198 



Paihologij. — Sunstroke, virtually active congestion of the brain, 

 often accompanied by effusion and blood extravasation, characterizes 

 this condition, -with often rapid and fatal lowering of all the vital 

 functions. The death vtviiy be due in many instances to the complete 

 stagnation in the circulation of the brain, inducing ansemia or want 

 of nourishment of that organ. In otber cases it may be directly due 

 to the excessive compression of the nerve matter controlling the heart's 

 action, and cause paralysis of that organ. 



Trecdmenf. — Under no circumstances is blood-letting permissible in 

 sunstroke. Ice or ver}^ cold water should be ai)plied to the head and 

 along the spine and half an ounce of carbonate of ammonia or G 

 ounces of whisky should be given in a pint of water. Injections, per 

 rectum, of moderately strong ginger tea or weak ammonia water may 

 be used with benefit. Brisk friction of the limbs and the application 

 of spirits of camphor often yield good results. The administration of 

 the stimulants should be repeated in one hour if the pulse has not 

 become stronger and slower. If the animal is suffering from heat 

 exhaustion similar treatment may l.)e used, with the exception of cold 

 to the head and spine, for in this case clothes wrung out in hot water 

 s'lould be applied. In either case, when reaction has occurred prepara- 

 tions of iron and general tonics may l)e given during convalescence: 

 Sulphate of iron 1 dram, gentian 3 drams, red cinchona bark 2 drams; 

 mix and giA'e in the feed morning and evening. 



Prevention . — In very hot weather horses sliould have wet sponges 

 or light sun-shades on the head when at work, or the head may be 

 si)onged Avith cold water as many times a daj' as j^ossible. Proper 

 attention should be given to feeding and watering, never in excess. 

 During the warm months all stables should be cool and well A'enti- 

 lated, and if an animal is debilitated from exhaustive work or disease 

 he should receive such treatment as will tend to build up the system. 



An animal which has been affected Avith sunstroke is \Qvy liable 

 to have subsequent attacks when exj^osed to tlie necessary exciting 

 causes. 



APOPLEXY — CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE. 



Apoplexy is often confounded with cerebral congestion, but true 

 apoplex}- always consists in rupture of cerebral blood-vessels, with 

 blood extravasation and formation of blood clot. 



Causes. — Two causes are involved in the production of apoplexy, 

 the 2n-e(lispos in (J -And \\\q exciting cause. The predisposing cause is 

 degeneration or disease which weakens the blood-vessel, the exciting 

 c;uise is any one which tends to induce cerebral congestion. 



Symptoms. — Apoplexy is characterized by a sudden loss of sensa- 

 tion and motion, profound coma, and stertorous and difficult breath- 

 ing. The action of the heart is little disturbed at first, but soon 

 becomes sloAver, then quicker and feebler, and after a little time 



