Rabies In Pets: Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Prevention

Whenever you hear the word ‘rabies’ you should pay attention.

With the holidays coming up, if you’re taking your pets away with you, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet about the possibility of rabies at your destination. The main reason for this, is rabies is both easily preventable – by a vaccine – and there is no existing cure for rabies. In most cases, where your pet has not succumbed to the virus quickly, euthanasia is considered the best course of action.

What is rabies?

• A deadly virus that starts growing in muscle tissue
• It then attacks the nervous system and starts spreading
• Once contracted, infects the spinal cord and cause swelling in the brain

How is it transmitted?

• The virus heads for the salivary glands
• Large amount of virus-infected saliva is produced in the mouth
• Bites and/or scratches are the most common form of transmission

Which animals are known to transmit rabies?

• Bat-eared fox;
• Black-backed jackal, and
• Yellow mongoose

Common Symptoms

• There are two forms; paralytic and furious rabies
• Mild signs will be noticeable in the first three days after infection
• The virus will progress to either of the two or a combination of both

A variety of symptoms to look out for

For the full list, click the link at the bottom of the article, but here are a few:

• Foaming at the mouth
• Fever
• Submissiveness
• Aggression
• Dilated pupils

Prevention

• Vaccination is your best option
• Supervision when outdoors
• Avoid contact with wild animals and unvaccinated pets

Discover more by clicking the link below.