THE HORSE IN SICKNESS AND DISEASE 275 



brain, of which we shall speak presently, ensue, external 

 injury seems but temporary in its effects. 



Blood-vessels are liable to give way in any part of the 

 brain ; those, numerous and large, about the base, con- 

 tiguous to the seat of the blow, are most likely to become 

 ruptured. The symptoms will, of course, vary in their 

 nature and intensity with the kind and degree of the 

 mischief done : the faculties of motion and sensation will be 

 more or less impaired, should not death itself immediately 

 result ; the senses also, one or more, will probably be lost 

 or disturbed. By the parts affected, and by the extent to 

 which they are affected, must we form our opinion of the 

 nature of the case, as well as our prognosis. Commonly, 

 the animal is found down, unable either to rise or stand 

 without assistance. Should he still retain feeling, and be 

 in possession of his senses, and there be means nigh or 

 at hand of treating him, remedies may be tried upon him. 

 But when he has to be removed upon some drag or carriage 

 to any distance, he will in general do himself so much 

 mischief by struggling before he has arrived at his place 

 of destination, that his case will probably be rendered yet 

 more hopeless than it was in the first instance. Fresh 

 haemorrhage will be likely to ensue, and may prove fatal, even 

 when, before the struggling, hopes of recovery had been 

 entertained. On this account it is of importance, when 

 the case holds out prospects for treatment, to house the 

 animal somewhere close to the place where the accident has 

 occurred. In general, blood-letting will be proper ; though 

 the symptoms from loss of blood or nervous depression may 

 be such as not only positively to forbid this evacuation, but 

 even to demand the exhibition of stimulants. 



Vinegar, muriate of ammonia, and spirit of wine, with 

 warm water, should be applied to the head. A mild 

 purgative, if the animal can stand, may be administered. 

 Where paralysis is marked, death usually soon supervenes. 



STAGGERS. 



The farriers divide inflammation of the brain into three 

 disorders, called, in their peculiar phraseology, sleepy 

 staggers, mad staggers, and stomach staggers. 



Sleepy staggers is usually no more than the first stage 

 of 7\iad staggers. The horse is drowsy and dull, and falls 



