247 



administered. If desirable, one to two drachms of the extract of 

 belladonna may be substituted for the chloral and bromide. From 20 

 to 30 ounces of linseed or castor oil should also be given, and it may 

 be found necessary to repeat the bromide every eight hours. As a 

 rule, however, the symptoms disappear m a few hours. 



587. Epilepsy. (Fits). This peculiar nervous derangement may 

 arise from a number of causes, such as retarded dentition ; worms in 

 the stomach and bowels ; improper food, causing intestinal disorder ; 

 and uterine complications. The attack is generally very sudden ; the 

 animal stops instantly, trembles ah over, and falls to the ground, the 

 whole muscular system being thrown into violent contortions. There ^ 

 is a pecuHar rocking and working of the head and limbs, and rolHng of 

 the eyeball, which turns in under the upper eyelid. The teeth are 

 firmly held together, and a frothy discharge comes from the mouth. 

 The heart beats fast and loud, while the breathing is suspended for a 

 few moments ; and dung and urine are involuntarily ejected. After the 

 convulsive attack has passed, the patient frequently falls into a long 

 deep sleep, from which it awakes, showing little or no ill effects, with 

 the exception of a slight languor and listlessness. The Pig and the 

 Dog are the greatest sufferers from this affliction. Young pigs are 

 very often attacked, especially if fed too largely upon badly prepared 

 maize meal. This stuff, therefore, should always be weU-hoiled, and 

 even then, used very sparingly amongst young pigs under two months 

 old. Feeding on pollards or parings, answers much better, and is 

 certainly safer. In the dog, retarded teething, and tape and other 

 worms m the alimentary canal, are responsible for most cases of 

 epilepsy. 



588. Treatment of Fits.— When the patient is seized, every care 

 should be taken to keep it from injurmg itself, and a free access of air 

 should be allowed in all cases. Benefit will be derived from a 

 continual cold-water douche on the head. If the teeth are firmly 

 clinched together, a piece of wood or some other suitable substance 

 must be pressed in between them, to prevent the tongue being injured. 

 After the attack has passed over, a careful examination ought to be 



