DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 
251 
5. Inflammation of the Spinal Cord and Coverings (Spinitis). 
Causes. — This, too, is the result of injury in the majority 
of cases, such as may take place in a runaway. We have met 
a case where spinitis developed in a colt after a fall in the 
pasture field. Casting an animal may so injure liim as to 
cause it, as also may nervous excitement from violent exer- 
tion. 
Symptoms. — The earlier symptoms may not be well 
marked but as the disease progresses the symptoms become 
more apparent. There is considerable fever, weakness and a 
staggering gait. He sometimes strikes his hind fetlocks in 
walking and falls down when an attempt is made to turn him 
around. If neglected and allowed to develop, the result is 
usually paralysis and death. 
Treatment. — Give a physic of 
Bitter Aloes 8 drams. 
Bicarbonate of Soda 1 teaspoonful. 
Ginger . . . ; 1 teaspoonful. 
Mix in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a drench. 
In addition to this give the following pow^der: 
Powdered Nux Vomica % pound. 
Ground Gentian Root % pound. 
Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre % pound. 
Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful in the feed or on 
the tongue with a spoon every night and morning. Keep 
him very quiet and in a comfortable place. Blister along the 
back with a mustard plaster — quarter of a pound of mustard 
and enough vinegar to make it into a paste. Put this plaster 
on every day for a few days. When getting better oil his 
back, if sore from the mustard plaster, with sweet oil, lard or 
goose oil. Feed on soft food with plenty of boiled flaxseed in 
it to keep the bowels loose. Assist him in getting up, should 
he lie down, for when once he gets off of his feet entirely 
there is very little hope of recovery. 
6. Paralysis. 
Paralysis may be complete or partial. When complete, 
of course there is absolute loss of muscular power and sense 
of feeling, which soon results in death. Partial paralysis 
affects but one part of the body — the hind quarters or one 
side, etc. See Fig. 34. Should the spine be afifected all 
portions of the body behind it are also paralyzed. 
