Diseases of the Nervous System. 257 



water may be thrown into the rectum, containing in solu- 

 tion aloes or other purgatives. Opium or chloral-hj^drate 

 may l)e given to relieve extreme pain or spasm, but the 

 agents which are especially demanded in the early stages 

 are bromide of potassium and ergot of rye. These may 

 be used as injections or, still better, subcutaneously, the 

 first in strong solution, the last as ergotine. When swal- 

 lowing is perfect they may be administered by the mouth. 

 When the acute symptoms have passed, stimulants (am- 

 monia, ether, alcoholic fluids,) and tonics (quinia, casca- 

 rUla, boneset, etc.,) may be given and blisters (mustard, 

 Spanish flies,) applied along the spine. The remaining 

 palsy must be treated on general principles. (See Paral- 

 ysis). 



ENZOOTIC MYELITIS IN SHEEP. TREMBLING. HYDEO-EACHITIS. 



The true cause of this affection is unknown, but it has 

 prevailed, especially on newly limed land which has un- 

 dergone a great temporary increase of fertility. In some 

 parts of Scotland its prevalence is circumscribed by the 

 windings of a river (Tweed) and without any ostensible 

 cause ; or it is fatal on one slope (south) of a hill while 

 the opposite escapes ; or again it prevails on the richest 

 table-lands. It attacks mainly lambs or sheep under 1^ 

 years old and proves very fatal, often destroying the en- 

 tire offspring of the year. 



Symptoms vary somewhat. Many lambs appear para- 

 lyzed when dropped, either in the hiad or fore extremities 

 or both, others are attacked a few days or weeks later. 

 Sometimes the head or entire body is drawn to one side 

 by tonic spasm, in other cases there is spasmodic move- 

 ment of the limbs in progression (louping-iU). There is 

 usually much apparent stupor and drooping ears, but the 

 patient is easily startled and in its efforts to escape will 

 tumble headlong. A nervous trembling is frequent and 

 there is tenderness or itching of the loins or croup. 



Treatment c f the lambs would be on the same general 

 22* 



