ECLAMPSIA. CONVULSIONS. SPASMS.
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.