Definition: functional convulsions from peripheral irritation. From
dentition, helminths, uterine disease, nursing (anæmia). Treatment.
Injuries to cranial bone.
Eclampsia (convulsions) is difficult to define as distinct from
epilepsy, the present tendency however appears to be to apply this term
to cases in which the spasms are of a purely functional nature as far as
the brain is concerned and caused by peripheral nervous irritation.
Whereas in epilepsy there is some organic disease or disorder of the
brain itself. Therefore the convulsions of anæmia, of teething, and of
parasitism, would come under this heading being curable by the removal
of the distant source of irritation, while the spasmodic seizures, that
are due to central nervous lesions and are not exclusively dependent on
peripheral irritation would be classed as epilepsy. In other words
reflex epilepsies with no central brain disorganization would be classed
as convulsions.
_Eclampsia from_ =Dentition= is seen especially in young cats, dogs and
pigs when cutting-teeth, and may be obviated by lancing the gums,
extracting diseased or milk teeth entangled on the crowns of their
successors, and by a slight laxative with bromides.
_Eclampsia from_ =Helminthiasis= has been already referred to under
epilepsy. The main object is the expulsion of the worms, after which
nerve sedatives and tonics will be valuable.
_Eclampsia from_ =Uterine Disease= has been noticed by Albrecht, in cows
shortly after calving, the symptoms being spasms of the neck, persistent
extension or turning of the head, grinding of the teeth, loss of
consciousness, convulsive movements of the legs, rolling of the eyes,
and slow recovery. The same symptoms have been observed in goats and
have been supposed to depend on a reflex from the irritated womb.
Another supposable cause is the absorption of toxic products from the
womb and vagina. Manifestly the removal of the after birth and the
disinfection of the womb, should be here employed along with the
ordinary nerve sedatives.
_Eclampsia in_ =Nursing Female Dogs= has long been attributed to anæmia
by English veterinarians. It occurs especially in high bred bitches,
when nursing a large litter and some weeks after parturition when the
puppies have grown large and vigorous, with proportionately increased
demands on the maternal source of supply. The dam shows an emaciated
aspect, with restless anxious eyes, a wearied expression, and a
generally exhausted appearance. There is weakness and swaying behind, or
complete inability to use the limbs, the animal goes down, trembles
violently and shows clonic spasms of the extensors of the legs, the
neck, the back, the face and the eye. Breathing is accelerated,
stertorous and labored, the heart beats violently the mucous membranes
are congested, and the mouth is opened with convulsive movements of the
jaws and throat. The attack is readily distinguished from epilepsy, by
the retention of sensation, and by the absence of involuntary passages
from the bowels, or kidneys. Recovery is likely to be secured if the
puppies or most of them are removed early enough and the bitch sustained
by nourishing food, and tonics. The spasms may be combatted by the
antispasmodics and nerve sedatives employed in epilepsy. Chloroform,
morphia, phenacetin, acetanilid, urethane have been specially commended.
Beef teas, cod liver oil, and iron may be resorted to and free outdoor
exercise and sunshine should be secured.
General convulsions are common in connection with direct injury to the
brain and more particularly of its coverings, (cranial bones, meninges).
In such cases the irritation which otherwise starts at a distance and
reaches the brain through the afferent nerves, or the modification of
the circulation acts directly on the gray matter. It is interesting to
note in this connection that the evacuation of the cerebral fluid, which
removes the soft support of the water cushion and allows the brain to
come in contact with the hard bony walls, determines an access of
convulsions. In cases of convulsions attendant on mechanical injury to
the cranium surgical interference will be in order.