Rabies and Hydrophobia. 269 



Close observation will often detect evidence of mental delusions 

 and hallucinations even at this early stage. The apparently 

 sleeping dog suddenly starts up with an air of suspicion and ex- 

 citement. His eyes may turn after phantom flies or other ob- 

 jects at which he will presently snap. He moves hither and 

 thither with a curious, inquisitive air, searching in dark corners, 

 or under curtains or articles of furniture for some imaginary ob- 

 ject. He may stand in attentive attitude listening to fancied 

 sounds, and then bound in that direction in spite of an obstruct- 

 ing wall or utensil. If recalled to reality by his master's voice 

 his healthy attitude and affection may be completely though 

 temporarily restored. He may compose himself to rest or sleep, 

 and soon again start a victim to further delusions. 



T'hQ furious stage is ushered in by a more pronounced mani- 

 festation of the above symptoms. The rabid howl is more fre- 

 quent and characteristic. The insomnia and the restless move- 

 ments, change of place, searching, scratching or tearing are 

 likely to be more prominent. The delusions and the watching 

 or snapping at phantoms are more marked. The causeless snif- 

 fing and scraping may imply disorder of the sen.se of smell. The 

 exalted hyperaesthesia and reflex excitability is usually a most 

 marked feature, frequently modified by a sinister, inimical or 

 malevolent disposition. Some subjects show evidence of intense 

 itching, most marked perhaps in the seat of the wound ; others 

 are abnormally sensitive to currents of cold air ; they start at the 

 slightest noise, a flash of light, a touch, or the approach of a 

 stranger. A paroxysm of fury may be caused at once by shaking 

 a stick at the patient, but, above all, by the test of presenting a 

 •dog before his eyes. He at once rouses himself and, with flash- 

 ing eyes, dashes himself on his supposed enemy and bites viciously, 

 but without bark or growl. The sudden and mute attack is 

 pathognomonic. But there may be symptoms suggestive of 

 some hyposesthesia. A blow from the dog's ma.ster is usually 

 borne in silence. The animal shrinks from the blow but does 

 not yelp nor howl. During a paroxysm he will lacerate his gums 

 or loosen his teeth by biting on a stick or iron bar ; he will even 

 seize a red hot bar without shrinking. He will often gnaw his 

 limbs or body so as to expose and even lacerate the muscles, 

 driven by the pruritus, or the insatiable disposition to bite. Yet 



