DOGS, CATS AND POULTRY 537 



Bathe the parts twice a day with lukewarm water, wipe dry 

 and apply the white liniment. 



7. Rheumatic Fever. 



This is merely a very severe attack of rheumatism ac- 

 companied by much fever. Follow the treatment outlined 

 in Section 6 and keep the diet rigidly free from meat. 



8. Fits or Convulsions. 



Fits are of three kinds, according to the cause and or- 

 gans affected. 



Causes. — 1. Apoplectic fits are the result of brain trouble 

 and usually result in sudden death. 



2. Epileptic fits are the result of cutting teeth or some 

 other violent irritation. 



3. Ordinary fits are the result of some digestive derange- 

 ment — worms, constipation, diarrhoea, etc. 



Symptoms. — In the first of these the dog suddenly falls, 

 lies quietly, does not froth at the mouth and breathes heav- 

 ily until death comes. 



Frothing at the mouth and grinding of the teeth are two 

 symptoms always present in epileptic fits. 



Frothing and grinding may not be present in ordinary 

 fits. 



Treatment. — Nothing can be done effectively for apo- 

 plexy. 



A hot bath will often relieve epileptic fits in pups if 

 caused by cutting teeth. If necessary give an injection of 



Warm Water 6 tablespoonfuls. 



Ether 6 drops. 



This usually proves effective. In addition give 



Bromide of Potassium 2 grains. 



twice a day for a couple of weeks. 



