RABIES. 213 
the first indication of the grave malady is a peculiar change of demeanor 
characterized by evidences of unusual affection for the master or caretaker of 
the victim. This, however, would not likely be noticed except in the very 
small class made up of the habitual undemonstrative. 
Of the very first symptoms, general restlessness is one of the most common. 
For a moment the unfortunate is dull or seems to sleep, then suddenly he starts 
up, on the alert and watchful, and as quickly subsides, but to remain quiet 
only for a few moments. He is inclined to creep under chairs or other furni- 
ture, hide around corners or in out-of-the-way places, choosing solitude, and 
shunning always a full light. He does not, however, at least at first, remain 
long in any one place, and is what is termed fidgety, now lying down, but soon 
up again, and jumping or running about in an excited manner; and likely he 
tries to get away if an attempt is made to restrain him. He is quite liable 
then to growl and snap at the hand holding him. 
Herein is a symptom of very great importance; and the fact should be ever 
in mind that when the signs previously described, — restlessness, etc. — have 
been noted in a dog of kindly and affectionate nature, and he attempts to bite 
one for whom he has had a fondness, the act should be accepted as indicative 
of a disordered brain, and very suggestive of rabies. 
While for a short time some dogs that are becoming rabid seem more ates 
tionate towards master or mistress, the same unfortunate is quite sure to appear 
unusually suspicious of mere acquaintances and others, from whom he shrinks, 
and by whom he is easily enraged if they attempt to interfere with him. 
For a time, even if he has not manifested any unusual affection, he likely 
comes when called by one who has known him intimately; but he generally 
does so reluctantly, his manner being crouching and frightened, and soon he 
returns to his hiding-place. 
It is not long before the dog’s power of recognizing people about him is lost. 
Then his eyes, which are slightly reddened, wear a vacant, far-away, listless 
look. It is now difficult to fix his attention for more than a moment, when 
generally his eyes will close in a sleepy manner, and remain shut for several 
seconds. 
In the early stage of rabies the appetite is perverted. At first food may be 
eaten sparingly, but soon it is either rejected altogether or only taken into the 
mouth to be immediately dropped. It is now that the unfortunates seem fond 
of resting their noses against cold substances, and licking the same. They may 
even lick their own urine; and this is a very suspicious symptom. They also 
show a disposition to eat, and will swallow, if possible, all sorts of indigestible 
substances, as small stones, pieces of wood, coal, straw, dung, rags, and like 
things within reach, and which under ordinary conditions they would not touch. 
And in this peculiar tendency appears another sign suggestive of rabies. 
In this stage the desire to constantly chew something seems irresistible, due 
