Gilpin observer., 1909-03-18
Pointers on Hydrophobia.


colorado Agricultural college, write
the following very interesting articl,
on hydrophobia
Rabies exists in Northern Colora
do, and during the last year has
caused considerable loss in horses
cattle, and hogs; besides several peo
pie have been bitten. Rabies, wher
affecting human beings, is called
hydrophobia. AS this disease has
caused considerable CONSERVATION
In several sections of the state re-
Gently few comments in this con-
nection may not be amiss.
First, let us see about some of the
superstitions associated with this dis
ease. When person has been bitten
by mad dog, the killing of the dog
does not prevent hydrophobia in the
person bitten. This is a joke, and
strange as 1t may seem, has been
taken seriously by many people who
should know better. Better lock the
dog up for few days and see if the
disease develops. In case the disease
does not develop the person bitten
need have no further anxiety. If the
disease does not develop in the dog,
the person will then have plenty of
time to go to a Pasteur institute lin
Chicago, or Austin, Texas,) and take
treatment, which will positively pre-
vent the disease from developing.
Again the common belief that a
mad dog will run with his tail be-
tween his legs and froth at the mouth
is mistake. The mad dog carries
his tail in quite natural position,
and while the mouth may be open
from paralysis of the lower Jaw, yet
he can not truly be said to froth at
the mouth. The mad stone" is
fake, pure and simple 1t is nothing
but piece of porous stone (ike soap
stone,) which when dried and then
placed on a moist surface will absorb
water, or blood, or anything of
fluid nature. After a person is bit
ten by mad dog, the germs of the
disease are very soon absorbed into
the system. The absurdity of going
a week later to some remote part of
the country and applying the mad
stone with view of its absorbing the
poison, is too evident to be worthy
of further comment.
About twenty per cent OF persons
bitten by dogs actually rabid will de-
velop the disease, if they have not
received treatment. About eighty De-.
cent of the dogs bitten will develop
the disease if the wounds are not
cauterized. All warm blooded animals
have this disease, or may take it by
inoculation. The bite of a rabid wolf
or a coyote is said to be very danger
GUS.
Without going into a discussion of
the subject at this time here are a
few things worth remembering. Rab-
i'd dogs are not afraid of water (hy-
drophobia.) Paralysis of the lower
jaw and the hind legs gradually de-
velops. Beware of the dog that ap-
pears to have bone in his throat
it may be rabies. The eyes in this
disease are very sensitive to light,
hence the dog usually crawls in I'M
der the porch, or some other dark
place. Skunks are subject to this
disease, and when so affected do not
hesitate to enter houses and bite in
dividuals.
II bitten by a suspicious acting
dog. cauterize the wound at once,
but do not kill the dog. If the dog
develops rabies within five days, the
person bitten should start at once
for treatment. Don't get nervous
and go into Mysteries, even though
you are sure you have been bitten
by mad dog. You will have plenty
OF time to take treatment before the
disease develops IL you start at
once. Rabies is only transmitted by
the bite of a rabid animal. II you
go to Pasteur Institute at Chicago
1t will cost you a hundred dollars for
treatment, besides other expenses. In
Austin. Texas. the treatment is but
twenty-five dollars.
II the animal is suspected Of being
rabid, cut off his head. pack II in ice
and send it to the Agricultural Col.
lege. A report will be made within
few hours. In case mad dog is
found In a community. all the dogs
should be muzzled for sixty days.