Rabies in dogs

The causative agent of rabies in dogs - a virus that enters the animal's body atbite or contact the saliva of a sick animal with damaged skin or mucous membranes. On nerve fibers, it enters the central nervous system, multiplying in the brain and spinal cord, and then continues on its way to the peripheral organs, including the salivary glands. Therefore, the bite does not always lead to the disease - if the bitten animal did not get furious within 10 days, then in its saliva there was still no causative agent of rabies, which means your pet is out of danger. To develop clinical manifestations of rabies in dogs, after a bite should pass from 14 days to 3 months.

Rabies in dogs is divided into several basic forms. The most common form of rabies in dogs is violent. It can last from 6 to 11 days and consists of three stages. During prodromal, or melancholic stage, changes in the dog's behavior begin. She becomes sluggish and apathetic, tries as little as possible to contact people, does not react to the commands of the owner and whenever possible hides in a dark place. She becomes difficult to swallow, she makes grasping gestures, like when catching flies. There may be salivation and vomiting. Often this stage remains unnoticed by the owner. Melancholic stage lasts 2-3 days.

The manic stage, or the stage of excitation, characterized by increased aggression andanxiety. Paralysis of the larynx begins, so the animal can not swallow food and water, and barking becomes hoarse. A dog can attack other animals, even if there are several of them, and on people (including the owner), with a frenzied grip and there are various items. She may not calculate the strength of the bite, and it will be so strong that the dog will break his teeth or even the entire jaw. If you tie it - she breaks off the leash and runs off, along the way biting other animals and people. So it can run several dozen kilometers. Mad dogs, unlike healthy ones, do not bark before attacking, but do it in silence. The lower jaw of the dog is lowered, salivation continues, and strabismus can begin. There are periodic convulsive seizures. The periods of aggression are followed by periods of rest. The duration of the manic stage of rabies in dogs is approximately 3 days.

The third stage of violent form of rabies in dogs - paralytic (depressive). Cramps appear, and paralysis progresses,especially hitting the larynx and hind limbs - the dog can not eat and drink, limps, and then even drags its hind legs when walking. Then there is paralysis of the tail and internal organs (rectum, bladder), the animal does not move, and then falls into a coma and dies. The paralytic stage lasts no longer than 4-5 days.

Duration silent (paralytic) form rabies in dogs - 2-4 days. It is characterized by the absence of attacks of aggression. The dog is calm, with this form of rabies the appetite remains. Then begins paralysis of the masticatory muscles, pharynx and hind limbs. It may give the impression that the dog has choked with a bone. If you try to get an imaginary bone - you can get infected. Saliva appears, the dog becomes difficult to swallow, and she dies.

Atypical form rabies in dogs also does not have a stageexcitation. It can last several months, accompanied by depletion and atrophy of muscles. Gastroenteritis, diarrhea or intestinal atony can also be observed. This form of rabies in dogs is difficult to diagnose.

Abortive form Rabies in dogs is very rare. This form manifests itself in the sudden cessation of the disease in the second stage.

Remittance, or refundable form characterized by an imaginary recovery, after which there is another bout of rabies. The cycle of the disease can include 2-3 attacks with an interval of several days, less often - weeks.

Rabies in dogs is not treated! If your pet is bitten by another dog, evenif she had no signs of rabies, be sure to contact the veterinarian - he will put your pet in quarantine and take all the necessary tests to make a diagnosis as soon as possible. If the dog is sick, it will have to be put to sleep. The best way to avoid rabies in dogs is vaccination of dogs. A timely vaccination against rabies will save your pet, and, hence, you from a possible infection with a rabies virus. After contact with a sick animal, consult a doctor, and if the dog bites you, treat the bite with soapy water and contact the emergency department. You will have to be vaccinated.