The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1869-03-04
Mad Dogs.

The apprehension Ia regard to hydro
phoba that exists in the vicinity OF New
York amounts almost to a panic. Some
cases that have recently occurred give rise
to a belief that the bite of a dog is liable to
produce death in mankind, with all the hor-
rible accompaniments of hydrophobia, even
if the dog be not mad. The papers are
seriously discussing the question whether
the race Of dogs should not be exterminated
rather than that society should run this risk.
The New York Herald has the following
la Patterson, n. j., gentleman named
Mccarthy died on Sunday afternoon from
the disease caused by bite he received from
his dog NV Years day List NJ onI4y
Mr.. Ludam died from the same disease, he
having been bitten by his do four weeks
previously and two or three other fatal
cases, which cannot now be readily called
to mind, have been brought to public notice
since the lst Of the month.
All the cases referred to, with one excep-
ton, occurring in the winter, have more
than corroborated the evidence given by
many learned physicians to the effect that
sultry weather is no more provocative of
hydrophobia than the cold months OF jam
ary or February. The old superstition
about dogs going mad only while the dog
star RACES is lett, therefore, without ground
to stand upon. The case of Mr.. Ludlam
is rather Il peculiar one, and although it
may not, like the other Instances mentioned,
add to the force of the argument against
hydrophobia as being a disease peculiar to
certain season Of the year, it may sur
prise many who believe that the disease is
produced solely by the bite of what is tech
nically called ''mad' dog. 1t appears
that Mr.. Ludlam, about four weeks ago,
endeavored TO punish little dog he had for
chasing tavorite chicken about his yard,
and the dog not relishing the kicks and cuffs
he received turned upon his master and bit
him in the hand, causing but very slight
cuts, from which, however, the blood flowed
quite freely. The dog, according to the ev-
idence of Mr.. Ludl;in's family, had given
no signs Of madness before the occurrence
alluded to, nor did he show any after MIR.
Ludlam had been bitten, and they feel con-
iAAOuL Ihnt LdO dulIAdi was uOC u1dU dt duy
time. Mr.. Ludlam, it is said, knew this
fact, but apprehensive and probably super
s;itlous as to what might occur to linn
should the dog 60 mad after he had been
bitten, had the creature killed shortly after
receiving his injuries. In few days the
wounds healed up very,' nicely and no sign
Of any serious result made itself known un-
til Friday last, when he was seized with a
fit of extreme nervousness, which caused
him so much misery that he sent for DR..
Pennoyer, who was one of his neighbors
DR.. Pennoyer states that on calling on Mr..
Ludlam he perceived no indications of the
terrible disease from which his patient af-
forwards died, but on paying him second
visit, the following morning, lie became
convinced that he was suffering from hydro
phobia. From the first moment he had felt
unwell the patient grew gradually worse,
and seemed to be all the time we'll aware of
the cause of his agonies, and even had the
presence OF mind to warn every person who
called on him, as we'll as his family, to keep
away from him, for fear Of being bitten.
On Saturday DR.. Pennoyer called in Drs.
Alexander Hutchins and Goodwin, and the
three. gentlemen held consultation over
the case, but were unable to do anything
whatever to lessen the tortures from which
the unfortunate victim labored. Chloro-
form was used at times, but it seemed to
have no effect on the patient. The physi-
clans did all in their power for him, but he
gradually grew worse aud finally so terrible
were his spasms that they found it necessa-
ry to tie him with sheets upon his bed but
in his struggles he tore them into ribbons