Diseases of the Nervous System. 275 



is rarely witnessed ; some lingering effect, as twitching or 

 tremor of a part, being observable throughout life. In 

 such instances, undue exposure to cold and damp should 

 be avoided. 



CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. 



The brain of the dog, though strongly protected in com- 

 parison with that of the human being and some of the lower 

 animals, is nevertheless at times subjected to severe shocks 

 from external violence, as falls, blows, etc. 



Symptoms. — The patient lies insensible or (in common 

 parlance) stunned and motionless. The respiration is slow 

 and feeble, the pulse quick and small, the pupils are 

 generally contracted and insensible to light. 



As the senses gradually return, vomiting usually takes 

 place ; when in locomotion, the head is carried low, the 

 eyes have a vacant dreamy expression, and the gait is 

 reeling and unsteady, the animal blunders forward and 

 butts against various objects in its way. 



Treatment. — The attention of the surgeon should first 

 be directed to'the head, which should be carefully examined 

 to ascertain if there be any injury or fracture of the skull. 

 If the latter exists, and there is depression of the broken 

 parts, their elevation is at once indicated. If there is an 

 external wound, it should be carefully attended to, and 

 haemorrhage, if any, arrested. 



With regard to further treatment, ammonia may be ap- 

 plied to the nostrils, and the gums and lips rubbed with 

 brandy ; and, so soon as the patient is able to swallow, a 

 little of the latter may be poured down the throat. 



When inflammatory symptoms succeed the coma, local 



bleeding by means of leeches to the temples and back of 



the head, followed by counter-irritation, is advisable. The 



bowels at the same time should be kept freely opened. 



T — z 



