392 INFLAMMATIONS. 



was present in a greater or less degree ; and in five of wliicli the 

 disease was communicated to other dogs. 



If the rabid dog is not molested he will seldom attack any 

 living object ; but the slightest obstruction in his path is sufficient 

 to rouse his fmy, and he then bites savagely, and in the most un- 

 reasoning manner, so as to be wholly uncontrollable by fear of the 

 consequences. The gait, when at liberty, is a long trot, without 

 any deviation from the straight line, except what is compidsory 

 from the nature of the surrounding objects. 



TJie average time of the occurrence of rabies after the bite is, in 

 the dog, from three weeks to six months, or possibly even longer ; 

 so that a suspected case requires careful watching for at least that 

 time ; but, after three months, the animal suspected to have been 

 bitten may be considered tolerably safe. 



The duration of the disease is about four or five days, but I have 

 myself known a case fatal in forty-eight hours. 



As there has never yet been cU^corered a cure for rabies, so the 

 best plan in all cases is to destroy the dog as soon as he is clearl}'- 

 shown to exhibit the disease. In the interval he should be 

 secluded in a safe place, where he cannot possibly get at anj- living- 

 animal. 



