THE DOG. 149 



or less a matter of artificial classification, to suit the conveniences of 

 the clinical teacher. 



These three stages have been spoken of as — 



1. The melancholic or initiatory. 



2. The maniacal or irritative. 



3. The paralytic or lame stage. 



The first perceptible indication which is manifested by the bit- 

 ten or infected dog would never lead one to suppose that the most 

 fearful and dangerous disease known to man was in process of de- 

 velopment in the favorite of the family. 



It consists in little else than a change in the natural deportment 

 of the animal. 



This should be emphasized — every change in the natural deport- 

 ment of your dog should excite your suspicion, and render you 

 watchful and uneasy. No time should be lost, not only in confining 

 your dog most carefully and securely, but in seeking the advice of 

 the most skillful veterinary expert at your command. Among 

 the chief initiatory symptoms are surliness, uneasiness, depression, 

 moodiness, a continued desire for change of place, first in one corner, 

 then in another ; now on the sofa, then under it : if naturally 

 morose, the bitten dog often displays a suddenly developed affec- 

 tionate disposition ; on the other hand, the generally affectionate 

 dog becomes morose and suspicious, snappish and irritable. The 

 most insignificant circumstance will set such a dog in a fit of rage. 

 The eyes frequently give indications of the approaching tempest, 

 the conjunctivae or linings of the lids being injected or reddened ; 

 the eye itself having a peculiar, unnatural expression, which, to 

 be realized, must be seen. 



Even in the early part of its development an abnormal appetite 

 is often apparent, and is to be looked upon as one of the most char- 

 acteristic symptoms of the malady. The neat, delicate, and cher- 

 ished pet of the family turns away from the usual loved tidbits, to 

 fill its stomach with masses of filth, such as its own fasces, straw, 

 rags, and the like. 



The sexual functions are frequently abnormally irritated, which, 

 has probably given occasion to the absurd theory with reference to 

 the genesis of the disease previously considered. 



Such animals are more or less resistant to attempts at control, 

 and the once true and trustworthy house-dog, or the inseparable 

 lady's companion, suddenly develops a most marked desire to get 

 away from the favorite door-step, or the handsome rug, and to run 

 off over the country. 



