The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-06-20
| by being alone" He seeks solitude, as the |
light agonizes him, and he goes into any hole |
for relief

by being alone. he seeks SOlltu0o, as the
light agonizes him, and he goes into any hole
for relief
A change after q day comes over him. A
slight frothy mucous is developed in the
mouth, and an abnormal appetite for hair,
straw, leather, shavings, and the most un-
natural is noticed. So anxious is he for
liquids he will drink anything. He is now in
the second stage, still he does not desire to
bite mankind, but rather avoids their society.
After this comes the mad dogs march, some
times known to extend for forty miles. It is
not . run nor walk, but dragging kind of
trot. The eye is dull and retracted, his
tongue hangs out, and his mouth is parched.
I His desire is to be unnoticed, but whatever
obstacle comes in his way he snaps at 1t and
goes on. He has no horror of water as gen.
orally supposed, for he will plunge his head
into it to stop the raging thirst, but not drop
can be swallowed. This brings on convul-
sive fit. this knowledge that he is incapable
of drinking He emits most hideous cries,
not resem bling any of healthy dog. He pur-
sues his way if not killed. The symptoms in
crease at every moment, and at last, worn out
and gaunt, be dies in horrible agonies. This
is rabies in the dog.
SYMPTOMS OF HYDROPHOBIA IN THE HUMAN.
According to the best writer's, the first
symptom of this horrible disease is exhibited
about five weeks after the bite OF the dog.
This time is called the period of incubation,
for in it the virus of the dog is being absorbed
and incubated for its future deadly work
The first notice given, according to Watson,
is slight sense of pain ut the point of pune
ture Sometimes it feels cold, at others
tingling. The muscles, if the wound be re-
ceived in limb, fe el sore to the touch, and q
stiffness is noticed proceeding toward the
body.
In some cases the wound becomes inf AIMED
and discharge of ichor runs from it, but
this is not frequent. Another fact is remarked
at this stage, and that is that the patient con-
stantly slghs-sighs heavily and deeply, as it
appreciating his unfortunate situation. Then
follows more alarming changes. The muscles
of the thorax become paralyzed, and 1t is
impossible for them to swallow. This ct
once has its effect upon the mind, and the
despondency increases and the eye becomes
CLASSY. The intellect, in measure, is more
acute than ordinarily, but suffers from some
indistinct, indefinite burden.
Fits or commissions soon follow If wster be
presented This is not from any fear or hor-
ror of the fluid, for patients have none. It is
only when an attempt has been made to swal-
low that fits follow. In the case OF newsboy,
few months ago, patient in the Charity
Hospital with hydrophobia, this was set at
rest for during lucid interval he, Of his own
accord, washed his face and hands but could
not drink.
| 1t has been Sold that this disease creates
desire to bite, but the best authorities say
that the movement OF the jaw is only ner-
vous contraction Of. the maxillary muscles.
When the disease is at its height one convul-
sion follows another, until at last the poor
sufferer is relieved by death. Notwlth-
standing the many quack remedies said to be
efficacious, the highest medical authorities as
sert that hydrophobia is absolutely incurable,
SO far as any known remedy is concernee. Il
yields to no drug, and it is certain in its
effects.
1t is not. however, as quite generally be-
lieved, incident to the summers heat, fol
French and Russian statistics show fully as
many cases in winter as in any other season.
As it is beyond medical aid, prevention is
the only remedy, and all suspected dogs
should be confined until the symptoms de.
velope The late case of Mr.. Harvey il
added to long list Of others of our city.