394 



APOPLEXY. 



[CONGESTION OF THE BEAIN.] i 



Apoplexy, like Paralysis, is a rare form of disease; and 

 when it does occur, frequently proves fatal, unless detected in 

 its incipient stages, and treated judiciously and decisively. 



The disease generally presents three distinct or weU-marked 

 stages — the iirst of which is characterised by a preternatural 

 excitement of the animal ; the second, by unsteadiness of gait 

 and partial unconsciousness ; and the third, by profound coma, 

 stertorous breathing, and ultimately death. The periods which 

 may elapse between one stage of the malady and another will 

 depend upon circumstances, such as the age, breed, and general 

 treatment of the patient. 



Symptoms. — Fiest Stage. — The animal is excited ; he 

 looks wildly about ; sometimes he starts, and manifests alarm 

 when approached even by his regular attendant ; he is impa- 

 tient, feverish, and restless. If driven in harness, he will puU 

 towards one side of the road more than the other, — and, if not 

 prevented, wiU run against the walls or into the hedges ; and 

 at times he may become so ungovernable as to run away. The 

 appetite is sometimes disturbed, and at other times not. 



Secostd Stage. — The second stage of the disease is marked 

 by more decisive symptoms. The movements of the animal 

 win be more unsteady, and less under the inflnence of the 

 will ; the eye wHL be dull and inanimate ; the patient will bore 

 his head aginst the wall or the wood-work of his box ; occa- 

 sionally he may be aroused for a short time, when he may seize 

 a mouthful of food, masticate it for a few moments, then 

 press the head against the wall, and doze as before. The volun- 

 tary ipiuscles will be aifected with tremblings and involuntary 

 twitchings. The pulse, in some cases, may be as low as twenty 



