The outcome of this disease is unfavorable. Acute inflammation of the covering of the cord may subside within a few days. Cases that do not recover within a few weeks should be destroyed. Paralysis of the hind parts should not be confused with rheumatism, azoturia and other disorders that may interfere with the movements of the posterior portion of the body. _The treatment_ is largely along preventive lines. A predisposition toward rickets, and injuries, may be prevented by feeding a proper ration, and permitting the animal to take exercise. The quarters and the attendant are frequently responsible for injuries. If this is the case, the rough handling of the animals should be immediately corrected, and any condition of the quarters that favors the crowding or piling up of animals should be changed. Large animals may be placed in swings if they are able to support a part of their weight on the hind limbs. This is especially indicated at the very beginning of the disorder. Small animals should be given a good bed. A very light, easily digested ration should be fed. An occasional physic should be administered. Strychnine and iodide of potassium may be given. Cold applications to the back are indicated. QUESTIONS 1. What organs comprise the central portion of the nervous system? Peripheral portion? 2. Give a general description of the brain. 3. Give a general description of the spinal cord. 4. What is the sympathetic system? 5. Describe the causes and symptoms of congestion of the brain. 6. What is heatstroke? Give the treatment. 7. Give the preventive and curative treatment of inflammation of the brain. 8. State the causes, and give the proper treatment of paralysis of the posterior portion of the body. CHAPTER XI DISEASES OF THE SKIN GENERAL DISCUSSION.--The two layers that form the skin are the _epidermis_ and the _derma_. The cells of the outer layer or epidermis are of two kinds. The superficial portion is formed by horny, flattened cells and the deeper by softer cells. This layer of the skin varies greatly in thickness in the different species. The derma is composed of some muscular fibres interwoven with the connective-tissue fibres. It contains the roots of the hair follicles, sweat and oil glands. The external face which is covered by the epidermis shows a multitude of little elevations. These are the vascular and nervous papillae. In addition, it shows openings through which the hairs and the skin glands pass. The inner surface is united more or less closely to the muscular or underlying tissue by a layer of fibro-fatty tissue. _The appendages of the skin_ are the hairs and horny productions. The horny productions comprise the horns, chestnuts, ergots, claws and hoofs.