INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN 427 



When strong lethargic symptoms ensue, in con- 

 sequence of sudden abatement of the frenzy and 

 irritation, the pulse becomes feeble, and the strength 

 quickly diminishes. This is strongly symptomatic 

 of approaching dissolution. But on the other hand, 

 if the fever and redness of the eyes gradually subside, 

 without the pulse suddenly sinking, or great and 

 quick debility ensuing, it is pretty certain that the 

 animal is in the way of recovery. 



When cattle have died of this complaint, their 

 heads have been opened, and it has been found that 

 the membranes have exhibited strong inflammatory 

 symptoms, and in many cases in the substance itself, 

 and even effusion of lymph, serum, and blood, where 

 the animals have been greatly frenzied. 



Causes. — Great heat, in exposed situations, 

 where there is no shade to screen them from the 

 mid-day sun, an excess of exercise, a sudden change 

 from poor to rich pasture, and an inadequate supply of 

 water, poisonous plants ; with other causes which in- 

 duce congestion and inflammatory febrile complaints. 



Remedy. — Whenever the symptoms which we have 

 above described are noticed, prompt decisive measures 

 must be adopted. Either the jugular vein or temporal 

 artery should be opened, and blood taken. When 

 the animal labours under a very high degree of 

 excitement, the more rapid the discharge of blood the 

 better. When bleeding has been effected, a strong 

 stimulating blister should be applied to the crown of 

 the head, over the brain, and the sides of the neck 

 should be rubbed with a mixture of cantharides and 

 oil of turpentine, and every possible means adopted to 

 induce external inflammation, so as to determine the 

 blood from the head. The bowels should be kept 



