214 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



Electricity is applied in the followiog method : One pole of the 

 battery is placed on the spine and the other at the termination of 

 the paralyzed limb. For instance, one is put on the foot and the 

 other in the middle or side of the spine, gradually increasing the 

 current after having previously dampened the region with, a con- 

 centrated saline solution. In such cases, besides administering a 

 purgative and cleansing the bowels, we must also see that the 

 bladder is emptied by means of a catheter. Electricity is also a 

 useful agent in peripheral paralysis, which has been mentioned. 

 The faradic current is preferable. Place one of the poles as close 

 as possible to the point of the central location of the affected 

 nerves and rub the paralyzed muscles with the other pole. This 

 treatment should be renewed every day for ten or fifteen minutes. 

 Alcoholic frictions, which are so popular among the general public, 

 are of slight value and only to be recommended when connected 

 with true massage (pinching, friction, and massage of the paralyzed 

 muscle in its proper direction). 



Epilepsy. 



Epilepsy is a disease which is rare in the dog. Its chief symp- 

 toms are irregular attacks of unconsciousness accompanied by acute 

 convulsions in older cases. 



Etiology and Pathological Anatomy. The causes of epi- 

 lepsy are unknown, but at the same time there is no doubt that 

 certain diseases of the brain and its membranes, especially chronic 

 diseases, very frequently cause epileptiform seizures which are 

 similar to true epilepsy, and we may also observe in some cases a 

 reflex epilepsy, which does not resemble true epilepsy in anv way 

 except in some general symptoms. These will happen after trau- 

 matic lesions of the peripheral nerves, in intestinal parasites, in 

 poisonous substances in the intestines (for further particulars, see 

 page 201). We may also observe epileptiform convulsions in dis- 

 temper. 



In true epilepsy there are no anatomical alterations to be found 

 in the brain. Wherever they are found they cause epileptiform 

 convulsions. It is, therefore, certain that in a case of epilepsy it 

 is only due to some temporary irritating condition, and that the 

 membranes of the brain are the starting-point of the irritation. 



