FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT 95 



Epileptiform convulsions are due to an irregular discharge 

 of the nerve cells, which are in a highly unstable condition ; they 

 occur unexpectedly, last a variable period, and are either of the 

 nature of one prolonged muscular contraction, or they consist 

 of alternate contraction and relaxation. 



The causes of convulsions may be due to injuries to the head 

 or to spinal cord ; morbid state of the blood in ptomain poisoning, 

 and in the convulsions that appear in the advanced stages of in- 

 fectious diseases, as in distemper. 



In our experience, the most frequent causes of these convul- 

 sions can be attributed to reflex irritation produced by intestinal 

 parasites. Among the emotional causes, fear easily heads the 

 list. The mere sight of a catching-net or shifting-cage is suf- 

 ficient to induce convulsions in foxes and other highly suscepti- 

 ble animals. 



The excess of uric acid in the blood seems to be closely allied 

 to epilepsy and convulsions, and as a result of a too liberal meat 

 diet. This position is greatly strengthened by the fact that 

 epileptiform convulsions are much more frequent in the caniiv- 

 ora than in the herbivora. It also suggests a light vegetable diet 

 for both preventive and curative purposes in our animals. The 

 frequent and liberal drinking of warm water, and the use of 

 diuretics are indicated. 



Symptoms. — The attack is usually sudden and unheralded. 

 The animal stops, trembles, cries plaintively and falls; it may 

 manage to rise, but instantly falls again. The limbs stifl'en, 

 tremble or twitch, the head is extended or draw^n rigidly to one 

 side, or jerked, violently striking the ground. The mouth is gen- 

 erally open, with abundant saliva. The body may be firm and 

 rigid, or alternately twisted in one direction or the other. The 

 eyes roll or squint, and the breathing is noisy and difficult. In- 

 sensibility is complete. Toward the end of the attack there may 

 be a discharge of urine or feces. The body is wet with perspira- 

 tion during or after an attack. The attack usually lasts for two 

 or three minutes, then the convulsions gradually lessen in inten- 

 sity and finally cease, the animal raises its head, opens its eyes 

 and gazes inquiringly about. In some cases the animal gets 

 on its feet, shakes itself, and appears perfectly normal, resum- 

 ing its customary habits. In other cases the restoration is less 

 sudden. The animal may remain dull and stupid for half an 

 hour or longer, or in trying to regain its feet will appear to have 

 little control over the leg muscles, and staggers about as if the 



