CityPetRabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
In dogs, rabies initially causes non-specific symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. As the virus progresses, it attacks the nervous system, causing more severe symptoms such as agitation, hypersensitivity to touch and sound, and muscle weakness or paralysis. Eventually, the disease can lead to coma and death.
Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal if left untreated. In order to prevent the spread of the virus, it is important to vaccinate dogs against rabies and avoid contact with animals that may be infected. If you suspect that your dog may have rabies, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
Causes of Rabies in Dogs:
Rabies in dogs is caused by a virus known as the rabies virus. This virus is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as a wild animal like a raccoon, bat, skunk, or fox, or an infected domestic animal such as dogs, cats, or livestock.
The virus is found in the saliva and nervous tissue of an infected animal, and it can be transmitted to a dog through a bite, scratch, or even through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth if they come into contact with infected saliva.
Once the virus enters the dog’s body, it travels to the brain and nervous system, where it causes inflammation and damage. The virus can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to incubate before symptoms start to show.
Dogs that are not vaccinated against rabies are at the highest risk of contracting the disease, and unvaccinated dogs that come into contact with wildlife or other infected animals are particularly vulnerable.
It’s important to note that rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from infected animals to humans, so it’s crucial to take precautions and get treatment promptly if exposed to an infected animal.
Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs:
The symptoms of rabies in dogs can be divided into two stages: the prodromal stage and the furious (or encephalitic) stage.
- Prodromal stage: This stage lasts for about 2-3 days and is characterized by non-specific symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness or nervousness
- Discomfort or pain at the site of the bite
- Furious (or encephalitic) stage: This stage typically lasts for 2-4 days and is characterized by more severe symptoms, such as:
- Aggression or irritability
- Hypersensitivity to touch, sound, and light
- Muscle spasms or tremors
- Seizures or convulsions
- Paralysis
- Difficulty swallowing or drooling
Some dogs may also exhibit a “dumb” form of rabies, which is characterized by lethargy, depression, and weakness instead of aggression.
It’s important to note that the symptoms of rabies can vary depending on the individual dog and the progression of the disease, and not all dogs will exhibit every symptom. If you suspect that your dog may have been exposed to rabies or is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact a veterinarian immediately.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing rabies in dogs typically involves a combination of clinical signs, medical history, and laboratory testing.
- Clinical signs and medical history: A veterinarian will evaluate the dog’s symptoms and medical history to determine if there is a possibility of rabies infection. They will also ask about any possible exposure to other animals that may have been infected.
- Laboratory testing: If the veterinarian suspects rabies, they may perform laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. The most common test is the fluorescent antibody test, which involves examining a sample of the dog’s brain tissue under a microscope for the presence of the rabies virus. This test can only be performed after the dog has died.
Another test that can be performed while the dog is alive is a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, which can detect the virus in the dog’s saliva or cerebrospinal fluid.
- Observation: In some cases, a dog suspected of having rabies may be quarantined and observed for a period of time to see if they develop symptoms of the disease. This is usually done if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, has no known exposure to the virus, or if the exposure was minimal.
It’s important to note that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing the spread of rabies to humans and other animals. If you suspect that your dog may have been exposed to rabies or is exhibiting symptoms of the disease, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Treatments:
Unfortunately, there is no cure for rabies once clinical signs appear in dogs. Rabies is a fatal disease, and infected dogs usually die within 10 days of the onset of symptoms. Therefore, the primary focus of treatment is to prevent the spread of the virus to other animals or humans.
- Quarantine: If a dog has been exposed to a rabid animal or is suspected of having rabies, it may be placed in quarantine for up to six months to prevent the spread of the virus. This is to allow time to monitor the dog for symptoms of rabies and to prevent any potential exposure to humans or other animals.
- Euthanasia: In cases where a dog has been diagnosed with rabies, euthanasia may be recommended to prevent the spread of the virus to humans or other animals.
- Vaccination: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rabies in dogs. Dogs should be vaccinated against rabies as puppies, and then receive regular booster shots throughout their lives.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis: In cases where a dog has been exposed to a rabid animal or is suspected of having rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis may be recommended. This involves a series of injections of the rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin, which can help prevent the onset of symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission to other animals or humans.
It’s important to note that early intervention is crucial in the prevention of rabies. If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to rabies or is exhibiting symptoms of the disease, contact a veterinarian immediately.
If you have trouble understanding Rabies, you can always contact us as City Pet Hospital have expert vets who are specialized in many diseases related to pets.
