DISEASES OF DOGS : FITS. 327 



9 



CHAP. X. 



FITS. 



Dogs are very subject to fits, and they arise 

 from different causes, which must be particularly 

 attended to, as their treatment greatly depends 

 upon the cause that induces them : these causes 

 will be stated after the symptoms are described. 

 The symptoms of fits are various, and their attack 

 sudden ; sometimes the dog suddenly stands as if 

 affrighted, and in a few moments springs up two 

 or three feet high, and immediately falls down as 

 though shot ; while in this state, he has convulsive 

 motions of the tail, limbs, or some part of the 

 body; sometimes his eyes are turned up, and his face 

 distorted ; frequently, also, he froths at the mouth, 

 and grinds his teeth ; his breathing is generally 

 hurried, and often he pants excessively; is sick 

 at the stomach, and his bowels are frequently 

 very constipated. Some dogs, when taken, are 

 seized with a violent heaving of the chest, 

 and appear almost suffocated ; they then al- 

 most immediately dart forwards, and fall pros- 

 trate on the ground, quite stiff, except convulsive 

 motions of the tail, limbs, or other parts of the 

 body ; they also generally froth at the mouth. 



