DOG BITES AND RABIES. 27 



two hours, wetting the cloth with cold water every few minutes to keep the poultice moist. 

 The thousands of stray dogs by far the most dangerous class which have passed through 

 Mr. Scorborio's hands render any application which receives his support valuable ; and we 

 may add that we have his authority for stating that an undoubtedly rabid dog bit an 

 acquaintance of his, who at once applied a carbonate-of-soda poultice, and lived for years 

 afterwards without suffering any ill effects. A celebrated veterinary surgeon at Bath also 

 states that he has tried this remedy (with, so far, no failure) in many cases of bites from rabid 

 dogs. It is unnecessary for us to go into the subject of hydrophobia here, or allude to the 

 various recoveries which have been said to follow the treatment of alleged cases by the 

 administration of curare, the Birling or other cures ; but, from what has been published, the 

 benefit of prolonged and often-repeated Turkish or vapour baths should not be overlooked 

 by any who have had the misfortune to be bitten. 



One word is, however, necessary in defence of the dog. Many are annually mistaken 

 for mad, and literally hunted to death by ignorant people, to whom the cry of "mad dog" 

 is equivalent to positive proof that the animal is infected with rabies. Without under- 

 rating the fearful dangers that may arise from a real case of this disease, we would at 

 the same time caution owners not to hurriedly destroy every animal that behaves in a 

 suspicious manner, if only for the reason that it is very desirable to know how many 

 cases of genuine rabies really do occur. An owner, whenever an animal gives cause 

 for suspicion, should secure it in a quiet place from which escape is impossible, and where 

 it will not be disturbed. It is very possible the quiet may soothe the excited nervous 

 system, and cure the eccentric behaviour which first caused suspicion. Meantime, of course, 

 the dog should not be handled unless absolutely necessary, and ought to be carefully 

 watched, that the development of every symptom may be noted ; it need hardly be said 

 that competent opinion should be sought at an early stage. We need only observe here 

 that rabid dogs often drink water greedily, contrary to the popular belief. The principal 

 early symptoms of genuine rabies are a shrinking from light and a desire to hide ii? 

 corners ; a propensity to gnaw and worry objects within reach, and to swallow bits oi 

 stick, buttons, hair, filth, &c. ; a disinclination to come when called ; and often a scared 

 and wild appearance without apparent cause. The last sign is, however, valueless as regards 

 a dog which has been hunted in the inhuman manner too common. 



