HYDROPHOBIA. 189 



symptoms vary more than in rabies of the dog, and it is, consequently, impossible 

 in any description of moderate length to give an idea of the different forms under 

 which it may appear. 



FURIOUS BABIES. 



"Fleming has well said that it is a great and dangerous error to suppose that 

 the disease commences with signs of raging madness, and that the earliest phase of 

 the malady is ushered in with fury and destruction. The symptoms appear very 

 gradually, and at first there is only the slightest evidence of brain disease. The 

 animal's habits and behavior are changed. It may be more restless and affectionate 

 than usual, seeking to be near its master or mistress, fawning, licking the hands 

 or face, and apparently seeking for sympathy or assistance. Such caresses are, 

 however, extremely dangerous, for the animal's tongue, moist with virulent saliva, 

 coming in contact with a part where the skin is thin, abraded, or wounded, may 

 fatally infect the person with whom it is endeavoring to demonstrate its affection. 

 The smallest abrasion may be, as Bouley has impressively said, a door opened to 

 death; and such a death! The instances in which hydrophobia has developed from 

 such inoculations are very numerous, and everyone should be warned against this 

 kiss of affection, which carries with it not only death, but sufferings which are 

 far more to be dreaded than the fatal termination. 



"In most cases dogs first become dull, gloomy, morose, taciturn, seeking soli- 

 tude and isolation in out-of-the-way places, or retiring under pieces of furniture. 

 But in this retirement they can not rest; they are uneasy and agitated; they lie 

 down and assume the attitude of repose, but in a few minutes are up again, 

 walking hither and thither, 'seeking rest, but finding none.' Occasionally this 

 restlessness may disappear for a time, and the animal become lively and affec- 

 tionate; oftener it sinks into a sullen gloominess, from which even its master's 

 voice rouses it but temporarily. It becomes more and more desperate in its 

 efforts to prepare a comfortable bed, pawing or scattering the straw, or, if in a 

 house, scratching, tumbling and tearing cushions, rugs, curtains, carpets and 

 everything of that kind within its reach. 



"At this period dogs may have aberrations of the senses, of the sight, hearing, 

 and feeling, which cause hallucinations and lead them to think that they are 

 being annoyed by something, or that some animal or person is endeavoring to 

 injure them. They crouch, ready to spring upon an enemy; they rush forward 

 and snap at the air; they throw themselves, howling and furious, against a wall, 

 as though they heard sounds beyond it. 



"While at first the affected dog may not be disposed to bite, it becomes more 

 dangerous as his hallucinations and delirium increase. The voice of the master 

 or of an acquaintance may dispel the aberrations temporarily and lead him to 

 friendly demonstrations, but an unexpected movement or touch may bring on 

 another access and lead to a quick and unexpected bite. 



"The disturbance of the sensations leads to chills and itching. If the place 

 where the bite occurred is accessible the dog licks the scar, and later bites and 

 tears the tissues. This tearing of the flesh iis not always confined to the site of 

 the inoculation, but certain regions of the body appear to lose their sensitiveness, 

 and at the same time to convey to the brain the sensation of itching. The animal 

 in this case bites into its own flesh with apparent pleasure and satisfaction. 



Such animals take food until the disease is considerably advanced, if it is 

 something which can be swallowed without mastication; otherwise it is dropped 

 after remaining a short time in the mouth. 



