DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. loo 



tance is not attached to them ; a fact which renders this period in the dis- 

 ease the most dangerous to man. 



The so-called irritative or maniacal stage has more denned and charac- 

 teristic symptoms which appear spasmodically, with intervals between 

 the attacks, during which the animal is far less violent. Among the most 

 important symptoms are a changed behavior, an irresistible disposition 

 to bite, a peculiar bark, and repeated violent efforts to break away and 

 stray about. Of this latter symptom, Hertwig has observed that the de- 

 sertion of his home by a previously faithful dog indicates the existence of 

 a high degree of mental disturbance. The propensity to stray off, espec- 

 ially after having been excited or corrected is then often ascribed to fear, 

 obstinacy, disobedience, or unsatisfied sexual desire, and the animal is 

 all the more dangerous in this state if he quietly and peaceably returns 

 home. 



TThen at large no definite object possesses the animal, and he will often 

 travel fast and far within a short time, expressive of this the term "run- 

 ning rabies " was formerly used. Sometimes he will return home slyly 

 and suspiciously, but friendly with his master. 



As the disease passes into the violent stage the unfortunate animal 

 grows more restless, and on the alert, at times becomes delirious, pos- 

 sessed as it were by spectral illusions ; springs at the door as though he 

 heard some one approaching; again he will examine every part of his ken- 

 nel or room in which confined in a most minute manner, then retire to an 

 obscure corner to remain but for a few moments and again commence his 

 wearisome search. At times his eyes are fixed on some imaginary insect, 

 which with his gaze he seems to follow in its course along the walls; at 

 last he springs forward snapping at the intruder his mind pictures, when 

 the spell seems broken and he returns to his corner as though ashamed 

 of his delusion. 



As the disease progresses, dogs that are fastened will struggle to break 

 their chains ; those that are confined within a room will bite into the wood 

 work, or roll about in the straw which they shake in their teeth. The vio- 

 lent paroxysms become longer and more severe, sometimes lasting for 

 several hours, during which the dog snaps and bites at whatever he en- 

 counters; they seem prompted to attack other animals large and small, 

 and less often man. Xot infrequently a rabid animal will bite and lacerate 

 his own body, even to gnawing his feet to the bone ; cases are on record 

 of terrible self mutilation ; some are insensible to external impressions, 

 and will bear blows without a cry, and bite at red hot irons. 



If a stick is extended to a chained dog he will snap at it, and cling with 

 such force that his teeth will break and his lips bleed. 



Paroxysms are excited by teasing, the sight of other animals, or may 



