268 The Management and Diseases of the Dog. 



succeeded by others of a whimpering nature. During the 

 attack the urine and faeces are often voided. The tongue is 

 sometimes severely bitten, the gums are of a leaden or 

 livid hue, the mouth filled with frothy saliva, and the eyes 

 unnalturally prominent. 



Epilepsy passes through its course with marvellous, 

 rapidity ; five minutes from the seizure the animal may 

 regain its legs, and appear in its usual health. There are, 

 however, cases in which, after the foregoing symptoms have 

 passed away, the creature lies motionless and utterly un- 

 conscious, as if it were sound asleep ; and this state may 

 continue for half an hour or more. 



The dog recovering from epilepsy usually has a peculiar, 

 bewildered look. Immediately he regains his feet he either 

 makes off with himself as fast as his legs can carry him, or 

 viciously rushes at those about him. This latter is one of 

 the most unpleasant phases of the disease, for the animal 

 is indisposed alike to friends and strangers ; and this is 

 another of the inducem ents for a verdict of madness. 



One fit is often the forerunner of others, which continue 

 in rapid succession for a considerable time. In such 

 instances the prognosis is unfavourable. 



Epilepsy frequently ushers in distemper, and also more 

 frequently terminates it. 



Treatment. — Immediately a dog at large is seized with 

 epilepsy, care should be taken to secure him, for the double 

 purpose of preventing him biting, and also running away. 

 The collar should not be tighter than is absolutely 

 necessary, or dangerous results will follow from pressure 

 on the vessels of the neck, and consequent obstruction to 

 the return of blood from the head. 



Cold water is certainly the best ready-at-hand applica- 

 tion ; this may be dashed freely in the face, or what is 

 better, if within reach, a tap turned on the animal's head. 



Bleeding as a rule is unnecessary and injudicious. 



Epilepsy generally arises from debility and nervous irri- 



