210 
ABSCESS IN THE BRAIN OF A HORSE. 
animal should have been destroyed^ as he was quite certain he 
could have cured him. 
If you think the above case worthy of notice in the Veteri¬ 
narian, please insert it. I am vexed the parts should have 
been sent in such a state of mutilation, but being much en¬ 
gaged I was obliged to leave their dissection to one of my 
assistants. 
I should have stated that when the membranes were re¬ 
moved from the brain nearly an eggcupful of creamy matter 
escaped. 
I am, dear Sir, yours, &c. 
Professor Varnell. 
\ 
REMARKS ON THE ABOVE CASE BY PROFESSOR VARNELL. 
A few cases of abscess in the brain of the horse are re¬ 
corded, but I am not aware of one in which the history of 
the case is more satisfactory, or the cause less ambiguous, than 
this; and on this account its value, especially to the junior 
members of our profession, chiefly depends. 
It w'ould hardly be expected that the inexperienced practi¬ 
tioner, however well informed theoretically he might be, would 
have ventured to pronounce an affection similar to the above 
to depend upon an abscess in the brain. Experience, how¬ 
ever, in the treatment of the disease in horses designated 
strangles, proves how great is the disposition that exists, in 
many instances, to the formation of a succession of abscesses, 
not only in the usual site, viz.,between the branches of the lower 
jaw, but also in other parts of the body. Sometimes they 
will form rapidly, at other times very slowly. In some in¬ 
stances a secession to their formation will be observed, when, 
quite unexpectedly, the horse becomes dull and feverish, 
and, upon examination, some part of the animal is found 
to be tumefied, hot, and tender, and in a few days another 
abscess will have formed. This being the case, some little 
time ought to be allowed after a horse has apparently reco¬ 
vered from the disease before he can be pronounced wholly 
exempt from its efiects. 
It may be difficult to explain why this afiection thus be¬ 
haves itself, but Mr. Wheatley’s long experience having 
proved to him that such occasionally does take place, and 
coupled with the sj^mptoms that presented themselves, he ' 
was enabled to diagnose his case with confidence. In a letter 
I have since received from this "entleman he savs—“ Last 
O V 
year I had two very similar cases, both following strangles, 
