The cause of this disease may be traced to injuries to the spine, violent blows, shocks, falls from windows, etc.

Occasionally we see this symptom in distemper.

The symptoms appear slowly or quickly, according to the irritation present. If the spinal cord is much involved by the exudation, we find complete paralysis, posterior to that portion of the spine affected.

Symptoms

The patient is heavy and dull, with a staggering gait, sideways on their hind quarters. If the paralysis is complete, we must look for the injury in the cervical region (or region of the neck). If a pin be used to the paralyzed members there is usually no sensitiveness. Coldness is another symptom. There is often complete paralysis or loss of power to control the urine, and there is a difficulty in the passage of faecal matter. The paralyzed members become atrophied from want of use.

Consciousness is not at all impaired, and the appetite remains fairly good.

The prognosis is usually unfavorable, and when recovery does take place it is very slow.

Treatment consists in counter-irritation to the spine as biniodide of mercury or mustard oil, and strychnine in increasing doses, commencing with 1-50 grain three times a day, increased gradually to 1-30. Iodide of potash may be used in conjunction with the strychnine. Electricity may be tried.