MENINGO-ENCEPHALITIS 237 



Symptoms. — If the hemorrhage is severe enough, general 

 brain symptoms appear with which are associated topical 

 symptoms. The gait becomes irregular, the patient may 

 show forced movements, and, eventually, will fall to the 

 ground unconscious and die in convulsions. In other cases 

 the animal later regains consciousness but for an indefinite 

 period shows topical symptoms which may later lead to 

 death. 



Diagnosis. — The symptoms are obviously very similar to 

 those noted in contusion of the brain. The diagnosis 

 depends largely upon the sudden appearance of severe dis- 

 turbance in consciousness without history of injury. 



Treatment. — During the stage of unconsciousness the treat- 

 ment is the same as for contusions and concussion of the 

 brain. The topical symptoms (local paralyses) which remain 

 behind may be treated by passive movements of the para- 

 lyzed extremities and the use of the electric battery. lodid 

 of potash is also recommended. 



MENINGO-ENCEPHAUTIS. 



Definition. — By meningo-encephalitis is meant an inflam- 

 mation of the pia mater and brain. Throughout the brain 

 substance occur numerous small centers of cell infiltration. 



Occurrence.- — In a primary form the disease is most 

 common in horses. It is rare in other animals. In the 

 horse it is most apt to occur during the warm season. 



Etiology. — The disorder may be primary or secondary. 

 The primary cases are usually the result of infection. Sev- 

 eral organisms (micrococci, diplococci) have been accused. 

 Other infectious agents, such as the necrosis bacillus and 

 the Micrococcus ascoformans, have been determined in the 

 meningeal exudate. 



In cattle the disease is quite commonly associated with 

 parturition occurring as a puerperal meningitis manifesting 

 itself up to two days before calving. Certain predisposing 

 causes which reduce the resistance of the patient are 

 undoubtedly factors. Therefore, unfavorable weather, work- 

 ing the horse in the hot sunshine, intensive feeding, hot, 



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