The dreaded rabies

There is one disease any pet lover fears; rabies, which could be fatal to both animals and humans. It is contracted through a virus called the rhabdo virus. It is a natural disease found among dogs, cats, cattle and wild carnivores. However, all warm blooded animals are susceptible (easily affected). Rabies will be the topic of Dr. D. A. U. Samankumara, B.V. Sc. of Kirindiwela Animal Clinic today.

The disease is found worldwide, except in some countries like Australia, New Zealand, England and Japan. It's usually considered fatal, once signs appear in the victim. The virus is mostly transmitted through infected saliva. In nature, it is transmitted from animal to animal or to humans, by means of a bite that introduces the virus-bearing saliva. Rarely can it be transmitted as an aerosol (spray) or is haematological (transmitted through blood).

Through the saliva of an infected animal, the virus could be deposited in a healthy person or animal. Appearance of symptoms could take from 2-3 weeks to 2-3 months. The virus will then travel through the peripheral (at the edge) nerves via the spinal cord through the body. Finally, the virus will reach the salivary glands via the nerve supply.

By the time this happens, the infected animal shows clinical signs. The virus may be present in its saliva and be transmitted by an infected animal several days prior to the display of clinical signs.

The disease, particulary in dogs, can be divided into three phases; prodromal phase, excitative phase and paralytic phase. There are two types of rabies; furious or active rabies and dumb or paralytic rabies. In furious rabies, the excitative phase is prominent in the animal. Dumb rabies is where the excitative phase is extremely short or even absent. It progresses quickly to the paralytic phase.

Paralytic phase - This is characterised by early paralysis of the throat and masseter muscle, usually, with profuse salivation and the inability to swallow.

Dropping of the lower jaws is common in dogs. At this stage, owners may examine the mouth of the dog for foreign bodies or administer medication with bare hands, which shouldn't be done.

In furious rabies, the animal becomes irrational, vicious and aggressive. Its pupils dilate and the animal may invite attacks. Such animals fear all natural enemies. There is no evidence of paralysis during the excitative stage. Dogs rarely live beyond ten days after the display of symptoms.

Dogs with the disease frequently roam the streets and highways, biting other animals, people and any moving object. Dogs will chew the wire and the frame of their cage, breaking their teeth. It will also follow a hand moved in front of them, attempting to bite it.

As far as cats are concerned, clinical diagnosis is usually possible, but may be difficult during the prodromal stage. Rabies may easily be confused with other diseases.

CNK