240 DISEASES OF THE SPINAL CORD 



spasm differentiates it from traumatic injury. From mus- 

 cular weakness attending general diseases which do not 

 involve the cord, the condition may be differentiated by the 

 absence in these of any sensory disturbance, bladder, rectum 

 or tail paralyses. 



Treatment. — The treatment is rarely satisfactory. The 

 patient should be provided with a clean, deep bed. Slings 

 may be used when feasible. The bladder and rectum may 

 be emptied manually. Every effort should be made to avoid 

 decubital gangrene. Drugs such as iodid of potash, strychnin 

 or arsenic do little or no good. Constipation may be relieved 

 by subcutaneous injections of arecalin (gr. j) and rectal 

 infusions. Electricity is much employed but little is 

 to be expected from it. As a rule it pays to dispatch the 

 patient. 



COMPRESSION OF THE SPINAL CORD. 



Definition. — A condition whereby the cord is pressed upon 

 by a growth, tumor, abscess or parasite which invades- the 

 vertebral canal. 



Occurrence. — Compression of the cord is comparatively 

 rare in large animals. Occasional cases are recorded in horses, 

 cattle and swine. 



Etiology. — The following pathological conditions may lead 

 to compression of the cord: 



(a) Ossification of the intervertebral disks: Occasionally in 

 old horses a senile ossification occurs and if the ossified disc 

 happens to protrude into the lumen of the vertebral canal, 

 compression of the cord results. 



(b) Inflammatory growths: In swine tuberculosis and in 

 cattle tuberculosis and actinomycosis of the vertebrae may 

 involve the vertebral canal and encroach upon the cord. 

 Occasionally the tuberculosis may develop upon the meninges; 

 of the cord with similar results. In very rare instances 

 tuberculosis in the horse may involve the cord. More 

 commonly glanders of the vertebral column may affect 

 the cord. 



(c) Tumors: Rarely do tumors cause compression of the 



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