Text book of veterinary medicine, Volume 4 (of 5)Law, James
Science
Text book of veterinary medicine, Volume 4 (of 5)
Law, James
Veterinary medicine
In cases in which premonitory symptoms are lacking, violent spasms of
the throat and chest are commonly roused by an attempt to drink and this
is so painful that the patient cannot again be induced to try. After
this any suggestion of drinking, the offer of drink, the noise of
trickling water, the sight of water, the sight of a vessel in which the
water was contained, or even of a clear shining surface of glass or
metal is likely to bring on a paroxysm. This hydrophobia is peculiar to
man being rarely seen in rabid animals. During a paroxysm dyspnœa is
extreme, respiration is gasping or sighing, and in the attempt to
dislodge the tenacious mucus which is present in the throat, hoarse or
shrill inarticulate sounds are emitted which have been supposed to
resemble the bark of the dog. There is a sense of closure of the throat
and of rising of the stomach, and retching or even vomiting may ensue.
Hyperæsthesia, reflex irritability, and exaltation of the special
senses, now become extreme, so that a paroxysm may be brought on by the
slightest disturbance, a current of air, a bright light, the rustling of
a dress, the noise of a footfall, the noise even of talking, or a slight
touch. The “tendon reflex” and skin reflex are often much encreased.
During a paroxysm there are muscular trembling and clonic
spasms,—sometimes opisthotonos. The intervals of complete relaxation,
however, serve to distinguish from tetanus. The face is red and drawn,
the eyes congested and sometimes squinting, the pupils dilated and the
expression one of suffering, apprehension and horror. Mental disorder
appears sooner or later, the speech is disconnected, with indication of
delusions from which the patient may at first be recalled by the
attendant. There is, however, a constant disposition to be reticent,
morose and above all, suspicious, as shown by the absence of a direct
look, and the frequency of side glances as though in expectation of a
hidden danger. This may even rise to mania, the patient charges those
about him with having caused his sufferings, or with conspiracy to
injure him, and he may seek to defend himself with hands, feet, teeth or
any available object. The necessary restraint aggravates and prolongs
the attack. On its subsidence the patient collects his scattered senses,
regrets, apologizes, and warns against future occurrences of the same
kind which he realizes to be beyond his control. Sometimes the delusions
continue during the remission as well. Sexual excitement is common in
man as in animals.
The convulsive paroxysms may last ½ to 1 hour, and they tend to encrease
in duration and force. A violent paroxysm may cause sudden death from
asphyxia or apoplexy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account