River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1874-07-10

ordinary slight wound or scratch would
do. The period of incubation, or the
time the poison remains in the system,
varies very much, seldom appearing
under ten days or fortnight, and oc-
casionally lying dormant as long as five
or six months. The symptoms of hydro
! phobia III cattle are, an excited andwil
manner; they separate themselves from
the rsst of the herd, aud below inces-
sanity. There is discharge of saliva
from the mouth, and occasionally severe
fits of oxidation come on, and they will
run at everything within their reach.
These fits are succeeded by stupor, the
eyes are half closed, and the brain is
evidently affected. The slightest noise,
however, will arouse the COW from her
half-unconscious state, and bring on
fit of fury. The animal has no dread of
water, ON the contrary, she is eager to
drink, aud upon water being brought
will plunge her nose into the bucket
and eagerly try to drink, but the effort
will produce spasm of the organs Of
deglutition, and not one drop will be
swallowed. The symptoms increase in
severity until death ia commissions
closes the scene.
In sheep an indefinite period may
elapse between the time of the inocu-
lation and the first exhibition of the
symptoms, ranging from two weeks to
six, and this is IA shorter period than
usually supervenes, both in the dog and
the human being. When a dog becomes
mad, and breaks away in mad career
aI-. 4lat. hal -
ton, are frequently the subjects Of at
tack; and would probably suffer still
more were it not for the circumstance
of the wool sometimes wiping the teeth
clean, ere they enter the flesh. As it
is, however, the greater number of
those bitten become affected with the
disease. The first symptoms which are
observed are, a diminished appetite,
and disposition to ride each other, to
which succeeds a propensity for
mischief. The sheep will often butt
each other furiously, but will not bite,
although they will nibble at stick ii
if presented to them. There is con
siderable nervous irritability developed,
spasmodic twitchings of the muscles
and quickened respiration. They be
come drowsy, lose their appetite, and
take no notice of the surrounding OBJ
iects. Saliva flows from the mouth,
thirst is exhibited, but often without
ability to swallow There is no dread
OF water at any period of the disease,
which in some cases proves fatal in
couple of days, and in others continues
upwards of week.
! T., Al, owe o<,,.,s,A
in severe irritation of the bitten part,
which the animal rubs and scratches.
There is peculiarly wild, haggard
look, rough voice, labored breathing,
aud great disposition to bite. The ami
mails tear up the straw, and seize large
mouthfuls of it. Paralysis and emacia-
ton speedily supervene, and the animal
dies about the third or fourth day
In cats, the early symptoms are to a
great extent overlooked, from the shy
ness OF these animals. They, however,
become very savage, and, from their
tendency to scratch and bite the ex-
posed parts of the hand and body, they
are more dangerous to meet with than
mad dogs. Their desire to bite is
greater than the dog. The natural shy
ness and great fear of threats and pun
ishments entirely disappears, and the
rabid cat will fly savagely at the face of
even its best friends when least expect
ed, The disease ends in death about
the fourth day.
In poultry, geese, ducks. and turkeys,
the disease evidences itself much in the
same manner as in quadrupeds. From
the beginning there is generally great
excitement. They are noisy, and their
voice is singularly hoarse they will
make sudden starts and jump highfrom
the ground, however, with no effort at
flying or using their wings. They will
frequently exhibit fighting and biting
propensities even against quadrupeds
and against human beings, especially
children, ON whose clothes they will
take hold, and, losing all fear, will fly
at the face. Generally, after "A or 36
hours, symptoms of paralysis will APP
pear, and the wings and tail will hang
dropping. Their walk becomes unsteady
and irregular, and gradually they lose
power Of loeomotion, making occasional
efforts to stralldle ahead by the aid of
their wings. The malady progresses
rapidly, and they generally succumb
the second day.
n ~.