HYDROPHOBIA, 313 
his usual resting-place, and sluggishly lies upon his bed, paying scarcely any attention to 
the voice of his master, but strangely uneasy, and ever and anon shifting his posture, as if 
endeavouring to discover some ‘attitude that may bring ease and repose to his fevered 
limbs. Fortunately, the disposition to bite does not make its appearance until the disease 
has made considerable progress. 
In these stages of the malady the Dog is often seen to fight with his paws at the 
corner of his mouth, as if endeavouring to rid himself of a bone that had become fixed 
among his teeth, and assumes much of “the anxious aspect that is always seen in animals 
when their respiration is impeded. This symptom may, however, be readily distinguished 
by the fact that the Dog is able to close his mouth between the paroxysms of his ailment, 
which he is unable to do when he is affected by the presence of a bone or other extraneous 
substance in his throat. 
There is, indeed, a mechanical hindrance to respiration, which, although not so 
outwardly apparent as the obstruction which is caused by a bone or similar substance, 
yet harasses the poor creature quite as painfully. As the poison, which has been infused 
into and taints the blood of the poor victim, works its dread mission through the frame, 
it infects some of the fluids that are secreted from the blood, and changes their external 
aspect as well as their inward essence. The saliva becomes thick and viscid in character, 
and is secreted in quantities so great that it obstructs the channels of respiration, and 
gives rise to those convulsive efforts on the part of the Dog which have already been 
mentioned. 
Strangely enough, the infected Dog seems to partake of the serpent nature, and like 
the cobra or viper, ‘to elaborate a de adly poison from harmless food. The snake feels but 
little inconvenience from the accumulation of venomous matter, as it is furnished with 
receptacles in which the lethal secretion may be lodged until it is needed. But the Dog 
has no such storehouse, and the poison is therefore diffused through the moisture of the 
throat and mouth, instead of being concentrated into one loc ality. There is another 
curious resemblance between the poison of serpents and that of rabid Dogs ; namely, that 
while the venom of either creature produces such terrible effects when mixed with the 
blood, it may be swallowed with perfect safety, provided that the lips and mouth are free 
from sores. 
I would offer a suggestion, that the instinct which induces the Dog to bite everything 
which may come within its reach, is intended to aid the creature in its cure, and that if 
it could only be induced to bite a succession of lifeless objects, it might rid itself of the 
venomous influence, and be restored to its normal state of health. So powerfully is this 
instinct developed, that the poor Dog will bite itself, and inflict the most fearful lacerations 
on its own flesh, rather than resist the furious impulse which fills its bemg. Horses and 
other animals which have been infected with this terrible disease have been known to feel 
the same necessity, and in default of other victims have torn the flesh from their own 
limbs. 
An unquenchable thirst soon fastens upon the afflicted Dog, and drives him to the 
nearest spot where he can obtain any quid that may cool his burning throat. 
In the earlier stages of the complaint he laps without ceasing, but when the disease 
has destroyed the powers of his tongue and throat, he plunges his head into the water as 
far as the depth of the vessel will permit, in hope of bringing his throat in contact with 
the cooling fluid. It is generally supposed that a mad Dog will not touch water, and for 
this reason the malady was termed Hydrophobia, or “dread of water,” but it is now 
ascertained that the animal is so anxious to drink, that he often spills the fluid in his 
eagerness, and so defeats his own object. 
In the last stage of this terrible disease the Dog is seized with an uncontrollable 
propensity to run. He seems not to care where he goes, but runs for the most part in a 
straight line, seldom turning out of his way, and rarely attempting to bite unless he be 
obstructed i in his course ; and then he turns savagely upon his real or fancied assailant, 
and furiously snaps and bites without fear or reason, Not the least curious fact of this 
disease is, that it causes a singular insensibility to pain. A rabid Dog will endure 
terrible injuries without appearing to be conscious of them, and, in many cases, these poor 
