Palsy, Paralysis
This is not an unfrequent affection in the dog, especially those that are well fed, as pet dogs. It arises from disease of the brain or spinal cord, and is sometimes also the result of disease of the bowels or stomach.
Symptoms.—It may occur in one side or part of the animal, and is most frequent in the hind legs, which appear as if the animal had no power over them; he staggers, falls, or lies on the ground, dragging his hind legs after him, unable to stand upon them.
Treatment.—Give the J.K., two to five drops, according to the size of the dog, three times per day.
In case it comes on suddenly in well fed dogs, from an over-feed or gorging the animal, give a spoonful of castor oil and an injection of warm soap and water, followed with the prescription above.
Epilepsy, or Fits
The dog is occasionally subject to true epilepsy, and not unfrequently to fits or convulsions arising from transient causes; such as teething in puppies, worms, want of exercise, and then too violent exercise. They are liable, also, to come on during distemper, or after it, or from disease of the brain. Small pet dogs are more subject to fits than others, as their nervous system is more excitable and their lives more artificial.
Symptoms.—The fit generally comes on suddenly, the animal staggers, falls down, remains lying for an instant, and then is violently convulsed; the legs become stiff, the face distorted, the eyes roll about, the tongue is thrust out, the jaws nearly closed or firmly clenched. The convulsion becomes gradually less, and after some twitches they cease, and the animal in a short time appears well again.
In true epilepsy the fits recur again at diminishing intervals, and excitements may easily reproduce them.
Treatment.—Give on an attack, from whatever cause, from two to five drops, according to the size of the animal, of the A.A., and repeat it once after the paroxysm is over. This will be sufficient for fits arising from any transient cause; but if the dog is subject to them, he must have J.K., alternately with A.A., a dose every day or two, and continued for some time.