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
_Prognosis._ While always grave, myelitis induced by narcotic elements
in the food which can quickly be eliminated from the system, and that
which has not caused compulsory decubitus, or persistent retention of
urine and fæces, may be considered as hopeful. When, on the other hand,
the nature and extent of the lesions have entailed a prolonged
paralysis, or in the large animals, (especially solipeds), a
persistently recumbent position, there is little to be hoped for. The
degenerated myel, and the badly wasted muscles, combine to prevent
rising and the use of the limbs, the sloughing bed sores quickly poison
the blood and general system, and the animal sinks beyond hope of
remedy. Again, if the fæces accumulate in the rectum causing general
retention of the bowel contents and fermentation, the shock to the
nervous system and the toxins absorbed add materially to the prostration
and danger. Finally the retained urine infected through the blood or by
a catheter, quickly passes into ammoniacal fermentation, with softening
and detachment of the cystic epithelium, septic infection of the mucosa,
and the extension of this infection through the ureters of the kidneys.
The complication of infective inflammation of bladder and kidneys
introduces one of the most dangerous conditions possible.
_Treatment._ In an acute case, at the outset, elimination of any
extraneous poison should be sought as the first step toward a
restoration of the normal spinal functions. Purgatives may be employed
to this end, and if the case is urgent and without spasms immediate
action may be sought by a hypodermic injection of 1½ gr. eserine and 2
grs. of pilocarpin. Meanwhile the horse may receive a dose of aloes or
the cow one of Epsom salts. Abundance of watery or demulcent liquids
given by the mouth, or as enemas, should not be omitted.
When plethora has been a prominent factor and symptoms are urgent, a
free bleeding (4 to 5 quarts for horse or cow) from the jugular vein may
serve to relieve the vascular tension, dilute the vital fluid, and
moderate the inflammation. Hot fomentations or sinapisms to the limbs,
and even cupping on the neck and chest, may contribute to relieve the
tension on the spine. When the temperature is already high, bags of ice
may be applied to the tender parts of the spine or those indicated to be
the inflamed parts by the groups of rigid or paretic muscles. Wet
compresses or evaporating lotions may be substituted. In the absence of
mustard, tartar emetic, biniodide of mercury, or euphorbium may be used,
or even croton oil in a carefully guarded manner, but cantharides, oil
of turpentine, and other agents calculated to irritate the kidneys are
to be avoided.
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