528 



SUTHERLAND SIMPSON 



falls to the floor in an epileptiform convulsion; the legs are stretched 

 out rigid, tl^ head stretched forward, all the muscles of the neck being 

 thrown into tetanic contraction, breathing stops for a few moments and is 

 then gradually resumed, the legs finally relax, and the dog recovers and 

 walks about again." 



As a rule, however, the onset of tetany is more gradual and continu- 

 ously progressive, so that, from the condition in which spastic walking is 



Fig. 3. Tracing from forelimb of a dog in postoperative tetany two days after 

 complete thyroparathyroidectomy. 



possible, the dog goes onto the stage in which, with all the muscles rigid 

 and twitching violently, lie is unable to stand at all. Frequently there 

 is marked snapping of the jaws, and, as the tongue usually protrudes, it 

 may be badly bitten. 



Saliva flows copiously from the mouth, and one symptom which I have 

 frequently observed and have never seen mentioned elsewhere is an appar- 

 ent itchiness of the mouth and lips; the dog will rub his lips and gums 

 along the wall or in a heap of cinders, if there are any available. 



If the attack is a bad one, the breathing is rapid and panting; it may 

 bo at the rate of 250 per minute. Whether this is due to excessive muscu- 



