624 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



FITS. 



Dogs are very liable to be afflicted with fits of 

 several kinds, and arising from a variety of causes. 



Epileptic fits. As in the human being, these are 

 accompanied by severe convulsions, and they occur at 

 all ages. The cause of these is not well understood. 

 However, they are frequently the followers of dis- 

 temper, costiveness, the presence of worms in the 

 intestines, teething in puppies, and some affection of 

 the brain. These are most difficult to cure, if not 

 incurable in many instances. Bleeding often has the 

 effect of removing fits, but aperients should always be 

 administered ; and the following will be found of much 

 use: 



Calomel 12 grains, 



Powdered foxglove . . .12 grains, 

 Powdered miseltoe ... 2 drachms ; 



to be divided into nine, twelve, or fifteen powders, 

 according to the size of the dog, and one given every 

 morning. Let them be made up in the form of pills, 

 with treacle and a little linseed meal, and put down the 

 animal's throat. 



The natural ardour of dogs, more particularly 

 those used in field-sports, frequently causes them to 

 have fits, from the great excitement produced by the 

 sight or smell of game ; more especially at the com- 

 mencement of the season ; and particularly in such 

 dogs as have not been sufficiently exercised. When 

 they are attacked with epileptic fits in the field, the 

 best and easiest remedy is to plunge them into water 

 immediately, which will have the effect of rousing 

 them. Setters are more liable to these attacks than 

 pointers, from their more ardent temperament ; and 



