Morning journal and courier., 1886-01-18
NO. 15.

is due to the disgraceful folly and wicked carelessness of the owners of dogs that hap pen to be affected. Rabies does not come on suddenly, and if owners would pay little more attention to the 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 far worse, to individ- uals.
 Rabies is liable to attack dogs of any breed CT sex, though statistics seem 10 show that it is more common among males than females.
 With regard to the early symptoms, an animal that has the disease invariably loses its appetite; and though this is common to the majority of complaints. it should not be ignored, but should act warning to owners to watch for other symptoms which, in the case of rabies, speedily develop. The dogs manner changes; he shows disposi- ton to hide himself in corners or under chairs; in fact, any where so as to get out of sight. Then he will never rest in one place for long together, but is constantly changing his position, and appears to be constantly on the watch. His bark, too, is altered, and without provocation he will at times give tongue to a dismal short howl, or to what would perhaps be better described as half howl and half bark. He will gnaw at anything that comes in his way. If he be in room he will bite at the chair legs, or the carpet, or at a table-cloth; and if in & kennel he will attack the corners of it. He will also attempt to masticate stones, and will readily consume straw and filth of any kind. Another early symptom is the dispo- sition to bite other dogs-in fact, a rabid animal will unhesitatingly attack dog or & cat with which he may have lived for years on the most friendly terms.
 During the whole time that these symptoms are developing themselves the dog will still remain under his masters or mistress con trel, and will, to certain extent, obey ders, although, perhaps, not so cheerfully az usual-a fact which is, I expect, responsible for owners often scorning the idea that their pet animal is a victim to rabies.
 The dumb paralytic rabies is recogniz- able by the lower jaw dropping considerably and by the mouth being continually opens When suffering from this form of the disease the animal Is not quite so ferocious; still, his saliva is as deadly as in the case of the ordi- nary rabies. The idea that rabid dogs fear water is altogether fallacous. 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.
 It seems that rabies is more prevalent in the spring and autumn, and not, as is gener- ally supposed, in the summer months. When animal shows symptoms of the disease it should be at once securely chained up, as, although it is practically harmless in the early stages to those whom it knows, it is not with strangers. It often occurs that veter- mary surgeon is sent for to dog that is ailing, and on his arrival he is shown room where the animal is loose and can bounce out upon him at any moment Such conduct on the part of owners is unpardon- able. Mr. Sewell believes that the universal use of the muzzle would act most favorably in the way of lessening the number of cases, and he says that it is astonishing how soon dogs become accustomed to this head-gear, provided that 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 al- lowing stream of cold water to run on it from tap. The place should then be-pro- vided the person has no sore on the lips or tongue-well sucked and afterwards caustic should be applied. Suction should never be relied upon alone. There is a difference of opinion between medical men as to which is the best cautery-some recommending one kind and others another. The nitrate of sil- yer in the form of the pencil is very efectual for superficial wounds and scratches but for deep punctuTe the free application 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 that have detailed the various symptoms that point to rabies, with the hope that owners of dogs will not hesitate to at once send for veterinary surgeon should they see the slightest sign of their animals devel- oping either or all of them. Let them, too, remember that dog bitten by one that has rabies is almost certain to have the disease perhaps about per cent. escape-so that it should be at once killed.