Diseases of the Nervous System. 273 



When it arises from the brain the whole of the body is 

 usually affected. If only one side of the brain is injured, 

 then the reverse side of the body is most frequently 

 . paralysed 



When the spinal cord is injured the paralysis is confined 

 to those parts behind the seat of injury. 



Paralysis also follows certain conditions of the body, 

 independent of actual disease of the brain or other nerve 

 centres, as in protracted constipation, distended bladder, 

 chorea, distemper, old age, and general debility. 



Paralysis of the hind-quarters is the form commonly seen 

 in canine practice, and this is frequently associated with 

 distempter or chorea. 



Paralysis of the lower jaw, unless it arises from direct in- 

 jury to the nerves in that part, is a marked symptom of 

 dumb madness. 



Symptoms. — Loss of power, weakness, and muscular 

 twitchings are the early symptoms of paralysis. The 

 affection may come on gradually or suddenly ; if of long 

 duration atrophy of the muscles and emaciation take place, 

 the effect of inaction through lack of nerve stimulation. 



Treatment. — In the treatment of paralysis, it is necessary 

 that we should first ascertain the cause. If, for instance, 

 it arises from injury to the brain from a depressed portion 

 of the skull, an operation is at once indicated for the re- 

 moval of that pressure. If from constipation or distended 

 -bladder, means used for the relief of both are to be afforded ; 

 if from debility, a restoration to vigour by liberal diet 

 exercise, and tonics is necessary. The same will apply in 

 chorea and distemper. In old age, when the nerve force 

 is as a nutural result weak, no treatment beyond attention 

 to the secretory and excretory functions is of service. 



The medicinal agent most effectual in paralysis is un- 

 doubtedly strychnia or nux vomica, and this, in chronic 

 cases, may be advantageously combined with iron, quinine, 

 or both. Nux vomica, which is perhaps the most con- 



