474 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



Fits. 



Many dogs are subject both to convulsive and spas- 

 modic fits, but the causes vary : with young dogs or 

 puppies they may arise from teething, or worms ; and 

 not unfrequently they are the forerunners of the dis- 

 temper. 



Worms are a very fertile source, and will produce 

 fits more generally than any thing else, especially when 

 they are very troublesome ; these fits are usually 

 of the spasmodic kind, and may be removed by 

 plunging the animal in cold water ; after which, ad- 

 minister the following : — 



Opium 4 grains. 



Castor, in powder - - - 1 8 grains. 

 Sulphate of Zinc - - - 5 grains. 

 These must be mixed into a ball with balsam of peru, 

 and divided into two doses ; one of which may be 

 given after the immersion, and the second the next 

 day. 



Dogs have been known to fall into fits from the 

 effects of fear, or irritation. Want of exercise is like- 

 wise a fruitful cause ; in such case the remedy is evi- 

 vident. Costiveness will produce them ; when an 

 active purge will be effective : indeed, in most in- 

 stances, whether costiveness exists or not, this remedy 

 is recommended. 



When the distemper is accompanied with fits, great 

 danger is present, and oftentimes the disease proves 

 fatal. Strong emetics may be tried. No valuable 

 bitch should be allowed to rear or suckle more than 

 two puppies at a time : when she is over-burdened 

 with them, convulsive fits will often be brought on, and 

 at last end fatally. 



