606 INFECTIOUS DISEASES 



obstinate (often does not obey its master). The patient 

 is also inclined to hide itself, alternately gets up and lies 

 down frequently, makes sudden, unusual movements, such 

 as snapping or biting at imaginary objects, or barks sud- 

 denly without any cause. During the early stage of the 

 disease the appetite is not much changed, but later the 

 manner of eating and the kind of food chosen are greatly 

 modified. Dogs are inclined to eat indigestible objects, 

 such as pieces of wood; eat their own feces and lap up their 

 own urine, etc. A very noticeable symptom is the tendency 

 to grasp objects as if to eat them, then suddenly let them 

 fall from the mouth. Constipation is usually present in 

 this stage. During the latter part of this stage the patient 

 is excitable. The patient shows a marked change in dis- 

 position, snaps at objects, its master, other persons or 

 other animals. This excitability is more noticeable toward 

 strange persons or animals. Sometimes the patient mani- 

 fests no change in disposition toward its master, familiar 

 persons or animals. The excitability gradually, or very 

 rapidly, increases. The nervous reflexes become sensitive 

 and the patient is easily startled by sudden noises, touch- 

 ing objects or by strong light. The pupil of the eye dilates 

 and the facial expression is changed. Dyspnea is prominent 

 at times. The patient will often scratch or bite the place of 

 infection, sometimes doing extensive injury to the area. 

 The appetite is entirely suppressed but the animal seeks 

 water and attempts to drink, but, on account of the begin- 

 ning paralysis of the larynx and pharynx, does not succeed. 

 The salivary secretion is increased, and saliva hangs from 

 the mouth in long strands. This stage usually lasts from 

 one to three days. 



(b) Stage of Irritation.— In this stage the symptoms reach 

 a higher degree of development. The excitement increases; 

 hallucinations, which bring about violent fury or rage, are 

 soon apparent. The voice of the animal changes decidedly 

 from the normal. This is a very characteristic symptom 

 of rabies, and no doubt results from the congestion and 

 paralysis of the vocal cords. The owner's attention is 

 always attracted by the unusual amount of barking and 



