General [General]
This somewhat rare disease is generally met with in hot weather; horses in high condition after being exposed to the rays of the sun for a considerable time are the ones usually attacked with it; but it is sometimes produced by a blow on the head. The first symptoms of this disease are notices by the animal having a dull heavy appearance, he stands with his head down, and it is with difficulty that he is made to move; after a day or two his breathing becomes accelerated, with violent trembling of the whole body, he stares wildly about, he throws up his head, rears upon his hind legs, dashes furiously and unconsciously about, plunges headlong on the ground, springs up again, gnashes his teeth, strikes at anything that happens to be in his way; after a time he becomes calm, and stands motionless, or walks slowly round.
REMEDIES: Aconite, Belladonna, Veratrum and Opium
Aconite [Acon]
Aconite, in the very commencement of this disease; if the pulse is accelerated, fever, congestion toward the brain, rapid breathing, and trembling of the whole body.
Dose. Six drops every twenty minutes until several doses have been taken, or the more violent symptoms, after which the next remedy should be taken into consideration.
Belladonna [Bell]
Belladonna, if the animal has a wild staring fixed look, dishes furiously and unconsciously about, which is indicative of violent congestion to the brain.
Dose. Six drops put upon the tongue every fifteen or thirty minutes until the violence of the attack is subdued.
Veratrum [Verat]
Veratrum, if the legs and ears are icy cold, with convulsive trembling of the whole body, or where there is reeling, staggering motion, and the animal plunges violently and falls down head foremost.
Dose. The same as directed for Belladonna.
Opium [Op]
Opium, if after the paroxysms the animal remains motionless, with fixed staring eyes, the tongue of a leaden or black colour.
Dose. Six drops every half, one or two hours, according to circumstances.
