Prognosis. Treatment. 773 



one always must carefully investigate the signs of illness which 

 might underlie the attacks. Only if by continued observance 

 such cannot be proved will the assumption of a distinct epilepsy 

 1)6 justified, and one must always reckon with the possibility 

 that this hypothesis may be upset at the postmortem. Heredi- 

 tary taint and long intervals between the attacks generally de- 

 note a true epilepsy. 



Prognosis. In true epilepsy this is unfavorable since a 

 permanent cessation of the attacks can scarcely be expected. 

 The influence of the ailment on the usefulness of the animal 

 varies very much in different cases. In this respect an un- 

 favorable view must be taken, especially if the attacks occur 

 at short periods. The hereditary affection generally takes an 

 unfavorable course, and more especially so if the first attacks 

 occur in early age. 



The consideration of secondary epilepsy depends upon the 

 nature of the causative illness; if this is curable there is hope 

 of complete recovery from the attacks. On this account the 

 prognosis of secondary epilepsy is generally more favorable 

 than that of genuine epilepsy. 



Treatment. Of the numerous methods of treatment in 

 true epilepsy the internal administration of bromides has 

 proven most successful if these drugs are used systematically 

 in proportionately large doses and for a long time. With this 

 object potassium bromide may be given to dogs in daily doses 

 of 3 to 4 gm., sheep and swine 5 to 6 gm., large animals 20 to 

 50 gm. (in freshly prepared electuary or solution!) for 2 to 4 

 weeks. If during the pause renewed convulsions oe^ur the 

 course is to be repeated. The other salts of bromine may also 

 be employed, and at times these seem to be of advantage ; thus 

 one can order potassium, sodium and ammonium bromide to- 

 gether in the same doses as the potassium bromide alone, in 

 which case one daily dose or at most two are to be given. For 

 birds 17o to 5% potassium bromide solution as drinking water 

 is the best. The much more expensive bromipin may be given 

 to dogs in doses of one tea or table spoonful. If signs of a 

 chronic bromine poisoning (emaciation, trembling, gastric ca- 

 tarrh, and especially eczema or acne in different parts of the 

 l)ody) occur, then the treatment must be suspended for a time, 

 and mild aperients combined with arsenic must be used. 



Further, one must give suitable nourishment (if possible 

 food containing little chlorine and nitrogen) assuring a proper 

 digestion, and also exercise care that the animal does not come 

 in contact with any influences that bring on the attack. Con- 

 sidering the probability of the hereditary nature of the illness 

 breeding animals must be excluded froiii breedin.'v (according 

 to Roll the attacks sometimes cease after castration), work- 

 ing animals must be employed cautiously. 



