The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1880-03-24
LETTER FROM DR.. PHAREs.
Rabid Dogs.

ITO write the same things to you, 10 me in
deed is not grievous, but for you it Isssafe
BEWARE OF DOGS PAUL. in Phi. iii. ,.
For some months past so many of our
people have suffered such horrid deaths from
the bites Of rabid dogs, (many sheep, COWS
and other animals also have during the same
time and in the same manner perished,) and
every few weeks new outbreak Of the in
fiction still recurring, and so many thrilling
accidents resulting from it in my immediate
vicinity, it seems proper to publish word
of caution to our citizens.
At such times all dogs should be critical
1y scrutinized, and any manifesting unusual
symptoms may be regarded with 4 consid-
cradle degree of certainty as infected with
the horrible malady. The greatest danger
arises from the popular misapprehension Of
symptoms of rabies. There is, for instance,
no such thing as hydrophobia. The attiict-
ed dog viii plunge into water and swim
across streams if in his way, plunge his
muzzle in water and drink, while able to
swallow, and lick up liquid filth greedily.
IL is true that in the stage when swallow
ing becomes impossible from spa.ms Of the
muscles of deglutition excited by contact of
any fl uid with the fauces, every effort on
the part of man, or dog, as the case may be-
10 swallow endangers strangulation and pro-
duces horrible convusions. After 4 few ex-
periences of this kind. the patient with hor-
ror refuses food and drink. The same
troubles may also occur when, as not unire-
auently happens, the muscles Of deglutition
become paralyzed, the paralyzed under jaw
hangs down and the uneasy, thirsty patient
thrusts his parched mouth deep in the wa
ter.
1t IS also a mistake that the mere sight
of water will cause fit. In certain con
dition of the cerebellum and meninges, the
sudden reflection Of light from the surfaces
of fluids or solids, any sudden sound even
though not loud, or a sudden touch, however
slight, or a mere breath of air may bring a
violent paroxysm.
IN a word, the symptoms are as various
rs are the breeds, the temperaments, the
trainings, the peculiaritIes OF lndlvIduals,
the different organs implicated, the extent
and degree of Implication and the many in
tercurrent affections. One animal may be
extremely excited restless, uncomfortable,
furious. attacking every animal coming IN
the way, or chasing others lie Is often
pursued by horrible illusions and hallucin-
atops, which he cannot distinguish from
realities. 1t Is IN JnIS COHuItloH thdl ne
flies from home TO escape persecution, and
perhaps returns for the same purpose.
On the other hand, the animal may for a
time become more than usually fond Of
mis- owner and may infect him by licking
q wound or an abroaded surface; or from
the beginning, he may become quiet, dull,
stupid and drowsy with comatose sleep
from which il is impossible to arouse him,
and he dies without ever showing any eX-
citement.
In any case there is very seldom foaming
or dribbling from the mouth except when
the lower Jaw being paralized and hanging
down. the animal has no control of it and
of course cannot bite, eat or drink. During
violent commissions threatening strangula-
ton there may be some foaming.
There is frequently redness, or squirting
or rolling of the eyes, irowning, a look OF
distress, pain, uncertainty, the head in some
cases carried little TO one side, or some
litv of motion when standing the
hack is sometimes considerably arched and
Tail somewhat raised. The appetite is
usually depravel Treatment was not CON
templated in this psper, but statement of
svmtoms bv which rabies in its many modes
of manifestation may be recognized and the
attack of rabid animals evaded.
d. J.. PHAREs