CANINE HYSTERIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20402, 2 November 1929, Page 3 (Supplement)

CANINE HYSTERIA.

PUZZLING NEW DISEASE. WHEN DOGS SEE " SFOOKS." A mystery disease •which makes docs 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 large breeds. It is now so -widespread that, research into the causr and best treatment has. been undertaken by the Eoyal Vetermarv College.

Professor Frederick Hobday, principal of the Eoyal 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. Recent inquiry had brought details of outbreaks in all pans of Great Britain. He has. never met with a disease more widespread. In America it -was called " fright disease." because of the expression of fear 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 'rushed for miles, perhaps being killed by running into an obstruction or into water.

" Though the disease may affect any doe." 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 it. A sudden noise such as another dog barking, children playing, a brass band, er 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 ireament, was to keep the dog quiet and. if possible, in the dark; also to rectify any palpable source of reflex irritation, such as constipation or earmites, give a diet of moat 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.