Diseases of the Nervous System. 271 



the head is in continual spasmodic tremulous motion, and 

 may best be described as a fac-simile of an aged palsied 

 person. It has been known in human practice to arise 

 from sympathy and imitation. I am not aware of any 

 instance in which a dog has so contracted it. 



Treatment. — With regard to medicinal agents, the one 

 most applicable to this affection is undoubtedly strychnia 

 or nux vomica. I do not recollect a single case of chorea, 

 taken in its early stages, in which I have failed to effect a 

 cure with this drug. Great caution is, however, required in 

 its administration. It should always be given at a stated 

 time, and after a meal ; this is especially necessary where 

 the doses have been gradually increased, otherwise a fatal 

 result is likely to ensue. 



I could mention more than one instance in which death 

 has occurred from neglecting this caution. In each the 

 patient had been under a long course of strychnia, and the 

 dose had been increased to more than treble the original 

 quantity : by some mischance the drug was omitted for a 

 day.and when next given it produced convulsions and death. 



The dose of strychnia is ^ to ,„ of a grain ; the nux 

 vomica from i to 2 grains. It is best, however, to com- 

 mence below either of the minimums mentioned, and after 

 the first three days gradually increase it. It should be 

 given twice daily in the form of a pill. If there is any dif- 

 ficulty in administering it, the liquor strychnia may be 

 substituted, which contains half a grain to the drachm, and 

 may be proportionately divided. 



Local remedies in chorea are sometimes beneficial. I 

 have found setons exceedingly valuable. If the convul- 

 sive movements are confined to the hind parts, the seton 

 should be inserted across the loins ; if general, at the back 

 of the head and loins. ' Counter-irritation along the spine 

 is also serviceable. Mercurial ointment in chronic cases. 



Though in principle the hot-bath, from its relaxing ten- 



