Primary and important symptoms of rabies in a dog. How does rabies manifest in a dog How to understand that a dog has rabies

Rabies in dogs (hydrophobia, rabies)- a deadly, acute zooanthroponotic disease of animals of a viral nature. It is characterized by severe, severe damage to the central nervous system. The insidiousness of rabies lies in the fact that even in the absence of characteristic symptoms, the dog is a latent virus carrier. Unfortunately, from the moment the first symptoms appear, there is no hope for recovery. The disease leads to death. It poses a danger to all types of domestic and wild animals, it is transmitted to humans. For this reason, owners and breeders of dogs and cats should be aware of as much information as possible about rabies.

Pathogenesis, etiology of rabies in dogs

Rabies is transmitted through contact by the bite of an infected animal. The virus enters the body through blood, body fluids, saliva. Rabies cannot be contracted through food or urine. In places of bite with saliva, the virus through microcracks on the mucous membranes, abrasions on the skin. cuts penetrates the body of a healthy animal. Localization and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria occurs in the cellular structures of the tissues of the salivary glands, organs of the nervous system (brain). From the brain, the virus spreads along the nerve pathways to the spinal cord, other organs, and tissues. Diffuse encephalomyelitis, neurological pathologies, and serious pathologies of a different nature develop.

The causative agent of the disease is a filtering RNA-containing virus from the group of myxoviruses. Shows stability in the external environment, resistant to disinfectants. Not resistant to high temperatures, dies instantly at 100 degrees. In frozen media, it remains active for up to five to six months, in decaying material - two to three weeks.

The main source of infection are stray dogs, wild predatory animals - foxes, hyenas, raccoons, wolves, jackals, bats, and other types of warm-blooded animals. The risk group includes dogs living near forest plantations, forests, steppes, in epizootologically unfavorable areas. The risk of contracting a dangerous disease exists always and everywhere, so owners should always carefully monitor the condition and behavior of their pet.

Symptoms and signs of rabies in dogs

From the moment of infection to the first symptoms of rabies in a dog, it can take from three to seven weeks. Cases are known when signs of rabies in infected animals appeared after a year. Much depends on the virulence of the virus, the stability of the immune system, and the physiological characteristics of the organism.

Rabies in dogs, depending on the severity, specificity, intensity of the manifestation of the clinical picture, can manifest itself in various forms and stages:

atypical;

depressive (quiet, paralytic);

• remittent;

In veterinary practice, dogs are most often diagnosed with a violent, aggressive, paralytic (quiet) form.

The aggressive form has three stages of development: prodromal (initial), stage of strong excitement (manic), depressive (fading). With a violent form in animals, the following symptoms are diagnosed:

Changes in behavior, which is especially noticeable in the early stages. Attacks of aggression are replaced by severe depression. The dog becomes too affectionate or vice versa, shows aggressiveness towards the owners and family members, increased irritability.

Muscle spasms, convulsions.

Chills, fever.

Eating inedible objects, earth, garbage.

General malaise, feeling of discomfort, fear.

Photophobia (fear of bright light). The animal tries to find the dark. a secluded place, hides in a corner, shows great anxiety, rushes around the apartment.

Hydrophobia, unwillingness to swallow due to spasms of the pharyngeal muscles.

An infected animal constantly licks. scratches the bite site. note increased salivation (salivation). The barking becomes hoarse, turns into a howl. In the third stage, attacks of aggression and violence are replaced by apathy and depression. The dog does not respond to the nickname, other external stimuli, refuses food, hides in a secluded, dark place. The temperature rises to 40-41 degrees. The animal is exhausted, frightened by sharp sounds, bright light, loses its voice. Noticeable severe clouding of the cornea. Over time, paralysis of the limbs, pharynx develops, the tongue falls out, the lower jaw sags. At the final stage, the pathological process completely affects the nervous, cardiovascular system, the body temperature drops below normal, the dog dies.

As a rule, the duration of clinical manifestations of the violent stage of the disease lasts from five days to two weeks.

With a quiet, paralytic stage, dogs become overly affectionate, calm, literally follow the owner, demand attention, lick their hands and face. Gradually, an affectionate pet begins to show anxiety, slight signs of aggression. They note a strange, atypical reaction to the usual stimuli, abundant salivation, the appearance of foam. The animal is afraid of light, water, refuses food. Animals refuse to pass near water bodies. At the same time, even the sound of water can cause severe anxiety and even panic. Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing fits are noted. On the third or fifth day, muscle spasms, convulsions appear, progressive paralysis of the pharynx, limbs, and trunk develops. Death can occur on the second or fourth day.

Symptoms of atypical rabies include:

minor changes in behavior;

temperature rise is possible;

taste preferences change, the dog can eat inedible objects;

animals refuse food, favorite treats;

signs of gastroenteritis develop;

bloody profuse diarrhea, debilitating vomiting;

severe emaciation, weight loss.

Atypical form of rabies in dogs can occur in subacute, chronic, latent forms. Symptoms may appear some time after infection. Given the similarity of symptoms with other diseases, it is very difficult to recognize rabies in an atypical form. Therefore, if you find any, even the most insignificant deviations in the behavior or condition of the dog, immediately take the pet to the veterinary clinic for a comprehensive examination and diagnosis.

Diagnosis of rabies in dogs

A preliminary diagnosis is made on the basis of epizootological data obtained in the region, visual examination of the animal, laboratory, pathological and anatomical data. The diagnosis confirming rabies must be established on the basis of laboratory tests, in the study of pathological brain materials for the presence of specific Babes-Negri bodies.

Considering the similarity of the symptoms of rabies with other infectious diseases (Aueszky's disease, the nervous form of the plague of carnivores,) differential diagnostics are additionally carried out.

Treating rabies in dogs

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for rabies; infected dogs and other infected animals are euthanized.

