256 A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
stagger in his walk. In the later stages other symptoms may become 
pronounced, notably excitement. The animal may become violent 
and then fall down in a fit of convulsions ; after several fits and 
much struggling the animal becomes com.atose and death follows. 
Treatment. — Owing to the violence and risks entailed in approach- 
ing animals in this state, treatment is dangerous; if it can be managed, 
a smart dose of physic, such as croton oil, should be administered. 
When possible, constant application of crushed ice or cold water to 
the head is most beneficial. In mild cases chloral and bromide of 
potash may be tried. 
Plenty of gruel or fresh water should be kept near the standing, 
to which a little nitre (4 to 6 drachms) may be added. 
Apoplexy of the Brain. 
A condition characterized by a sudden loss of motion and 
consciousness. 
Causes. — Rupture of a blood-vessel of the brain, resulting in the 
escape of blood upon or within that organ. In old animals degenera- 
tion of the vessels may predispose to rupture, which may be 
actually brought about by violent or prolonged exertion. Apoplexy 
may occur during a severe attack of congestion of the brain. 
Symptoms. — There may be no symptoms ; the animal suddenly 
drops and becomes comatose. 
Death results from the effects of pressure on the brain from the 
initial quantity of escaped blood, or from a fresh haemorrhage. 
Some cases recover, but it is a slow process and not infrequently 
some form of paralysis supervenes. 
Treatment. — Cold to the head; bleeding (see page 171). 
Should the animal recover, care must be taken not to expose 
him. Stimulating mussauls or stimulants should on no account be 
given. 
Paraplegia. 
Paralysis of the posterior portion of the body, though common 
enough amongst mules and ponies under the name of kumree, 
windstroke,'' gone in the loins," is distinctly rare among 
elephants. It is met with, however, in some cases of infectious fevers 
and as a result of a severe chill. 
Causes. — Altered conditions of the blood as in anthrax and 
kindred fevers, cold and wet, injuries to the spine by falls. 
