258 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



health, is in a moment seized with a fit, and this generally 

 occurs, during locomotion. He suddenly reels, as though 

 intoxicated ; falls on his side ; and violent convulsive spasms 

 attack the voluntary muscles, especially of the limbs, which 

 keep up a continuous kicking motion. Frequently a sharp 

 cry escapes the animal when he falls, and these are at times 

 succeeded by others of a whirnpering nature. During the attack 

 the urine and faeces are often voided.. The tongue is some- 

 times severely bitten, the gums are of a leaden or livid hue, 

 the mouth filled with frothy saliva, and the eyes unnaturally 

 prominerit. 



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 unconscious, 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 oil 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 symptoms of the disease, for the animal is 

 indisposed alike to friends and strangers ; and this is an- 

 other 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 unfavorable. 



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, for the 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. 