Rabies Prevention

The main prevention of rabies is the timely vaccination of dogs. Rabies vaccinations for puppies are given after the change of milk teeth or at 9-11 months. For vaccination, specially developed domestic and foreign rabies vaccines are used: Nobivak, Rabizin, Hexadog, Pentadog. Revaccination is carried out annually. Timely vaccination will prevent rabies infection by 95-98%.

Until the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, the main task of the owners is to control the contact of their pet with other animals. Do not allow your pet to communicate with stray, wild animals.

If your dog is bitten by another animal during a walk, in the forest, immediately treat the wound with disinfectants, plenty of soap and water, take the pet to the veterinary clinic for examination. if the dog begins to show atypical behavior, immediately isolate the pet, contact the veterinarian. If you notice the characteristic signs of rabies in other street animals, dogs, urgently call the veterinary service of the district or city.

Animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies, according to the rules for transporting animals, cannot be transported in air transport, trains, buses. Dogs not vaccinated against rabies are not allowed to participate in exhibitions.

Rabies

Rabies is a very deadly disease in dogs.. The animal becomes infected with a virus that causes acute attacks and damages the nervous system. As a result of this, the dog may be afraid of water, nervousness appears, and soon muscle paralysis, suffocation and death occur. That is why it is important to recognize the disease in time.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a dangerous zooanthroponotic (common to animals and humans) viral disease; characterized by acute course and severe lesions of the central nervous system. From the moment the first symptoms of the disease appear in the animal, there is no hope for recovery.

The causative agent is an RNA-containing virus of the rhabdovirus family. There are natural (most pathogenic for mammals) and fixed, rabies viruses. Rabies in dogs and cats is usually caused by a virus serotype. Resistant to low temperatures (at which it is only preserved), to the effects of chemical disinfectants. In decomposing material, the virus dies after 15 days. At 70 ° C quickly loses activity.

Ways of infection

Distributors of rabies in the city are yard and neglected dogs and cats, in nature - foxes, wolves, raccoon dogs and other warm-blooded predators. You can become infected through saliva, blood and other infected body fluids. If saliva enters the mouth, nose or eyes, the virus will most likely find a microcrack through which it will enter the body.

An example of a rabid dog

There is always a risk of infection, even though the dog does not walk and uses the home tray: a sick mouse, rat or other animal carrier of the virus can get into the apartment.

How is the disease spread? Incubation period

Today, rabies is a very common disease among stray animals. Dogs become infected from carriers of infection, and become a hotbed of the virus in places where there are many pets and people.

The danger lies in the fact that the virus is in a latent state for quite a long period of time. The incubation period for rabies can be up to three months. Usually within 3-6 weeks the disease may not manifest itself.

In an infected dog, the rabies virus in saliva is detected 5 to 10 days before the first clinical symptoms appear. Therefore, you should protect your pet from contact with stray dogs.

It is worth noting that in puppies, infection usually manifests itself within a week, but in adult dogs, a latent course of the disease is possible even up to 1 year.

Symptoms and clinical signs of rabies

At an early stage (from 2 to 10 days), you can notice changes in the behavior of the animal. Symptoms of rabies in dogs include:

• vomit
• muscle weakness
• apathy
• fever and chills
• fear of light
• fear of people
• anxiety and fear
• impaired swallowing reflexes (pain when swallowing or reluctance to swallow)
• diarrhea
• refusal of food, disorders of the digestive system.

Clinical signs of rabies infection appear after 3-8 weeks. The speed and strength of the manifestation of clinical signs depends on: the density of nerve elements at the site of the bite; depth and distance of the focus of infection from the head. The closer it is to the head, the faster the disease develops, and the symptoms will be brighter.

Forms of the disease

According to those signs and symptoms of the manifestation of rabies in a dog, not only the stages, but also the forms of the disease are distinguished.

Veterinary medicine distinguishes three main forms:

In dogs and cats, there are mainly two forms of the disease: violent and quiet.

There are three more forms of rabies that are very rare and have been observed in isolated cases in the entire history of the registration of diseases:

• return (remittive)
• depressive;
• abortive.

Diagnosis of the disease

As already mentioned, rabies may not appear for a long time. Also, the symptoms are very similar to signs of other serious illnesses, such as:

• Nervous distemper
• Meningitis
• Encephalomyelitis
• Aujeszky's disease (Pseudo-rabies)

A preliminary diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical symptoms, anamnesis (interview with the owner) and data on the rabies situation in the area where the infection of the dog is suspected. The data of the epizootic situation is a complete collection of information on rabies infection: whether such cases were registered and how many, whether rabies was recorded here at all, how long ago and whether there is now.

The diagnosis must be confirmed by laboratory tests. One of the fastest and most reliable methods for the laboratory diagnosis of rabies is the immunofluorescence method.

Is there a cure?

Unfortunately for many dog ​​owners, there is no cure for rabies. Usually, the animal is quarantined and kept there for up to ten days. During this time, the veterinarian makes a diagnosis by taking tests and monitors the dynamics of the disease.

Very often sick and suspected animals are euthanized. This is because keeping and treating infected dogs is a risky undertaking that can lead to infection (or even death) of people and other animals.

If a dog has bitten a person

Rabies in humans is also a fatal disease. If you or your loved ones were bitten by a dog that shows signs of rabies, you need to urgently seek medical help and have time to carry out the necessary medical procedures.

Steps to take when bitten:

1. Don't stop the bleeding right away - let it drain a bit (unless major blood vessels are damaged)
2. Wash the wound with a solution of laundry soap (10 hours of water + 1 hour of soap) for at least 10 minutes. After that, treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide or brilliant green, apply a bandage. Flushing makes sense if it was done within 1 hour of the dog bite.
3. After treatment, you need to contact the nearest medical facility as soon as possible and describe in detail to the doctor how the bite occurred.
4. Complete the full course of rabies vaccination prescribed by your doctor. Now they do about 6-7 inoculations in the shoulder. Within six months after vaccination, you can not drink alcohol, expose the body to overheating, hypothermia and overwork (it is necessary to exclude factors that additionally burden the immune system).

