SYMPTOMS , 107 
temper fits; and there is more reason to conclude this 
since a single fit, not followed up by another, particu- 
larly when it appears early in the complaint, is often not 
injurious, and therefore we may suppose it the conse- 
_ quence of a sudden metastasis, which as quickly returns 
to its original seat.” 
M‘Gowan (Journ. Path. and Bact. vol. xv., 1911) 
intimated his opinion that “complications were due to 
the spread of the distemper organism to other parts... 
and chorea appeared to be due to an extension of infec- 
tion from the middle ear, or roof of the nose, to the 
meninges, thereby causing a meningitis. 1 have ob- 
served three such cases, and in one a scanty growth of 
the distemper organism was obtained pure from the 
brain, and a histological examination of the brain showed 
the presence of a meningitis. I would place all the 
various faralyses that occur in distemper in the group of 
complications attributable to toxins. In seven cases of 
this kind, all of which were of the nature of paraplegia, 
histological examination showed small-celled infiltration 
of the vessels and grey matter of the cord, a condition 
indicating poisoning of the cord by some toxin. Cultures 
made from the cord were sterile.” 
Hutyra and Marek are of opinion that the specific dis- 
temper virus causes an early involvement of the nervous 
system by the development of degenerative changes in 
the brain and spinal cord, which, in some cases, are 
subsequently manifested by striking nervous symptoms. 
Coma.—Cases of distemper may begin with great 
depression and dullness; there is a marked apathy, and 
sometimes even deep coma. This early listlessness and 
general prostration undoubtedly arise from a lack of 
healthy nervous energy; but the phenomena about to be 
described are the consequence of a morbid energy that 
is sometimes partial, in which case, possibly, the spinal 
