, as a matter of course, the symptoms are such 

 as are generally manifested in connection with concussion of the 

 brain. The muscular system may be completely relaxed; the legs 

 limber ; the muscles flabby and soft to the touch ; or there may be con- 

 vulsions, spasms, and twitching of the muscles. The breathing is 

 generally labored, irregular, or interrupted, and slower than normal. 

 In most instances the electrical fluid leaves its mark by singeing the 

 hair, or by inflicting wounds, burns, or blisters. 



Treatment. — So long as the beating of the heart is perceptible the 

 endeavor to resuscitate the animal should be continued. Dash cold 

 water over the head and body; rub the body and legs; smartly whip 

 the body with wet towels or switches. Mustard, mixed with water, 

 should be well rubbed over the legs and back of the head on each side 

 of the neck. Inject into the rectum 4 drams of stronger liquor 

 ammonia, or 1^ ounces of hartshorn diluted with a quart of warm 

 Avuter. Cautiously hold an uncorked bottle of hartshorn to the nos- 

 trils, so that some of it is inhaled, but care should be taken that too 

 much is not suddenly inhaled. If the animal is unconscious, hypo- 

 dermic injections of stimulants are indicated, such as 6 drams of 

 camphorated oil in one dose, subcutaneously, or 20 grains of caffein 

 or I grain of strychnin, also subcutaneously. 



When the animal revives sufficiently to be able to swallow, 4 drams 

 of the stronger liquor ammonia, diluted with a quart of cold water, 

 should be given as a drench, and the dose should be repeated in an 

 hour. One and one-half ounces of ordinary hartshorn may be used 

 instead of the stronger liquor ammonia, but. like the latter, it should 

 be diluted with a quart or more of water, and even then care should 

 be exercised in drenching. 



In cases where the shock has not caused complete insensibility 

 recovery may be hastened by the ammonia and water drench, or 4 

 ounces of brandy diluted with a quart of water, or 8 ounces of whisky 

 diluted with a quart of water. These doses may be given every three 

 or four hours if necessary. After recovery from the more serious 

 symptoms 2 drams of sulphate of quinin should be given twice a 