If a person does not seek medical help before the first clinical signs of rabies appear, it will not be possible to save him.

What can be done to prevent rabies?

If there is even the slightest hint of a viral infection, then you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic. The animal will have to be isolated from other pets and people. Usually the dog is under observation for about 10 days. If an animal has been diagnosed with rabies, the animal will most likely need to be euthanized.

All dog owners should be aware that pets need to be vaccinated at an early age. Usually this is not a problem. A vaccine is the best defense for a dog. Injections are given to animals every year, but, unfortunately, this still does not save 100% from the likelihood of infection. Even if the dog was vaccinated as a puppy, and then you regularly repeated the vaccination procedure, there are still risks.

Often the danger lies in the improper storage of vaccines, as well as if the dog was given an injection during the incubation period of the disease. Fortunately, such cases are quite rare. Usually, rabies vaccines protect pets in 97-98% of cases.

In any case, at the slightest suspicion of rabies, urgent need to contact

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Animal rabies prevention

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Rabies is a dangerous disease, in most cases ending in death.
But before that, there is a high chance that the animal will infect a person, so stay away from stray dogs.
Signs of rabies should be recognized by everyone, not only dog ​​owners: you can become a victim of an enraged beast just by walking in the park.

Stages and signs

The main signs known to everyone are excessive salivation and inappropriate behavior of the dog. But these are signs of an acute stage of the disease.

Rabies in individuals has four phases, each of which is characterized by its specific manifestations.

The incubation period of the disease

An animal can become infected with rabies only from another - not necessarily also a dog.

It could be a cat or a bird, or a corpse she ate. The duration of the incubation period is from two weeks to two months. Sometimes this phase can stretch for six months.

The dog behaves normally, eats, sleeps, plays, can be trained, performs the usual commands that are already familiar to him.

There are no visible signs of the disease, but rabdovirus, the causative agent of rabies, has already settled in the body and is inexorably moving along the nerve fibers to the brain. As soon as the virus reaches the brain, rabies manifests itself.

Prodromal stage of the disease

Duration: from several hours to several days.
Symptoms and signs of rabies in dogs:
The dog behaves capriciously, frequent unreasonable mood swings are characteristic: aggressiveness, friendliness or apathy. Hallucinations appear, the dog suddenly barks, rushes at an invisible enemy, digs the ground or drives away flies.

Furious phase as the brightest

The brightest and most dangerous stage of rabies. Lasts from one day to seven days. The dog literally goes crazy from hallucinations, the feeling of fear completely atrophies.

He does not recognize the owners, if he is on a chain in an aviary, he will rush away, rush to the net. If it breaks out, it will run without stopping until it collapses exhausted, biting everything that gets in its way.

Attacks of rabies are replaced by attacks of complete apathy. The dog does not eat or drink, does not respond to commands and appeals.

The barking is hoarse, turning into an unhealthy, drawn-out howl. Saliva begins to flow profusely, the dog is not able to swallow. Partial paralysis appears.

Paralytic phase or death

Duration - no more than 4 days, after which the dog dies.

The dog is in constant depression, still does not eat or drink, the tongue and jaws are paralyzed. Paralysis descends down to the hind limbs, the dog completely loses mobility and dies.

Sometimes the disease proceeds almost without characteristic signs, the dog just gradually fades away. Periods of aggression and depression may alternate with temporary improvement, but in the end the dog dies anyway.

How the disease manifests itself in young individuals

In puppies, rabies can develop differently; young individuals are not yet accustomed to aggression.

The first signs of rabies in a dog: a person infected with the virus loses his appetite, looks lethargic and lethargic.

It can begin to strenuously fawn on the owner, lick it, bite it, as if playing.

And this is the main danger: a person does not suspect that the dog is contagious, and does not take any measures, while the virus enters his body through scratches and abrasions too.

Young dogs get sick more often, and the disease develops faster than in adult dogs. This is due to the fact that even with regular vaccination, immunity to rabies is developed only by the third year of life.

The first signs and manifestation for different breeds

The breed and gender of the animal are of no fundamental importance, only the age and character of the pet.

There is a myth that small breed dogs cannot be vaccinated against rabies - the vaccine kills them.

This is not true, it was fifty years ago when first-generation vaccines were used with a lot of side effects. The preparations have a completely different composition and must be administered annually to each dog.

Can rabies be cured at home?

Rabies is incurable neither at home, nor in hospitals, nor in dogs, nor in humans.

Do not put your pet, yourself or your loved ones at risk. A doubtful outcome of the disease is possible only with an atypical form of the disease.

But if an animal is suspected of rabies, it is destroyed anyway, the risk of human infection and the spread of the disease is too great.

Where to go for help

If you encounter a suspiciously aggressive animal, presumably rabid, you should immediately contact the nearest veterinary service.
The animal is caught and put in a cage.

After ten days, if no signs of rabies appear, the animal will be considered healthy, and the person it has bitten will not be infected. Otherwise, the dog is euthanized, and the victim is immediately vaccinated.

The cost of treatment and vaccines

Annual vaccination at veterinary stations is carried out free of charge - with a domestic vaccine.

An imported complex vaccine against several viruses at once costs an average of 500 to 700 rubles.

If the weight of the animal is over 5 kg, two vaccines will be needed - keep this in mind.

What to do if bitten by a rabid dog

The most important thing is not to wait and not to use "grandmother's" means, they do not work. Only prompt vaccination will help to avoid death, which will have an effect if it was carried out before the onset of clinical signs of rabies.

