DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 263 



PARALYSIS. 



Paralysis may be general or partial ; i.e., the vhole mus- 

 cular system may be involved, or certain branches of it. 



Paralysis generally is due to pressure on the brain or spinal 

 cord, or it may arise from injury, disease, or pressure of the 

 nerve itself. 



When it arises from the brain the whole of the body is 

 usually affected. If only one side of the brain is injured, 

 then the reverse side of the body is most frequently paralyzed. 



When the spinal cord is injured the paralysis is confined 

 to those parts behind the seat of injury: 



Paralysis also follows certain conditions of the body, inde- 

 pendent of actual disease of the brain or other nerve centres, 

 as in protracted constipation, distended bladder, chorea, dis- 

 temper, old age, and general debility. 



Paralysis of the hind-quarters is the form commonly seen 

 in canine practice, and this is frequently associated with disr 

 temper or chorea. 



Paralysis of the lower jaw, unless it arises from direct inr 

 jury to the nerves in that part, is a marked symptom of dumb 

 madness. 



Symptoms. — Loss of power, weakness, and muscular twitch- 

 ings, are the early symptoms of paralysis. The affection may 

 come on gradually or suddenly ; if of long duration atrophy 

 of the muscles and emaciation take place, the effect of inac- 

 tion through lack of nerve stimulation. 



Treatment. — In the treatment of paralysis, it is necessary 

 that we should first ascertain the cause. If, for instance, 

 it arises from injury to the brain from a depressed portion of 

 the skull, an operation is at once indicated for the removal 

 of that pressure. If from constipation or distended bladder, 

 means used for the relief of both are are to be afforded ; if 

 from debility, a restoration to vigor by liberal diet, exercise 

 and tonics is necessary. The same will apply in chorea and 



