DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. Ill 



RABIES (hydrophobia). 

 [See discussion of this disease in cliapter ozi " Infectious diseases," p. 410.] 

 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. 



Symptom's. — 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. " Sir B. Brodie 

 tells a curious story of two bullocks, pied white and red, which were 

 struck in different storms. In both cases the white hairs were con- 

 sumed, while the red ones escaped." 



Treatiment. — So long as the boating 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. ^lustard, 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 \\ ounces of hartshorn diluted with a quart of warm 

 water. 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. 



In desperate cases artificial respiration should be tried, as follows: 

 With both hands spread out to cover a large surface, press on the 

 abdomen (behind the ribs) and then on the chest (behind the shoul- 

 ders), and continue in this manner, first on the abdomen and then on 

 the chest in regular order, so that the chest and abdomen are each 

 pressed on alternately about 20 times a minute. The pressure should 

 be slow and steady, so that the movement given by it to the walls of 

 the chest and abdomen will resemble their motion in bi-eathing. A 

 hand bellows may be used as an aid to the foregoing method, as fol- 

 lows: Each time after the chest is pressed on, the nozzle is inserted 

 in the nostril and air slowly and gently forced in by the bellows. 



