Text book of veterinary medicine, Volume 3 (of 5)Law, James
Science
Text book of veterinary medicine, Volume 3 (of 5)
Law, James
Veterinary medicine
_Symptoms._ These vary greatly in different cases according to the part
involved, the meninges or some special region of the cord, to the
essential cause of the inflammation and its acuteness. Usually the
attack sets in slowly in contradistinction to the abrupt attack of
congestion. =Hyperthermia= and =rigor= are usually among the first
symptoms, though in many cases =hyperæsthesia= is the most marked early
symptom. The skin covering the muscles which derive innervation from the
affected section of the cord is the most sensitive. This is often so
extreme along the vertebral column that percussion on the spinous
processes or pinching between the fingers and thumb causes the most
pronounced wincing and dropping of the back. Copland and Laposso have
noticed that a sponge of hot water drawn along the line of the vertebræ
causes acute pain and contractions of the muscles of the back and limbs,
which are almost tetanic in their force. This probably implies the
existence of meningitis, since the absence of rigidity of the muscles of
the neck, back and limbs, usually implies the absence of meningeal
inflammation. It may, however, occur in localized or commencing
myelitis. The existence of unilateral lesions and rigidity determines
intense lameness, which is further characterized by the most marked
hyperæsthesia.
The =morbid phenomena of the motor system= are more characteristically
paretic or paralytic than spasmodic. When rigidity or spasm ushers in
the attack it is superseded in a few hours or in two or three days by
flaccidity of the muscles of the affected part, with imperfect control
or even complete paralysis. The muscles affected will depend on the seat
of the spinal lesion. If in the neck it may affect fore and hind limbs,
and even the chest and abdomen; if in the back or loins it will induce
paraplegia, the anterior limit of which will correspond to the seat of
the lesion; if near the caudal extremity of the cord, (lumbar portion),
paralysis of the tail and of the sphincters ani and vesicæ may be
prominent features. Retention of urine and fæces (spasm) may precede
incontinence (palsy).
=Common sensation= may be dull or abolished on one or on both sides. If
on one side only, the other may show hyperæsthesia.
=Trophic modifications= are very marked though they may not be
noticeable at first. The paralytic muscles waste rapidly and the
impaired nutrition is manifested in the rapid formation of sloughing and
intractable sores where pressure comes in recumbency (the hips, stifles,
hocks, shoulders, etc.). This is especially noticeable on parts supplied
by the cord at or behind the seat of the lesions.
=Vaso-motor changes= are usually marked by a preliminary hyperthermia of
the affected parts, followed by a corresponding hypothermia. Sometimes
the affected part of the skin will remain quite dry while the rest of
the body is covered by perspiration.
=Choked optic disc= and retinitis are sometimes present.
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