258                     A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS.

                                    SUNSTROKE.

This term is applied to a condition usually brought about by
exposure to great heat and glare.

Sunstroke in the elephant may be divided as follows :—

        (a)   Heat exhaustion, due to the direct action of the rays of
                    the sun upon the brain ; and
        (b)   Heat stroke, or heat apoplexy.

                                HEAT EXHAUSTION.

Causes.—Cases of heat exhaustion are of frequent occurrence,
the usual cause being over-exertion in great heat. These creatures,
by nature nocturnal in their habits, stand prolonged exposure to the
sun very badly. The condition generally occurs in animals that are
well fed but irregularly worked, and then suddenly called on to do
a long march in the heat of the day, and in weakly animals when
subjected to long exposure, or in those that are of a nervous or
excitable temperament. The digestive system when out of order
tends to increase the susceptibility.

Symptoms.—The symptoms usually come on towards the close
of a trying hot march. There is evident distress and dulness ; the
animal is fatigued, and slows down in his pace ; the breathing is hurried
and the ears droop ; the trunk is lax and not swung about freely ; if
these symptoms escape notice, the prostration increases until the
animal more or less suddenly falls down in a faint. The temperature
may be subnormal. These cases are met with most frequently when
the atmosphere is moist, oppressive and still.

Treatment.—Immediately remove the load and gear. Dash cold
water if possible from a height for some time over the head, neck,
chest and along the spine ; if lying in the sun, run up a single or
double tarpaulin as an awning to afford shade, but not so as to
impede free circulation of air ; for the same reason, men should not
be allowed to crowd around. Wash the face, head and trunk with
cold water and sponge out the mouth and lips with weak vinegar
and water or plain water. The head and face should be fanned if
there is no breeze ; a weak solution of ammonia, if any be handy,
poured on to a wet cloth, which may be thrown or placed on a
bamboo near orifices of the trunk, may prove beneficial. In mild
cases, after a little time the animal pulls round and will drink some
water if presented ; when he gets up he should be kept in shade.
A full dose of physic may be given with advantage. Clean fresh
grass in moderation should be allowed ; it is better to reduce the