190 



current, tumors or abcesses pressing on the vein in its course, and or- 

 ganic lesions of the heart with regurgitation. 



Extremely fat animals with short thick necks are peculiarly subject 

 to attacks of cerebral congestion. Simple congestion, however, is 

 merely a functional affection, and in a slight or moderate degree involves 

 no immediate danger. Extreme engorgement, on the contrary, may be 

 followed by rupture of previously weakened arteries and capillaries 

 and cause immediate death, designated then as a stroke of apoplexy. 



Sym])toms.—GoTigGstioTi of the brain is usually sudden in its mani- 

 festation and of short duration. The animal may stop very suddenly 

 and shake his head or stand quietly braced on his legs, then stagger, 

 make a plunge, and fall. The eyes are staring, breathing hurried and 

 stertorous, and the nostrils widely dilated. This may be followed by 

 coma, violent convulsive movements, and death. Generally, however, 

 the animal gains relief in a short time, but he may remain weak and 

 giddy for several days. If it is due to organic change of the heart or 

 to disease of the blood-vessels in the brain, then the symptoms may be 

 of slow development manifested by drowsiness, dimness or imperfect 

 vision, difficulty in voluntary movements, diminished sensibility of the 

 skin, loss of consciousness, delirium, and death. In milder cases effu- 

 sion may take place in the arachnoid spaces and ventricles of the brain 

 followed by paralysis and other complications. 



Fathology.— In congestion of the brain the cerebral vessels are loaded 

 with blood, and the venous sinuses distended to an extreme degree, 

 and the pressure exerted upon the braiu constitutes actual compres- 

 sion, giving rise to the symptoms just mentioned. On 2)ost mortem ex- 

 aminations this engorgement is found universal throughout the brain 

 and its membranes, which serves to distinguish it from inflammations 

 of these structures, in which the engorgements are confined more or 

 less to circumscribed portions. A prolonged cr)ngestion may, however, 

 lead to active inflammation, and in that case we will find serous and 

 plastic exudations in the cavities of the brain. In addition to the in- 

 tensely engorged condition of the vessels we find the gray matter of 

 the brain redder in color than natural. In cases where several attacks 

 have occurred the blood-vessels are often found permanently dilated. 



Treatment.— Vvomiit removal of all mechanical obstructions to the 

 circulation. If it is due to venous obstruction by too tight a collar, the 

 loosening of the collar will give immediate relief. If due to tumors or 

 abscesses, a surgical operation becomes necessary to afford relief. To 

 revive the animal if he become partially or totally unconscious cold 

 water should be dashed on the head, and if this does not afford ready 

 relief recourse must be had to bleeding to lessen arterial tension. Tinct- 

 ure of veratrum viride or of aconite root may be given in twenty-drop 

 doses every hour until consciousness returns. If the limbs are cold 

 tincture of capsicum or strong mustard water should be applied to them. 

 If symptoms of paralysis remain after two or three days, an active 



