50 THE VETERINARY DOCTOR. 
eyes, fever, and other symptoms of congestion, belladonna should be given. 
Hellebore is useful in cases marked by dry skin, retention of urine and 
dung, and when the disorder comes on suddenly. The various nerve- 
stimulants will be found valuable in protracted cases, and among them 
strychnia and nitrate of silver hold the first rank. They should be given in 
small doses, and be continued some time. Give nux vomica for stiffness of 
the back, and when the cause of the paralysis is not known; also when it 
results from insufficient food. When the cause is blows, contusions and 
other injuries of the kind, give arnica. Rhus is needed when the par- 
alysis is caused by strains, running, jumping, or general over-exertion, 
or rheumatism. Of the last two medicines, a wash may be applied 
externally on the injured part. 
Rub the affected part frequently. Give nourishing food. <A current 
of electricity passed through the affected part will be of great value, but 
should be applied only by one who has been well informed. 
EPILEPSY.—CONVULSIONS. 
This is a disorder of the brain or nerves, marked by sudden fits. It is 
not frequent in the old horse, though it sometimes attacks the foal. If 
neglected, it will lead to much danger. Its causes are injury to the nervous 
system from disordered blood, brought on by exposure to the heat of the 
sun; difficult teething; grazing upon low pastures, chiefly when much dew 
falls; sudden change from poor to very rich food; protracted complaints, as 
fever and jaundice. 
Symptoms.—The animal, having been perhaps in apparently per- 
fect health, suddenly stops feeding, stares, trembles, staggers, -falls, is seized 
with sudden and often severe convulsions; the eyes are much sunkea, roll, 
or are distorted; affected breathing; teeth grind; mouth foams; muscles of 
the neck stiff and contracted; body twisted, perhaps violently; insensibility. 
Then the colt may risé, eat, and be in seemingly good health again. The 
fit may last several hours, and may recur in a few weeks, growing more 
frequent if not prevented, and many repetitions will probably cause death. 
This disorder is due to reflex irritation of the nervous system, and generally 
has its origin in some deranged state of the digestive tract, most cases being 
due to worms, the removal of which will cure the affection. Remove the 
cause, if possible, whatever it be. 
TREATMENT.—For general convulsions, especially of the mouth, eyes 
and face; sparkling, red, staring, protruding eyes; difficult breathing; 
foaming mouth; limbs stiff and stretched out; loss of sensibility; involun- 
tary passage of urine and dung; body stiff, and head drawn back during 
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