112 THE HORSE. 



Prevention. When it is positively known that an animal has been 

 bitten by a rabid animal, immediately, cauterize the wound with a red- 

 hot iron. This may destroy the poison before it is taken up by the 

 blood. 



Symptoms. The first evidences of the disease may be excitability 

 and viciousness. The approach of a person, causes the animal to kick, 

 strike, or bite at any object near him. 'Often the animal will bite his 

 own legs or sides, tearing the skin. The eyes are staring and blood- 

 shot; ears held up; and the head erect. In some cases the animal will 

 continually rub and bite the wound caused by the rabid animal. This 

 symptom may precede all others. The furious symptoms appear spas- 

 modically; at other times the animal is quiet and may eat and drink, 

 although swallowing becomes painful near the end. 



Rabies may be mistaken for lock-jaw. In that disease there is rigid- 

 ness of the muscles of the jaws or stiffness of the neck or back very 

 early in the attack, and the animal shows no signs of viciousness. 



Treatment. As soon as the nature of the disease is ascertained the 

 animal should be killed. 



Electric Shock. Since electric wires are becoming so common, 

 the accidents arising from coming in contact with them is of frequent 

 occurence, and has the same effect upon the animal system as a shock 

 of lightning. There are two degrees of electric shock; the one killing 

 directly and the other producing temporary insensibility, from which re- 

 covery is possible. In the latter case the animal is usually insensible; 

 the respiration slow, labored or gasping; the pulse slow, feeble, and ir- 

 regular; and the pupils dilated and not sensitive, or they may be con- 

 tracted and sensitive. The temperature is lowered. There may be a 

 tendency to convulsions or spasms. The predominating symptoms are 

 extreme heart and respiratory depression. 



Treatment. Sulphate of atropia should be given hypodermically 

 in one quarter grain doses every hour or every two hours until the 

 heart beats are strengthened, the number and fullness of the breathing 

 increased and consciousness returns. Stimulating injections into the 

 rectum may also be useful in aiding the circulation; for this purpose 

 whisky or ammonia may be used. 



