Dog Running Fits
The symptoms of running fits, also known as fright disease, barking fits, furious fits, and canine hysteria, 
are rather accurately indicated by the names given to this nervous disease; for no apparent reason the dog suddenly starts running and barking, then hides in dark place, or may have spasms and convulsions. Attacks recur and the condition may last for years. Many persons have mistakenly confused it with rabies. No cause is definitely known, though the disease has been attributed to infection, heredity, inbreeding, circulatory disturbances, deficiency of vitamin A or vitamin B1,indigestion, intestinal poisoning, parasites, estrum, and various irritations and excitements.
Among measures for treatment and prevention are a good diet, high in fresh meat, milk, and eggs; good regulation of the bowels; correction of any parasitic infestation; occasional use of small amounts of cod-liver oil, calcium lactate, and yeast for dogs that are kept confined. During an attack the dog should be left unmolested in a dark room, and afterwards it should be kept as quiet as possible. If treatment, such as intestinal irrigation or the administration of nerve sedatives is necessary, it should be undertaken only by a veterinarian.