The secondary form of the disease usually occurs in connection with other
diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis and acute pharyngitis, or as a
result of wound infection. Unhygienic conditions, as unsanitary and poorly
ventilated stables and filthy drinking places, play a very important part
in the production of the simple or acute form of meningitis.

Sudden changes in the feed and the feeding of rotten, mouldy feeds may
cause it. In the fall and winter it may follow the feeding of too heavy a
ration of shredded fodder or any other dry feed. Other exciting causes are
overexertion, changes in climate, excitement, injuries to the head and the
feeding of too heavy and concentrated a ration.

_The symptoms_ vary in the different individuals, but in general they are
the same. At first the animal is dull, or extremely nervous and sensitive
to sounds. The pupils of the eye are unevenly contracted at first, later
dilated. The eyes may appear staring, or they are rolled about, so that the
white portion is prominent. The unusual excitement is manifested in
different ways by the different species. During the dull period the animal
is indifferent to its surroundings. When it is excited, the pulse beats and
respirations are accelerated. The body temperature is often elevated early
in the disease. There is a partial or complete loss of appetite. Paralysis
may be the most prominent symptom. The animal lies in a natural position,
or stretched out and lifting the head occasionally and moving the limbs,
but it is unable to rise. Loss of sensibility may gradually progress until
the animal becomes semiconscious, or comatose.

In case the inflammation is acute and involves the greater portion of the
brain and its coverings, death occurs within a few days. Occasionally the
animal survives several weeks. There are few permanent or complete