CHAPTER XVIII 



SOME DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 



Convulsions 



Convulsions, or "fits," as they are popularly termed, 

 are rather common amongst puppies, and in the 

 majority of instances arise through the presence of 

 worms in the alimentary canal, more especially 

 round worms {Ascaris marginata), which parasites 

 infest about 70 per cent, of puppies. These round 

 worms infest both the stomach and the bowels 

 and set up a great deal of irritation, and convulsions 

 result from this reflected source of irritation. Some- 

 times puppies only a few days old will be affected 

 in the manner named; if so it is a difficult matter 

 to treat them successfully against these pests. The 

 best remedy is santonin and castor oil, and the dose 

 for puppies ranges from half to five grains of santonin. 

 If the puppies are a month to six weeks old give two 

 grains of santonin combined with five grains of areca 

 nut, the whole to be mixed with one teaspoonful of 

 castor oil. This should be administered after the 



puppies have been kept without food for a few hours. 



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