222 RABIES CANINA, 



appearances that follow. It is, however, very seldom that such is. 

 really the case, by which the danger from madness is much lessened. 

 The acute or raging kind is distinguished by a general quickness 

 of manner, sudden startings, great watchfulness, and a disposition 

 to be acted on by sudden impressions, as noises, the appearance of 

 a stranger, &c. This watchfulness, however, often yields to a 

 momentary stupor, and inclination to doze, from which the dog 

 will start up, and fix his eyes steadfastly on some object, probably 

 on one not usually noticed, and often on one altogether imaginary ; 

 at which he will attempt to fly. In this stage the breathing is 

 often hurried ; sometimes the panting is excessive, and, where the 

 pulse can be examined, it is invariably found rapid and sometimes 

 hard. The irritability in these cases is marked by extreme impa- 

 tience of controul ; and even when no aptitude to attack or act of- 

 fensively towards those around may appear, yet a great disposition 

 to resist any slight offence offered commonly shews itself. A stick 

 held to such a dog is sure to excite his anger, even from those he 

 is most attached to, and he will seize and shake it with violence : 

 the same will occur if either the hand or foot be held out, but, 

 unless in a very great state of excitement, these he will rather 

 mumble than tear, if belonging to those he is acquainted with. 

 This disposition l o become irritated on the slightest shew of offence, 

 as flying at a stick, is a very marked feature of rabies, and should 

 be very particularly attended to, and the more, as it usually is 

 present in both varieties of the malady ; unless when paralysis has 

 blunted the capability of excitement. A peculiar suspicion marks 

 these particular cases, and a degree of treachery also, by which, 

 in the midst of caresses apparently received with pleasure, the dog 

 will at once turn and snap at those noticing him : he will, perhaps, 

 readily come when he is called, and with every mark of tractability 

 will wag his tail and seem pleased, but on a sudden he will seem 

 to receive a counter-impression, and hastily bite the person who 

 called him. This stage is often marked, in large and naturally 

 fierce dogs, with an utter fearlessness of danger and contempt of 

 every menace : every restraint is most unwillingly submitted to ; 



