Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-12-26
Hints About HydrOphObia.
HOW MAD DOGS BETRAY THEIR MADNESS
TREATMENT OF WOUNDS

| HOW MAD DOGS BETRAY THEIR MADNESS
TREATMENT OF WOUNDS
From London Truth.
AS there can be no doubt that hydrophobia
mas been most exceptionally prevalent in Eng
land, and more especially in London, during
this year, felt that it might be matter of in
terest to my readers to know a little about this
much-dreaded disease; SO have consulted an
expert-Mr A. ]. Sewell. the well-known dog
doctor of Elizabeth street, Eaton square-on
ihe matter, and he has given me some interest
Ing particulars.
Mr.. Sewell admits that he has never known
iaoles 20 oe SO prevalent among dogs it is at
The present time, he himself having seen a mat
ter OF sixty or seventy cases since January last,
whereas in 1884 he had only about a dozen
cases. great deal of this increase ia dine tn the
disgraceful folly and wicked carelessness of the
owners or dogs that happen to be affected
rabies does not come on suddenly and if
signs that precede an attack the disease would
not be transferred, as it is at present from one
dog to several others, nor, what is lar worse, to
individuals.
Rabies is liable to attack dogs of any breed or
sex, tnoush statistics seem to show that it is
more common among males than females.
win regard TO the early symptoms an ami
NAL that has the disease invariably loses its an
petite; and though this is common to the ma
but should act as a warning to owners to watch
1or other symptoms, which, in the case of rabies,
sSpeeSo1iy dey,slop. The dogs manner changes;
ne SHOWS disposition to hide himself in cor
ners or under chairs; in fact. nywhere so as to
get out of sight. Then he viii never rest In one
pace LOT iong together, but is continually
cnapglng MS position, and appears to be con-
stantly ON the watch. His bark, too, is altered,
and without ,rrovocafion he will at times give
tongue to dismal short howl, or to what would
perhaps be better described as half a howl and
half a bark: He will gnaw at anything that
comes in his way. If he be in a room he will
bite at the chair legs, the carpet or at table
cloth; and If in a kennel he will attack the cor
ners OF it. He will also attempt to masticate
stones, and will readily consume straw and ill tn
,,fn,,, tn
disposition to bite other dOgs-in fiaek a rabid
animal will unhesitatingiy attack dog or a cat
with which he may have lived for wears on the
most friendly terms.
During the whole time these symptoms are de-
veloplng themselves the dog will still remain
under his masters or mistress control. and
will, to a certain extent, obey orders although
perhaps, not SO cheerfully as usual-a fact which,
Is, expect, responsible for owners so often
scofnlhs the idea that their pet animal is a VIC
tim to rabies.
The dumb or paralytic rabies is recognizable
t ny me lover Jaw dropping considerably and by
suffering FROM this form of the disease the ami
maj is not quite SO ferocious still, his saliva is
as deadly as in the of the ordinary rabies.
The idea that rabid dogs fear water is alto
gether iallacious. They have no such fear but
at the commencement of the attack drink large
quantities, though they are not able TO do so in
the later stages in consequence Of the throat
being SO greatly affected.
IL seems that rabies is more prevalent in the
spring ana autumn, and not, as is generally
supposed, in the summer months. When an
animal shows symptoms of the disease il should
peAt once securely chained up, as, although il
is practically harmless in the early stages to
those whom 1T knows, it is not so with stran-
gers. IL often occurs that a veterinary surgeon
Is sent tor to see dog that is aiing, and on his
arrival he is shown in by himself to a room
where the animal is loose and can pounce ont
upon him at any moment. such conduct on the
part of owners is unpardonabIas Mr. SeweIl be-
HeVes that the universal use of the muzzle
would act most lavOrably in the way of lessen-
Ing the number of cases. and he saws that il
is astonishing how soon dogs become accus-
toned TO this head-gear, provided that a proper
one be used.
In the event of person being unfortunate
enough TO be bitten by rabid dog the wound
should be immediately washed by allowing a
stream OF cold water to run on it from a tan
The place should then be-provided the person
has no sore on the Inns or 1ongue-Weii spcE ed
and afterwards caustic should be applied Suc.
ton should never be relied upon alone There
Is difference OF opinion between medical
men as to which is the best cauterv-some
recommending one kind and others auother
The nitrate OF silver in the form of the nencii is
very effectual for superficial wounds and
scratches, but for deep puncture the free annli-
cation OF nitric acid is best, as it is far more
penetrating.
But it is needless to say that prevention is far
better than cure, and it is for this reason thai +
have detailed the various symptoms that point
To rabies, with the hope that owners OF dogs will
not hesitate to at once send for a veterinary
surgeon should they see the slightest sign Of
their animals developing either or al. of them
Let them, too, remember that q dog bitten Inv
one that has rabies is almost certain t, have the
disease-perhaps about 8 per cent eScape--so
that 1t should be at once killed.