Diseases of the Nervous System. 275 
is rarely witnessed ; some lingering effect, as twitching or 
tremor of a part, being observable throughout life. In 
such instances, undue exposure to cold and damp should 
be avoided. 
CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. 
The brain of the dog, though strongly protected in com- 
Parison with that of the human being and some of the lowér 
animals, is nevertheless-at times subjected to severe shocks 
from external violence, as falls, blows, etc. 
Symptoms.—The patient lies insensible or (in common 
parlance) stunned and motionless. The respiration is slow 
and feeble, the pulse quick and small, the pupils are 
generally contracted and insensible to light. 
As the senses gradually return, vomiting usually takes 
‘place ; when in locomotion, the head is carried low, the 
eyes have a vacant dreamy expression, and the gait is 
reeling and unsteady, the animal blunders forward and 
butts against various objects in its way. 
Treatment. —The attenticn of the surgeon should first 
be directed to the head, which should be carefully examined 
‘to ascertain if there be any injury or fracture of the skull. 
If the latter exists, and there is depression of the broken 
parts, their elevation is at once indicated. If there is an 
external wound, it should be carefully attended to, and 
hemorrhage, if any, arrested. 
With regard to further treatment, ammonia may be ap- 
‘plied to the nostrils, and the gums and lips rubbed with 
brandy ; and, so soon as the patient is able to swallow, a 
little of the latter may be poured down the throat. 
When inflammatory symptoms succeed the coma, local 
bleeding by means of leeches to the temples and back of 
the head, followed by counter-irritation, is advisable. The 
bowels at the same time should be kept freely opened. 
