63 DISEASES OF RABBITS 



Symptoms. — The, initial sjTnptoms are stiff- 

 ness of carriage, of the hind limbs, a dragging 

 gait, and finally paralysis of the hind legs 

 which are dragged*along the ground when the 

 animal moves. 



Treatment.— The fur should be clipped 

 short over the loins and a stimulating liniment 

 well rubbed in, or a mustard plaster may be 

 applied. A dose of magnesium sulphate 

 should be given and sodium salicylate, grs. i, 

 given mixed in the food twice daily; Two 

 grain , doses of sulphate of iron and sodium 

 bromid made into a pill should also be given 

 once daily. The animal should be made com- 

 fortable and kept dry and warm. 



Fits and Convulsions 



These occur from reflex action, from gastro- 

 intestinal irritation due to parasites or indiges- 

 tion. They also appear in advanced cases of 

 otorrhea. Sometimes no cause can be assigned 

 or traced to account for these cerebral disturb- 

 ances. Parasite cysts in the brain are no doubt 

 sometimes responsible but such occurrences are 

 rare. Exposure to the direct rays of the sun 

 during very hot weather is also a factor in pro- 

 ducing cerebral disturbance and as such should 

 not be overlooked. 



Symptoms: — The head is carried stiffly and 

 to one side, limbs weak and the gait staggering. 

 The eyes take on a wild expression and the 



