CONCUSSION OF THE SPINAL CORD 445 



the cord itself is destroyed, reflex movement is absent 

 posterior to the lesion. Consciousness is not disturbed. 



Diagnosis.— It is usually not difficult to differentiate 

 between diseases of the spinal cord and those of the brain, 

 but to state definitely the character of the lesion and its 

 exact location should not be attempted. In diseases of the 

 nervous system it is generally sufficient to state whether 

 the brain or cord is affected. 



Prognosis. — In meningomyelitis, as in other diseases of 

 the brain and cord, the prognosis is generally unfavorable, 

 only a small percentage recovering. 



Treatment. — In the early stages give laxatives, as mag- 

 nesium sulphate (N. 0-12.0) or castor oil (15.0-40.0) and 

 apply counterirritants to the spine. 



The faradic battery is useful in treating the paralysis, or 

 strychnin almost to the point of intoxication. Iodid of 

 potassium may be given to resorb the exudate. 



The animal should be placed under good hygienic sur- 

 roundings and kept clean and dry. 



CONCUSSION OF THE SPINAL CORD. 



Injuries of the Spinal Cord. 



Etiology.— This condition occurs quite frequently in the 

 dog and cat from a variety of causes. These animals are 

 subjected to extreme violence often by being run over by 

 fast moving vehicles, by penetration of the spinal canal 

 by sharp or blunt objects, or from the animal falling. Many 

 cases such as described result in fracture of the vertebrae 

 with direct injury to the cord. Extreme muscular exertion 

 combined with diseases of the bones (fragilitas ossium) will 

 result in fracture and injury to the cord. The injuries 

 to the cord with fracture of the vertebra? often lead to 

 hemorrhage between the membranes or in the spinal cord 

 proper. Puncture into the spinal canal as has been practiced 

 in certain cases, frequently terminates in edema of the cord 

 and membranes from the irritation, or hemorrhage into the 

 spinal canal. 



