J 56 RABIES. 



occur without provocation. While they last the clog is possessed with un- 

 usual strength, often breaking his chain and freeing himself. Bitches with 

 whelps have been known to bite and tear their pups with their teeth. 



During these paroxysms those infected seem perfectly delirious, and 

 frequently there is observed convulsive twitchings of the face, and occa- 

 sionally convulsions. Following the attacks the animal relapses into a 

 sort of stupor, and if undisturbed a much longer interval will more often 

 elapse before a recurrence of another period of excitement. In some 

 cases the mental state is for a time so improved, masters are recognized. 



A sign which is considered highly characteristic of rabies, and one which 

 frequently makes its appearance early in the disease, is the peculiar alter- 

 ation in the tone of the voice; the bark is described as a sound between a 

 bark and a howl, uttered in a rough hoarse tone, which might be called 

 croupy. The short sharp sound is often prolonged into a mournful dis- 

 tressing wail, the animal lifting his head in the air as it issues. 



The change in the voice is attributed by some to a swollen condition of 

 the pharynx and larynx; this is possibly true and yet certain functional 

 disturbances in the great nerve centres may be even more active, as in 

 cases of children suffering from diseases of the brain, the cry becomes 

 harsh, shrill, and ear -piercing. 



In the maniacal stage of rabies the appetite for food nearly if not en- 

 tirely disappears; occasionally a favorite bit if offered will be eaten but 

 rarely is this the case. Instead of food a rabid animal will invariably 

 swallow large quantities of indigestible substances, such as straw, clay, 

 and dung. 



Among the many ancient and unfounded traditions concerning the 

 course of rabies, may be recalled the notions that dogs so infected froth 

 and foam at the mouth; that they always run in a straight line, and carry 

 their tails held closely between the hind legs, also that a peculiar odor 

 attends a rabid dog which can be detected by one in health. All this is 

 fanciful and unfounded ; authorities state that the saliva is discharged 

 only when the animal is unable to swallow ; the tail is wagged and carried 

 as usual until weakness causes it to drop; in running the course is much 

 the same pursued by one uninfected The gait of a rabid dog is somewhat 

 characteristic, described as a jog-trot. He carries his head low with tongue 

 protruding, often torn and bleeding, swollen, and covered with dirt. 

 Rarely will he turn from the course he is pursuing to attack anything unless 

 it be animals of kindred species, the sight of which almost invariably 

 excites his rage and invites an encounter. 



At no time during an attack of rabies is there a special dread of water 

 as was formerly popularly supposed. One observer is credited with hav- 

 ing detected in extremely rare instances, dogs unable to swallow owing to 



