272 
REPORTS OF CASES. 
swallowing, apparent spasm of pharynx ; on the hands being 
suddenly brought together with a noise animal would start as it 
he were a recruit and had just heard the report of a gun. After 
a thorough examination found nothing on which to base a 
diagnosis, when visions of rabies began to assert themselves, but 
the history of the case did not lead in this direction ; there tang no 
diagnosis,' there was consequently no treatment, but animal was 
turned loose in the paddock and developments awaited. On being 
turned loose patient wandered around for a short time aimlessly, 
and then took up the trot; at this gait he went to the farthest 
end of paddock, about ioo yards, turned around and bore 
down on a “trot out” gait directly toward a small group of 
spectators, who, thinking that discretion was the better part of 
valor, immediately hunted their holes. Animal stopped short, 
however, took up the walk and meandered around as before, ex¬ 
cept that now he continued to move in large circles, and invari¬ 
ably to the right, and this was continued for over one hour, 
when darkness coming on he was left to develop alone, while we 
worried ourselves over text-books that never give any assistance 
when you get out of the beaten and much traveled trail, studded 
with drenches, balls, sedatives, alteratives, tonics mid stimulants. 
While we were admiring that work of art, the index to “Wil¬ 
liams’ Equine Pathology,” we were startled by the news that our 
patient had broke through two strong fences and was spurning 
the dust of the parade ground on the gallop, while a number ol 
artillerymen were trying to head him off. He was finally se¬ 
cured and placed in the riding hall, where he was locked up, 
but, fearing he might climb the fence, which he tried to do, 
he was tied with a stout rope and thus remained until the fol¬ 
lowing morning. By this time the case was diagnosed all over 
the garrison as “ rabies,” “mad staggers,” “ inflammation of the 
brain,” not forgetting “bots.” On visiting patient, he looked 
as if he had aged rapidly during the night, pupil stilly dilated, 
pulse quick and thready, but weak, temperature 103.1 0 , mouth 
dry, mucous membranes blanched, trembling, flexors very weak 
and slight dragging of hind feet; animal very quiet. By this time, 
we were completely “ up a tree ” as to the disease ; had amma 
placed in a loose box stall, and reported the matter to the regi¬ 
mental commander, who directed that he be shot if necessar\. 
On consultation with the battery commander, we decided to 
watch the case for a few hours. On being placed in a box stall 
the animal placed his chin on the edge of the box and bore down 
so heavily that he lacerated the skin 011 the inferior portion ol 
