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 
unnaturally 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 inducements 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, forthe 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 goats 
tion; this may be dashed freely in the face, or what is 
better, if within reach, a tap turned on the animal’s head. 
Epilepsy generally arises from debility and nervous irri- 