Immediately after the attack, the bite site should be washed with plenty of soap and water and immediately go to the doctor - this applies to both bitten people and animals.

Very rare cases have been documented of a rabid dog inexplicably recovering in the second stage. But this is really a great rarity, comparable to a miracle, and you should not count on being lucky - all you can do if your pet is infected with rabies is only to protect yourself, your environment and other animals.

How and why does a dog get infected

The rabies virus enters the body of an animal with saliva at the moment when it is bitten by a sick dog. Some wild animals are also carriers of rabies: foxes, hedgehogs, raccoons, squirrels, bats and others.

A rabid dog is contagious to others even when the signs are not yet showing and the animal appears healthy. The danger is that rabies has a latent period that is asymptomatic. By the end of the period, the virus becomes active, and a large amount of it accumulates in saliva.

The scheme of how rabies is transmitted in dogs is simple:

• at the time of a dog bite, the skin is damaged;
• the saliva of a sick animal gets into the wound, the body becomes infected, the incubation period begins;
• the virus moves through the cells of the body to the brain;
• in the process of movement, the virus multiplies;
• the virus invades the brain, damages it, and then begins to move back, affecting other organs;
• the latent period ends, and the manifestation of symptoms becomes noticeable.

Many do not know how a dog can get rabies if it has no injuries on its body? The fact is that an animal gets sick even when saliva gets on its mucous membranes: on the tongue, in the eyes, in the nostrils. This happens when the pets play, gnaw on the same bone, the bitch licks the puppies and in some other cases.

How to prevent rabies infection

You can prevent the disease if you regularly, once a year, vaccinate your pet against rabies.

The first vaccination is given to puppies between the ages of two and four months. Further, every year, at about the same time, the vaccination is repeated.

If the pet is vaccinated, then infection can occur only in some cases:

1. The vaccine has expired or has been stored incorrectly. This can be avoided if you use the services of only reliable, proven veterinary institutions.
2. The animal was already infected at the time of vaccination and the disease was in the incubation period.

When walking with a pet, it is advisable to avoid communicating with unfamiliar animals, and if you notice a pack of dogs along the walk route, you should bypass it. Packs of stray dogs are dangerous not only by the possibility of infection, but also by an attack due to uncontrolled behavior.

Steps to take if you suspect a disease

Knowing how rabies manifests in dogs, and noticing any signs, the pet must be urgently isolated. It is necessary to act quickly, clearly and without fuss:

1. put a collar and leash on the dog;
2. put in a separate place. In an apartment, this can be a pantry, a loggia or a separate room. In the private sector - an aviary, a barn, any place on the site, preferably under a canopy;
3. tie the dog firmly to a reliable object. Keep in mind that a sick dog at the moment of aggression becomes very strong and can break away. It is important to anticipate this;
4. in cases where the aggression of the animal is pronounced, it is necessary to wear a muzzle. It is better for a dog to starve for several days than to risk the lives of other people and animals;
5. call the veterinary clinic, report a possible outbreak of rabies, get advice from a specialist and recommendations for further action;
6. if there is a second pet in the house (dog, cat, hamster), it is also necessary to isolate them from the sick animal and from people;
7. do not approach the animal when feeding;
8. observation of the dog's condition lasts 10-14 days. During this period, the sick animal's symptoms usually worsen and death occurs. If no other symptoms appear and the dog is alive, then it probably has another disease with similar symptoms.

In a veterinary clinic, you can test for rabies in dogs, but a positive response comes only 7-15 days before the end of the latency period.

Evgeny Sedov

When hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

The first mention of the disease was recorded in the sixteenth century. The disease was called hydrophobia or hydrophobia. With the development of microbiology, it became known that the causative agent is a deadly virus that affects the brain of all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Pets are infected by stray brothers who become infected from forest dwellers. The disease is dangerous because rabies in dogs in the early stages sometimes goes unnoticed. It is important not to neglect prevention, which can save the life of a four-legged pet and the whole family.

What is rabies in animals

Rabies is a viral disease characterized by severe damage to the peripheral nervous system. Infections are susceptible to warm-blooded animals, including agricultural and domestic animals, most birds and humans. The virus is resistant to chemical disinfectants and low temperatures. It can persist in the corpses of dead individuals for several years. Dies instantly at a temperature of 100 degrees and within 10-15 minutes under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Infection with the rabies virus inevitably leads to death. There is no cure, so pet owners must take preventive measures. In the natural environment, carriers of the virus are wild carnivores: foxes, wolves, raccoons, jackals, hedgehogs, rodents, bats. In the city, the infection is carried by stray cats and dogs. Cases of rabies infection are periodically recorded in all countries of the world.

How is it transmitted

The disease is caused by an RNA virus belonging to the family Rhabdoviridae (rhabdoviruses). Once inside the body, the pathogen is localized in the lymph nodes and salivary glands. From there it spreads to other organs. Having penetrated the spinal cord and brain, the virus causes irreversible changes in the functioning of the central nervous system. The release of the pathogen into the external environment with saliva is the main cause of the spread of rabies.

Infection can occur:

• in direct contact with a sick animal at the time of the bite;
• when saliva of an infected individual enters open wounds, through salivation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose;
• aerogenic, that is, by airborne droplets;
• alimentary, when the infection enters the body through the mouth with food or through licking objects;
• through transmissible transmission, that is, through insect bites.

Although these multiple ways of spreading the virus are possible, the only relevant, repeatedly proven method of infection remains a direct bite. The probability of infection depends on the number and depth of wounds received, on the virulence of a particular pathogen and the individual susceptibility of the organism.

The risk group includes pets living near forest areas. Annual rabies vaccination is an effective preventive measure. Permanent immunity is established after the third vaccination. The chance of infection in a vaccinated dog is negligible. It is only 2%. Immunocompromised vaccinated animals, infected with some other infection, or exhausted by an operation can get sick.

