THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 165 



Treatment. Place the animal in a shady spot, 

 give rapidly diffusable stimulants, and apply cool but not 

 cold water over the body, and, if possible, use ice packs 

 on the head. 



Lightning Stroke 



Lightning stroke sometimes occurs in swine, par- 

 ticularly among those in pasture. The lesions of light- 

 ning stroke are not well marked. Burning of the surface 

 and irregular congested streaks may be observed. Tissue 

 hemorrhage may or may not occur. The carcass of an 

 animal dead from lightning stroke putrefies rapidly. 



Swine that are struck by lightning may be instantly 

 killed or they may be rendered unconscious or only tem- 

 porarily stunned. Those that are not killed will show 

 unsteadiness of gait, and they may even be unable to 

 walk. The animals that are not killed instantly usually 

 make a speedy and complete recovery. Little is required 

 in the way of treatment. The affected animals should 

 be made comfortable and, if necessary, stimulants should 

 be given. 



Epilepsy 



Epilepsy is a nervous disorder characterized by 

 sudden temporary loss of consciousness, with partial or 

 general convulsions. Swine, particularly those closely 

 confined, are frequently affected with epilepsy. This is 

 a functional disorder, the result of a variety of causes, 

 parasites, tumorous growths, excitement, and fear being 

 among the common causative factors, although in many 

 cases the cause has not been determined. 



Lesions. The disease is primarily a functional dis- 

 order, and there are no lesions that are constant and can 

 be said to be accountable for the seizures of epilepsy. 



Symptoms. The approach of an attack is evidenced 

 by restlessness, uneasiness, muscular tremors, rolling of 

 the eyes, and champing of the teeth. These premoni- 

 tory symptoms are succeeded by falling, and extension, 

 and frequent jerking of the legs and head. The mouth is 

 usually open, and from it saliva is discharged freely. 



