250 
THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
pole of the head violently against some hard substance. In 
some cases recovery is rapid, but in others death comes very 
suddenly. 
Symptoms. — In a pure case of concussion all power of 
motion and feeling is lost. There is complete paralysis and 
but little sign of life. The pupils of the eyes are very much 
enlarged and the pulse very weak. Should the bones of the 
skull be free from fracture there are chances of recovery. 
Signs of consciousness are" first indicated by a desire to rise, 
but he gets up on his hind legs first and it may be some time 
before it is possible for him to get upon his front legs. 
Recovery is variable according to the extent of injury. . 
Treatment. — Follow the same course of treatment as out- 
lined in section II. of this chapter for sunstroke. 
4. Stomach Staggers (Megrims). 
Causes. — It may be caused in various ways. Anything 
that will interfere with the flow of blood to the brain, such as 
heart disease, indigestion, working in a tight collar, or a small 
tumor growing and pressing on the brain. Very nervous 
animals are more subject to this than others of the opposite 
temperament. 
Symptoms. — The attack is sudden. He staggers, becomes 
unmanageable and falls to the ground. These symptoms may 
pass ofif in a few minutes, and he may seem as well as ever. 
A horse once af¥ected is unfit to use for single driving, as he 
may take one of these fits at any time and fall without show- 
ing the slightest sign of doing so. 
Treatment. — Dash cold water on the heaa until he comes 
to, and afterwards give a physic consisting of 
Bitter Aloes 8 to 10 drams. 
Bicarbonate of Soda 1 dessertspoonful. 
Ginger 1 dessertspoonful. 
Mix in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a drench. 
If there is anything wrong with the stomach this will gener- 
ally relieve him, and it might be that he will never have 
another attack. If it is from a tight collar, put a large one on 
him. In some cases it is recommended to give, after the 
physic, a teaspoonful of bromide of potassium in the feed 
twice a day, for a while, to act on the nerves. 
