NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 491 
in accordance with the progress of the disease, would it be 
produced by direct pressure from the diseased portion within, 
over the decussating optic nerves, or is it more probable 
that the tlialmus opticus, and other parts within the left 
ventricle, being implicated in actual disease, such w'ould 
develop the symptoms ? 
MELANOSIS, AND SOFTENING OF THE MEDULLA OBLONGATA. 
This also was a case which was bronght before the notice 
of Mr. Thompson. The history is as follows:—The animal, 
a gray cart-mare, about sixteen years old, the property of 
Joseph Scott, Esq., South wick, near Sunderland, had been 
in his possession since she was four years old. During this 
time, and up to a period of twelve months ago, she had 
always appeared in perfect health. About the time men¬ 
tioned the spine, particularly the dorsal portion, assumed a greater 
curvature than natural, as indicated by the hollow back, falling 
of the withers, &c. 
Symptoms of vertigo gradually presented themselves, and 
upon several occasions, after staggering a few paces, she fell, 
with extreme helplessness, to the ground; but almost as soon 
rose, and resumed her walk as before. By degrees the 
respiration was affected, and ultimately became difficult, 
and during the attack stertorous. 
Being an old favorite, the animal was allowed to go on 
light work, the nature of the affection for some time, appa¬ 
rently, not needing medical assistance; but the fits of vertigo 
becoming more frequent, and their influences more powerful, 
the animal was sent for examination, and, if a possibility of 
good arising, for treatment. The age of the patient, coupled 
with the following symptoms, induced Mr. Thompson to 
advise her being destroyed, which was done on the 16th of 
March last. 
The head was held low, and carried in that position when 
at work; in the stable she would support it by resting the 
under jaw upon the manger. The pulse was exceedingly 
slow, w r eak, and compressible, numbering not more than 18 
beats per minute ; appetite good, and other functions appa¬ 
rently normal, except the respiration, which, as previously 
stated, was heavy, and stertorous. There is a peculiar dis¬ 
regard to all that is passing around, the ears are motionless, 
’ and harsh treatment produces no extraordinary excitement; 
all activity and energy is absent; the sensitiveness of the 
muscles over the dorsal thoracis and pectoral regions com¬ 
pletely gone; and throughout the body there is a soft and flabby 
sensation under the fingers. 
