Neuralgia is a disease of the nervous system manifesting itself by pains. Although its presence among dogs is rarely detected owing to the difficulties clearly apparent, it is presumed that the affection is not an uncommon one, and the symptoms of it are misinterpreted and attributed to some other disorder. An ancient author thus defines the disease, "neuralgia is the cry of a nerve for more blood or better blood".

Many exciting causes both local and constitutional are recognized as active in producing the affection. The former by pressure or other influence applied directly to the nerve itself; the latter by morbid states of the blood, exposure, decayed teeth, disorders of digestion, debility and many other derangements.

Neuralgia may appear in any organ or part of the body supplied with nerves of sensation. The pain usually manifests itself abruptly, and in severe cases is excruciating, forcing an animal so attacked to howl pite-ously, and act in an insane manner while it lasts. It usually occurs in paroxysms with intervals of comparative ease.

By careful examination and patient watching,the region in which the pain exists may be determined, and the cause should be removed if possible. Decayed teeth demand extraction, general derangements the use of tonics, local disturbances the proper remedies to overcome them. If the affected nerve can be located and is accessible, a blister should be applied, and dressed with a little extract of belladonna.

If the pain is excessive and attacks are prolonged, laudanum in twenty drop doses is indicated. If the pains occur regularly each day or night at about the same hours, three grains of quinine should be administered four times dally until they cease.

Paralysis is a symptom, not a disease. It is characterized by impairment or loss of muscular contraction whilst the power of making an effort of the will remains. It may he partial, confined to one or more muscles; or the muscular system may he involved.

Paralysis may arise from diseases of the great nerve centres, the brain and the spinal cord; it may be due to certain influences which diminish or destroy the integrity of the nerves themselves; it may result from a diminution or loss of excitability and contractility of the muscles.

Causation

Contusions, wounds, fractures, and other injuries produced traumatically. Diseases of the parts in the region of the nerves, thereby causing compression, as in the case of tumors, enlarged glands, and many other conditions.

Diseases of the brain and spinal cord are amongst the most frequent causes of paralysis. Disturbances in circulation as in a clot plugging an. important artery in the brain, thereby cutting off the supply of blood from a portion of it. Certain poisons are known to produce paralysis. The affection in some instances occurs after acute diseases; it appears in exhaustion of the nervous system.

In dogs is often observed the so-called reflex paralysis, occurring in consequence of some disease, injury, or irritation, existing at points of nerve distribution, as in intestinal disorders and affections of the kidneys, bladder, etc. Worms, constipation, and contusions not uncommonly cause an impairment or loss of power in the hind parts.

Symptoms

If paralysis is partial it is shown by a trembling, feebleness, and uncertainty of the movements of the parts affected. If complete, the muscles are more often relaxed and incapable of the slightest resistance. In spinal paralysis the uniform affection of both sides is the more common feature. When the brain is the seat of the disease, loss of power almost always occurs on one, and the opposite side of the head or body. When the affection is reflex, the impairment or loss is limited to the region supplied by one or a few nerve trunks.

The disease may come on suddenly or gradually. After existing for a time the muscles lose their contractility, waste, and power of motion in them is permanently destroyed, or the affected nerves may change, become incapable of conducting impressions, and thus recovery is impossible.

Treatment

In. cases of paralysis occurring suddenly, the bowels should be moved freely, and the ability of the animal to, void his urine be determined by watching. If the bladder is involved by the disease it must be emptied by a catheter. It is of the greatest importance that the cause be determined and treatment directed to its removal.

In reflex paralysis induced by intestinal troubles, worms, etc., proper remedies are advised elsewhere.

Poisons demand their antidotes, and loss of power occurring after acute diseases suggests improved nutrition and nerve stimulants. If the impairment of power has been gradual, and the disease is evidently chronic in character, recovery is doubtful.

An important indication in treatment is to improve the general health of the animal as well as to restore power in the paralyzed parts. The kennel arrangements should be unexceptionable, the diet generous, digestible, and sustaining. Natural movements of the muscles should be executed daily, and if walking is possible, gentle exercise is imperative.

The medicinal agent to be depended upon as a nerve stimulant is strychnine, and should be given in gradually increasing doses as advised in chorea. Electricity is of great benefit in some cases, and should be used to assist other means employed.

While strychnine is the important remedial agent, others should be ad-ministered if their need is manifest. Quinine, iron, and cod liver oil are demanded in many cases.