436 HORSE, SWINE AND POULTRY DISEASES 



Symptoms. These are attacks of 'blindness, jerking upward with 

 the head, turning in a circle or rotating on the long axis of the body, 

 running straight ahead and finally falling on the side or rolling over 

 and over. When due to parasites, the hog turns to the side on which 

 the parasite lies and the attacks are apt to occur at any time. (Ind. 

 B. 100.) 



SPASMS, FITS. 



This disease is characterized by sudden loss of consciousness, 

 convulsive movements, etc. In the intervals between the attacks the 

 hog may appear in good health. 



Causes. Epilepsy may be due to lesions in the spinal cord or 

 brain. It is sometimes transmitted from the parent to the offspring 

 and in-breeding is also thought to cause it. Intestinal worms are 

 probably the most common cause of spasms in young pigs. It may 

 also occur as a result of dentition. 



Symptoms. The pig may be restless previous to the attack. 

 The convulsive contractions generally begin in the muscles of the 

 head and extremities. Jerking of the muscles of the face, champing 

 of the jaws and an unsteady gait is noticed at first. Suddenly the 

 pig falls, consciousness is lost, the limbs are extended and the seat of 

 convulsive movements, the head, may be thrown back, saliva runs 

 from the mouth and urine is passed. Because of the respiratory 

 muscles being involved, the animal has great difficulty in breathing. 

 In mild cases the convulsive movements are feeble and may cease in 

 a few seconds. Usually the attack lasts a few minutes. The hog 

 may get up and act as though nothing had happened or act dull and 

 sick for several days. There is some danger of the pig dying in an 

 attack. Sometimes during a seizure, the other hogs in the pen will 

 kill it. 



Treatment. The spasm may be stopped by throwing cold water 

 on the pig's head, or better by immersing its body in warm water. 

 The pig should be kept as quiet as possible between attacks. A ca- 

 thartic of castor oil should be given. Until the stupor has completely 

 passed, it is best to give from half a dram to a dram of bromide of 

 potassium in the feed or drench twice daily. As soon as it acts well, 

 it can be turned out with the rest of the herd. (Ind. B. 100.) 



CHOREA. 



This affection is commonly seen in young pigs, but may develop 

 at any age. The causes of the disease are not definitely known. It 

 is more commonly seen in weak, poorly developed or deformed pigs, 

 especially those having a bulging forehead and showing a tendency 

 toward hydrocephalus. 



Symptoms. Chorea is characterized by spasmodic movements 

 of some part of the body, as the head, or one or more legs. The head 

 is most often affected, and is jerked to one side and may be accom- 

 panied by wry neck. The jerking occurs in quick succession, or 

 there may be considerable interval between jerks. The attacks may 

 become spasmodic, that is, very bad part of the time and only slightly 

 so at other times. The jerking takes place more or less constantly 

 during the waking hours. If a leg be affected, it will be drawn up and 



