PARALYSIS OF THE CAUDA EQUINA 133 



worse in spite of anything that is done for them. If it 

 is desired to keep the horse alive for any particular* rea- 

 son, the rectum must be emptied manually several times 

 daily to prevent impaction and colic. To aUay the irri- 

 table condition in the bladder, salol, saw palmetto, bella- 

 donna or stramonium should be administered. Treat- 

 ment directed at the lesion in the cord should include 

 potassium iodid. 



The horse must have nutritious food and good care in 

 hygienic surroundings. In view of the fact that the whole 

 trouble is the result of fibrous tissue formation in and 

 around the Cauda equina, it might be possible to accom- 

 plish something with fibrolysin. I recommend its trial in 

 this condition. Fibrolysin is made by Merck & Company, 

 and its active principle is thiosynanim, which has a select- 

 ive action on fibrous tissue and brings about its resorp- 

 tion. I have already referred to results obtained with it 

 in paraplegia following distemper in dogs in "Special 

 Veterinary Therapy." While it would be desirable to 

 bring the fibrolysin in direct contact with the lesion, this 

 is not absolutely necessary. It can be given hypodermic- 

 aUy in any portion of the body. 



