DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 157 



spasms of the throat. Almost invariably they drink freely and deeply, 

 showing no nervous excitement at the sight of fluids. It is not an uncom- 

 mon sight to see them lick their own urine, a fact upon which much stress 

 as a diagnostic sign is put by some authors. 



As the disease progresses, emaciation rapidly supervenes, the entire 

 appearance of the animal becomes changed to a marked degree; the head 

 frequently swells, the eyes which sink within their cavities, are brilliant 

 and glistening ; the hair becomes rough and staring. The mucous mem- 

 brane, more often dry and parched than moistened, changes to a purplish 

 color. The breathing during a violent paroxysm and immediately after 

 is hurried; at other times is but slightly affected. 



The duration of the violent or irritative stage is generally not longer than 

 three, or very rarely four days. As the rabid animal becomes weakened 

 and the paroxysms grow less severe and distinct, the disease emerges into 

 the so-called paralytic stage. The change in appearance now becomes 

 more striking, surprisingly so considering the few days that have passed 

 since the appearance of the first symptoms. The eyes are dim and glisten- 

 ing, the purplish tongue protrudes, emaciation has reduced the unfortunate 

 to a mere skeleton; he presents a picture both appalling and heart-rend- 

 ing. He staggers and stumbles blindly about his kennel, until increasing 

 exhaustion at last overpowers him; he will still bite or snap at things 

 which may be used to arouse him, but his strength departing his efforts 

 grow more feeble, his breathing is short and labored, his voice hoarser; 

 he passes into a stupor, possibly into a partial or complete convulsion, 

 and at last death mercifully closes the scene. 



The progress of this terrible malady is very rapid. The different stages 

 may be passed and death ensue on the second, or life may be prolonged to 

 the tenth day; the latter set as the limit is but rarely reached, and from 

 four to five days is the more common duration. 



The dumb or sullen form of rabies which constitutes from fifteen to 

 twenty per cent of the total number of cases, is but a peculiar type of the 

 disease, which runs a much shorter course, and without the violent or irri- 

 tative stage. There is decidedly less excitation of the brain, the violent 

 paroxysms, the illusions, the constant motion, the disposition to bite, and 

 the propensity to stray away, are all absent or present only in a^light de- 

 gree, and the animal is quiet, silent, and dejected. 



Paralysis of the muscles of the lower jaw is a characteristic symptom of 

 this form of the malady, and manifests itself early in the attack. The jaw 

 drops and the mouth remains constantly open. In rare cases a partial 

 control of the muscles is retained, sufficient to lift the jaw and possibly 

 allow the animal to bite if sufficiently irritated. Rarely more than a few 

 hours, possibly three or four elapse after the disease manifests itself 



