436 DISEASES OF THE BRAIN 



from a gray to a pinkish color, and the white matter a 

 yellowish-red. Between the brain and its covering mem- 

 brane, and between the membranes themselves there is an 

 abnormal amount of fluid; the brain substance itself is 

 abnormally infiltrated with serum. In very severe hyper- 

 emia there may be ecchymoses or petechia? present either in 

 the substance of the brain or its membranes. 



Symptoms.— The symptoms of active hyperemia of the 

 brain vary, depending upon the severity of the engorge- 

 ment and the degree of intracranial tension. In mild cases 

 there may .be only symptoms of restlessness shown, the 

 animal frequently changing its position or wandering about 

 in an aimless manner. Excitement and irritability may 

 be seen with a tendency to bite, although the animal is not 

 aggressive. In more severe hyperemia, there may be 

 spasms and convulsions. The conjunctiva is congested, 

 the pupil contracted and the expression vacant or staring. 

 On palpation the head feels warmer than normal. The 

 pulse and respirations are accelerated, appetite lost or vari- 

 able and the animal may vomit. These symptoms appear 

 quite suddenly but do not persist for long periods. They 

 may disappear in a few hours or may last as long as three 

 or four days. 



The symptoms of passive hyperemia are chiefly those of 

 depression, although these may alternate with periods of 

 excitement. 



Diagnosis.— Except for its shorter course and less severe 

 symptoms, hyperemia of the brain cannot be differentiated 

 from encephalitis, the symptoms being identical. 



Prognosis. —The prognosis should be guarded, as even 

 apparently mild cases terminate fatally through inflamma- 

 tion of the brain, a common sequel. 



Treatment.— Dietetic— As the animal will not usually 

 take food during the acute stage and forcible feeding aggra- 

 vates the symptoms, only fresh milk and plenty of fresh 

 water should be offered at frequent intervals. Keep the 

 patient in a cool, quiet, dark place, away from noise and 

 exciting influences. 



