Rabid Dogs

Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. Though preventable, there is a good reason that the word rabies evokes fear in people. The disease has been reported everywhere throughout the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Every year, rabies causes the deaths of more than 50,000 humans and millions of animals worldwide. Once the symptoms appear, the disease often results in a fatality. Although most animals are affected by this disease, this article focuses on rabies in dogs, the symptoms, precautions, and management.

What are the general symptoms of rabies in a dog?

Initially, an infected dog shows extreme behavioral changes such as restlessness or apprehension, both of which may be compounded by aggression. Friendly dogs may suddenly become irritable, while normally excitable animals may become more docile. A dog may bite or snap at any form of stimulus, like attacking other animals, humans, and even inanimate objects. They may constantly lick, bite and chew at the site where they were bitten by another rabid animal. A fever may also present in the dog, at this stage.

As the virus spreads, an infected dog can become hypersensitive to touch, light, and/or sound. The dog may end up eating unusual things and are more prone to hide in dark places. Paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles is common, resulting in the well-known symptom of rabies- foaming at the mouth. General disorientation, in-coordination, and staggering can occur, as a result of paralysis of the hind legs. Other general signs of rabies include loss of appetite, weakness, seizures, and sudden death.

Are all dogs at risk for contracting rabies?

Non-vaccinated dogs who usually roam outdoors without supervision are more at risk for infection than domesticated dogs. Stray dogs are exposed to wild animals and have a greater chance of getting infected by rabid dogs or cats.

Can people catch rabies?

Usually, rabid animals transfer the virus to other animals and to people through saliva following a bite or a scratch. However, any contact with the mucous membranes or exposure to an open wound can also spread the virus. The transmission of this virus is animal to animal and animal to human. Human-to-human transmission of the virus is extremely rare, there have been only a handful of cases ever reported. Most commonly, it’s a bite from an unvaccinated dog that is by far the most common culprit, of causing rabies in humans.

The rabies virus, once inside the host, spreads through their nerves to the brain. Once in the brain, the virus multiplies rapidly, which causes severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which almost always leads to rapid deterioration and death. It’s been noticed that the bites or scratches on the head and neck tend to speed up the brain and spinal cord involvement because of the location of the initial wound.

Can rabies be diagnosed?

While there is no accurate test to diagnose rabies in live animals, the Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test is the most accurate test for a postmortem diagnosis. Since the test requires brain tissue, it can only be performed after the death of the animal.

Can rabies be treated?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment or cure for rabies once symptoms appear. Since rabies presents a serious public health threat also, dogs who are suspected of having the virus are usually euthanized.

What should you do if you’ve been bitten by a rabid animal?

If you think you’ve been bitten by a rabid animal, seek medical attention immediately! The doctor will start by washing the wound for 15 minutes or more with soap and water, detergent, or iodine. You will then receive rabies immunoglobulin, which gives you an immediate dose of rabies antibodies to fight the infection and helps to prevent the virus from getting a foothold against your immune system. Post which you’ll get the rabies vaccine, which is given in a series of five shots over 14 days. This protocol is known as post-exposure prophylaxis.

To read more about rabies check out the FAQs by WHO here.