FITS 
Agi The dog is perhaps more subject to fits, or 
more properly epilepsy, than any other of the 
kISSEiS^ domestic animals, owing to his high develop- 
ment of brain and nervous system. Young 
W€ W animals are much more frequently its sub- 
4 » bL jects than adults, as it is generally associated 
Black and Tan w hh P u PPy troubles, though dogs of mature 
Terrier age are occasionally so afflicted. 
No premonitory symptoms are evinced in epilepsy except per¬ 
haps a slight quivering of the muscles for a few seconds before 
the animal falls upon its side, losing consciousness, the limbs work¬ 
ing violently, eyes set and froth issuing from the mouth. This con¬ 
dition usually lasts from ten to twenty minutes, or may be pro¬ 
longed indefinitely, one attack following another in rapid succes¬ 
sion, the latter usually occurring in distemper, resulting in death 
if not controlled. Upon an ordinary fit subsiding, consciousness or 
only partial consciousness will return. If the former, the animal 
will lie quietly for some time seemingly exhausted, or a coma¬ 
tose condition may exist for some minutes. If only partially con¬ 
scious after an attack the animal will run off in any direction for 
a mile or two, and when recovered will be found in some dark, 
out of the way place. In other cases the first symptoms may be 
absent, the animal on being attacked rushing away wildly, yelping 
as if in pain, running against objects as if partially blind, and 
perhaps snapping viciously. Many dogs are destroyed when in 
this condition, particularly if on a public thoroughfare, as the cry 
“mad dog” is at once raised; whereas all the poor animal re¬ 
quires is a little medicine and attention to restore him to his normal 
condition. 
Causes. -Nervous excitement, worms, indigestion, protracted 
constipation, over heating, violent exercise after feeding, injuries 
about the head, irritation incident to getting the second teeth, and in 
bitches having suckling puppies, their abilities being overtaxed. 
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