388 INFLAMMATIONS. 



putting tlie Land against tlie lower part of tlic chest, tlie contrac- 

 tions of tlie heart may be readily felt. In different breeds, how- 

 ever, there is considerable variation in the pulsations of the heart. 



HYDROPHOBIA, RABIES, OR MADNESS. 



This disease has been classed among the inflammations, although 

 it has not been proved to arise from that cause ; but, as it is 

 generally supposed to be connected with an inflammation or con- 

 gestion of the spinal column and brain, there is eyerj reason for 

 placing it at the head of this division ; and, as it is of the utmost 

 importance to understand its symptoms, the sooner it is studied 

 the better. At present there appears to be little or no control 

 over this horrible complaint, so that it is solely with a view to 

 recognise the attack and prevent its transmission by inoculation, 

 that it is interesting to the owner of the dog. 



The sym^yfoms are chiefly as follows : — the first is a marked 

 change of temper ; the naturally cheerful dog becoming waspish 

 and morose, and the bold fondling pet retreating from his master's 

 hand as if it was that of a stranger. On the other hand, the shy 

 dog sometimes becomes bold ; but in almost every case there is a 

 total change of manner for several days before the absolute out- 

 break of the attack, which is indicated by a kind of delirious 

 watching of imaginary objects, the dog snapping at the wall, or 

 if anything comes in his y\^y, tearing it to pieces with savage 



