Rabies is a viral disease that spreads through the saliva of infected animals. Typically, this transmission of saliva occurs due to the bite of an infected animal, affecting both animals and humans. Another mode of transmission of this virus through saliva is in the case of touching an open wound or mucous membrane. Rabies in pets is a serious concern, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preventing the transmission of this virus.
Causes of Rabies in Pets
The infection of rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which spreads through the saliva of an infected animal. Infected animals can transmit this virus by biting other animals or humans, leading to the spread of the virus. The rabies virus can also be transmitted through saliva coming into contact with an open wound or mucous membrane. When an infected animal licks your pet’s mouth or eyes, the virus can enter the body through the mucous membranes, posing a risk of infection.
Animals that can transfer rabies virus
Any mammal or animal that nurses its young with milk can be a carrier of the rabies virus. In most cases, the following animals are included in the list of those that can contribute to the spread of the rabies virus:
Pets and farm animals
- Cats
- Cows
- goats
- Dogs
- Ferrets
- Horses
Wild animals
- Bats
- Beavers
- Coyotes
- Foxes
- Monkeys
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Woodchucks
Symptoms of Rabies in Pets
Rabies progresses through five distinct stages and shows different symptoms at each stage. The detailed breakdown of these stages is as follows:
- Incubation Period:
- Prodromal Period:
- Acute Neurological period
- Coma
- Death
Incubation Period
The incubation period is the time when the rabies virus has entered your pet’s body but symptoms have not yet appeared. It usually lasts from 3 to 12 weeks, with a range of as little as five days to as long as two years. The closer the bite is to the brain, the shorter the incubation period. Once symptoms of rabies start in your pet, the disease becomes fatal, and death is certain. Remember, if there is a risk of exposure to the rabies virus for your dog or cat, take them to a veterinary doctor immediately, and don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Prodromal Period
The prodromal period is the time when early symptoms begin to appear in your pets. Your dog or cat may experience fever during this period. In addition, irritability and discomfort in the throat may manifest. Nausea and complaints about mating behaviour may also occur during the prodromal period. These symptoms can persist for approximately 2 to 10 days and may intensify over time. If you observe such signs, seeking veterinary attention promptly is important.
Acute Neurological Period
In the Acute Neurological Period, neurological symptoms begin to manifest. Some neurological symptoms include:
- Confusion and aggression
- Partial paralysis
- Altered sensory perception
- Rigged neck muscles
- High ventilation rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Hyper-salivation and possible frothing from the mouth
- Hydrophobia (fear of water)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hallucinations
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Priapism (permanent erection in males)
This phase marks the progression towards the inevitable death of your pet. Whether it’s a dog or a cat, the neurological deterioration becomes consistent, leading towards the end of their life.
Coma and Death
In the final stages of the Acute Neurological Phase, your pet may enter a coma, and death can occur within a few hours after entering the coma. However, if the pet is placed on a ventilator in this condition, there might be a chance for some additional time. It’s rare, but there have been instances where humans or animals have recovered after this stage.
Why does the rabies virus cause fear of water?
Rabies is also known as hydrophobia, and the primary reason for this name is the fear of water exhibited by individuals with this disease. This fear arises because severe spasms in the throat make swallowing nearly impossible. If water is brought near the patient, the anticipation of the pain associated with attempting to swallow intensifies. Due to these spasms, attempting to keep water away is a reflex action, leading to hydrophobia. The excessive production of saliva within your pet’s mouth is a consequence of the rabies virus damaging the nervous system.
Diagnosis of Rabies virus
The rabies virus can be diagnosed using the following methods:
- Testing Saliva: Collecting and testing saliva for the presence of the virus.
- Blood Samples: Analysing blood samples for the detection of the virus.
- Spinal Fluid: Testing cerebrospinal fluid for confirmation.
- Skin Samples: Taking skin samples for diagnosis.
Multiple tests may be conducted to identify and confirm the virus. These tests often rely on detecting the virus’s proteins on the surface. The genetic material of the virus can also be detected. Additionally, the formation of immune responses or antibodies within the body can aid in identifying the presence of the virus.
Treatment of Rabies in Pets
If there’s a risk that your pet has been bitten or scratched by an infected animal, especially one with rabies, it’s important to wash the wound with soap or a solution containing Povidone Iodine for at least 15 minutes. This helps minimize the number of virus particles on the wound. Immediately take your pet to a veterinary doctor, especially if your pet’s rabies vaccination is not current. Time is of the essence.
Vaccination is an effective way to protect your pet from potentially fatal diseases like rabies. Ensure that you follow the schedule for your dog’s first-year vaccination and keep up with all core vaccinations for your cats. This helps keep your pets safe from serious diseases like rabies. Always consult with your veterinarian to establish a proper vaccination routine for your pets to ensure their well-being.
Frequent Asked Questions
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be fatal. Pets typically contract rabies through the bite of an infected animal, It can also spread through contact with infected saliva, open wounds, or mucous membranes.
Early symptoms of rabies in pets can include changes in behaviour, increased aggression, restlessness, and hypersensitivity. As the disease progresses, pets may exhibit difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, paralysis, and seizures. Behavioural changes are often one of the first noticeable signs.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for rabies once clinical symptoms manifest. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. This is why it’s crucial to vaccinate pets against rabies and seek medical attention immediately if they’ve been bitten by a potentially rabid animal.
When it reaches the central nervous system or brain, the virus multiplies rapidly and passes to the salivary glands of the host. The animal begins to show signs and symptoms of the disease. The infected animal usually dies within 7 to 10 days of becoming sick.
The most effective prevention method is to ensure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Keep them indoors, supervise them while outside, and avoid contact with wild animals. If a wild or stray animal bites your pet, consult a veterinarian immediately, even if vaccinated.
