284 GENERAL THERAPEUTICS FOR VETERINARIANS 



the following diseased conditions in the smaller domestic animals 

 and in horses: 



1. As a stimulant in pareses and paralyses of the posterior 

 quarters and in paralyses of the peripheral nerves and muscles (pa- 

 ralysis of the facial and radial nerves, tongue, bladder, quadriceps 

 and penis, and amblyopia). In these conditions, the interrupted 

 (faradic, induced) current is used in medium strength, because 

 every single one of the numerous interruptions stimulates the 

 nervous system. 



2. As a sedative in excitable conditions of the muscles (twitch- 

 ings after canine distemper). The galvanic or continuous current 

 is used as mildly as possible. 



3. As a diagnostic and prognostic to demonstrate the retention 

 or loss of sensory and motor excitability in paral5rtic conditions of 

 the- nervous system and musculature (testing electric excitability). 



The surgical employment of the galvanocaustic and electro- 

 puncture for the destruction of new formations has not been made 

 use of in veterinary medicine. 



Technique. — The best induction apparatus for veterinary purposes is the 

 small, handy apparatus of Spamer (price, $7 to $10). If the electric treat- 

 ment is Umited to paralytic conditions, this apparatus will be entirely sufficient. 

 For other cases, a small galvanic apparatus can be used. The method of using 

 these apparatuses is described in the directions which accompany them. In 

 general, it is to be remembered that the hairy skin of animals is a poor con- 

 ductor of electricity and that the electrodes must therefore be moistened (salt 

 water is best) before they are apphed. It is also to be remembered that the 

 electric excitabihty is increased in the region of the negative electrode (cath- 

 ode), while it is decreased in the region of the anode. Of especial practical 

 importance are the facts already mentioned, namely: that the nerves are 

 soothed by a weak galvanic current, while they are stimulated by a strong 

 faradic current. In the emplojrment of the faradic current, a weak current is 

 used in the beginning and the strength is slowly increased until a reaction 

 (twitching, pain) is obtained; the current is permitted to operate in the latter 

 strength on the paralyzed part for 10 to 15 minutes, one to three times a day. 

 If a weaker current later produces twitching it is an indication of improvement. 

 The strength of current used can be exactly regulated with the apparatus. 

 The application of the electrodes differs; usually one electrode is placed as 



