254 ^'^^ Management and Diseases of the Dog. 



be. Those nervous symptoms which are frequently present in 

 the subacute stages of distemper do not bear the slightest 

 analogy to " rabid insanity," and only those inexperienced 

 in the latter disease could mistake them. 



An unusual affection has been described as another symp- 

 tom, and whether the unfortunate creature being aware of 

 its hopeless condition accounts for it, is only surmise. 

 Certain it is such a manifestation is, especially in the earlier 

 stages, very frequent. 



Another symptom worthy of note and exceedingly charac- 

 teristic, is the appetite. This invariably assumes a morbid 

 ;haracter. Portions of wood, stones, earth, hair, excrement, 

 ind other filth are devoured, whilst the ordinary meal 

 remains untouched.* 



The vomiting of blood in the early stage of the malady, 

 iescribed by some authors, is not by any means an in- 

 /ariable symptom of rabies. The sanguinary tinge of the 

 /omit more frequently proceeds from wounds of the tongue 

 Dr mouth, than from any morbid condition of the stomach. 



Lastly, when a dog unconfined becomes rabid, there is 

 Buch that is characteristic in his mode of travelling. His 

 jait may be termed as rambling, or jog-trot. The head is 

 :arried low, the tongue protrudes from the side of the 

 nouth, or hangs pendent in front, swollen and covered with 



* Devouring the excrement has wrongly been described as an in- 

 allible sign of rabies. I say wrongly because dogs in robust health 

 vill occasionally contract this disgusting hibit, puppies in particular. 

 Therefore it is only to be taken cognizance of in connection with the 

 )ther symptoms. Again, morbid appetites are often associated with 

 ;ome peculiar condition of the sympathetic nervous system, independent 

 )f rabies. This is especially to be observed in pregnancy. Strange 

 ind impossible gratification of fancies and desires fill the human mind, 

 ind the same idiosyncrasy exists in the lower animals. In-calf cows 

 )ften devour leather, linen, and other strange substances. Looking at 

 t from another point of view, rabies coming under the class of nervous 

 liseases, we should not be surprised at similar morbid appetites being 

 jresent. 



