PARAPLEGIA OR NERVOUS APOPLEXY. 
129 
Most of the animals affected had been out at grass pre- 
vious to and at the time of the attack, and were either found 
suffering much from loss of power in the use of the hind 
extremities, or were completely paralysed. 
Those which' were able to walk were immediately taken 
up and well housed. Those who were incapable of doing so 
were dragged on gates, or anything which could be got, to a 
suitable shed. 
The pulse I have always found weak, and in some cases 
extremely so ; varying in frequency from 26 beats in the 
minute up to 90, or even more. 
The appetite has never been absent, but in the majority of 
instances ravenous. Little or no fever is present, unless the 
pulse be up, and even then 1 have been greatty surprised at 
the slight nature of it. Coupled with the quick fever-pulse 
we have coldness of the extremities, with occasional shiver- 
ing fits, owing to the congestion of the lungs. The visible 
mucous membranes are deepened in colour, according to the 
state of the lungs; that of the nostrils being in bad cases of 
a dirty pink hue, with as dirty a flow of mucous and watery 
secretion sticking about the lips and nose, and interfering 
materially with the comfort of the animal. The bowels are 
generally costive, but do not withstand purgatives. 
Simultaneous with the general vivacity and interest still 
displayed to surrounding objects, exists a great degree of 
excitement. A sharp word, the sight of a stick, or approach 
of strangers, a rustling of the straw, the presence of a dog, 
and almost any insignificant thing, being sufficient to cause 
the greatest fright or alarm. 
If the animal be found staggering much, the pulse ranging 
about 60, with great difficulty in passing urine — straddling 
and stretching to do so, and to no purpose — we generally 
find that in a few hours he will be prostrate. 
Sensation is mostly retained beyond the loins and over 
the haunches, down to the legs and feet. The tail can also 
be partially moved, although some cases show the total ab- 
sence of both motion and sensation. 
Some animals lie for three, four, or more days, yet with 
good nursing I have not had any reason to regret the 
trouble bestowed ; for in almost all cases under treatment 
the animals have ultimately become good and valuable ones. 
Scalded oats, malt mashes, carrots, Swede turnips or 
parsnips, good hay, and hay tea, formed the diet; as much 
of each being as frequently supplied as the animal would 
take, but allowing none to remain in sight. 
Good warm clothing, bandages, ear-caps, hoods, &c., with 
XXXI. 18 
