Dogs are subject to epileptic fits, which are often attended with
convulsions. They attack dogs of all ages, and under every variety of
management. Dogs that are apparently healthy are often suddenly
attacked. The nervous system of the dog is very susceptible to external
agents; hence whatever raises any strong passion in them often produces
fits. Pointers and setters have often been known to suffer an attack
during the excitement of the chase. Fear will also produce fits; and
bitches, while suckling, if burdened with a number of pups, and not
having a sufficiency of nutriment to support the lacteal secretion,
often die in convulsive fits. Young puppies, while teething, are subject
to fits: simply scarifying their gums will generally give temporary
relief. Lastly, fits may be hereditary, or they may be caused by
derangement of the stomach. In all cases of fits, it is very necessary,
in order to treat them with success, that we endeavor, as far as
possible, to ascertain the causes, and remove them as far as lies in our
power: this accomplished, the cure is much easier.
_Treatment._--Whenever the attack is sudden and violent, and the animal
is in good flesh, plunge him into a tub of warm water, and give an
injection of the same, to which a tea-spoonful of salt may be added. It
is very difficult, in fact improper, to give medicine during the fit;
but as soon as it is over, give
Manna, 1 tea-spoonful.
Common salt, half a tea-spoonful.
Add a small quantity of water, and give it at a dose.
_Another._
Make an infusion of mullein leaves, and give to the amount of a
wine-glass every four hours. With a view of preventing a recurrence of
fits, keep the animal on a vegetable diet. If the bowels are
constipated, give thirty grains of extract of butternut, or, if that
cannot be readily procured, substitute an infusion of senna and manna,
to which a few caraways may be added.
If the nervous system is deranged, which may be known by the
irritability attending it, then give a tea-spoonful of the powdered
nervine, (lady's slipper.) The diet must consist of boiled articles, and
the animal must be allowed to take exercise.