462 FUNCTIONAL NERVOUS DISEASES 



with parturition. As a rule the animal is conscious during 

 the attack. 



Etiology.— The cause of eclampsia is not definitely known. 

 It occurs in pregnant bitches and as late as fifty days after 

 whelping. It has been observed to follow exposure to cold 

 in pregnant bitches, and following grief or anxiety owing 

 to the loss of one or more of the puppies in suckling bitches. 



Symptoms.— The disease appears suddenly, usually about 

 the second week after parturition, though it may occur 

 before. Generally small delicate house dogs are affected. 



Early in the attack the animal becomes restless and has 

 an anxious facial expression. Later motor disturbances 

 are seen, the animal falls to the ground or floor in spasms 

 of a tonoclonic, or mixed type, the legs sticking out stiffly 

 as in tetanus. The muscles of the body and limbs are hard 

 and tense, occasionally the limbs will relax and immediately 

 become stiff again. The respiration is rapid, and the pulse 

 accelerated, small and hard. Visible mucous membranes 

 are congested. There is some salivation, the saliva being 

 swallowed or dripping from the mouth. The eyes are open, 

 pupil normal, and the corneal reflex present. The animal 

 is conscious but unable to obey commands. The tempera- 

 ture is normal or subnormal. 



Diagnosis.— The diagnosis of eclampsia is sometimes 

 difficult. It might be confused with strychnin poisoning, 

 a condition it closely resembles, but in eclampsia there is 

 less hyperesthesia. It might also be confused with tetanus 

 but tetanus comes on gradually, this being about the only 

 differential feature. 



Prognosis.— If the animal is presented for treatment 

 early, the prognosis is favorable. Otherwise it is unfavorable, 

 especially when the temperature is more than 1|° below 

 normal. 



Treatment.— Give narcotics as morphin subcutaneously in 

 full doses and keep the animal in a warm, quiet place. 

 Chloroform syrup (1 c.c. of chloroform to 90 c.c. of simple 

 syrup) in doses of 4.0-8.0 every fifteen minutes until the mus- 

 cles relax, then at longer intervals as required, may be given. 



Puppies must not be allowed to nurse during the acute 

 stage and should be kept away from the dam. 



