ECLAMPSIA 461 



CHOREA. 



Definition.— This is a persistent clonic spasm, or twitching 

 of certain muscles, or group of muscles. It is oftenest seen 

 in the dog; rare in other animals. 



Etiology.— Chorea results most frequently from acute 

 infectious diseases as distemper to which it is a common 

 sequel. It also occurs in myelitis, and in the early stages 

 of rachitis. 



Pathology.— There is no demonstrable lesion observed 

 even in the most careful examination which might account 

 for the symptoms shown. Anemia is the most constant. 



Symptoms.— The twitching of the muscles is quite constant 

 and usually involves those of the head and anterior limbs, 

 though often one or both of the pelvic limbs may be involved. 

 There is a peculiar dipping movement of the head and 

 shoulders. Often the masseter muscles are the only ones 

 involved producing a spasmodic movement of the jaws. 

 Consciousness is not disturbed. 



These rhythmic spasms are less marked when the animal 

 is alone and during sleep. The pulse and temperature are 

 normal; the appetite unaffected. The disease is chronic and 

 may persist for months or years. Young animals frequently 

 recover without treatment. 



Diagnosis.— Diagnosis is not difficult. The history, the 

 peculiar rhythmic spasms of certain muscles, and the absence 

 of general symptoms point clearly to chorea. 



Prognosis.— Prognosis is good so far as the life of the animal 

 is concerned, but bad from the standpoint of recovery or cure. 



Treatment.— Many kinds of treatment have been tried 

 but none have given decided results. Arsenic in the form 

 of Fowler's solution (0.1-0.75) once daily has proved helpful. 



Recently leukocytic extract has been administered experi- 

 mentally with excellent results. The animal should be 

 given nourishing food, and if anemic, iron preparations as 

 iron and quinin citrate (0.2-0.7) are useful. 



ECLAMPSIA. 



Definition.— Eclampsia is a tonoclonic spasm observed in 

 bitches. It is associated, though in some cases quite remotely, 



