SUNSTROKE AND HEATSTROKE 233 



Course. — In primary active hj'-peremia the symptoms 

 disappear suddenly in a few hours, or they may subside 

 gradually. In the passive form the symptoms disappear 

 as soon as the causes are removed. Where this is impossible 

 the patient will be subject to repeated attacks, and eventually 

 the condition may lead to the animal becoming a "dummy." 



Diagnosis. — ^The diagnosis largely depends upon the short 

 duration of the symptoms. Obviously we should take into 

 consideration the species, age and condition of the patient. 

 There are many conditions which simulate and are probably 

 accompanied by cerebral coagestion (nymphomania, infec- 

 tious diseases, gastro-intestinal troubles, especially forage 

 poisoning). 



Treatment. — ^The patient should be kept in a cool, quiet 

 place and fed easily digested food. Bleeding from the 

 jugular and cold applications to the poll are recommended. 

 Internally a good purge should be given. Passive hyper- 

 emia due to ill-fitting collars demands a change in the 

 harness. Cases of heart weakness should be treated. 



SUNSTROKE AND HEATSTROKE. 



Sunstroke. — Sunstroke is a disorder of the brain and 

 spinal cord produced by exposure to the direct rays of a hot 

 sun acting upon the head. From a pathological standpoint 

 it may be, depending on the degree, a congestion, hemor- 

 rhage, inflammation, or paralysis of the brain. Therefore 

 the patient will show varied symptoms, such as excitement, 

 raging, spasms, or death may occur suddenly from apoplexy 

 or respiratory arrest. 



Treatment. — ^Treatment consists in the apphcation of 

 cold to the head and the use of caffein, camphor or veratrin. 

 To relieve the bowels arecalin or eserin may be used. 



Heatstroke. — Heatstroke is produced by prolonged expo- 

 sure to high temperatures, especially during exercise. It 

 is seen most commonly in swine that are being driven or 

 horses overworked in hot weather. 



Symptoms. — ^The symptoms are those of heart weakness 

 (palpitation, rapid, weak pulse, dyspnea and cyanosis) . The 



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