DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS 

 SYSTEM. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN, OR, PHRENITIS. 



This is rather an uncommon disease in the horse, but we 

 may have slight congestion of the brain every summer in 

 cases of sun-stroke from the excessive light, heat, and over- 

 exertion. Phrenitis is characterized by dullness and sleepi- 

 ness ; these symptoms soon pass on to excitement and 

 madness, which symptoms may be mistaken for stomach 

 staggers. 



In the case of phrenitis the pulse is strong and firm, not 

 slow and oppressed, as in stomach staggers; the animal, 

 besides, is feverish, more easily roused, and when roused is 

 very excitable. As the sleepy symptoms, which continue 

 during the stage of congestion, pass off, the eyes become 

 red and staring, the pulse quickened, while the animal 

 unconsciously dashes himself about and endeavors to run 

 down any one that comes in his way ; the creature becomes 

 unable to balance himself, and soon falls, blowing, panting, 

 and struggling. The symptoms generally extend from one 

 to two or three days. The pia mater is the seat of the 

 disease, and is found after death rough and yellow, with 

 lymph extravasated between it and the arachnoid ; there 

 may be also serum at the base of the brain besides the lymph. 



Treatment. — Bleed at once to the extent of three or 

 four quarts ; the application of ice to the head, tied up in a 

 cloth or bag, will also do much good. Avoid all blistering, 

 &c., but have plenty of assistants to prevent the animal from 

 injuring himself. In addition to this treatment a dose of 

 aloes, along with laxative clysters, thrown up the rectum, 

 will materially assist in the recovery. 



