Symptoms: An attack generally occurs quite suddenly; dog falls uttering perhaps a loud cry, is violently convulsed, champs his jaws, and froths at the mouth, and is unconscious. The attack generally lasts about half a minute, when the dog looks around him in a sort of dazed condition, and then often bolts off, not knowing where he is going to. Often one attack is followed by more, so it is important that the dog should be put in a place of security as quickly as possible, a good sized hamper is as good as anything. During the convulsions of epilepsy or just after, the patient unknowingly will bite his owner or anyone else, but there is no danger from such a bite.
Treatment: During the convulsions, it is best to leave the dog alone, unless one attack is being quickly succeeded by another, in which case two[1] or three drops of nitrite of amyl held to the nose, on a piece of blotting paper, lessens the severity of the convulsions. Chloroform similarly applied answers the same purpose. Directly the patient is able to swallow, give a dose of hydrated chloral and bromide of potassium, from three[1] to twenty grains of each, in from two teaspoonfuls[1] to two tablespoonfuls of water. This may be repeated in one, two, three, or four hours, according to the necessity, and under any circumstance the bromide alone should be given three or four times a day for a week or so after the attack. When a dog has had a succession of fits, a long course of bromide of potassium will often effect a cure.
Diet: Should be light, and consist principally of milk.
In all these cases, free purging does good.
Epistaxis (Bleeding from the Nose):
Symptoms: When the blood comes from one nostril, the trouble is generally local. When from both nostrils, it is more likely to be due to some lung mischief.
Treatment: If the hæmorrhage is not severe, nothing is necessary except keeping the dog quiet for a time, as it will soon discontinue. However, should the bleeding persist, syringe up the nostril a saturated solution of alum, or a teaspoonful of tincture perchloride of iron, mixed with a tablespoonful of water. In very severe case, the local application of adrenalin should be tried, and from half to two grains[1] of ergotine, given subcutaneously, dissolved in a few drops of brandy. This may be repeated every three or four hours. In some cases it is necessary to plug the nostrils with strips of lint. When bleeding is severe, stimulants should be freely given, and also scraped lean raw meat.
Erysipelas:
Uncommon in dogs, but occasionally seen.