Diseases of the Nervous System. 273 
When it arises from the brain the whole of the body is 
usually affected. If only one side of the brain is injured, 
then the reverse side of ius body is most frequently 
paralysed 
When the spinal cord is injured the paralysis i is confined 
to those parts behind the seat of injury. 
Paralysis also follows certain conditions of the body, 
independent of actual disease of the brain or other nerve 
centres, as in protracted constipation, distended bladder, 
chorea, distemper, old age, and general debility. 
Paralysis of the hind-quarters is the form commonly seen 
in canine practice, and this is frequently associated with 
distempter or chorea. 
Paralysis of the lower jaw, unless it arises from direct in- 
jury to the nerves in that part, is a marked symptom of 
dumb madness. 
Symptoms.—Loss of power, weakness, and muscular 
twitchings are the early symptoms of paralysis. The 
affection may come on gradually or suddenly ; if of long 
duration atrophy of the muscles and emaciation take place, 
the effect of inaction through lack of nerve stimulatiom 
Treatment.—In the treatment of paralysis, it is necessary 
that we should first ascertain the cause. If, for instance, 
it arises from injury to the brain from a depressed portion 
of the skull, an operation is at once indicated for the re- 
moval of that pressure. If from constipation or distended 
bladder, means used for the relief of both are to be afforded ; 
if from debility, a restoration to vigour by liberal diet 
exercise, and tonics is necessary. The same will apply in 
chorea and distemper. In old age, when the nerve force 
is as a nutural result weak, no treatment beyond attention 
to the secretory and excretory functions is of service. 
The medicinal agent most effectual in paralysis is‘ un- 
doubtedly strychnia or nux vomica, and this, in chronic 
cases, may be advantageously combined with iron, quinine, 
or both. Nux vomica, which is perhaps the most con- 
