212 



Treatment. — Ta the worst class of cases treatmeut is very seldom 

 successful, and it is dangerous to attempt the admiuistratioii of medi- 

 cine by tbe mouth, on account of the inability of the animal to swallow. 

 Cold shower baths may possibly induce revulsive action in connection 

 with stimulants per rectum, 4 to 6 ounces of whisky in 2 pints of milk; 

 the inhalation of ammonia vapor from a sponge saturated with dilute 

 aqua ammonia may arouse consciousness 



In the second class of cases the treatment recommended by Professor 

 Large consists in giving a cathartic composed of 1 ounce of aloes and 

 the administration of 1 to 2 drams of the solid extract of belladonna, 

 alternated every three hours with 30 drops of tincture of aconite root, 

 and the application of blisters to the neck, spine, and throat. When 

 the animal is unable to swallow, oue-fourth-graiu doses of sulphate of 

 atropia may be injected under the skin every four, six, or eight hours, 

 as the ease may demand. The atropia is a heart stimulant, increases 

 capillary circulation, and quiets pain and excitability. This treatment 

 has been followed by very gratifying results in the hands of Professor 

 Large and others. VVheu the most ])rominent symptoms abate give 

 such food as they may be able to eat, keep fresh, cool water constantly 

 before them, support them in slings if necessary ; clean stabling and 

 plenty of fresh air are of the utmost importance. 



Pathology. — Post mortem examination reveals more or less congestion 

 of the blood vessels at the base of the brain, effusion in the ventricles 

 and in the subarachnoid space both in the cranial and the spinal cavi- 

 ties. Plastic exudation is often found adherent to the pia mater of the 

 brain, anterior part of the spinal cord, and in the region of the loins. 

 The brain and cord appear softened in some cases where the greatest 

 evidence of inflammatory action existed. 



Hygienic measures needful— Whenever this disease appears in a stable 

 all the animals should be removed as soon as possible. They should 

 be provided with clean, well-ventilated, and well-drained stables, and 

 each animal should receive 1 dram of the extract or half an ounce of 

 the tincture of belladonna twice a day for several days. The abandoned 

 stable should be thoroughly cleansed from all waste matters, receive a 

 coat of whitewash containing 4 ounces of carbolic acid to the gallon, 

 and should have time to dry thoroughly before the horses are replaced* 

 A complete change of food is of the very greatest importance, on ac- 

 count of the belief that the cai>se resides in diseased grain, hay, and 

 grass. 



TETANUS — LOCK-JAW- 



This disease is characterized by spasms affecting the muscles of the 

 face, neck, body, and limbs, of all the muscles supplied by the cerebro- 

 spinal nerves. The spasms or muscular contractions are rigid and per- 

 sistent, yet mixed with occasional more inter se coutraciions of convul- 

 sive violence.' 



