MENINGO-ENCEPHALITIS 217 



symptoms. The gait becomes irregular, the patient may show 

 forced movements, and, eventually, will fall to the ground 

 unconscious and die in convulsions. In other cases the animal 

 later regains consciousness but for an indefinite period shows 

 topical symptoms which may later lead to death. 



Diagnosis. — The symptoms are obviously very similar to 

 those noted in contusion of the brain. The diagnosis depends 

 largely upon the sudden appearance of severe disturbance in 

 consciousness without history of injury. 



Treatment. — During the stage of unconsciousness the treat- 

 ment is the same as for contusions and concussion of the 

 brain. The topical symptoms (local paralyses) which remain 

 behind may be treated by passive movements of the par- 

 alyzed extremities and the use of the electric battery. Iodid 

 of potash is also recommended. 



MENINGO-ENCEPHALITIS. 



Definition. — By meningo-encephalitis is meant an inflamma- 

 tion of the pia mater and brain. Throughout the brain sub- 

 stance occur numerous small centres of cell infiltration. 



Occurrence. — In a primary form the disease is most common 

 in horses. It is rare in other animals. In the horse it is most 

 apt to occur during the warm season. 



Etiology. — The disorder may be primary or secondary. 

 The primary cases are usually the result of infection. Several 

 organisms (micrococci, diplococci) have been accused. Other 

 infectious agents such as the necrosis bacillus and the Micro- 

 coccus ascoformans have been determined in the meningeal 

 exudate. 



In cattle the disease is quite commonly associated with 

 parturition occurring as a puerperal meningitis manifesting 

 itself up to two days before calving. Certain predisposing 

 causes which reduce the resistance of the patient are un- 

 doubtedly factors. Therefore unfavorable weather, working 

 the horse in the hot sunshine, intensive feeding, hot, illy 

 ventilated stables, overexertion, tying the head too high 

 after operations, etc. 



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