Can a puppy get rabies?

Rabies develops faster in puppies than in adults. For some, the first symptoms appear on the fifth day after infection. The rapid spread of infection is associated with weak immunity and small body size. The causative agent of rabies belongs to the encephalitic group of viruses. It propagates through neurons at a certain speed. The length of neural chains in babies is shorter, so the virus gets to the brain faster. For the same reason, the latent stage in small breeds is shorter than in large ones.

Incubation period

The incubation or, in other words, latent period, when the disease does not manifest itself outwardly, ranges from one to three months, but there are cases when the signs of the disease appeared six months or even a year after infection. This difference is associated with the stability of immunity, body size and characteristics of the body of an infected individual. In an outwardly healthy, but already infected dog, the virus is detected in saliva 5-10 days before the onset of clinical signs of the disease. By this point, it has become contagious.

Forms of manifestation

Depending on the symptoms and nature of the course of the disease, there are several forms of the disease. Their features are listed in the table:

First signs

Regardless of the form of the disease, the first symptoms of rabies in dogs are usually subtle for owners and have nothing to do with the picture that most people present when they mention the disease. The pet becomes inactive, does not play, does not run while walking, lies, tries to hide from the light. The animal drinks a lot, while refusing food.

On the second or third day, saliva begins to flow, breathing problems appear. Some dogs begin to eat earth, stones, sticks and other inedible objects. You can observe problems with swallowing water and food, the pet often chokes. This is the silent stage of the disease. It is the same for all forms of rabies except atypical. The further course of the disease is different. The atypical form has a blurred symptomatology, similar to food poisoning, so often the infection remains unidentified.

Symptoms

Veterinarians distinguish several forms of the disease. The symptoms and behavior of a rabid dog with different types of illness are different. The most common is a violent form of infection. Its signs constitute a well-known picture of the disease. There are 5 forms of rabies in total:

• violent;
• quiet;
• return;
• abortive;
• atypical.

Violent form of the disease

Symptoms in violent form last from 5 to 12 days. The disease proceeds in three stages:

• prodromal;
• manic;
• paralytic.

The first stage of the disease lasts about three days. The manifestation of rabies in dogs in the prodromal stage may go unnoticed, but during this period the maximum amount of the virus is released into the environment. Pay attention to any changes in your pet's behavior. The dog hides in secluded places, avoids light. An obedient pet stops responding, responding to commands. Sometimes, on the contrary, the dog requires increased attention, caresses, licks his hands.

Animals lick, comb the bite with claws, wounds and scratches appear on the body. As the disease progresses, anxiety increases. Symptoms become pronounced. Gradually, paralysis of the muscles of the larynx develops, which leads to difficulty in swallowing movements, profuse salivation. The dog is out of breath. She yawns, makes grasping movements with her mouth.

Then the disease passes into the stage of excitement or, in other words, manic, which lasts 3-4 days. Animals stop recognizing their owners, show unreasonable aggression. Reactions are inadequate, a rabid beast eats earth, garbage, attacks inanimate objects. Grasping movements are characterized by extraordinary force, which sometimes leads to a fracture of the jaws. Attacks of excitement are replaced by periods of apathy.

The pet loses its appetite, loses weight. Rabies is observed, due to the inability to swallow liquid due to spasms of the swallowing muscles. There is a slight rise in temperature. The dog's mouth is constantly open, the saliva that is released foams strongly. Due to paralysis of the tongue and muscles of the larynx, the timbre of the voice changes, it becomes hoarse. The pupils are dilated, do not react to light, sometimes strabismus develops, loss of orientation in space.

The paralytic stage lasts from one to six days. By this time, disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system are already clearly visible. Paralysis of the hind limbs, tail, internal organs occurs, which leads to spontaneous urination, defecation. The sound of pouring water causes panic. The temperature rises by 1-2 degrees. The number of leukocytes in the blood decreases. An exhausted pet stops responding to stimuli, falls into a coma and dies.

Quiet

The depressive or quiet form of the disease is characterized by swiftness: the animal dies on the third or fifth day. Sick dogs are characterized by apathy, excessive affection, sometimes replaced by an increase in anxiety. There is no aggression. The pupils are dilated. Rapidly developing paralysis of the tongue and pharynx leads to difficulty in swallowing, profuse salivation. There is unsteadiness of gait. The deterioration of the condition occurs rapidly, the dog is tormented by bouts of coughing. Sometimes seizures happen. Death comes from the failure of internal organs.

returnable

The disease in a relapsing form is characterized by an undulating course. At first, all manifestations of infection disappear. The disease recedes, but after a while an exacerbation occurs, and the symptoms return. Sick animals are characterized by inactivity, which is replaced by aggression, increased salivation, perversion of appetite. The transition from the quiet stage to the violent stage is repeated many times. Although several weeks may pass between attacks, the animal is doomed. Each time the symptoms get worse. Lethal outcome is inevitable.

abortive

A little-studied and rare form of infection is called abortive, that is, interrupted. Until the second stage, it proceeds typically, and then the dog recovers, which has all the signs of rabies. Why this happens remains a mystery to veterinarians. It is believed that the abortive form occurs only in 1-2% of those infected. There is an opinion that if rabid animals were not euthanized in the initial stages, this percentage would be higher.

Atypical

The atypical form is characterized by a gradual deterioration of the condition and a long course of the disease: from three months to six months. There is no aggression. Distinctive features are violations of the digestive system: lack of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, leading to exhaustion and death. It happens that due to an uncharacteristic course, the owners do not recognize canine rabies as a disease, and an animal infected with a deadly virus can infect unsuspecting owners.

