tHE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
5. Struck by Lightning. 
The shock is instantaneous, and affects the brain and 
nerves. If heavy enough it causes immediate death, but if it 
is not severe enough to cause death it leaves the animal 
prostrate, unconscious and paralyzed. 
Symptoms. — When not killed the animal falls paralyzed 
and unconscious, the muscles relax, are soft and flabby. In 
some cases there is twitching of the muscles, breathing hard 
and slower than natural. In most cases there are spots of 
hair singed from the body. 
Treatment. — Dash cold water on the head, rub the body 
and legs well to get the circulation up and apply a thin 
mustard plaster on the back of the head and sides of the 
neck. Blanket the animal well to keep the body warm, and 
keep the head cold by applying cold cloths. As soon as 
strong enough to swallow, if a cow or horse, give half a pint 
of whisky in a pint of warm water; if a sheep, dog, or pig, 
give a wineglassful of whisky in half a pint of warm water. 
Pour the drench down slowly so as not to choke the animal. 
Give a drench every hour, and turn it over from side to side 
every once in a while, and attend to its general comfort until 
better. After the shock has passed off, if the animal seems to 
be paralyzed give a cow or horse a teaspoonful of powdered 
nux vomica twice a day on the tongue with a spoon, or in its 
feed as a nerve stimulant. Give a sheep, dog, or pig one- 
quarter of a teaspoonful of powdered nux vomica twice a day 
until strengthened. 
Indications of Being Struck by Lightning. — The finding 
of an animal (previously healthy) dead after a thunderstorm 
is sufficient to cause suspicion that death was due to light- 
ning. Should this be the case an examination of the body 
discloses the facts, (1) that the muscles are flabby, (2) that 
the limbs may be easily moved from one position to another, 
and (3) in some cases that the hair is scorched in spots about 
the body. 
6. Ergotis?>ni. 
This disease is most often seen in cattle, and shows itself 
mostly in the winter and spring of the year. 
♦Ergot also affects rye and other grain and usually such grains or 
grasses as grow on low, rich land during damp, hot seasons. The eflfcct 
is similar in principle to that of smut. 
