306 DISEASES OF DOGS. 



This stage of ferocity and danger lasts about two 

 days; and then the brightness of the eye dies away — 

 a film steals over it — the dog becomes weak — he 

 staggers about — and dies four or five days after the 

 commencement of the attack. 



At other times rabies assumes a very different cha- 

 racter. The dog does not exhibit the slightest symp- 

 tom of ferocity, or even of ill-temper, unless he is 

 very much provoked ; but there is the peculiar glare 

 of the eye, expressive of anxiety and supplication ; 

 there is the same making of the bed, but not with so 

 much violence ; the same watching of imaginary ob- 

 jects, but no attempt to seize them. The dog re- 

 cognizes his owner; obeys him, and fondles upon 

 him. 



The lower jaw, after the first day, begins to lose 

 its power of motion ; the dog may be able to close his 

 mouth by a violent effort, but he cannot seize and 

 masticate his food. The jaw hangs down, and the 

 tongue protrudes. There is the same thirst, but he is 

 unable to swallow ; and he hangs over the water for 

 a quarter of an hour at a time ; plunges his muzzle 

 into it up to his eyes, covering it with the spume 

 which flows from his lips ; yet is unable to get a drop 

 into the back part of the mouth. There is rarely any 

 howl, but a harsh inward sound in the throat. 



The disease continues about the same time ; the dog 

 becomes weak ; he staggers ; he loses the use of his 

 hinder limbs ; and dies without a struggle. 



Many humane people have, however, doubted 

 whether the latter form of disease be rightfully termed 

 hydrophobia. Assuredly, it is hard to conceive that 



