THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 265 



Burning of the surface and irregular congested streaks may be ob- 

 served. Tissue hemorrhage may or may not occur. The carcass of 

 an animal dead from lightning stroke putrefies rapidly. 



Swine that are struck by lightning may be instantly killed or 

 they may be rendered unconscious or only temporarily stunned. Those 

 that are not killed will show unsteadiness of gait, and they may 

 even be unable to walk. The animals that are not killed instantly 

 usually make a speedy and complete recovery. Little is required in 

 the way of treatment. The affected animals should be made com- 

 fortable and, if necessary, stimulants should be given. 



EPILEPSY 



Epilepsy is a nervous disorder characterized by sudden temporary 

 loss of consciousness, with partial or general convulsions. Some 

 authors doubt the occurrence of true epilepsy in swine; however, 

 cases of a nervous disorder with characteristic symptoms of epilepsy 

 have been observed. It is possible that true epilepsy does not occur 

 in swine, but when these animals are closely confined or when infested 

 with parasites characteristic epileptic attacks do occur. The type 

 of epilepsy that occurs in swine may be properly termed reflex 

 epilepsy. 



Etiology. — Epilepsy is a functional disorder and may be the result 

 of a variety of causes. Parasitic infestation of the digestive tract 

 is a common cause of this disorder, particularly in young pigs. 

 Invasion of the brain with echinococcus is sometimes responsible 

 for attacks of epilepsy. Auto-intoxication is probably an important 

 factor in some cases of epilepsy. Cut hair or other concrements are 

 frequently found in the stomach of swine that have had attacks of 

 epilepsy. There is apparently some relationship between the sexual 

 function and epilepsy as attacks sometimes occur in young boars at 

 the age of puberty and in gilts during the estrual period. 



Lesions. — The disease is primarily a functional disorder, and there 

 are no lesions that are constant and can be said to be accountable 

 for the seizures of epilepsy. 



Symptoms. — The attack may be sudden, especially in young pigs. 

 They may come to the feed trough, eat a few mouthfuls, back up, 

 fall over, lose consciousness and lie kicking and champing their jaws. 

 The affected pig soon gets up, moves about with an uncertain gait, 

 has staring eyes but soon regains consciousness and although there 

 may be some indication of weakness is otherwise normal. There may 



