DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 77 



Paralysis. 



Fortunately for cats, paralytic symptoms are 

 seldom seen in these animals, and when they do 

 occur, such generally represent some form of 

 external violence, as may happen when a cat has 

 been roughly handled by a dog. It is quite 

 possible that paralysis may originate from obstruc- 

 tion of the bowels, hence the reason why it is 

 generally expedient to give a clyster along with a 

 dose of purgative medicine. Any organ or portion 

 of the body may exhibit loss of functional power, 

 either of a temporary or permanent nature ; for 

 instance, a fractured limb is a paralytic one. As 

 a rule it is either the hind or the fore quarter that 

 is paralysed, or it may be the whole body. 



The causation being of a variable nature, no 

 definite line of treatment can be laid down, conse- 

 quently it is best to have the advantage of pro- 

 fessional treatment, if the cat is worth it, otherwise 

 the animal had better be destroyed. 



Megrims (Vertigo, or Me"niere's Disease). 



Cats sometimes show symptoms of vertigo or 

 dizziness, manifested by running round in circles, 

 rushing about the room, and losing their equili- 

 brium. Such erratic movements are frequently 

 due to internal canker of the ear, causing 

 symptoms allied to those of Meniere's Disease, in 



