TETANUS, OB LOCKJAW. 219 



vapor from a sponge saturated with dilute aqua ammonia may arouse 

 consciousness. 



In the second class of cases a purge should always be given, and 

 the further treatment recommended is to give strychnia in 2'grain 

 doses twice or three times daily. If there is twitching of the shoulder 

 muscles or gnashing of the teeth, this should be discontinued. The 

 strength of the heart should be kept up with carbonate oi ammonia 

 or whisky. When the animal is unable to swallow, one-fourth-grain 

 doses of sulphate of atropia may be injected under the skin every 

 four, six, or eight hours, as the case may demand. The atropia is a 

 heart stimulant, increases capillary circulation, and quiets pain and 

 excitability. When the most prominent symptoms abate give such 

 food as they may be able to eat, and keep fresh, cool water constantly 

 before them, supporting them in slings if necessary; clean stabling 

 and plenty of fresh air are of the utmost importance. 



Pathology. — ^Post-mortem examination reveals, in some cases, more 

 or less congestion of the blood vessels at the base of the brain and 

 effusion in the ventricles and in the subarachnoid space, both in the 

 cranial and the spinal cavities. The brain and cord appear softened 

 in some cases where the greatest evidence of inflammatory action 

 existed. In other cases the post-mortem examination is entirely 

 negative, no gross lesions being visible. 



Hygienic measures needful. — ^Whenever this disease appears in a 

 stable all the animals should be removed as soon as possible. They 

 should be provided with clean, well-ventilated, and well-drained 

 stables, and each animal should receive a laxative and be fed food 

 and given water from a new, clean source. The abandoned stable 

 should be thoroughly cleansed from all waste matters, receive a coat 

 of whitewash containing 4 ounces of carbolic acid to the gallon of 

 water, and should have time to dry thoroughly before the horses are 

 replaced. A complete change of food is of the very greatest im- 

 portance, on account of the belief that the cause resides in diseased 

 grain, hay, and grass. 



TETANUS, OR LOCKJAW. 



This disease is characterized by spasms affecting the muscles of 

 the face, neck, body, and limbs, and of all the muscles supplied by 

 the cerebro-spinal nerves. The spasms or muscular contractions are 

 rigid and persistent, yet mixed with occasional more intense con- 

 tractions of convulsive violence. 



Causes. — This disease is caused by a bacillus that is often found in 

 the soil, in manure and in dust. This germ grows only in the ab- 

 sence of oxygen. It produces a powerful nerve poison, which causes 

 the symptoms of tetanus. The germ itself multiplies at the point 



