178 CATTLE. 



madness suddenly changes into that of a ferocious character. There 

 is no cure now , and the animal should be destroyed. One circum- 

 stance also should be remembered. The poison in rabid animals 

 seems to be in the saliva ; and the saliva of an ox is as dangerous 

 as that of a dog. 



The rabid ox may attempt more mischief with its horns than its 

 teeth, but occasionally will bite ; or, if not, yet must not be meddled 

 with too much. This dangerous foam is continually running from 

 the mouth ; it may fall on a sore place, and it is then as dangerous 

 as a bite. 



The knowledge that the virus is confined to the saliva will settle 

 -another matter. A cow may be observed to be ailing for a day or 

 two, but has been milked as usual ; her milk has been mingled with 

 the rest, and has been used. She is discovered to be rabid. Can 

 the milk of a rabid cow be drunk with impunity ? Yes, for the 

 poison is confined to the saliva. Miscreants have sent the flesh of 

 rabid cattle to market, and it has been eaten without harm. 



Homoeopathic treatment. — A dose of belladonna is to be adminis- 

 tered first ; the bite is to be well washed, and fomented with water, 

 to which some drops of extract of belladonna have been added. 

 The doses of belladonna are to be repeated, first every day, then at 

 longer intervals. When a mad dog has found his way into a herd, 

 it is a good precaution to make all the beasts take a dose of bella- 

 donna daily, for eight or aven twelve da^ys. 



