28 SURGERY. 



wound with warm water, and sucking it, are all of use ; but the ap- 

 plication of cupping glasses, and scarifications, is the most certain 

 method. 



The prostration of the system is to be treated with brandy and 

 ammonia, and the pain to be relieved by opium. Various remedies 

 are given internally, such as sweet oil and ammonia, but arsenic 

 has a most decided preference ; the celebrated Tanjore pills each con- 

 tain a grain ; the proper dose is f3j to f3ij of Fowler's solution. 



Hydrophobia. — Hydrophobia is a disease brought on by ino- 

 culation with the saliva of a rabid animal, and characterized by in- 

 termitting spasms of the muscles of respiration, together with a pecu- 

 liar irritability of the body and disturbance of the mind. 



The first symptoms in the dog are shyness, want of appetite, 

 drooping of his tail and ears, a suspicious, haggard look, red and 

 watery eyes, constant snapping at and swallowing straws, and lick- 

 ing cold surfaces, such as stone and iron ; afterwards respiration be- 

 comes difficult, viscid saliva flows rapidly, and there is inflammation 

 of the fauces, and high fever. He is not always furious, nor does 

 he always bite, unless irritated ; his gait is staggering, and he dies 

 in convulsions, usually after the fifth day. 



The symptoms in man vary with constitution and habit, and usu- 

 ally appear between five and ten weeks subsequent to the bite. 



The wound heals as usual ; after a time there is pain and itching 

 in the cicatrix, which gradually increases, and ulceration follows. 

 There is headache, restlessness, fever, and excitement of the nervous 

 system. The mind is particularly clear and active ; the memory 

 strong, the imagination vivid, the countenance animated, and the 

 eyes sparkling. This is succeeded by despondency, and the dread 

 of fluids, great agitation, spasms, difficulty of breathing. Every 

 attempt to relieve the burning thirst is followed by convulsive con- 

 tractions of the neck and throat; sleepless despair, change of voice, 

 croupy inspiration, and involuntary biting are the next symptoms. 

 As the disease advances, the brain becomes more aflfected and death 

 is preceded by delirium. 



Treatment. — The recent wound should be treated by cupping- 

 glasses and nitrate of silver. In not more than one case out of 

 twenty does hydrophobia follow the bite of a rabid animal. The 

 bite is much less dangerous when through the clothes. After the 

 disease is established, nothing can be done with the prospect of cure ; 

 although every remedy and mode of treatment has been recommended. 

 Palliatives and medicines which calm the nervous system and r^eve 

 pain may give some temporary relief. 



Dissecting AVounds. — These are followed by unpleasant results 

 more frequently in those of a scrofulous temperament, or in those 

 whose systems are exhausted by study or dissipation. 



