This is somewhat different from staggers, as the animal does not remain
quietly on the ground, but it suffers from convulsions, it kicks, rolls
its eyes, grinds its teeth, &c. The duration of the fit varies much,
sometimes it terminates at the expiration of a few minutes; at other
times, a quarter of an hour elapses before it is perfectly conscious. In
this malady, there is a loss of equilibrium between the nervous and
muscular systems, which may arise from hydatids in the brain, offering
mechanical obstructions to the conducting power of the nerves. This
malady may attack animals in apparently good health. We frequently see
children attacked with epilepsy (fits) without any apparent cause, and
when they are in good flesh.
The symptoms are not considered dangerous, except by their frequent
repetition.
The following may be given with a view of equalizing the circulation and
nervous action:--
Assafoetida, one third of a tea-spoonful.
Gruel made from slippery elm, 1 pint.
Mix, while hot. Repeat the dose every other day. Make some change in the
food. Thus, if the animal has been fed on green fodder for any length of
time, let it have a few meals of shorts, meal, linseed, &c. The water
must be of the best quality.
Suppose the animal to be in poor condition; then combine tonics and
alteratives in the following form:--
Assafoetida, 1 tea-spoonful.
Powdered golden seal, 1 ounce.
" slippery elm, 2 ounces.
Oatmeal, 1 pound.
Mix thoroughly, and divide into eight equal parts. A powder to be given
every morning.