Rabies test in dogs

If a bite mark is found during an external examination, and rabies vaccination has not been carried out, the pet must be tested for the detection of a deadly virus. When the clinical signs of the disease have already appeared, laboratory diagnostics will help to exclude other infectious diseases with similar symptoms: Aujeszky's disease, encephalomyelitis, distemper.

The deadly virus spreads through neural circuits and is rarely detected in the blood, so if infection is suspected, it is more appropriate to examine the cerebrospinal fluid. Within 10 days, while the results are being processed, the animal must be isolated, quarantined in a single cage, and taken for a walk strictly on a leash, avoiding contact with other dogs. If the infection is confirmed, unfortunately, the animal is euthanized.

To determine the immunity of a dog after vaccination, there is a test for the presence of specific anti-rabies antibodies in the blood. The analysis is carried out only by accredited laboratories, which are available in some veterinary clinics. The cost of the procedure is high, but this test is necessary when taking the dog abroad. Many countries prohibit the import into their territory of animals that do not have the results of such an analysis.

It makes sense to do an expensive test one month after the rabies vaccination, when the immunization is formed, and no later than 30 days before the second vaccination. The results will be ready in 10-20 days. If the amount of anti-rabies antibodies is less than necessary, the animal is revaccinated and a month later they are brought for re-analysis.

Is there a cure for rabies

At the moment there is no treatment. A pet that shows signs of illness is doomed. The virus multiplies rapidly and, moving along the neural circuits, reaches the brain and causes inflammation in it, leading to paralysis and death of the animal. In order not to torment the infected animal and exclude infection of other pets and humans, the most humane method is painless euthanasia with veterinary drugs.

The first mention in history of infection with the rabies virus was found in the annals of the sixteenth century. Since then, doctors and scientists have been trying to find a cure for it. In the twenty-first century, they tried to treat rabies with a coma, in which the patient was artificially introduced. The first and only successful experience of such treatment was recorded by American doctors in 2005.

The meaning of this technique is as follows: when most of the nervous system is turned off, the body has time to develop the required amount of antibodies. With repeated use of treatment, success was only in 1 out of 24 cases. Perhaps the patients had an abortive form of the disease, and recovery is not associated with the activities of doctors. The method has not been tested on animals. There is only a valid vaccine.

Prevention

The creator of the rabies vaccine is the French microbiologist Louis Pasteur. In 1880, a scientist, struck by the torment of a child dying from a deadly virus, began lengthy experiments to create grafting material. He experimented with rabbits, isolating a virus from their brains and subjecting it to special treatment. For the first time, the resulting vaccine was tested on dogs. 50 individuals were vaccinated. The same number of animals were left for control.

All dogs were simultaneously injected with the causative agent of rabies. The results were amazing: none of the vaccinated animals got sick. The vaccine was tested on humans in 1885. A nine-year-old boy was bitten by a rabid dog. Doctors unanimously declared that the child was doomed. Then Louis introduced his vaccine. The boy did not get sick, which brought Pasteur worldwide fame.

Anti-rabies vaccines of domestic and foreign production are successfully used to prevent the spread of a dangerous virus. The doctor selects the drug and the vaccination schedule. Vaccinate healthy animals. Pregnant and lactating females, weakened individuals are not subject to vaccination. Before vaccination, the dog is given anthelmintic drugs.

Rabies vaccination is carried out in several stages:

1. the first vaccination is given to puppies of two months of age;
2. the second - after 3 weeks;
3. the third dose of the drug is administered to puppies after the change of milk teeth.

After that, the dog acquires strong immunity. Revaccination is carried out annually at the same time. After the introduction of the vaccine, the doctor makes a mark on the vaccination in the veterinary passport. Without this document, animals are not allowed to participate in exhibitions, competitions, transportation in airplanes and trains. Owners are strictly prohibited from taking unvaccinated pets for hunting. State veterinary clinics carry out vaccination free of charge.

When an unvaccinated dog is bitten, the drug is administered urgently. The disease can be prevented if, within a few months after urgent vaccination, hypothermia or overheating of the animal, excessive fatigue and nervous tension are not allowed. These risk factors make the vaccine less effective. All items in contact with sick animals, bedding, toys, bowls should be burned.

What to do if a dog is bitten

If your pet has become a victim of stray dogs, the main thing is not to panic. Remember that all manipulations should be carried out using protective equipment: rubber gloves and a mask. The saliva of animals with rabies, getting from the wound of a pet to damaged areas of the skin or mucous membranes of a person, can cause infection of the host. To help your pet, you need to act as follows:

1. When you bring your dog home, put a muzzle on it, and a protective mask and rubber gloves on yourself.
2. Trim the fur around the wound.
3. Wash the bite site with plenty of soapy water. It is advisable to use laundry soap and a syringe to create a strong jet pressure.
4. Take the animal to the vet. The doctor will prescribe immunostimulants that enhance the effects of the vaccine.
5. If the pet has not been vaccinated, it is urgent to administer an anti-rabies drug and place the animal in quarantine. After 2 weeks, revaccination is carried out.
6. In any case, the dog must be closely monitored for at least two weeks.

What to do if bitten by a rabid dog

For humans, rabies is a fatal disease. An infected person will remain alive only if he takes a course of preventive vaccinations in time before the first symptoms of the disease appear. Infection occurs through saliva. The disease can develop at lightning speed if the wounds of the face and neck become the entry holes for the virus. The bites of the hands are of great danger, since many nerve endings are concentrated there. The entry of the virus into the body through wounds on the legs corresponds to a long incubation period.

If you are bitten by an unfamiliar dog, as well as a hedgehog, mouse, fox or other wild animal, you need to take the following actions:

1. Wash the wound with laundry soap.
2. Treat the bite site with hydrogen peroxide and bandage it.
3. Go to the nearest emergency room for a course of rabies vaccine.

