The term apoplexy signifies a sudden, stroke or shock. It does not represent an individual disease, but is applied to sudden lethargy or profound stupor, occurring in different affections of the brain.

Causation

The most frequent condition which gives rise to apoplexy is hemorrhage within the skull, the blood pressing upon the brain substance thereby inducing paralysis. Sometimes an apoplectic attack is induced by sudden congestion of the brain, as in cases of sunstroke. Another condition which may give rise to it, is an interruption in the circulation of blood in a portion of the brain by the plugging of an important artery. This accident is caused by clots, which may have formed either in the heart or arteries. Profound stupor may occur in inflammation of the substance of the brain, and as the result of uraemic poisoning in diseases of the kidneys.

Certain morbid conditions within the skull may exist, and other influences which invite an unusual accumulation of blood there, may co-operate to cause an apoplectic seizure. Great mental excitement, anger, intense neat, violent exercise, blows on the head, and straining are among the exciting causes. A short neck and full habit, as seen in certain breeds, was formerly concluded as denoting a predisposition to apoplexy; this supposition is not sustained by facts.

Symptoms

The abruptness of the attack, partial or complete unconsciousness; slow, heavy, noisy breathing; full, hard pulse, less frequent than in health; eyes fixed and reddened; mucous membrane purplish; convulsive movements observed in some few cases. These are the more common symptoms in apoplectic seizures.

Treatment

The head should be raised and kept cold by applications, and the body warm by coverings and artificial heat if needed. Generally a cathartic should be given as soon as the animal can swallow. Too active measures are unwarranted; bleeding can do no good, and the treatment must be expectant; perfect rest, and efforts to sustain the vital powers by proper nourishment are the great essentials. Nature must be aided and depended upon. Apoplexy is a grave condition; recovery may take place, and the chances of a recurring attack depend upon the cause which gave rise to it in the first instance.