DOGS. 279 



the fabulous stories of froth about the mouth, this is more 

 common in fits, and some other disorders. The bark or 

 other sound of the dog in madness is unnatural ; in fero 

 cious madness, it is peculiar and characteristic, resem 

 bling no other sound. It often commences with a bark 

 and ends with a howl. 



In persons, madness generally takes place from three 

 weeks to six or seven months from the time of being 

 bitten — (cases are named in which the virus lay dormant 

 for years) — in the dog, usually in five or six weeks, sel- 

 dom in less than two weeks, nor beyond three months, 

 though sometimes not till seven or eight months. In 

 man it usually runs its course in twenty-four to seventy- 

 two hours ; in the horse, from three to four days ; in 

 cattle and sheep, from five to seven ; in the dog, from 

 four to six. Fits and other diseases in dogs are often 

 mistaken for madness. The cry of " Mad Dog !" is often 

 raised without cause. It is said that the poison matter 

 will produce no efiect when taken internally, unless there 

 is canker, or the skin is broken on the lips, mouth or 

 throat. 



Preventives. Although there may be no cure for this 

 disease when it has taken effect in the system, yet it 

 may be prevented. The wounded part should be cut 

 out, if possible, every part that is touched by the teeth, 

 and great care should be taken that the knife does not 

 pass from the wounded part out into the flesh, and thus 

 extend the poison. If the knife chance to enter the 

 wound in cutting, it should be cleaned immediately. 

 Veterinary surgeons in Europe, after cutting the wound, 

 and some without this operation, apply lunar caustic 

 {nitrate of silver) to every part of the wound, even to the 

 very bottom A hot iron will have the same effect, but 

 it is more painful. 



Or apply the following as soon as possible ; if the 

 wounded parts be carefully cut out the better : Take two 

 table spoonfuls of fresh chloride of lime, mix with half 

 a pint of water ; wash the wound with it, then apply it 

 in a cloth, and renew often. In addition to excision of 

 the parts, and the application of this caustic, keep the 

 wound open five or six weeks, keeping up suppura- 



