HYDROPHOBIA. 249 



There is, indeed, a mechanical hindrance to respiration, which, although not so outwardly 

 apparent as the obstruction which is caused by a bone or similar substance, yet harasses the 

 poor creature quite as painfully. As the poison, which has been infused into and taints the 

 blood of the poor victim, works its dread mission through the frame, it infects some of the 

 fluids that are secreted from the blood, and changes their external aspect as well as their 

 inward essence. The saliva becomes thick and viscid in character, and is secreted in quanti- 

 ties so great that it obstructs the channels of respiration, and gives rise to those convulsive 

 efforts on the part of the Dog which have already been mentioned. 



Strangely enough, the infected Dog seems to partake of the serpent nature, and, like the 

 cobra or viper, to elaborate a deadly poison from harmless food. The snake feels but little 

 inconvenience from the accumulation of venomous matter, as it is furnished with receptacles 

 in which the lethal secretion may be lodged until it is needed. But the Dog has no such store- 

 house, and the poison is therefore diffused through the moisture of the throat and mouth, 

 instead of being concentrated into one locality. There is another curious resemblance between 

 the poison of serpents and that of rabid Dogs ; namely, that while the venom of either creature 

 produces such terrible effects when mixed with the blood, it may be swallowed with perfect 

 safety, provided that the lips and mouth are free from sores. 



I would offer a suggestion, that the instinct which induces the Dog to bite everything 

 which may come within its reach, is intended to aid the creature in its cure, and that if it 

 could only be induced to bite a succession of lifeless objects, it might rid itself of the venomous 

 influence, and be restored to its normal state of healih. So powerfully is this instinct devel- 

 oped, that the poor Dog will bite itself, and inflict the most fearful lacerations on its own 

 flesh, rather than resist the furious impulse which fills its being. Horses and other animals 

 which have been infected with this terrible disease have been known to feel the same necessity, 

 and in default of other victims have torn the flesh from their own limbs. 



An unquenchable thirst soon fastens upon the afflicted Dog, and drives him to the nearest 

 spot where he can obtain any liquid that may cool his burning throat. 



In the earlier stages of the complaint he laps without ceasing, but when the disease has 

 destroyed the powers of his tongue and throat, he plunges his head into the water as far as 

 the depth of the vessel will permit, in hope of bringing his throat in contact with the cooling 

 fluid. It is generally supposed that a mad Dog will not touch water, and for this reason the 

 malady was termed Hydrophobia, or "dread of water," but it is now ascertained that the 

 animal is so anxious to drink, that he often spills the fluid in his eagerness, and so defeats his 

 own object. 



In the last stage of this terrible disease the Dog is seized with an uncontrollable propensity 

 to run. He seems not to care where he goes, but runs for the most part in a straight line, 

 seldom turning out of his way, and rarely attempting to bite unless he be obstructed in his 

 course ; and then he turns savagely upon his real or fancied assailant, and furiously snaps and 

 bites without fear or reason. Not the least curious fact of this disease is, that it causes a 

 singular insensibility to pain. A rabid Dog will endure terrible injuries without appearing to 

 be conscious of them, and, in many cases, these poor creatures have been known to tear away 

 portions of their own bodies as calmly as if they were lacerating the dead body of another 

 Dog. A similar insensibility to pain is noticeable in human lunatics, who will often inflict the 

 most terrible injuries on their own persons, with the most deliberate and unconcerned air 

 imaginable. The nerves seem to be deprived of their powers, and to be insensible even to the 

 contact of burning coals or red-hot metals. In anger, too, which is in truth a short-lived mad- 

 ness, pain is unfelt, and the severest wounds may be received unheeded. 



It is possible that this locomotive instinct of the Dog may give a clue to the cure of this 

 fearful malady, and that if a rabid Dog could be permitted to follow its instinct without 

 molestation it might rid itself of its ailment by means of this unwonted exercise. 



By this terrible malady the nerves are excited to the highest degree of tension, and it is 

 not improbable that by violent and continual exercise the system might by enabled to throw 

 off the "peccant humors" that infect every particle of the blood as it circulates through the 

 veins, and envenom the natural moisture of the Dog's tongue. 



