Neuralgia. 189 



and sometimes improved by work and associated with muscular 

 weakness or paresis. Sciatica in man is, however, rarely a 

 simple neuralgia, but partakes rather of the nature of a neuritis, 

 and there is no good reason for supposing that the disease of this 

 nerve in the lower animals is other than an inflammatory 

 condition. 



Leclainche after consideration of the testimony adduced, is of 

 the opinion that we still lack absolute evidence of uncomplicated 

 neuralgia in the domestic animals. 



Treatment. For toxic cases elimination of the poison is the 

 first consideration. For lead carefully graduated doses of iodide 

 of potassium to carry off the offending agent without increasing 

 its poisonous action must be continued as long as the metal is 

 passed by the urine. It may be followed by a course of strychnia, 

 by electricity, massage and blisters. Gouty subjects may be 

 treated with salicylate of soda, alkalies, or colchicum. The vic- 

 tims of Bright's disease must be treated for the kidney affection. 



Where there has been trouble of the digestive organs, in- 

 testinal antiseptics (salol, sodium salicylate, bismuth-salicylate, 

 beta napthol) and small doses of arsenious acid will sometimes 

 benefit. 



In anaemic conditions a course of tonics (cod liver oil, iron, 

 quinine, nux vomica) are indicated, and, to improve the local 

 blood supply, nitro-glycerine. A rich stimulating ration, currying, 

 an open air life, and sunshine (in summer a run at grass) are 

 called for. 



In man with a suspicion of traumatic origin, W. H. Thomson 

 strongly advocates a persevering use of the hot water douchfe to 

 the parts first affected, the hypodermic use of morphia and 

 atropia, and in case of local anaemia nitroglycerine every three 

 hours. Where there is a suspicion of inflammation he success- 

 fully employs absolute rest, with opium narcotism so as to abolish 

 the pain, for twenty days if necessary. Aconite, antipyrin, 

 acetanilid, phenacetin, exaglin, and gelsemium have their 

 advocates, and may benefit in individual cases. A course of 

 arsenic is often successful, and phosphorous and ergot have each 

 proved of value. 



