The New York herald., 1869-02-17
HYDROPHOBlA.

The Eases of MIR. Ludlam nnd Oihers-The
Bite Of an Angered Dog Poisonous ms
That Of a "NIad' Dog.
1t has often been said that crime like fevers, Is
epidemic at given periods, and it would seem, judg
ing from certain deaths which have occurred in this
city and vicinity within the past fortnight that
almost the same thing might be said OF that terrible
disease called hydrophobia. In Paterson, n. j., o
gentleman named Mccarthy died on sunday after
noon from the disease, caused by bite he received
from his dog on New Years day. Last Monday q
MI. Ludlam died from the same disease. he having
been bitten by his dog 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 1st Of the month.
All the cases referred to, with one exception, oc
curing as they did 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 January or February. The old super
sttion about dogs going mad only while the dog
star is lef therefore without ground to stand
upon. The case of Mr.. Ludam is rather a peculiar
one, and although 1t may not, like the other IN
stances mentioned add TO the force OF the argument
q certain season OF the year, 1t may surprise many
who believe that the disease Is produced solely by
the bite OF what Is technically called called a., mad"
ago. endeavored te punish q little dog he had for
chasing favorite chicken about his yard, and the
dog not reliShing the kicks and cu1s he received
turned upon his master and bit him in the hand,
causing but very slight cuts, from which, however,
to the evidence OF Mr.. Ludam's family, had given
no signs Of madness before the occurrence alluded
to, nor did he show any after Mr.. Ludlam mad been
bitten and they feel confident that the animal
not mad at any time Mr.. Ludlam II is said, knew
this fact but apprehensive and probably supersti-
tious as to what might occur 10 nlm should the dog
20 mad after he had been bitten had the Gre ature
killed shortly after receiving his injuries. In few
days the wounds healed up very nicely and no sign
day last when he was seized with a0ht
ofextreme nervousness, which caused him SO much
misery that he sent for DR.. Pennoyer, VINO was one
OF his neiqhbors. Dr. Pennoyer states that call
ing on Mr.. Ludam he perceived no indications OF
the terrible disease from which his patient after
wards died, but on paying him second VISIT the
following morning. he became convinced that he
was suffering from hydrophobia. From the first mo-
ment he nad felt unwell the patient grew gradually
worse, and seemed to be all the time well aware OF
the cause OF his agonies, and even had the presence
well 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 60 do anything what
ever to lessen the tortures from which the
unfortunate victim abored. Chloroform was used
at times, but il seemed have effect on the pa
ent. The physicians did all in their power for him,
but ne ,s grew , worse and nay 50 terrible IT
him withlsheets upon his bed; but in his struggles
he tore them INTO rboons and even broke the bed
combined strength OF six men TO hold him during
his struggles, and up 10 the time OF his death the
spasms continued OF the most violent character.
The physicians state that Mr.. Ludlam was perfectly
conscious during the whole time. On one occasion
lie attempted to swallow some farina broth which
was served TO him with spoon. After desperate
enort to master his involuntary responsiveness to
the liquid he succeeded in throwing 1t down
his throat after the fashion q person would
thrown glass OF water against window
and Immediately exclaimed, "Thank God that's
down" Drs Pennoyer, Hutchins and Goodwin are
OF the opinion that the saliva which enters O w0nnd
made by the bite Of an angered dog is just poison
Gus az that OF what Is commonly called a mad dog,
aud that this opinion Is not founded theory the
death OF Mr.. Ludam seems TO be very strong proof.
In conclusion, II may be asked II there is no par
ticuar season OF the year when dogs become mad,
anu that If they are just as likely TO be rabd IN De-
cember as In August, why the authorities should not
do something or another by which the dogs that are
now running around loose In the streets should be
put out OF the way. The dog law in Brooklyn, IL Is
said, stands good for the whole year round but is
enforced strictly In accordance with the Old SUPER
stition about dog daysn only during the summer
months. -