6 
PARALYSIS IN THE HORSE. 
terior part of the dorsal region. From this point to a consi¬ 
derable distance, both in a forward and backward direction, 
the pia mater was of a deep scarlet colour, here and there 
approaching to a black hue. 
In comparing* these cases one with the other, I have 
only to remark that, in the latter, the cause which gave rise 
to the loss of function seems to have been acute, and its 
effects upon the muscles of the hind extremities consequently 
very sudden ; while in the former, although the primary 
cause ma} 7 have been the same in character, still its effects 
were comparatively slow, and a much longer period 
necessarily elapsed before the muscles were completely pa¬ 
ralysed. 
Case 3. —Cases of paralysis in the horse arising from 
traumatic causes, like those of idiopathic origin, are not very 
frequently met with in veterinary practice, still they cannot 
be considered rare. I therefore think that the following 
well-authenticated case of this affection, in addition to the 
preceding ones, is worth recording. The history of it is 
contained in the following communication, which I received 
from Mr. Walley, M.R.C.V.S. 
Welshpool, Nov. 2nd, 1863. 
Dear Sir, — I have despatched to your address this day, per rail, a 
portion of the spinal column of a horse, ■which, upon examination, you 
will find to consist of the last dorsal and first lumbar vertebrae. The 
inferior vertebral ligament, together with the uniting ligamentous tissue, 
are torn asunder. I have forwarded the parts to you, not from the case 
presenting any very unusual features, but from the exceeding simple 
manner by which the lesions were caused, and to show what great effects 
from small causes sometimes arise. 
The history of the case is as follows:—A bay gelding, five years old, 
fifteen hands high, the property of Mr. Bonner, of Marton, about seven 
miles from here, was being ridden quietly home by the son of the owner, 
in company with a neighbouring farmer, on the night of the 15th of last 
month. Nothing unusual took place until they began to descend a hill 
about five miles from here, when the animal was noticed to falter a little 
in the off hind leg, and in a short time to become very much worse. The 
rider dismounted, thinking that the horse had a stone in his foot, to 
ascertain which he procured a light; but no stone being found, and 
nothing else particular noticed, he again proceeded on the journey. The 
horse, however, became worse at every step, and with great difficulty he 
succeeded in getting him to a farm house at the bottom of the hill, some 
200 or 300 yards distant, and putting him into a loose box. The horse 
immediately fell down, and made several ineffectual attempts to rise 
again. I was requested to see him on the 17th. On my arrival I found 
him incapable of rising, and lying tolerably quiet on the left side; pulse 
full and strong, but not much quickened; mucous membranes injected; 
appetite ravenous; bowels costive. He struggled freely with the fore 
legs, but was capable of moving the bind, legs only a little; there was, 
