Rabies

 

Rabies

(Commonly mis-spelt as Rabbies)

A deadly viral infection of the central nervous system which can take several moths before obvious symptoms become apparent.

Many types of animal including dogs and mankind can contract the disease.

Dog Health Issues - 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.

 

 

Dog Health Problems - The Occurrence of Rabies
Rabies is a most dreaded disease, resulting in certain death, but incidences in the USA 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.

Dog Health Problems - 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.

Dog Health Problems - 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 the 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
 

Dog photograph

 

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

Dog Health Information - 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 they are very rare.

 

Dog Health Information - 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.

Dog Health Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health Specialist.

 

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.

 

Rabies
(Commonly mis-spelt as Rabbies)

 

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