Diseases of the Nervous Systeni, 2^9 



CHAPTER XVII. 

 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



Epilepsy— Vertigo — Neuralgia — Apoplexy — Tetanus, or Locked-jaw — Choren— 

 Cramp — Injuries to the Head: Concussion— Compression — Apoplexy- 

 Encephalitis — Hydrocephalus— Paralysis— Parasitism. 



The brain of the dog species is generally well 

 developed, and in some breeds it is of a remarkable 

 character, being very much larger in many of the pet 

 varieties, and in proportion to their bodies, than in the 

 dogs of larger breeds and massive corporeal development. 

 The natural intelligence is also acute, and many instances 

 occur from time to time in the experience of the canine 

 surgeon which are evidences of a high order of animal 

 instinct. Some animals are very clever in simulating 

 illness or lameness, and succeed in the clever deception 

 as to excite human pity for their apparently urgent and 

 serious malady. Numerous instances of this kind have 

 come under our observation. Recognising such acute- 

 ness, and the evidences also of contemporary nervous 

 sensibility in various forms, we shall be prepared to 

 admit the necessity for careful regulations in the form 

 and dose of all the remedies we are called upon to 

 administer; and likewise, as strangers, our mode of 

 approach or handling the patient. Neglect of these has 

 often had the effect of raising a tumult of excitement, or 

 developing a fit of convulsions. 



Epilepsy, or Pits, is a state of nervous disorder 

 characterised by a loss of consciousness, and accom- 

 panied by violent convulsions, dependent upon some 

 peculiar form of irritation of the brain or other distant 

 parts of the nervous system. The Causes may be due to 

 the state of the blood in such diseases as anaemia, 

 plethora, distemper, &c. It has also been traced to 



