Description of Rabies
Rabies is an acute and deadly viral infection of the central nervous system. This fatal, viral disease affects the brain and nerves. The Rabies virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family. The rabies virus usually grows in the muscle tissue and can go undetected for several days or even months.
The Occurrence of Rabies
Rabies is a most dreaded disease, resulting in certain death, but incidences these days are extremely rare - In 1998 only one person died of rabies in the USA, although in other parts of the world such as Asia the incidences are far higher. In the UK and Australia the virus has been completely eradicated.
The Transmission and Spread of Rabies
The Transmission and Spread of Rabies usually occurs when an infected animal bites a non-infected animal. The virus is passed by infected saliva through the bite. The virus has also been known to spread via the viral contamination of broken skin and from eye, nose and mouth mucous. It is also believed that the virus can spread through the air in bat infested caves.
Symptoms of Rabies
The virus moves through the body slowly whilst it moves along the nervous system to the brain. The incubation period for dogs can last up to six months. There are several distinct phases of an animal with rabies:
Incubation Period - can last from days to months
Prodromal Phase - where first symptoms are displayed lasting 2 to 4 days
Furious Phase - the 'mad dog' phase which can last between 2 and 4 days
Paralytic Phase - the final 'dumb' phase lasting 2 to 4 days
Incubation Period
Virus grows in the muscle tissue
Virus moves along central nervous system to the brain
The dog shows no signs of any illness
The process can take up to six months
Following the incubation period the disease progresses very quickly and the animal dies.
Prodromal Phase - First Symptoms of Rabies
This phase lasts 2 to 4 days and the following symptoms may be displayed:
Change in tone of the dog’s bark
Loss of Appetite
Fever
Small changes in behaviour
Furious Phase - Mad Dog Syndrome
This phase lasts 2 to 4 days and the following symptoms may be displayed although not all dogs go through this phase:
Constant growling and barking
Aggression - vicious attacks on people and objects
Seizures
Disorientated
Paralytic Phase - the 'Dumb Phase'
This phase lasts 2 to 4 days and the following symptoms may be displayed:
Inability to swallow resulting in increased need to salivate "foaming at the mouth"
Labored breathing
Paralysis of jaw, throat, and mouth
Paralysis spreads to other parts of the body
Coma
Death
Treatment of Rabies
There is no treatment. Once the disease develops in a human being, death is certain. There have been several reported cases of dogs surviving the infection, but these are very rare.
Vaccination and Prevention of Rabies
Although it is mandatory in the US for dogs to have vaccinations for rabies it is estimated that up to 50% of dogs are not vaccinated. If a rabid animal bites an unvaccinated dog it must be quarantined immediately. The dog should be revaccinated and observed for 60 days for any signs of rabies. Signs of rabies will result in the dog being immediately euthanized. The observation period for Vaccinated dogs is reduced to 10 days. Vaccinations are the most effective means of fighting this terrifying disease. All dogs and cats should be vaccinated after 12 weeks of age, one year later, and then every 3 years.
About This Advice
We hope that this information about Canine Rabies has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health you should consult your vet or other suitably qualified expert.
You can find details and contact information for any UK vet here
Social
Bookmarking - Add a Link To This Page
|
Shopping cart
