HYPEREMIA OF THE BRAIN. 203 



In a dog which had died suddenly from sunstroke Siedamgrotzky 

 found all through the entire muscular system a number of small 

 hemorrhages. Inside the skull was hyperaemic. Between the dura 

 mater and the arachnoid he found considerable accumulations of 

 bloody serous liquid. The surface of the brain was greatly injected 

 and covered with hemorrhages, and here and there small hemor- 

 rhages in the brain and medulla. The chambers were normally 

 filled with fluid. The lungs were congested and oedematous. The 

 heart was collapsed, flabby, and filled with dark, clotted blood. 



Clinical Symptoms. The symptoms of hypersemia of the 

 brain are characterized by a sudden development of excitable 

 symptoms. These consist in restlessness, running around, frequent 

 changes of position, irritability, a tendency to biting and attacks of 

 delirium, partial or general convulsions, and an increased activity 

 of the action of the heart. The pulse is quick and irregular; the 

 respiration is short. There is congestion of the mucous membrane 

 of the head, and the upper section of the head is warm to the 

 touch. There is contraction of the pupils and occasional vomiting. 

 These symptoms of excitement rarely last long; they generally 

 disappear quickly, although in rare instances they may last some 

 time without leaving any trace on the general system. They may, 

 however, alternate with periods of apparent rest to recur again in 

 a short time. We have observed this in cases of apoplexy of the 

 brain. In this condition we have dulness, unsteady gait, and if 

 there is entire stupor we have stertorous respiration with this last 

 symptom. It is doubtful in such cases if we have to deal with 

 actual hypersemia; more likely a more or less serious alteration in 

 the brain. 



Therapeutics. Bleeding, as a rule, is contraindicated on 

 account of the debilitated condition of most dogs. We would, 

 however, recommend enemas (soap and vvater) and purgatives with 

 quick action, such as sulphate of magnesium in large doses, senna- 

 leaves, or castor oil. Cold compresses around the head are also 

 useful, while violent purgatives such as croton oil, are not advis- 

 able, as they excite the animal and do more harm than good. The 

 animal should be put in a cool room and kept as quiet as possible, 

 avoiding excitement, heat, and also feed the animal very little. 

 In cases where marked symptoms of excitement show themselves 

 an injection of morphine is generally indicated. 



