BABIES 187 



of water, it will be noticed that dysphagia has developed. 

 "When this symptom becomes fully established there is 

 very active salivation. The horse, in the general run of 

 cases, requires from eight to twelve hours to reach this 

 stage in the course of the disease. 



From this on there are symptoms which point quite 

 plainly to the nature of the disease. Although the patient 

 may have been normally very docile, he now assumes 

 vicious tendencies. When approached, he attempts to 

 nip, strike, or kick his attendant. This vicious tendency 

 becomes rapidly more marked ; the animal plunges about, 

 reariug, striking and biting. Towards the end the ani- 

 mal often attacks its own flesh with its teeth, tearing 

 out pieces of hide and muscle. Progressive paralysis now 

 develops, the animal goes down and dies in convulsions. 

 Death simulates that resulting from asphyxiation. The 

 entire course of the disease usually consumes from 

 twenty-four to forty-eight hours. While some writers 

 have reported recoveries from this disease, I do not 

 believe that recovery ever takes place. 



The treatment of rabies is impractical and would no 

 doubt be useless, if attempted. Prophylactic treatment, 

 according to the method of Pasteur, is a reliable prevent- 

 ive if resorted to promptly after the horse has been ex- 

 posed to infection. The veterinarian's whole efforts, when 

 handling a case of rabies in a horse, are aimed at : 



1. Safeguarding other horses in the stable by so con- 

 fining the patient that he will be practically harmless. 



2. Instructing attendants or owners, who may have 

 been bitten, in the proper steps towards preventing the 

 development of the disease in their own persons. 



3. The employment of the Pasteur treatment in horses 

 that may have been injured by the patient. 



1. As soon as rabies is suspected the horse should be 

 securely tied and, if possible, boxed in. This must be 



