INFLAMMATION OF SPINAL CORD AND MEMBRANES. 213 



(bending inward, flattened depressions, and in rare instances sliglit 

 distortions of the spinal cord), and also by the extensive sensitive- 

 ness to pressure in this location. In certain instances there may 

 be an abnormal mobility of the part. Crepitation, as a rule, is 

 absent. In fractures of the cervical vertebrae we generally notice 

 an oblique position of the head. If the symptoms just described 

 are absent, when an animal has had a severe fall on the spine, 

 unless paralyzed or remains so without loss of consciousness, it is 

 always doubtful if there is a fracture of the vertebrae or a hemor- 

 rhage within the vertical canal. In such cases we simply have to 

 await developments, or if paralysis does not immediately follow 

 the injury, but comes some time afterward, it is due to compres- 

 sion of the spine from a gradually increasing hemorrhage. We 

 must remember, however, that a fall, shock, or blow upon the 

 back, or ordinary irritations of the spinal substance may occur, 

 like a concussion of the brain, in which there is not the slightest 

 alteration to be found in the spinal substance, or its membranes. 

 In many cases we may expect a recovery as long as there is no 

 myelitic complications. 



Therapeutic Treatment of the Diseases of the Spinal 

 Coed. In the early stages of the disease when fever, hyperaemia, 

 and accompanying convulsions give pronounced evidence of the 

 disease, it is advisable to give antiphlogistic treatment, consisting 

 of compresses upon the spinal cord, and vigorous purgatives (calo- 

 mel), and lastly enemas. In cases where the paralytic symptoms 

 predominate we use irritants along the spinal cord, such as can- 

 tharides, croton oil, or biniodide of mercury. Sometimes in mild 

 cases mustard oil. If we succeed in lessening the convulsions, 

 or if the paralytic symptoms predominate, we must use stimulants, 

 such as strychnia and electricity. 



The first should be used internally in the form of tincture of 

 nux vomica, from five to twelve drops, or subcutaneously in a 

 strychnia solution; the latter method is the better. We must 

 remember that one daily injection is sufficient, and that a medical 

 pause of from thirty-six to thirty-eight hours ought to be made 

 every four or five days, in order to prevent the cumulative influ- 

 ence of this drug. 



R. — Strychnia muriate 0.005 



Aqua , 5.0 



