Special Report on Diseases of the HorseUnited States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Science
Special Report on Diseases of the Horse
United States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Horses -- Diseases
_Symptoms._--Apoplexy is characterized by a sudden loss of sensation and
motion, profound coma, and stertorous, difficult breathing. The action
of the heart is little disturbed at first, but soon becomes slower, then
quicker and feebler, and after a little time ceases. If the rupture is
one of a small artery and the extravasation limited, sudden paralysis of
some part of the body is the result. The extent and location of the
paralysis depend upon the location within the brain which is
functionally deranged by the pressure of the extravasated blood; hence
these conditions are very variable.
In the absence of any premonitory symptoms or an increase of temperature
in the early stage of the attack, we may be reasonably certain in making
the distinction between this disease and congestion of the brain, or
sunstroke.
_Pathology._--In apoplexy there is generally found an atheromatous
condition of the cerebral vessels, with weakening and degeneration of
their walls. When a large artery has been ruptured it is usually
followed by immediate death, and large rents may be found in the
cerebrum, with great destruction of brain tissue, induced by the
forcible pressure of the liberated blood. In small extravasations
producing local paralysis without marked general disturbance the animal
may recover after a time; in such cases gradual absorption of the clot
takes place. In large clots atrophy of the brain substances may follow,
or softening and abscess from want of nutrition may result, and render
the animal worthless, ultimately resulting in death.
_Treatment._--Place the animal in a quiet, cool place and avoid all
stimulating feed. Administer, in the drinking water or feed, 2 drams of
the iodid of potassium twice a day for several weeks if necessary.
Medical interference with sedatives or stimulants is more liable to be
harmful than of benefit, and blood-letting in an apoplectic fit is
extremely hazardous. From the fact that cerebral apoplexy is due to
diseased or weakened blood vessels, the animal remains subject to
subsequent attacks. For this reason treatment is very unsatisfactory.
COMPRESSION OF THE BRAIN.
_Causes._--In injuries from direct violence a piece of broken bone may
press upon the brain, and, according to its size, the brain is robbed of
its normal space within the cranium. It may also be due to an
extravasation of blood or to exudation in the subdural or arachnoid
spaces. Death from active cerebral congestion results through
compression. The occurrence may sometimes be traced to the direct cause,
which will give assurance for the correct diagnosis.
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