THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 395 



nerve force now heaped up in tlie cerebro- spinal centres, 

 as manifested by delirium and convulsive efforts. It is 

 usual to apply a stimulant or a sheep- skin along the course 

 of the spine. Enemas should be frequently given, and 

 the urine drawn off with the catheter. All agents 



Fig. 77.— Catheter. 



administered internally should be given by means of the 

 stomach-pump, as deglutition is impaired and fluids are 

 apt to fall down the trachea, and to cause the death by 

 mechanical bronchitis of an animal which otherwise might 

 have recovered. Also introduction of the tube into the 

 stomach will tend to relieve tympany. A very good plan 

 is to insert the trochar and canula, and to administer the 

 stimulant doses through the opening. Any change for 

 the better must not cause relaxation in our efforts, but the 

 animal must not be allowed to feed on anything but easily 

 digestible laxative food, or strictly for some time kept on 

 a gruel diet. 



Results. — We have already alluded to the liability of this 

 disorder to recur. Resolution takes place more frequently 

 in some parts of the country than in others, and thus the 

 fatality has been variously estimated. Paraplegia is one of 

 the most unsatisfactory results, dependent upon pressure on 

 or disorganisation of the cord. Such cases are occasionally 

 treated successfully by means of tonics, strychnia, and 

 absorbent agents, and blisters over the course of the spine. 

 Sometimes, as the deposit is gradually removed, they 

 undergo spontaneous cure. Where there are no signs of 

 amendment after a short treatment, the animal should be 

 slaughtered, and, if in a fit state, used as food. Whether 

 the carcase of an animal which has been destroyed while 

 suffering from milk fever is fit for food is much debated. 

 It has nothing specific about it, but the blood is so laden 

 with impurities that we must condemn such meat as bad. 



