150 THE DISEASES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



The muscular movements soon begin to demonstrate a certain 

 want of concord ; they become uncertain, wavering, or weaker than 

 usual. 



Such dogs frequently lick the place where the wound causing 

 infection has been, even gnawing it, as if it itched ; but a far worse 

 enemy than fleas is at the bottom of this trouble, and a more ener- 

 getic remedy than " Persian Insect Powder," or great " Doctor Go- 

 it-cure-all's Magnetic Enemy to Worms and Insects," is needed to 

 rid the poor beast of its troubles. 



Without any signs of intermission, but rather with a gradual 

 increase of these phenomena, is ushered in the so-called maniacal 

 or " mad " period of the disease. Nearly all the previously consid- 

 ered phenomena are presented to us with a tenfold intensity. The 

 whole external appearance of the animal becomes changed. The 

 appetite is wanting ; the once docile and affectionate dog is now a 

 fiend incarnate, seeking to bite and tear all within its reach ; the 

 cheery bark of welcome, which once greeted the approaching master 

 or mistress, is changed into an indescribable howl. The tendency to 

 wander from home, or break away from its fastenings, is unbounded ; 

 the parlor pet seeks to get out, and the chained watch-dog bites and 

 tugs at its chain in its endeavor to break away. If confined in 

 cage, they bite and tug at the bars with the fury of a maniac, which 

 they, indeed, fully resemble. If, up to this time, the unfortunate 

 dog has displayed more or less respect for the master's presence and 

 voice, it now begins to know him no more, although some cases are 

 recorded where the ties of affection have even ruled, in a measure, 

 such a canine maniac until life was almost extinct. 



Once free, they do not pursue any regular course, as if follow- 

 ing some intellectual perception, but roam here and there, often re- 

 turning home, and behaving like disobedient children, afraid to face 

 the owner's displeasure. 



According to the previous nature of the dog is its inclination to 

 bite during this period of the development of the malady, some 

 being more dangerous in this regard than others. The slightest 

 irritation, such as the presence of a stranger, another dog or animal, 

 the presentation of a stick, is sufficient to set such a dog into a par- 

 oxysm of rage ; these paroxysms decrease in severity as the dog 

 becomes exhausted by disease. 



Such animals seem frequently, like the human maniac, to be 

 gifted with supernatural strength and energy. Chains thought to 

 be unbreakable are ruptured as if made of straw ; walls or fences 

 thought to be unscalable are easily sprung over ; barn-doors or par- 



