FITS. 175 



The epileptic fits that attack dog-s of all a^es, otherwise ap- 

 parently healthy, may be idiopathic, or they may arise from 

 distemper, costiveness, or worms, &c. In countries where 

 there are lead mines, dogs have often violent epileptic fits, 

 from the effects of the lead on the water. The oxen, sheep, 

 goats, and horses, of such situations, also participate. Mer- 

 cury appears to form the best antidote for these contractions, 

 either rubbed externally or given internally. 



In the treatment of epilepsy, it is evident that the cause 

 producing- the attacks must be attended to, to effect a cure. 

 The immediate fit itself may be removed at once usually, by 

 plunging the dog into cold water; or sprinkling it in his face 

 even, is sufficient in many cases. Whenever a fit has hap- 

 pened to a healthy dog, he should immediately have a brisk 

 purge given him, for fits are very frequently brought on by 

 simple costiveness: and even if such were not the case pre- 

 vious to the fit, this treatment would be the most proper. 

 Should it be at all suspected that the affection arose from 

 worms, treat as directed under that head. Some dogs are so 

 irritable, that whatever raises any strong passion in their 

 minds produces an epileptic attack: hence dogs much con- 

 fined, on being suffered to run out, frequently have a fit. It 

 is this irritability in the mind, likewise, that produces fits in 

 pointers and setters when hunting; for they are observed 

 more frequent in the high-bred and eager, than in the cool 

 coarse dog. As a general rule, in these cases, regular exer- 

 cise must be given; and, in sporting dogs of high breed or 

 delicate forms, the constitution of body should as much as 

 possible be strengthened, by good food, pure air, and free- 

 dom from confinement ; for fits are here the effect of too 

 much energy of the mind, beyond the powers of the body: 

 and in all such cases they are, probably, the effect of a pe- 

 culiar debility. The irritability of the mind itself should afso 

 be attempted to be moderated : in sporting dogs, it is best 

 done by habituating them to the sight of much game, which 

 greatly lessens their eagerness. For a very valuable dog, 

 belonging to a gentleman in Kent, affected with epilepsy 



