CHAPTER XIII

DISEASES AFFECTING THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM.

INFLAMMATION OF THE LINING MEMBRANE OF THE CAVITIES IN
                        THE BONES OF THE SKULL.

Causes.—Prolonged exposure to the sun, injuries to the forehead
and bullet wounds. Steel remarks that it may be due to the
extension of inflammation in consequence of the intimate vascular
connection through the bones between the skin on the forehead and
this lining membrane. Gilchrist gives as causes the exhibition of
stimulating mussauls to elephants who work much in the sun, and
to sudden cooling of the body by taking a heated animal into
water.

Symptoms.—These are not very evident, but the history of the
case will assist. The skin on the forehead may become sore and
ulcerated and later the bone may become diseased ; there may be
considerable excitement and delirium.

Treatment.—Keep in a cool quiet place. Fetter carefully, give
a dose of physic. If the head be injured, fomentations may be
applied ; the wounds should be kept clean and dressed regularly ;
should matter form, it must be given exit. In the cases resulting
from exposure to the sun, cold cloths frequently applied may afford
much relief. Cooling medicines, such as tamarind pulp, epsom salts,
may be given with advantage. Green food should be given in
moderate quantities.

CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN AND ITS MEMBRANES.

The brain and the membranes covering it are intimately con-
nected, and it is a difficult matter to distinguish between congestion
of either separately ; hence it is best to consider them together.

Causes.—The more common causes of congestion are prolonged
work, fatigue and exposure in the sun, extension of inflammation
from the membranes lining the air cavities in the bones of the head,
acute indigestion the result of high feeding, insufficient exercise,
and frequent use of stimulating mussauls.

Symptoms.—Fever with its attendant signs noted under that
condition. The animal appears stupid and sleepy or giddy, and may