326 INFLAMMATIONS. 



characterized by the dread of water in the dog, it is marked by a 

 thii-st often perfectly unquenchable. Twenty years ago, this asser- 

 tion would have been peremptorily denied. Even at the present 

 day we occasionally meet with those who ought to know better, 

 and who will not believe that the dog which fairly, or perhaps 

 eagerly, drinks, can be rabid." 



My own experience fully confirms the above account, having 

 seen, as I have, seven cases of genuine rabies, in all of which thirst 

 was present in a greater or less degree ; in five of the cases the dis- 

 ease was communicated to other dogs. If the rabid dog is not 

 molested he will seldom attack any living object ; but the slightest 

 obstruction in his path is sufficient to rouse his fury, he then bites 

 savagely, and in the most unreasoning manner, wholly regardless 

 of the consequences. The gait, when at liberty, is a long trot in a 

 straight line. 



The average time of the occurrence of rabies after the bite is, in 

 the dog, from three weeks to six months, or possibly even longer ; 

 a suspected case therefore requires careful watching for at least 

 that time ; after three months, the animal supposed to have been 

 bitten may be considered tolerably safe, if no unfavorable symp- 

 toms have in the meantime shown themselves. The duration of 

 the disease is about four or five days, but I have myself known a 

 case to be fatal in forty-eight hours. No remedy having yet been 

 discovered for rabies, nothing remains but to kill the dog suffer- 

 ing therefrom. 



TETANUS. 



Resemblmg rabies in some degree, tetanus differs from it in the 

 absence of any affection of the brain, the senses remaining perfect 

 to the last. It is not common with the dog. It is generally pro- 

 duced by a severe injury, and shows itself in the form known as 

 ** lock-jaw." It consists in spasmodic rigidity of certain muscles, 

 alternating with relaxation. The stiffness continues for some length 

 of time, not appearing and disappearing as quickly as in cramp. 



