304 DISEASES OF DOGS. 



CHAPTER II. 



RABIES — MADNESS. 



Rabies is said to be produced by improper food; by 

 want of water ; by hot weather ; and by various other 

 causes. If it be generated in the animal at all, it is 

 certainly most likely to be bred in the canine system 

 by that cold-blooded cruelty, which, disregarding all 

 the attractive qualities of the animal, chains it to a 

 kennel, and leaves it to howl away its existence, 

 under the pretence of such a misery being a safeguard 

 to the premises. It is, however, generally imagined 

 to have but one origin, and that one is inoculation. It 

 certainly is conveyed from one animal to another by 

 the bite ; or by the poison which resides in the saliva 

 which is received on some abraded surface. 



The dog that is becoming rabid is dull ; disinclined 

 for food; more than usually ill-tempered; fidgety, 

 and discontented. If he is closely watched, there is 

 usually some part which he is eagerly licking; or 

 biting; or scratching. It may be the place where he 

 was bitten, which now seems to be itching intolerably, 

 or to give him very great pain. 



Soon afterwards a very considerable change takes 

 place in his whole appearance and manner, which as- 

 sumes one of two forms. The eye may become in- 

 tensely bright, and glaring ; the dog is continually on 

 the watch; and is tracing the fancied path of some 

 imaginary object. He darts at every fly; and also at 

 many a thing that has no existence but in his own dis- 

 turbed imagination ; he makes the most violent efforts 



