216 RABIES CANINA, 



It is, however, certain that, by the aid of the pathognomonic symp- 

 toms, the disease may be commonly detected without fear of mis- 

 take. The extent of the former, and the necessity for a distinct 

 notice of all the varieties of the latter, render a perspicuous ac- 

 count of the malady extremely difficult, and necessarily extend it 

 beyond the limits of a summary. 



JRabies sometimes commences with dulness, at others with a 

 more than usual watchfulness and restlessness ; it is often ushered 

 in by some peculiarity of manner, some departure from the ordi- 

 nary habits of the animal, or by the introduction of new ones. In 

 many instances, but more particularly in the smaller and closely do- 

 mesticated kinds of dogs, this peculiarity consists in a disposition 

 to pick up straws, thread, paper, or other small objects^. In 

 others, the first symptom noticed is an eager and unceasing at- 

 tempt to lick the anus or parts of generation of another dog7. The 

 lapping of their own urine is a common and early symptom of 

 madness, and one that should be particularly inquired for ; as, when 

 found to exist, I know of none that should be regarded as more 



of the wolf and fox, although close congeners of the dog, and that likewise of 

 the half-reclaimed cat, is always stamped with a ferocity and malignance of 

 character that is foreign to what usually occurs in the smaller and more do- 

 mesticated breeds ; in which cultivation has wrought such an entire change of 

 their nature, that even their symptomatic appearances under disease are, in a 

 great degree, altered by it. 



^ I have repeatedly seen dogs, which, before they became at all suspected 

 of madness, had for a day or two industriously employed themselves in this 

 way, so that not the smallest loose object of any kind remained on the floor, 

 to the no small surprise of the owners, 



■^ In one instance, I foretold the approach of the disease by the uncommon 

 attachment of a pug puppy to a kitten, which he was continually licking ; as 

 he also did the cold nose of another pug that was with him : and Deane, Earl 

 Fitzwilliam's huntsman, also observes, that among his hounds he regards the 

 smelling and licking of the penis and fundament of another as a most suspi- 

 cious symptom. It is a curious circumstance, that sexual excitement is fre- 

 quently an early symptom in all the subjects of rabies. It has been also re- 

 marked in the human. Sheep and pigs also first shew rabies by riding their 

 ftllows. 



