Canine Hysteria is Puzzling New Disease

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7061, 8 November 1929, Page 3

Canine Hysteria is Puzzling New Disease

WHEN DOGS SEE “SPOOKS,”

A mystery disease which makes dogs behave “as if they had seen spooks’’ was discussed at the closing session at Ayr of the National Veterinary Medical Association Congress. Canine hysteria, as it was called, •first made its appearance in England in. 1924, chiefly among Alsatians and other largo breeds. It is now so widespread that research into the cause and best treatment 1 has been undertaken by the Royal Veterinary College. Professor Frederick Hobday, principal of the Royal Veterinary College, quoted accounts by many witnesses that; the disease was capable of making a pack of dogs suddenly act as if they had seen a ghost. Eecent 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 tho expression of fear in the eyes and general appearance. The malady would affect a single dog or would make a number of clogs suddenly disperse and rush off. Some screamed or howled aitd Tushed 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 snaps at those who approach. A sudden noise such as another dog barking, children playing, a brass band, or tho 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, also to Tectify any palpable source of Tcflex 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. Tho disease was rarely fatal. As to whether it was contagious opinions varied. The research workers at the Royal Veterinary College were becoming J»ore acquainted with it.