Earlier in the blog, the rabies virus was discussed in the topic of first steps for dog bites, where the symptoms of the disease in an infected person were described. Now let's look at rabies in dogs, symptoms, prevention in a more open and detailed form.
Rabies is a severe viral disease. The virus infects the brain and is transmitted with the saliva of the patient during bites. Once in the wound from a bite, the virus begins its journey along the nerve pathways. Reaching and affecting the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex, bulbar centers, hippocampus, the virus causes irreversible processes that lead to severe disorders in the body.
The incubation period rabies disease in dogs and other animals lasts from 14 to 60 days. Sometimes this period reaches up to 12 months. Be extremely careful especially with stray animals that may already be infected with the rabies virus, but have not yet shown the first signs.
For the first time, mankind encountered a dangerous virus more than 4000 years ago. The rabies vaccine was developed only in 1885 by the French microbiologist and chemist Louis Pasteur.
Symptoms of rabies in dogs
Basically, there are two forms of the course of the disease:
- violent, aggressive (period of flow 6-11 days);
- quiet, paralytic (lasts 2-4 days).
Exuberant form proceeds in three stages, which proceed in shifts one after another:
1. prodromal (melancholic, initial).
Lasts 1-4 days. At first, dogs infected with the rabies virus show behavioral changes. They become either very affectionate or capricious, wary. The excitation of the pet is noted, as well as the biting of the bite. The appetite of a sick dog is weak, or perverted - it can eat completely inedible things. There is a strong salivation, vomiting.
Wild animals in the first stage of the course of the rabies disease show unusual behavior. They lose their sense of fear and caution towards people, and boldly go to settlements, thereby bringing great danger to everyone who meets on their way. If you notice a surprisingly affectionate fox that happily runs to get to know you - better beware and call the city or district veterinary station.
2. Excitation (manic).
Lasts 2-3 days. The dog becomes aggressive, excited, often and unexpectedly attacks people and animals, strives to run away, actively gnaws on various objects and the ground. Over time, seizures of convulsions appear, which become more frequent, become longer. The dog's temperature rises to 40 ° C, vomiting begins, paralysis of the limbs, larynx, pharynx, strabismus is observed. And also the lower jaw begins to sag, because of which saliva uncontrollably flows out of the mouth. A hoarse, muffled bark is heard.
3. Paralytic stage (depressive).
Duration 2-4 days. This is the stage when the animal is completely exhausted. The dog is covered with paralysis, starting from the hind limbs, then it passes to the trunk, front limbs, and as a result, the animal dies.
Silent form of rabies in dogs and other animals it passes without a stage of excitation, only general depression is observed. The animal quickly becomes paralyzed and soon dies. Silent form of the disease lasts only 2-4 days.
The last 10 years are often celebrated atypical form rabies disease in animals, which implies not the usual symptoms, such as: the indifference of the pet, lethargy, disorder of various body systems - the nervous system, digestive system, etc. The disease lasts up to 2-3 months.
The forecasts are not encouraging. With a quiet and violent development of the disease of rabies in dogs - a lethal outcome (death). With atypical form - not defined. Treatment of the disease has not been developed. Sick animals and all those who fall under suspicion are destroyed due to the fact that keeping and treating a sick animal is a deadly risk of infection for humans and animals that are nearby.
Rabies Prevention in Dogs
Rabies - This is a particularly dangerous disease for all animals and humans. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of rabies in animals should be reported to the authorities.
Dogs and other animals that have bitten a person are isolated for 10 days and subject to strict veterinary supervision. If during this period the animal did not show any signs of rabies, it is considered healthy, respectively, the person who suffered from the bites is not infected.
To prevent rabies in dogs, each owner of his pet is required to annually bring the animal to the veterinarian for vaccinations. Vaccinations are recorded in a specially designed, official stamped veterinary passport, which every dog must have.
If you do not have the habit of vaccinating your pet, you are exposing him to diseases, as well as depriving him of the opportunity to participate in broods, exhibitions, competitions, and other events. And also to use for hunting, service, protection, tribal business. Pets without appropriate documents and vaccinations are prohibited from transporting.
!!! The puppy should receive the first vaccine, as a rule, not earlier than at 3 months. Subsequent vaccinations are done once a year.