160 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



occurrence of the disease may be prevented, an assertion 

 that is disputed by many ; however, it is not my intention 

 to here discuss the efficacy or non-efficacy of M. Pasteur's 

 method of propliylaxis ; suffice it to say, that the experi- 

 ments up to the present time have been eminently satis- 

 factory, and tliat the sanguine expectations entertained in 

 regard to the beneficial results of inoculation will in all 

 probability be fully realized. 



Eabies, as affecting the horse, is caused by the bite of a 

 rabid animal, or in some way coming into contact with the 

 rabic virus, which, having gained entrance into the system, 

 sooner or later exerts its peculiar effects and causes death. 

 The disease manifests itself in a great variety of ways, it 

 being very rarely indeed, ^f ever, that two cases are met 

 with in which the symptoms presented are identical. As 

 a rule, however, an animal suffering from rabies shows a 

 disposition to bite, and viciousness generally is manifested, 

 the animal endeavouring to destroy everything within its 

 reach. The symptoms of general derangement of the 

 nervous system are exceedingly well marked; the animal 

 never resting for a moment, but paws and stamps violently, 

 occasionally sweats profusely, and, the excitement increasing, 

 a perfect paroxysm of fury is at last reached, when it is a 

 matter of extreme danger to approach the animal, as he 

 will attack with the greatest ferocity any person or thing 

 that may be in his vicinity. A paroxysm is usually 

 succeeded by an interval of quietude, or probably of 

 exhaustion ; the slightest noise, however, usually sufficing 

 to bring on another paroxysm. There may also be a 

 hoarse cough, which, on being heard, will at once command 

 attention on account of its peculiar sound ; there may also 

 be observed quickened breathing, and while thirst is mani- 

 fested, the patient is unable to swallow, or does so with 

 great difficulty, owing to spasm of the glottis. Rapidly 



