CANINE HYSTERIA

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 120, 16 November 1929, Page 20

CANINE HYSTERIA

■4 PUZZLING NEW—DISEASE

3 A mystery disease winch makes dogs fcehave "as if they had seen spooks,"Jwas discussed at the closing session at ~~iAyr of the National Veterinary Mediieal Association Congress, states an over- ' «eas exchange.: . ■ Canine hysteria, as it was called, first made its appearance in England in 1924, chiefly among Alsatians and other large breeds. It is now so widespread that research into the cause and best treatment has been undertaken by the Royal yeterinary College. Professor Frederick Hobday, principal:, of the Royal Veterinary College,; quoted accounts by many witnesses thit. the disease was capable oil-making a pack of dogs suddenly act as if they had seen a, ghost. Recent inquiry had brought details, of outbreaks in all parts of Great Britain. He has never • met-: with a disease more widespread. In America it was called "fright disease," because of the;expression ofjfear in the eyes and general appearance. The malady would, affect a single dog or would make a number of dogs suddenly disperse :and rush off. ' Some screamed or .howled and. flushed for miles, perhaps being killed, by running into an obstruction or into water. "Though the disease may affect any': dog," stated Principal Hobday, "it is undoubtedly more common among the active and sporting breeds than among ' lap dogs. In some cases the animal snap's; at ■ those who approach it. A sudden noise such as another dog barking, ,children playing, a brass band, or the passage of an aeroplane,, is apt to cause the return of the symptoms." The general, opinion among owners and Veterinary surgeons was that errors in diet predisposed to the*hysteria, and some; had'asserted that it could be produced by feeding .biscuit alone. He believed-the best'; treatment was to keep'the dog.quiet and, if possible, in the dark; alsrf to rectify any palpable source of reflex irritation, such as constipation or earmites, give a diet of meat or- fish and brown bread, limit exercise to the minimum for' about three ■ weeks and administer sedatives. The disease was rarely fatal. As to •whether it was contagious opinions varied. • The'-research workers at the Royal Veterinary College were becoming more acquainted with it.