214 KENNEL DISEASES. 
possibly to a peculiar feeling in the jaws excited by irritation of the nerves. If 
in the house, the poor dog bites, tears, and worries chair-legs, the corners of 
carpets, boots, or other loose objects— in fact, anything that he can fix his 
jaws upon. 
Extreme thirst is now usually present, and water is drunk with avidity. 
The mouth is either perfectly dry, and the tongue parched, or the secretions 
therein are thick and ropy; and they occasionally excite efforts to vomit, 
which have often led observers to think there was a bone in the throat. 
The first stage in which the foregqing symptoms are manifested is denomi- 
nated the melancholic, and generally only of a few hours’ duration; it may, 
however, although but rarely, extend over two or three days. The fact should 
be appreciated that not all the symptoms are uniformly present. Indeed, in 
some cases those manifested are few and insignificant, and might possibly be 
overlooked, or if detected, sufficient importance would not be attached to them. 
This period, therefore, is the greatest menace to man. 
The next is the so-called irritative or maniacal stage, and this generally 
excites alarm, when it is perhaps too late. 
The dog’s eyes have now undergone great change. Alternately wide open 
with fury and then closed, they are red and inflamed; the pupils are dilated; 
the forehead has become wrinkled; and the look is sullen, ferocious, and terri- 
fying. 
A very strong desire to bite is exhibited. This can be excited by teasing; 
and even if a red-hot iron is used, it will generally be bitten. The presence of 
any living thing sends the poor dog into a rage, causing him to spring at and 
endeavor to rend the intruder; while mothers have been known to lacerate their 
puppies. Any shining object will also bring on like paroxysms of rage; and 
even water, if it reflects the light, will do the same. At first the excitement 
induced in this manner does not last long, and is followed by a period of great 
prostration, during which the unfortunate lies in the quietest spot he can find, 
insensible to all going on about him. This period is also short, and another 
fit of rage occurs on the slightest provocation ; or even without any he all at 
once springs up, greatly excited, and seemingly wildly delirious, and in a per- 
fect fury, which is always greatest when in the midst of noises and he can see 
living objects. 
It is now that a characteristic symptom becomes very pronounced; namely, a 
peculiar change in the voice or bark. This is more of the nature of a howl, 
and is short, hollow, dismal, and croupy. 
Early in this stage, when not confined, the sufferer exhibits a propensity to 
stray. If so, he often covers long distances in singularly short time, and if the 
malady has not far advanced, he may return slyly home. The violent stage well 
entered, however, his brain seems on fire. He runs on, evidently partially, if 
not wholly, blind; for he rushes at about everything that comes in his way, 
