from the engorged blood vessels, the less
effusion and smaller number of inflammatory products we have to contend
with later. The leading object, then, to be accomplished in the
treatment of the first stage of encephalitis, meningitis, or cerebritis,
and before a dangerous degree of effusion or exudation has taken place,
is to relieve the engorgement of the blood vessels and thereby lessen
the irritation or excitability of the affected structures. If the
attempt to relieve the engorgement in the first stage has been only
partially successful, and the second stage, with its inflammatory
products and exudations, whether serous or plastic, has set in, then the
main objects in further treatment are to keep up the strength of the
animal and hasten the absorption of the exudative products as much as
possible. To obtain these results, when the animal is found in the
initial stage of the disease, if there is unnatural excitability or
stupor with increase of temperature and quickened pulse, we should apply
cold to the head in the form of cold water or ice. For this purpose
cloths or bags may be used, and they should be renewed as often as
necessary. If the disease is still in its early stages and the animal is
strong, bleeding from the jugular vein may be beneficial. Good results
are to be expected only during the stage of excitement, while there is a
strong, full pulse and the mucous membranes of the head are red from a
plentiful supply of blood. The finger should be kept on the pulse and
the blood allowed to flow until there is distinct softening of the
pulse. As soon as the animal recovers somewhat from the shock of the
bleeding the following medicine should be made into a ball or dissolved
in a pint of warm water and be given at one dose: Barbados aloes, 7
drams; calomel, 2 drams; powdered ginger, 1 dram; tincture of aconite,
20 drops.

The animal should be placed in a cool, dark place, as free from noise as
possible. When the animal becomes thirsty half an ounce of bromid of
potash may be dissolved in the drinking water every six hours.
Injections of warm water into the rectum may facilitate the action of
the purgative. Norwood's tincture of veratrum viride, in 20-drop doses,
should be given every hour and 1 dram of solid extract of belladonna
every four hours until the symptoms become modified and the pulse
regular and full.

[Illustration: PLATE XIX.

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.]

If this treatment fails to give relief, the