FITS. 349 



connected with pressure on the brain, and being of the nature of 

 apoplexy ; and, 3rdly, epileptic: fits, which may occur at all ages, 

 and even at intervals, through the whole life of the animal. 



Convulsive fits are generally produced by the irritation of denti- 

 tion, and occur chiefly at the two periods when the teeth are cut 

 viz., during the first month, and from the fifth to the seventh month 

 They come on suddenly, the puppy lying on its siJe, and bein^ 

 more or less convulsed. There is no foaming at the mouth, and 

 the recovery from them is gradual, in both these points differing 

 from epilepsy. The only treatment at all likely to be of service, 

 is the use of the hot-bath, which in young and delicate puppies 

 may sometimes give relief. Fits arising in distemper, are caused 

 by absolute mischief in the brain, unless they occur as a conse- 

 quence of worms, which being removed, the fits cease. 



In apoplectic fits the dcg lios insensible, or nearly so ; does not 

 foam at the mouth, but snores and breathes heavily. Take away 

 blood from the neck-vein, afterwards purging by means of croton 

 oil, and inserting a scton in the back of the neck. The attack, 

 however, is generally fatal, in spito of the most scientific treat- 

 ment. 



Epilepsy may be distinguished by the blueness of the lips and 

 gums, and by the constant chamjjing of the jaw and frothing at 

 the mouth. The fit comes on without any notice, frequently in 

 sporting dogs while they are at work, a hot day being specially 

 provocative of it. In the pointer and setter, the fit almost always 

 occurs just after a *' point," the excitement of which appears to act 

 upon the brain. The dog falls directly the birds are sprung, after 

 lying struggling for a few minutes, he rises, looking wildly about, 

 him, and then sitting or lying down agam for a few minutes, \s 

 ready to renew work apparently unconscious that anything unu- 

 sual has occurred. As in chorea so in epilepsy, nothing is known 

 of the cause and the treatment is therefore guided by the most em* 

 plrical principles. Within the last ten years bromide of potassium 

 has been used with great success in the human subject, but 

 although I have recommended its use in many cases on the dog, 1 

 cannot bear testimony as to the result. The dose for a moderate 



