FITS
Ordinary Fits or Convulsions
Ordinary fits or convulsions have a rapid onset and usually last for a short time. They may be caused by disease, parasites, teething, faulty diet, overexcitement and poisoning. Fits may recur.
The symptoms are a general uneasiness, champing of the jaws, foaming at the mouth (also a symptom of rabies), stiffened muscles, collapse, kicking of the feet and eventual unconsciousness.
There isn't much you can do for the dog when he has a fit, except to see that he doesn't injure himself. A dog in a fit will thrash around, possibly striking sharp objects. If there is such a danger, you can throw a coat or blanket over him and drag him out of danger. When he recovers from the fit, feed him sparingly. A mild laxative such as milk of magnesia may be helpful. If the fit recurs, consult your veterinarian.
Running Fits or Canine Hysteria
Running fits or canine hysteria are nervous attacks characterized by running, yelping and general confusion on the part of the dog. The cause is unknown, although a faulty diet is suspected of playing a major role. Other symptoms are restlessness, excitement, staring expression, fear and aimless running back and forth.
It should be mentioned at this point that running fits are very often mistaken for rabies. The mistake is easily made if you will compare the symptoms of the two conditions. In both rabies and running fits the dog is easily excited, foams at the mouth, has a staring expression, shows fear and runs amok. However, rabies and running fits differ in their progress. Running fits eventually pass away and all symptoms disappear. In rabies, all symptoms become increasingly worse, ending with the death of the dog.
Since you have no way of knowing with certainty whether your dog is suffering from rabies or running fits, treat all fits in which the dog runs as suspected rabies. Try to confine the dog without being injured or handling him. Call your veterinarian. Admittedly, confining the dog without handling him may be difficult. But do what you can without endangering yourself, even if it's just penning the dog in the yard.
While the cause of running fits is unknown, the addition of fresh meat and cooked eggs to the diet may help prevent a recurrence. Also, include a vitamin and mineral supplement, such as Pervinal, in the dog's daily diet. Regularity in bowel movements is also considered important for the dog that is subject to running fits.
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