_Symptoms._--The disease has been divided into three stages or
periods, and has also been described as appearing in at least two
forms, according to the peculiarities of the symptoms. But, as a rule,
one period of the disease does not pass suddenly into another, the
transition being almost imperceptible; and the forms do not differ
essentially from each other, but appear merely to constitute varieties
of the same disease, due to the natural disposition of the animal, or
other modifying circumstances. These forms have been designated _true_
or _furious rabies_ (Fr. _rage vrai_; Ger. _rasende Wuth_) and _dumb
rabies_ (Fr. _rage mue_; Ger. _stille Wuth_).
The malady does not commence with fury and madness, but in a strange
and anomalous change in the habits of the dog: it becomes dull,
gloomy, and taciturn, and seeks to isolate itself in out-of-the-way
places, retiring beneath chairs and to odd corners. But in its
retirement it cannot rest: it is uneasy and fidgety, and no sooner has
it lain down than suddenly it jumps up in an agitated manner, walks
backwards and forwards several times, again lies down and assumes a
sleeping attitude, but has only maintained it for a few minutes when
it is once more moving about. Again it retires to its corner, to the
farthest recess it can find, and huddles itself up into a heap, with
its head concealed beneath its chest and fore-paws. This state of
continual agitation and inquietude is in striking contrast with its
ordinary habits, and should therefore receive attention. Not
unfrequently there are a few moments when the creature appears more
lively than usual, and displays an extraordinary amount of affection.
Sometimes there is a disposition to gather up straw, thread, bits of
wood, &c., which are industriously carried away; a tendency to lick
anything cold, as iron, stones, &c., is also observed in many
instances; and there is also a desire evinced to lick other animals.
Sexual excitement is also frequently an early symptom. At this period
no disposition to bite is observed; the animal is docile with its
master and obeys his voice, though not so readily as before, nor with
the same pleased countenance. There is something strange in the
expression of its face, and the voice of its owner is scarcely able to
make it change from a sudden gloominess to its usual animated aspect.
These symptoms gradually become more marked; the restlessness and
agitation increase. If on straw the dog scatters and pulls it about
with its paws, and if in a room it scratches and tumbles the cushions
or rugs on which it usually lies. It is incessantly on the move,
rambling about, scratching the ground, sniffing in corners and at the
doors, as if on the scent or seeking for something. It indulges in
strange movements, as if affected by some mental influences or a prey
to hallucinations. When not excited by any external influence it will
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