008 INFECTIOUS DISEASES 



tern, causing death in most cases on the fifth to eighth day 

 of the attack. The temperature in rabies has not been 

 recorded in many cases. During the early stages it is 

 elevated to 104-io6 F. ; later becomes subnormal. Varia- 

 tions in the symptoms of furious rabies are observed, but 

 most cases present a rather constant clinical picture. 



The symptoms of furious rabies in cats are very similar 

 to those of dogs. They often become very vicious, and 

 bite and scratch everything that they come in contact 

 with. The change of voice is also quite noticeable. The 

 course of the disease is usually shorter, lasting from three 

 to six days. 



2. DUMB RABIES. This form is characterized by a 

 paralysis of the lower jaw, tongue, larynx and pharynx. 

 This symptom develops early in the disease and is the most 

 prominent one until general paralysis manifests itself. 

 The owner is often led to suspect that the animal has a 

 bone or some other object lodged between its teeth, or 

 in its throat. All such cases should be looked upon with 

 suspicion, and all precautions taken in making the exami- 

 nation. In the majority of cases no nervous or excitable 

 symptoms are shown; the paralytic symptoms gradually 

 becoming more pronounced until the animal succumbs to 

 general paralysis. Cases are observed occasionally where 

 symptoms of excitement develop during the course of the 

 disease. One such case was observed in which the early 

 symptoms indicated dumb rabies but in twenty-four hours 

 all the symptoms of the furious form had developed. Ani- 

 mals with this form of the disease usually seek dark, cool 

 places and lie almost constantly. 



There is the same peculiar expression from the eyes as 

 in the other form. The patient often attempts drinking 

 or eating which the paralysis prevents. There is usually 

 no tendency to bite nor viciousness manifested. 



Rabies in rabbits nearly always assumes the paralytic 

 form. Fowls show the characteristic symptoms of furious 

 rabies in some cases, such as excitement, change of voice, 

 ruffled plumage, attacking other fowls, people, etc. In other 

 instances the paralytic form is observed. 



Diagnosis. In furious rabies the diagnosis does not 



