DISEASES OF THE NEEVOUS SYSTEM. 221 



SymptoTns. — ^Apoplexy is characterized by a sudden loss of sensa- 

 tion and motion, profound coma, and stertorous, difficult breathing. 

 The action of the heart is little disturbed at first, but soon becomes 

 slower, then quicker and feebler, and after a little time ceases. If 

 the rupture is one of a small artery and the extravasation limited, 

 svidden paralysis of some part of the body is the result. The extent 

 and location of the paralysis depend upon the location within the 

 brain which is functionally deranged by the pressure of the extrava- 

 sated blood ; hence these conditions are very variable. 



In the absence of any premonitory symptoms or an increase of tem- 

 perature in the early stage of the attack, we may be reasonably cer- 

 tain in making the distinction between this disease and congestion of 

 the brain, or sunstroke. 



Pathology. — In apoplexy there is generally found an atheromatous 

 condition of the cerebral vessels, with weakening and degeneration of 

 their walls. When a large artery has been ruptured it is usually fol- 

 lowed by immediate death, and large rents may be found in the cere- 

 brum, with great destruction of brain tissue, induced by the forcible 

 pressure of the liberated blood. In small extravasations producing 

 local paralysis without marked general disturbance the animal may 

 recover after a time; in such cases gradual absorption of the clot 

 takes place. In large clots atrophy of the brain substances may fol- 

 low, or softening and abscess from want of nutrition may result, 

 and render the animal worthless, ultimately resulting in death. 



Treatment. — Place the animal in a quiet, cool place and avoid all 

 stimulating feed. Administer, in the drinking water or feed, 2 

 drams of the iodid of potassium twice a day for several weeks if 

 necessary. Medical interference with sedatives or stimulants is more 

 liable to be harmful than of benefit, and bloodletting in an apoplectic 

 fit is extremely hazardous. From the fact that cerebral apoplexy 

 is due to diseased or weakened blood vessels, the animal remains sub- 

 ject to subsequent attacks. For this reason treatment is very unsatis- 

 factory. 



COMPRESSION OF THE BRAIN. 



Causes. — In injuries from direct violence a piece of broken bone 

 may press upon the brain, and, according to its size, the brain is 

 robbed of its normal space within the cranium. It may also be due 

 to an extravasation of blood or to exudation in the subdural or arach- 

 noid spaces. Death from active cerebral congestion results through 

 compression. The occurrence may sometimes be traced to the direct 

 cause, which will give assurance for the correct diagnosis. 



Symptoms. — Impairment of all the special senses and localized 

 paralysis. All the symptoms of lessened functional activity of the 

 brain are manifested to some degree. The paralysis remains to be 



