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
The primary condition is usually an anæmia of the cerebral matter as
seen in the brain of the animal suddenly killed by the blow of a hammer.
The return of consciousness or semi-consciousness is connected with the
resumed freedom of the cerebral circulation. The later convulsions,
stupor or coma, usually imply active congestion or the effusion of blood
on the brain surface, or in its substance.
_Diagnosis_ from fracture must be made mainly by manipulation of the
bone in the seat of the blow, and by the absence of the increasing
stupor and coma which attend on pressure from a gradually increasing
blood clot. From epilepsy it is to be distinguished by the evidence of
mechanical injury, by the absence of spasms at the first, by the
suspension of breathing and the absence of froth about the lips.
_Treatment._ Keep the patient still and prostrate until there are signs
of returning respiration and free cerebral circulation. This may be
hastened, however, by active rubbing of the limbs and body, by giving
guarded inhalations of ammonia, or even by friction of the skin with
ammonia and oil. Sometimes reaction is favored by dashing cold water on
the head, while in other cases hot water to the poll will prove more
effective, or the two may be used alternately with good results.
If, after partial recovery, there is marked restlessness, or
irritability it may be met with bromides. If secondary unconsciousness
supervenes effusion of serum or blood is to be feared, or extreme
congestion, and blood may be drawn from the jugular or by cups from the
cranium, and ice bags or cold water may be applied to the head. Hot foot
baths or mustard embrocations applied to the limbs, and even derivation
toward the bowels may be used. The indications for treatment come to be
for meningo-encephalitis.
LIGHTNING STROKE. ELECTRIC SHOCK.
Fatal. Non-fatal. Herbivora at pasture under tree. Symptoms: dazed for
a few minutes, unconscious for hours, permanent paresis or paralysis.
Lesions: lines of burned hair, skin or muscles, rigor mortis slight,
decomposition rapid, bluish black venous and capillary congestion,
extravasations, blood fluid. Diagnosis. Treatment: ammonia, ether,
alcohol, caffein, nerve stimulants.
While a stroke of lightning is usually fatal, yet in certain cases, the
victim is but temporarily stunned and recovers with more or less
remaining paralysis. The subject has also great importance in connection
with the claim of the owner against a company which may have insured his
stock against lightning.
Any animal may be struck, but the herbivora which are turned out to
pasture are especially liable to such injuries, because they seek
shelter under trees, which operate as lightning rods.
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