Diseases of the Nervous System. 229 
CHAPTER XVII. 
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
Fpilepsy—Vertigo—Neuralgia—A poplexy—Tetanus, or Locked-jaw—Chorea— 
p—Injuries to the Head: Concussion—Compression—Apoplexy— 
Encephalitis—Hydrocephalus—Paralysis—Parasitism. 
THE brain of the dog species is generally well 
developed, and in some breeds it is of a remarkable 
character, being very much larger in many of the pet 
varieties, and in proportion to their bodies, than in the 
dogs of larger breeds and massive corporeal development. 
The natural intelligence is also acute, and many instances 
occur from time to time in the experience of the canine 
surgeon which are evidences of a high order of animal 
instinct. Some animals are very clever in simulating 
illness or lameness, and succeed in the clever deception 
as to excite human pity for their apparently urgent and 
serious malady. Numerous instances of this kind have 
come under our observation. Recognising such acute- 
ness, and the evidences also of contemporary nervous 
sensibility in various forms, we shall be prepared to 
admit the necessity for careful regulations in the form 
and dose of all the remedies we are called upon to 
administer; and likewise, as strangers, our mode of 
approach or handling the patient. Neglect of these has 
often had the effect of raising a tumult of excitement, or 
developing a fit of convulsions. 
Epilepsy, or Fits, is a state of nervous disorder 
characterised by a loss of consciousness, and accom- 
panied by violent convulsions, dependent upon some 
peculiar form of irritation of the brain or other distant 
parts of the nervous system. The Causes may be due to 
the state of the blood in such diseases as anemia, 
plethora, distemper, &c. It has also been: traced to 
