DISEASES OF GOATS, DOGS, AND CATS 651 



term to designate dumb rabies should be discouraged, as it tends to 

 confound the disease with dog distemper. The hind legs, trunk, 

 and forelegs become paralyzed, and death usually ensues in about 

 three days, while the furious type lasts from six to eight days. Re- 

 covery from rabies in the dog after well-marked symptoms have de- 

 veloped is possible, and authentic cases have been reported by Pas- 

 teur, Roux, Babes, Courmont, and Remlinger. This is so rare, how- 

 ever, that it is of little importance. 



Summary of Symptoms. The important symptoms, any one 

 of which when well marked should render the dog suspicious and 

 lead to its being confined, are: (1) Change in disposition; (2) alter- 

 ation of voice; (3) inability to swallow; (4) leaving home and re- 

 turning in an exhausted and emaciated condition; (5) paralysis of 

 the jaw; (6) swallowing abnormal substances, as wood, stones, etc. 



DISEASES OP CATS. 



Cases of rabies are less numerous in cats than in the other 

 domestic animals. This is no doubt due to the dexterity with which 

 they are able to escape from their pursuers, the conditions under 

 which they live, their strong antipathy for dogs, and the fact that 

 they seldom when caught by him escape alive. When, however, in- 

 fection does take place the disease progresses very rapidly terminating 

 fatally about the third day from the commencement of symptoms. 

 These are frequently not seen, as the infected animal often hides 

 away, and is not found until either death is approaching, or has 

 taken place. In other cases, the animal is extremely restless and 

 excitable, moves about persistently in an erratic manner, and seldom 

 remains at ease. The eyes assume an unusual brilliancy, the pupils 

 are dilated, resulting in a wild frightened expression. Great thirst 

 is apparent, but there is no desire for food. He shows a tendency, 

 however, to pick up and swallow stones, sticks, and other foreign 

 bodies. The voice rapidly changes to a loud harsh tone. He may 

 run from one secluded spot to another constantly, mewing in a loud, 

 harsh, unnatural, screechy manner. Saliva flows profusely, which 

 with the persistent licking, frequently apparent, soon moistens the 

 coat of the animal, and adds to its dejected appearance. Any noise 

 or excitement may be followed by paroxysms ; these may occur fre- 

 quently or occasionally, during which the animal jumps about 

 furiously, and will attack a dog, or other animal or man, biting and 

 scratching savagely. Emaciation is rapid and complete, paralysis 

 soon takes place, followed quickly by death. 



PROPER DISPOSAL OF DOGS AFTER BITING PERSONS. 



In many cases in which a person is bitten by a dog there is im- 

 mediately a great popular clamor to have the animal at once de- 

 stroyed. This should always be discouraged. The mere fact that a 

 dog inflicts a bite on a human being does not by any means prove 

 that he has rabies. This is the dog's only means of defense and he 

 bites instinctively when harmed. 



Therefore, after a person has been bitten, do not kill the dog 

 unless a competent veterinarian has pronounced the disease rabies 

 or the dog is showing well-marked symptoms. Instead, when prac- 