Remember that there is no need to visit the clinic at the place of registration. Any trauma department is obliged to provide assistance to a person bitten by animals, even in the absence of a passport and medical insurance policy. The emergency rooms are open 24/7. Previously, if a patient was suspected of being infected with the rabies virus, 30-40 injections into the abdominal muscles were prescribed to the patient. Now they use up to 7 doses of the vaccine, which are injected into the shoulder area.

Video

Rabies in dogs is incurable. The disease inevitably leads to death. To ensure the prevention of a dangerous pathology, you need to take care of the vaccination of your pet. The rabies virus is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans. You need to be extremely careful when walking with a dog. Don't let her go too far. The pet should not walk near wild animals: foxes, wild boars, raccoons. To prevent a deadly disease, an anti-rabies vaccine is used; there are no other methods that would protect against the disease.

What happens in the body when a virus enters?

The respiratory organs and the nervous system are most affected. There are times when dogs become infected from cats. The latter are doing well. If the cat is in contact with other animals, you need to carefully monitor it. Cats with the rabies virus begin to hide, then attack humans. Pay attention to this sign! If you notice strange behavior in your cat, take it to the veterinarian.

The carrier of a dangerous virus can be a fox. She can infect a dog through saliva. Initially, the virus enters the mucous membranes. Rabies in animals has an incubation period. Signs of a rabid dog may not be visible in the early stages. Depending on the nature and characteristics of the pet's body, the disease manifests itself after 3 to 12 months. The average length of the incubation period is 45 days. After this time, the disease develops. Not to be confused with pseudo-rabies.

Symptoms of rabies in animals

Pathology is divided into several stages, it proceeds in stages, moving from one stage to another. Each period has its own duration. An important role is played by the localization of the bite, as well as the intensity of bleeding. The signs of rabies in a puppy appear earlier if it has been bitten in the neck or head. The virus in this case quickly attacks. When bitten into a limb, the incubation period is prolonged. If the bite is accompanied by bleeding, some of the virus is washed out.

The first signs of rabies in dogs are sometimes difficult to recognize. The initial stage of the disease is called prodromal, it lasts about sixteen days. The owner notices that the pet is becoming lethargic. With the development of the disease, the temperature rises, chills may occur. It is important to pay attention to the dog's jaw.

A characteristic symptom of rabies is spastic movements of the jaw. As the pathology progresses, the central nervous system is affected. The disease enters an active phase. The symptoms manifest themselves in different ways. Some dogs continuously look at one point (while the pupils are dilated), others rush at others, begin to gnaw on objects and clothes.

Violent stage of rabies

If the pet gnaws hard objects, his teeth break. With the transition of the disease to a violent stage, spasm of the swallowing muscles is observed, the salivary glands begin to function poorly. The second name for rabies is hydrophobia. If the virus enters the body, the dog is afraid to drink water. Saliva flows profusely. When an animal gains freedom, it begins to quickly run forward. In the third stage, the hind limbs are paralyzed. The defeat of the respiratory center leads to death.

There is an atypical form of rabies. In this case, the disease is difficult to recognize. Despite the fact that the pathology has erased signs, the animal still remains a carrier of the virus. The atypical form of the disease has signs similar to those of gastritis and enteritis. The dog may develop bloody diarrhea. The abortive form is a rare phenomenon. In this case, the disease passes to the second stage and the animal recovers.

What to do if rabies is detected in dogs?

If in doubt, you need to take the animal to a veterinary clinic. Your doctor will run tests to help identify the virus. Infection occurs even if the virus has not yet penetrated the salivary glands. A symptom that rabies has in dogs is unbearable itching at the site of the bite. The animal can behave fussy, the mobility of the lower jaw will be developed.

It is important to remember that the saliva of an infected pet contains the virus. If he is not very aggressive, the virus can spread through licking. If a person has open sores on his hand and the dog licks it, there is a high risk of infection.

As we have said, the only preventive measure is vaccination. A dog cannot be cured of rabies. Vaccination helps to avoid a deadly disease. Vaccination is carried out in a hospital. The veterinarian records the data on the vaccine. If necessary, vaccinations are made against rabies and infectious pathologies, which are also very dangerous for animals and humans. Vaccination is inexpensive, valid - about a year.

Symptoms of rabies in humans

The virus of this disease is extremely dangerous, in most cases it is fatal. Rabies affects the nervous system. If bitten by a suspicious animal, go to the hospital. Treatment of rabies in humans is symptomatic. The goal of therapy is to reduce the severity of pain and spasms. If the virus has got on open wounds, after a while there is a chill with fever, the temperature rises to subfebrile values.

In humans, the disease is manifested by insomnia, irritability. A person reacts sharply to light, cannot perceive noise. Water causes great fear. If a person tries to drink water, the muscles of the pharynx undergo spasms, there is a fear of choking. The disease in humans, like rabies in dogs, results in paralysis, tetanus, coma, and death. About all the diseases that are transmitted from a dog to a person.

Properties of a deadly virus

It is unstable to environmental conditions. If rabies in dogs gets into conditions where the air temperature is + 55 degrees, it immediately dies. Within two minutes, this virus dies in boiling water. He shows sensitivity to ultraviolet, ethanol. The rabies virus develops under conditions of normal and low temperatures. At this time, medicine does not have a universal cure for this pathology.

Means with phenol are ineffective. When it enters the body, the virus begins to infect nerve cells. As a result, peculiar little bodies are formed that disrupt the functioning of the entire central nervous system. Meningoencephalitis occurs when pathogens enter the brain and spinal cord. In the nervous system, inflammatory reactions occur, as well as degenerative-dystrophic processes.

The progression of the disease leads to asphyxia and cardiac arrest, resulting in death. In the fifth century, scientists described the rabies virus in dogs. At that time, the names "Hydrophobia" and "Fear of water" appeared. These terms were used to characterize the rabies virus in humans.

