DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 53 1 



consideration of tiit long period of incubation, they should be kept 

 secured for at least six months. The ordinary term of confine- 

 ment from six weeks to three months is manifestly too short. 



" The obligatory muzzling of dogs at times when hydrophobia 

 prevails as an epidemic has always in all localities been attended 

 by favorable results. On the other hand, it is pretended by some 

 especially those who favor the theory of the spontaneous origin^ of 

 hydrophobia, that the wearing of muzzles favors the development 

 of the disease, an assertion which is unsupported by proof, and 

 which is also completely refuted by what is known respecting the 

 mode of origin of rabies and by various observations. In Berlin, 

 dogs were required for a period of nine years to wear muzzles, 

 during which time no instance of hydrophobia occurred. It is 

 moreover, fallaciously urged by the opponents of the muzzle, that 

 in localities where dogs roam about in large . numbers perfecdy 

 unrestrained, and subject to no inspection, hydrophobia is an un- 

 known evil.* 



" It may be mentioned, as a matter of curiosity, that the artificial 

 blunting of the front teeth of all dogs has been recommended by 

 some, as a prophylactic measure against the malady, and it has 

 even been suggested that small flattened metallic caps be fastened 

 by a screw to the corner teeth for the purpose of rendering the bite 

 innocuous.'' 



Canker. — Under this head we have all the diseases to which 

 the external and internal ears of the dog are subject. The mean 

 ing of the word canker is simply cancer : which I need not remark, 

 is an extremely rare disease in dogs. 



The so called external canker, is usually a simple ulcer result- 

 ing from a wound or scratch, which by neglect, uncleanliness, etc., 

 has taken on unhealthy action. In such case, cleanse with castile 

 soap and warm water, then touch it lightly with caustic. When 

 the silver has formed a white film over the raw edges, brush the 

 ulcer thoroughly with a moderately strong solution of carbolic, or 

 salicylic acid, or thymol. Dry the outer edges and draw together, 



* In the description of the geographical distribution of hydrophobia, I have 

 already demonstrated how unfounded this notion is, and have taken pains to show 

 that in such localities (Constantinople, Egypt, Algiers, Asia Minor, etc.,) hydro- 

 phobia doesoccur. A uthor. 



