Rabies

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Rabies is a fatal viral infection of the central nervous system spread by saliva of an infected animal including humans. Rabies is caused by a virus.  An animal gets rabies from saliva, usually from a bite of an animal that has the disease. You cannot get rabies from blood.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

Rabies occurs in every continent. Most countries are affected with the exception of a few island countries such as Great Britain, Ireland, Japan and Hawaii. Norway, Sweden and the Iberian Peninsula are also free of rabies. In the United States rabies has been reported in every state except Hawaii.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms can vary widely. You should contact your veterinarian if you observe any of the following if your pet has not had a rabies vaccine. 

• Bizarre gait
• Slobbering
• Difficulty swallowing
• Depression or excitability
• Extreme changes in normal behavior
• Convulsions
• Unprovoked aggressiveness

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

The incubation period can vary from ten days to one year or longer. In dogs, the incubation period is typically two weeks to four months.   Diagnosis for rabies is limited to post-mortem lab tests of brain tissue and these should be performed in all cases of suspected rabies.

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

Treatment options will depend on the degree of severity at time of diagnosis.

• There is no definitive treatment for rabies
• Animals should be quarantined
• Euthanasia
• Notification of local animal welfare authorities is required

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

Vaccinate your pets.  While the vaccination of dogs against rabies is required by law in almost all places in the U.S., vaccinations of cats is not. Cats are the fastest growing species infected with rabies. Whether mandated by law or not, responsible pet owners should vaccinate their pets. The importance of rabies vaccinations in pets cannot be overemphasized.

If any animal that may be suspicious for rabies bites you, immediately wash and flush the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and seek immediate medical assistance.