226 KENNEL DISEASES. 
some degree of consciousness, as a rule its loss is complete. The most pro- 
nounced symptom appears in the breathing, which is slow, heavy, and noisy; loud 
snoring being more or less constant. The eyes are bloodshot and fixed; the 
mucous membrane of the mouth is of purplish hue ; and the pulse full, hard, and 
slower than in health. 
In much the largest proportion of attacks there are either convulsive twitch- 
ings or severe spasms. 
Apoplexy in man is generally caused by the rupture of a vessel in the brain, 
from which the blood pours, and by pressure produces the characteristic symp- 
toms. But attacks occurring among dogs are generally due to sudden and very 
severe congestion of the brain, consequent upon great excitement, as fear or 
anger, violent straining or exercise, intense heat, and the like. For this reason, 
and because the brain trouble is only temporary, the attacks usually quite speedily 
terminate; whereas were they caused by rupture, as in man, until the pressure 
was removed recovery would not be possible. 
A predisposition to apoplexy is created by over-feeding and want of sufficient 
exercise. 
To keep the body warm and head cool are the primary essentials in the 
way of treatment. If there are spasms, and they persist over seven or eight 
minutes, ether or chloral hydrate should be administered, as advised in the 
section devoted to consideration of Convulsions. Beyond this no general line 
of treatment can be recommended, and efforts should be restricted to overcom- 
ing disturbing symptoms as they arise. 
In rare cases, paralysis of certain parts remain after consciousness is restored 
and the victim is on the mend. Improvement in such is possible, but complete 
recovery is never likely to occur. 
HYDROCEPHALUS. 
Hydrocephalus, which is literally water in the head or dropsy of the brain, is 
occasionally seen among puppies, and then generally at birth. Asa rule, it is 
attributable to grave faults of constitution in either the sire or dam, or both; 
and such faults are akin to debility, rickets, scrofula, and the like. 
The victims generally die speedily ; which is fortunate, for really nothing can 
be done for them. 
SUNSTROKE. 
Under the influence of great heat, and especially the scorching rays of the 
sun, dogs sometimes suffer from much the same symptoms as those noted in 
