DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 6l 



tremities. A jerking of the muscles of the face, 

 champing of the jaws, and an unsteady gait are 

 noticed at first. Suddenly the pig falls, consciousness 

 is lost, the limbs are extended, and the seat of con- 

 vulsive movements, the head is thrown back, saliva 

 runs from the mouth, and urine is passed. Be- 

 cause of the muscles of respiration being involved, 

 the animal has great difficulty in breathing. 



In mild cases the spasms are feeble, and may 

 cease in a short time. The attack usually lasts but a 

 few minutes. The pig may act dull and sick for 

 several days, and there is some danger of it dying 

 during an attack. In true epilepsy the spasms occur 

 periodically, and the pig usually becomes unthrifty 

 and stunted. 



Treatment. — The attack may be stopped by throw- 

 ing cold water on the animal's head, or, better, by 

 immersing its body in warm water. The latter can 

 be easily practiced in pigs. A cathartic of castor-oil 

 should be given, and the pig kept as quiet as pos- 

 sible. Until the stupor has completely passed, it is 

 advisable to give from half a dram to a dram of 

 bromide of potassium in the feed, or drench twice a 

 day. 



SUNSTROKE OR HEAT STROKE 



, Hogs, especially fat hogs, when driven or exer- 

 cised on a very hot day, and when hauled or 

 shipped to market during the warm weather, are 

 very apt to become afiFected with the heat. This is 

 due to their condition, the crowded quarters, and the 

 lack of protection from the sun. When hogs are 



