106 VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



often occur, and the animal stands exhausted and sweating at every pore 

 with his head bored into a corner. During such intervals the pulse is 

 almost in a state of collapse. The violent fits come on more and more 

 quickly, until the animal is in a continuous struggle, panting and per- 

 spiring and the pulse gradually sinking. If the case terminates unfavor- 

 ably, death generally occurs during one of these intervals, or apoplexy 

 may suj)ervene. 



Some people, who had not previously seen the disease, might think 

 that the horse was actually rabid. In true rabies, however, the animal 

 is not merely frantic, but positively and wilfully mischievous, and pur- 

 posely attacks everything dead or living. This is not the case in mad 

 staggers. There is only furious delirium. 



Treatment. — When the comatose attack arises, as it does in the great 

 majority of cases, from indigestion, and especially whilst it is yet in the 

 early stage, nothing answers better than the administration of a large dose 

 of purgative medicine, no cause for uneasiness as to possible superpurga- 

 tion existing in this disease. Take of 



Aloes 3 xij. 



Gentian, 



Calomel aa 7> ij. 



Make into two balls with linseed meal and molasses. 



If one ball does not have the desired effect after twenty -four or thirty-six 

 hours, give another. Large doses of purgative medicine must be em- 

 ployed, because the bowels are always difficult to move when the brain is 

 affected. An enema of warm water may be thrown up, two or three 

 times. Withhold all food for a day, give very moderately until the trou- 

 ble is over. Allow plenty of water to drink. Keep the horse quiet and 

 allow no noises about the stable. 



Turpentine liniment rubbed all over the legs will arouse the secretions 

 of the skin, and some portion of the turpentine will be absorbed into the 

 system, and will there act beneficially by increasing the action of the kid- 

 neys. 



When coma arises from other causes than indigestion, medicinal treat- 

 ment will not be of much avail. 



In coma, when it occurs as a primary symptom, the advisability or 

 otherwise of bleeding depends partly on the cause of the affection, and 



