loors--generally in
cold weather--or it may come on soon after severe exercise. It is
probably due to an irritation of the nerves of the thigh. In cramps of
the hind leg the limb becomes perfectly rigid, and attempts to flex are
unsuccessful; the animal stands on the affected limb, but is unable to
move it; it is unnaturally cold; it does not, however, appear to cause
much suffering unless attempts are made to change position. This cramp
may be of short duration--a few minutes--or it may persist for several
days. This condition is often taken for a dislocation of the stifle
joint. In the latter the foot is extended backward, and the horse is
unable to advance it, but drags the limb. An examination of the joint
also reveals a change in form. Spasms may affect the eyelids, by closure
or by retraction. Spasm of the sterno-maxillaris muscle has been
witnessed, and the animal was unable to close the jaws until the muscle
became relaxed.

_Treatment of spasms._--An anodyne liniment, composed of chloroform 1
part and soap liniment 4 parts, applied to cramped muscles will usually
cause relaxation. This may be used when single external muscles are
affected. In spasms of the glottis, inhalation of sulphuric ether will
give quick relief. In spasm of the diaphragm, rest and the
administration of half an ounce of chloroform in 3 ounces of whisky,
with a pint of water added, will generally suffice to bring relief, or
if this fails give 5 grains of sulphate of morphia by hypodermic
injection. If spasms result from organic disease of the nervous system,
the latter should receive such treatment as its character demands. In
cramp of the leg, compulsory movement usually causes relaxation very
quickly; therefore the animal should be led out of the stable and be
forced to run or trot. Sudden, nervous excitement caused by a crack of
the whip or smart blow will often bring about immediate relief. Should
this fail, the anodyne liniment may be used along the inside of the
thigh, and chloroform, ether, or laudanum given internally. An ounce of
the chloral hydrate will certainly relieve the spasm when given
internally, but the cramp may return soon after the effect has passed
off, which in many cases it does very quickly.

_Convulsions._--Although there is no disease of the nervous system which
can be properly termed convulsive, or justify the use of the word
convulsion to indicate any particular disease, yet it is often such a
prominent sympto