168 CONVULSIONS. 



and relaxations of the muscles, by means of which the body is kept in a 

 state of continual and very active movement. The head, the limbs, and 

 the bodj- jerk violently ; the tongue is sometimes caught between the teeth 

 and bitten; the movements of the jaws are accompanied with a foamy 

 saliva, frequently tinged with blood from the wounded tongue. Respira- 

 tion during the tonic spasm is arrested, and is irregular and incomplete 

 while the active convulsion exists; in consequence the mucous membrane 

 becomes livid and congested. 



A convulsion may be slight or severe and prolonged. As the paroxysm 

 ends the animal draws a deep, long sigh, and if the attack is epileptic he 

 then soon recovers consciousness, and is moving about as though nothing 

 unusual had occurred. In some cases the unfortunate passes into a state 

 of profound stupor, in which he remains a variable period. Gradually 

 consciousness returns, he makes several attempts to rise, reels about for 

 a few steps in a bewildered manner, grows steadier, and is soon himself 

 or much improved. In very rare cases he will appear delirious, and rush 

 wildly away or towards those about him. 



tPro</nosis . — Since convulsions cannot be considered as representative 

 of any single form of disease, and they relate to many morbid conditions 

 differing from each other so widely, unless the cause is known which 

 induces them, a prognosis cannot be made. 



In epilepsy the paroxysms recur after intervals extremely variable. 

 When worms cause an attack, their removal promises a cure. The so- 

 called suckling fits are due to exhaustion and disappear when strength 

 returns. Convulsions occurring in distemper from brain irritation almost 

 invariably prove a fatal symptom. The same may be said when they ap- 

 pear in disease of the kidneys, and as the result of poisons. Teething fits 

 sometimes end fatally but are more often recovered from. 



In a general way it may be said the prognosis is favorable when the 

 causes are of a simple nature and easily removed. 



Treatment . — During a convulsion the animal should be secured to pre- 

 vent his running away if delirious on recovery. The object of treatment 

 then is to cool the head and keep the body warm, thereby drawing the 

 blood from the brain. Bathing the head with cold water will generally 

 prove quite sufficient. After the convulsive movements cease if he is in- 

 clined to sleep, allow him to remain undisturbed. 



In every case the primary cause should be sought for, and efforts be 

 made to effect its removal. If poison is suspected, proper treatment will 

 be found advised elsewhere. If the convulsion is prolonged, the injection 

 of the hydrate of chloral recommended in strychnine poisoning should 

 be given. Generally where spasms are connected with diseases or de- 

 rangements of different organs, the existence of such disorders will have 



