DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 107 



Previous to the other symptoms coming on the animal often requires 

 urging for some time; the perspiration is cliecked; the animal becomes 

 weak in his gait; the breathing hurried or panting; the eyes watery and 

 bloodshot; nostrils dilated and highly reddened, assuming a dark, 

 purple color; the pulse rapid and weak; the heart bounding. 



What to Do. Apply ice or very cold water to the head ^nd along 

 the spine. Give six ounces of whiskey or half an ounce of carbonate of 

 ammonia in a pint of water. Injections into the rectum of ginger tea, 

 moderately .strong, or weak ammonia ^^'ater may benefit. Brisk friction 

 of the limbs, using spirits of camphor when possible, will often yield 

 good results. The stimulant should be repeated in one hour if the pulse 

 has not become stronger and slower. 



If the animal is suffering froin heat exhaustion instead of sunstroke 

 use the same treatment, only use hot water on the cloths instead of cold. 

 In either case as the animal gets better give as a tonic during con- 

 valescence: sulphate of iron, one dram; gentian, three drams; red 

 chincona bark, two drams; mix and give in the feed morning and even- 

 ing. 



How to Prevent. In very hot weather, keep wet sponges or light 

 sunshades on the head while at work, or sponge the head with cold 

 water as often as possible during the day. Do not over feed; water 

 often; keep .stables cool and well ventilated. If an animal seems weak 

 and exhausted from work or disease, give tonics. 



Spasm of the Thigh or Cramp of the Hind l,eg. Horses 

 standing on sloping plank floors, or subject to severe exercise are liable 

 to this disease. 



Symptoms. The leg becomes rigid, and efforts to bend it are unsuc- 

 cessful; it is cold; there is not much pain manifested, unless efforts are 

 made to change position of the leg. The cramp may be of short dura- 

 tion, or it may continue for several days. This "cramp" is often taken 

 for a dislocation of the stifle-joint. In dislocation, the foot is extended 

 backward, and the horse being unable to advance it, drags the foot be- 

 hind him. An examination of the joint will also show a change of 

 form. 



What to Do. Rub the cramped muscles with liniment composed 

 of soap liniment four parts and chloroform one part. Compulsory 

 movement usually causes the muscles to relax very quickly. Therefore 

 take animal out and force him to run or trot. Sometimes a single crack 

 of the whip or a smart blow will cause relaxation. Should this fail, the 



