Richard Lee Mabe., Age 15, of Newport News, Va..,for his question:

What makes dogs go mad?

A so called mad dog has a disease called rabies or hydrophobia. Rabies is caused by a virus which attacks the nervous system of the animal. After a painful and horrifying illness, the animal dies. While suffering, he rushes frantically around trying to bite animals and people. The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of the infected animal., and whatever he bites. Is likely to become infected., also.

The best treatment for rabies is prevention. The animal doctor can give your dog an injection to protect him from this terrible sickness. He will tell you if and when the dog should return for another anti rabies shot. If he roams the woods, your dog risks catching the disease from the bite of a rabid skunk.. Fox, bat or some other infected animal.