RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 125 



RABIES IN DOGS AND CATTLE 



Before taking up in detail the study of the phenomena of Rabies 

 it is well to review briefly the salient features which combine to 

 distinguish it. 



Rabies is an ancient and widespread dis<_)rder perpetuated 

 among the lower animals, chiefly the dog family, transmitted in 

 nature to other animals and to man by the inoculation of virulent 

 saliva through bites. It is undoubtedly caused b\- a living micro- 

 organism, which invades the nervous system, rendering it virulent 

 and inducing the symptoms. The period of inoculation is variable, 

 but relatively long, usually between 21 days and two months. The 

 symptoms are referable to excitation and finally depression of the 

 central nervous system by the micro-organism or its products, with 

 ultimate destruction of its functioning power. A general increase 

 of reflex excitation is early noted. The centers for respiration and 

 deglutition are especially severely attacked, with spasms or paraly- 

 sis as a result. General convulsions of central origin frequently 

 occur, paralysis of spinal origin may attack the extremities. The 

 physical functions are disturbed in degrees varying in their mani- 

 festations from morbid anxiety to delirium and mania. Pathological 

 changes of a characteristic nature are confined principally to the 

 nervous system. The disease is essentially the same in all of the 

 many species of animals that are susceptible. Protection is af- 

 forded by inoculation with attenuated rabies virus and to some ex- 

 tent by antirabic serum and so far as known, by no other means. 

 The blood serum of immunized persons and animals possess specific 

 properties against rabies virus. Once developed, the disease is al- 

 most uniformly fatal. No other diseases presents these characters 

 in combination. 



TREATMENT 



As a result of recent experiments, scientists claim that when 

 an animal or man^has been bitten by a rabied dog or other affected 

 animal, the immediate application of Tincture of Iodine inserted 

 deeply into the wound will prevent the germs from growing, thus 

 preventing infection and the consequent development of the disease. 

 Some authorities go so far as to claim this to be a specific preventative. 



