210 



■\ve iiinst always refer to the cause, and attempt its removal if it can 

 be discovered. In eases where the cause can not be determined we 

 have to rely solely upon a general external and internal treatment 

 Externally, fly-blisters or strong irritant liniments may be applied to 

 the paralyzed parts. In hemiplegia they should be applied along the 

 bony part of the side of the neck; in paraplegia, across the loins. In 

 some cases hot- water cloths will be benellcial. Internally, it is well 

 to administer 1 dram of j^owdered nux vomica or 2 grains of sulphate 

 of strychnia tv, ice a day until twitching of some of the voluntary 

 muscles occur; then discontinue it for several daj'S, and then com- 

 mence again with a smaller dose, gradually increasing it until twitch- 

 ing recurs. In some cases Fowler's solution of arsenic in teaspoonful 

 doses twice a day, in the drinking water, proves beneficial. Occasion- 

 ally benefit may be derived from the application of the electric cur- 

 rent, especially in eases of roaring, facial paralysis, paralysis of the 

 eyelid, etc. Nutritious but not too bulky food, good ventilation, 

 clean stabling, moderate exercise if the animal is capable of taking it, 

 good grooming, etc., should be observed in all cases. 



SPINAL MENINGITIS — INFLAMMATION OF THE MEMBRANES ENVELOPING 



THE SPINAL CORD. 



Causes. — This may be induced by the irritant properties of blood- 

 poisons, exhaustion, and exposure, spinal concussion, all forms of 

 injui'}' to the spine, tumors, caries of the vertebrae, rheumatism, etc. 



Sijnqytoms. — A chill may be the i^recursor, a rise in temperature, or 

 a general weakness and shifting of the legs. Soon a painful, convul- 

 sive twitching of the muscles sets in, followed by muscular rigidity 

 along the spine, in which condition the animal will move very stiffly 

 and evince great pain in turning. Evidences of paralj'sis or paraplegia 

 develop, retention or incontinence of urine, and oftentimes sexual 

 excitement is present. The i)resence of marked fever at the begin- 

 ning of the attack, associated with spinal sjinptoms, should lead us to 

 suspect spinal meningitis or mj^elitis. These two conditions usually 

 appear together, or myelitis follows inflammation of the meninges so 

 closely that it is almost imi)ossible to separate the two; practically it 

 does not matter much, for the treatment will be about the same in 

 both cases. Spinal meningitis generalh' becomes chronic, and is then 

 marked principallyby paralysis of that portion, or parts of it, posterior 

 to the seat of the disease. 



Pathology. — In spinal meningitis we will find essentially the same 

 condition as in cerebral meningitis; there will be an effusion of serum 

 between the membranes, and often a plastic exudation firmly adherent 

 to the 2^ict mater serves to maintain a state of paralysis for a long time 

 after the acute symptoms have disappeared bj^ compressing the cord. 

 Finally, atrophy, softening, and even abscess may develop Avithinthe 

 cord. Unlike in man, it is usually found localized in horses. 



