Vertigo, Megrims, Blind Staggers
This is rather a frequent affection of the horse, and is a consequence of an undue pressure or rush of blood to the head, in most cases also excited by indigestion or over-fullness of the stomach.
In the milder cases, the horse stops suddenly, shakes his head or even staggers in evident giddiness and half-unconsciousness for a moment, and then goes on again as if nothing had happened. In more severe cases, he stops suddenly, shakes his head, falls or drops down, or after a few unconscious turns and a violent struggle, will become insensible, and then rise up and go on again; such attacks closely simulate true epilepsy.
Treatment.—In all similar cases, whether incipient or fully developed, give fifteen drops of A.A., and repeat it every quarter or half hour, until the animal is relieved, or for twelve or twenty-four hours, and then at intervals of say four hours, alternate it with J.K., until restored. When this dozing, stupid condition mentioned above is present, indicating evident congestion to the head, fifteen drops of A.A., each morning and noon, and the same of J.K., at night, will soon restore the animal again.
Paralysis
Paralysis, entire or partial loss of nervous power over the muscles of certain parts or portions of the body, occasionally occurs in the horse as a consequence of mechanical injuries, severe cold, or some internal cause.
When occurring in the face, the muscles of one side lose the power of motion; the lips hang down, and seem swollen, are drawn to one side, or pulled upward; food is picked up and retained with difficulty, mastication is imperfect, and food drops readily from the mouth. Sometimes there is no feeling in the face or lips.
When the hinder part of the body is paralized, the horse is unable to rise or stand, sits on his haunches like a dog, constipation and arrest of urination are apt to be present. In slighter cases, the hind legs sway about clumsily or he drags them after him, or even walks on his fetlocks.
Treatment.—The first course in case of recent paralysis, is to give fifteen drops of A.A., every two hours, which continue one day; then give fifteen drops of J.K., every four or six hours, according to the circumstances, until relieved, and then morning and night for a time.