
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.
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