Rabies in Dogs - Creature Companion

 Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system. It affects primarily carnivores (bats) but can also affect other mammals. The rabies virus is responsible for it. It causes rapid, progressive inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. It is fatal once clinical signs are present. Although rabies can be found in many countries around the globe, only a few countries have been declared rabies-free by successful elimination programs. Rabies is often not an issue on islands that have strict quarantine programs in place. Although rabies is almost eliminated in North America and Europe from domestic dogs, it can still be transmitted to wildlife such as foxes and raccoons.

The most common way to transmit the virus is by biting an infected animal. It can stay in the body for several weeks before symptoms appear. The majority of cases in dogs are diagnosed within 21 to 80 days. However, the incubation time may be significantly shorter or longer.

Dog with Rabies Signs and Diagnosis

The central nervous system disturbance is a common sign in rabid animals. The best indicators of central nervous system disturbance are severe and sudden behavioral changes and unexplained paralysis. These symptoms can get worse over time. Behavior changes include sudden loss in appetite, nervousness, anxiety, hyperexcitability, and signs of apprehension. An animal might seek solitude or become friendly with an unfriendly animal. Wild animals can become aggressive and lose their fear of humans. Even animals that are usually nocturnal might be seen roaming the streets during daylight hours.

Although it can be seen in all species, the furious form is known as "mad-dog syndrome". The animal may become irritable and use its teeth and claws aggressively or viciously at the slightest provocation. The animal is alert and anxious with pupil dilation. Attacks can be triggered by noise. These animals are less likely to be afraid of other animals and may become aggressive. Young pups are playful and seek human companionship. They can bite even if they are petted, and then become vicious in a matter of hours. Seizures and loss of muscle coordination become more common as the disease progresses. Progressive paralysis can lead to death.

Paralytic rabies, also known as "dumb rabies", is characterized by paralysis of the throat muscles and jaw muscles. It can often be accompanied by excessive salivation and inability to swallow. Common symptoms include drooping in the lower jaw. These dogs are not vicious and will rarely bite. This form can infect people if they touch the dog's mouth, or give it medication. The paralysis spreads throughout the body, and death can occur within hours.

It is often difficult to diagnose rabies, especially in areas with low prevalence. It is easy to confuse rabies with other diseases or normal aggressive tendencies in the early stages. Laboratory tests must be performed to confirm a rabies diagnosis. The animal must be killed and its remains sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Control of Rabies

The World Health Organization (WHO) has strict guidelines for controlling rabies in the dog population. These guidelines include:

• notification of suspected cases, euthanasia of dogs with clinical signs, and bites by animals suspected of rabies.
• leash and quarantine laws to reduce contact between vulnerable dogs
• a massive vaccination program with continuous boosters
• control of stray dogs and euthanasia of unvaccinated free-roaming dogs
• dog registration programs.

Rabies vaccination programs are strictly implemented. The Animal Rabies Control Collection recommends vaccination every 3 years, 1 year apart, after an initial series of 2 vaccines. Since rabies is often seen in cats, they should also be vaccinated.

 

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