SPASMS 629 



of worms, or acute inflammation of the stomach and bowels, are 

 frequently at the bottom of the condition. Pigs which are poorly 

 developed, and especially those that are attacked by rickets, are 

 very likely to have convulsions. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of this condition are quite similar 

 to those described under the head of Epilepsy. Here, too, there 

 may be certain warning symptoms, such as loss of appetite and 

 restlessness. Finally, the convulsive seizure begins in the muscles 

 of the head and the extremities, and gradually spreads to involve 

 the entire body. The pig falls over and becomes stiff and im- 

 movable. The seizure may last but a few minutes, or it may be 

 prolonged for a half hour or more. Frequently one attack follows 

 another, until the animal finally dies from exhaustion. This is 

 especially liable to be the case where the spasms come on in the 

 course of some acute inflammation or as a result of poisoning from 

 some chemical irritant. 



Treatment.— As convulsions in pigs are practically always 

 secondary conditions, and due to some underlying irritation, the 

 most essential thing in the treatment is to determine what is caus- 

 ing the attacks and remove this cause if possible. For the im- 

 mediate relief of the spasm an effective practice is to take the little 

 fellow and place him in a tub of warm water. If any chloroform is 

 at hand the convulsions can be relaxed by a few whiffs of this drug. 

 Recurrence of the attacks can be prevented by administering full 

 doses of bromid of potash (about 10 gr. to an average-sized pig) , or 

 chloral hydrate may be given, in doses of 5 to 10 gr. 



As irritation of the stomach and bowels is the most frequent 

 cause, it is fairly good practice to give an emetic as soon as possible. 

 For this purpose | gr. of apomorphin may be injected under the 

 skin or a cup of mustard-water may be given by drench. After 

 the stomach has been emptied in this manner, a dose of calomel (1 

 to 2 gr. for small pigs) should be given, to be followed the next 

 morning with an ounce of castor oil. In those cases that appear 

 to be due to irritation of the teeth and gums, irrigation of the 

 mouth with a solution of potassium chlorate, or with simple cold 

 water to which a little vinegar has been added, will give marked 

 relief and prevent recurrence. 



