Rabies is a fatal disease that is caused by a virus which attacks the central nervous system. All mammals are susceptible to the disease, and there is no known cure. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, this means that it can be transmitted to humans by infected animals. For this reason, the disease is considered a major worldwide health risk.
Causes of Rabies
Rabies is usually transmitted through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. The virus is most commonly transmitted through a bite. In rare cases, rabies can be transmitted through an open wound such as a cut or scratch.
When the virus enters the body, it travels through the nervous system to the brain. After reaching the brain, it rapidly multiplies and eventually travels to the salivary glands. When this happens, the infected animal can transmit the disease to other mammals.
The incubation period for rabies is the time between transmission of the disease until the appearance of symptoms. This can vary from a few weeks to several months. During the incubation period, an infected animal cannot transmit the disease to other mammals.
Symptoms of Rabies
Symptoms of rabies can vary widely and will depend on the progression of the disease. In the early stages of infection, you may notice sudden behavioral changes in your pet. Normally bold animals can become fearful and seek out places to hide. Others may become unexpectedly aggressive or docile.
Sudden behavioral changes in pets can indicate a wide range of health conditions, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause.
As the disease progresses, additional symptoms can develop. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs and symptoms.
- Excessive drooling
- Lack of coordination
- Hypersensitivity to noise and light
- Foaming at the mouth
- Fever
- Seizures
- Paralysis
Diagnosis of Rabies
There is no accurate test that can be used to diagnose rabies in live animals. The most accurate diagnostic test for rabies is a direct fluorescence antibody test which is performed after death.
Treatment of Rabies
There is no known treatment for rabies. Unfortunately, most animals infected with the disease will die within 10 days of symptoms appearing.
Prevention of Rabies
Rabies is a dangerous, contagious, and fatal disease. But the good news is that it’s entirely preventable through vaccination. Vaccinating your pet against rabies is vital. In fact, the rabies vaccination is the only vaccination that’s mandated by law across the US.
Unvaccinated pets pose a serious public health risk to both pets and people. Pet owners are legally responsible for making sure their pet is vaccinated against rabies, and that all vaccinations are kept up-to-date.
Please ask your veterinarian for advice on how frequently your pet should receive rabies vaccinations. We also recommend minimizing the risk of your pet coming into contact with the rabies virus by keeping them away from wildlife and unvaccinated pets.
