630 DISEASES OF SWINE 



PUERPERAL CONVULSIONS (PUERPERAL ECLAMPSIA) 



This is a name which has been appHed to convulsive seizures 

 occurring in the sow during or immediately following the delivery 

 of the litter. It is a not uncommon condition in other animals as 

 well as the sow, and is of quite frequent occurrence in the human 

 family. 



Cause. — The cause of puerperal eclampsia is unknown. There 

 have been a number of interesting theories brought forward to ex- 

 plain these pecuUar attacks, but none of the explanations so far 

 given can be accepted as entirely satisfactory. Some men think 

 that the convulsions are due to excessive irritation of the nerves in 

 the region of the uterus during prolonged labor, but this theory 

 cannot be accepted, as the attacks often occur even after very 

 easy deliveries. 



Another and more plausible explanation is the theory that the 

 convulsions are the result of poor action on the part of the kidneys 

 during the last weeks of pregnancy. At this time the kidneys have 

 a large amount of waste to work off, and, if they are in any way 

 deficient in their action, a large amount of poisonous material 

 collects in the blood-stream, and this, by irritation of the nervous 

 system, produces the convulsive attacks. 



Symptoms. — The animal may be noted to be getting restless and 

 toss about somewhat uneasily. Suddenly the muscles of the jaws 

 and of the limbs will be noted to stiffen, the eyes begin to roll, and 

 the breathing becomes difficult. Froth often appears at the mouth, 

 and the animal may bite her tongue, as in an attack of genuine epi- 

 lepsy. These convulsions last for one or two minutes, and are 

 followed by relaxation of the body and extreme exhaustion. The 

 attack may recur in a few minutes, and each succeeding attack is 

 usually more severe than the first. If the pulse be taken at this 

 time it will be found to be very rapid and bounding in character. 



Postmortem Changes. — This condition frequently causes death, 

 and when the body is opened up but little change can usually be 

 found. There may be some swelling and a pale appearance to the 

 kidneys, and this often is the only change of importance that can 

 be determined. 



Treatment. — The preventive treatment of this condition consists 

 in careful dieting of the sows during the last weeks of pregnancy 



