Rabies is a frightening word that ought and may prompt much concern: it is a highly transmittable disease that both dog and human beings ought not to disregard. It is distressing to note that as a dog owner, you will need to be educated with the particulars of this highly transmittable disease. What are the symptoms of rabies in dogs? Here we look at some of them.
The very first symptom of rabies in dogs is a loss of movement or disorientation. In the early stage of this viral infection, the virus enters through the bite of an infected mammal. It will then proceed to replicate itself inside the nervous system and affect the nerve cells, muscles and other organs. As the virus progresses, the symptoms get progressively worse, and in the final stage, the dogs will lose total co-ordination, muscle strength and sensation, and even speech.
In the late stage of the disease, the rabies symptoms may appear in various parts of the body. For example, the dog may appear to have a blister or wound on the head, face, and neck. Other areas that may appear to have been affected by the virus include the paws, eyes, gums, groin area, and tail. In a few cases, the dog may develop open wounds or ulcers in the mouth and throat area, which may appear to worsen. In more severe cases, weakness of the legs, difficulty in walking, vomiting, weakness in the lungs, paralysis and in the eye, as well as bleeding or bruising around the eyes, may appear.
Rabies in cats has also been recently seen in several states. The first report was in Georgia, where two cats died due to rabies. The deaths were attributed to un vaccinated cats being in contact with a dead ruminant, which contaminated the cats’ drinking water. On that same day, a second cat died in Florida, also following an un-vaccinated trip to another area that had a large amount of the virus in the air. These incidents have led to a flurry of new studies and new information on rabies in cats. Because of this, there is currently no current rabies vaccination for cats or dogs in the United States.
The two most common symptoms of rabies in dogs and cats are weakness and feline hydrophobia. Hydrophobia means that the cat or dog becomes afraid of water, which could be a cause of exposure to the disease. While cats do not become weak after being infected with the disease, they do begin to noticeably lose weight as a result of losing vital body fluids, which are necessary for their immune system to function properly. They may also experience vomiting, litter box problems, diarrhea, and constipation.
Another set of symptoms appear in dogs and cats that have been exposed to rabies, which are signs of a possible transition of the virus from animals to people. In addition to weakness and dehydration, some other symptoms can include fever, anorexia, depression, fatigue, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, you should consult a veterinarian. In addition, since the symptoms appear to occur after the cat or dog has been bitten by another infected animal, and then has developed rabies, it is essential that you also see a veterinarian for a complete diagnosis.
Rabies in dogs and cats can be either a mild or serious condition. Mild forms of the disease only manifest symptoms in the earliest stages of development while the more severe forms may take a long time before exhibiting any obvious signs. However, some symptoms can be noticed even before the cat or dog show any outward signs of the disease. While there is no cure for rabies, the earlier in the progression of the condition the better for your dog or cat.
The disease is spread through the bites of infected dogs or cats. The virus can remain dormant for months and even years before resurfacing in an afflicted animal. However, if the carrier’s immune system becomes compromised, the virus can become active more quickly, causing serious illness in an instant. The most probable cause of the virus is the bite of an infected animal, although viruses can be transmitted through saliva and respiratory secretions. Rabies in dogs and cats can be prevented by vaccinating them and making sure they are not exposed to sick animals.