It is worth noting that a person often became infected from dogs. The ancient Greek scientist Cornelius Celsus advised to cauterize wounds in order to destroy the virus. A vaccine against a dangerous disease was developed in 1885, today it is used with anti-rabies serum. Injections are made in the areas where the wound is located. Active substances must penetrate into nearby tissues.

Cases have been recorded when a person managed to recover from a deadly disease. If you find signs of pathology, you need to see a doctor. The doctor will give an injection that will help relieve the symptoms of the disease. If you vaccinate immediately after a bite, you can prevent the development of symptoms and be cured!

Treatment at the onset of symptoms is difficult. In 2005, the first case of treatment for a deadly disease was recorded. Gina, a 15-year-old American woman, showed signs of rabies, but because she sought help in a timely manner, she was treated and saved her life. In 2008 and 2012, cases of recovery were registered.

Territory of the spread of the disease

There are many animals on earth that carry the rabies virus. In the USA it is a skunk, a fox, a raccoon. In Australia, bats carry the virus. Some species of these animals live and spread the virus in Europe, Asia, and America. In Sri Lanka, the virus is spread by martens.

Scientists have identified 2 types of rabies. The so-called "Natural type" is distributed by wild animals, "Urban" is distributed by domestic animals (cats, dogs). There are many cases where a pet becomes infected from wild animals. In this regard, you need to constantly monitor it. In India, the virus is spread by bats. Small rodents do not spread the deadly pathology.

Rabies can be transmitted from person to person through mucous membranes, but this transmission option is unlikely. The disease is widespread throughout the world, only in Antarctica there is no deadly virus. In Japan, Cyprus and Malta, and New Zealand, the disease has not been reported or received much attention.

In South America, a pathology of unknown origin is common. It leads to paralysis, convulsions, fear of water. Experts suggest that this pathology is a type of rabies carried by bats. More than 50,000 people die from rabies every year. At risk in Asia and Africa.

The incubation period in humans lasts from ten days to several months. Recorded cases when symptoms appeared a year after infection. If a person has developed immunity, the incubation period lasts up to 70 days. In medicine, there are cases when the duration of the incubation period was 5 years.

During this time, the person had no signs of pathology. Rabies developed under the influence of certain factors. For example, if a person fell from a tree or experienced an electric shock. It is worth noting that each disease proceeds differently.

The clinical picture depends on what species the animal belongs to and also on the amount of virus in the body. The state of the immune system plays an important role. If the animal has bitten in the head, hands or genitals, the virus will progress rapidly. A large number of nerve endings are concentrated in these places.

Stages of rabies in humans

Let's look at the stages. Early lasts 3 days. The body temperature rises to 37 degrees, the person feels apathy, sleep is disturbed, anxiety arises, pain is felt at the bite site, even if the wound heals.

The duration of the peak stage is 3 days. A person shows hypersensitivity to bright light, convulsions periodically occur. At the stage of height, fear of water manifests itself, disorders of consciousness (delusions, hallucinations) occur. The person becomes aggressive, salivation increases.

The stage of paralysis is called "Rabies", it is characterized by paralysis of the jaw. Appetite rises sharply, a person tries to eat something that is inedible. Personality is completely lost. Paralysis of the respiratory muscles is fatal.

The illness lasts 7 days. There are times when diagnosis is difficult. The atypical form has not pronounced symptoms. The final diagnosis can be made after death. Rabies develops when the saliva or blood of an infected animal comes into contact with the skin with an open wound.

Rabies is manifested by spasm of the muscles of the pharynx. Man is afraid of water and food. Aerophobia is manifested by muscle cramps, they occur when exposed to wind. The disease is characterized by profuse salivation. To avoid infection, you need to vaccinate the animal and its owner.

Questions about vaccinations

Can I drink alcoholic beverages while vaccinated? In this case, alcohol is strictly prohibited. The fact is that alcoholic beverages destroy the immune system and weaken the effect of the vaccine. Moreover, you should not overload the body. It is important to follow the rules of nutrition, refuse to lift weights;

How long is alcohol banned? Alcohol should be limited for six months after vaccination;

Can I take a shower after getting vaccinated? There are no restrictions in this regard. However, you can not swim in rivers, lakes, reservoirs. Until the wound is completely healed, you must refuse to visit the pool;

Can I go outside immediately after vaccination? There are no restrictions, but overheating or hypothermia of the body should not be allowed. It is not recommended to sunbathe, walk in the cold;

Is quarantine required? There are no strict prohibitions in this regard, it is necessary to visit a doctor within 2 weeks. Isolation of the patient from people is not required;

If bitten by a dog that was vaccinated, does the bitten person need to be vaccinated? Vaccinations are recommended but not required. If the animal is healthy and the diagnosis confirms this, the decision to vaccinate is made by the patient;

What if the vaccination was missed? It is not recommended to interrupt the course, otherwise the method of prevention will be ineffective. If possible, the course should be restored;

If a child has been bitten by a dog, does he need to be vaccinated? Vaccination is required unless the animal has been proven to be healthy. Thus, you will play it safe and will not risk the health and life of puppies;

How long does it take to get vaccinated after a bite? It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately. If treatment is started immediately, the chances of it will increase. Within five days after the bite, you should consult a doctor;

Is vaccination necessary if bitten by a cat? Much depends on whether she has been in contact with other animals. Vaccination in this case is reinsurance;

In conclusion, we note once again that a person and an animal have a chance for treatment. It is necessary to identify the first signs of rabies in a dog, consult a doctor. Rabies in dogs is not common, such as in foxes, raccoons, and some breeds of bats. It is important to pay attention to the behavior of your pet.

Excessive isolation should also be a cause for concern. The dog must not be released into the field where it can meet wild animals. To protect your pet from rabies, you need to carefully monitor him and take a course of preventive vaccinations.