How does a dog die from rabies? - briefly
Rabies in dogs is typically fatal once symptoms appear. The virus attacks the nervous system, leading to paralysis and eventual death within days of symptom onset.
How does a dog die from rabies? - in detail
Rabies, also known as hydrophobia or lyssa, is a viral disease that affects mammals, including dogs. The virus responsible for rabies belongs to the Lyssavirus genus within the Rhabdoviridae family. Once a dog is infected with the rabies virus, the course of the disease can be divided into three distinct stages: the prodromal stage, the excitative or furious stage, and the paralytic stage.
The initial phase, known as the prodromal stage, begins when the virus enters the body through a bite from an infected animal. The incubation period for rabies can vary significantly, ranging from a few days to several months, depending on factors such as the location of the bite and the amount of virus introduced. During this time, the virus replicates within muscle cells before spreading to the nervous system via peripheral nerves.
As the virus reaches the brain, it begins to affect the dog's central nervous system, leading to the excitative or furious stage. This phase is characterized by a marked change in behavior, with dogs exhibiting signs of agitation, aggression, and hyperactivity. They may become irritable, snapping at anything that moves, including their owners or other animals. This aggressive behavior can be unpredictable and dangerous, making it crucial to handle such dogs with extreme caution.
In addition to behavioral changes, dogs in the furious stage may also experience neurological symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, and difficulty swallowing. The latter symptom is often accompanied by a fear of water, which gives rise to the term hydrophobia. This fear is thought to be due to the painful spasms that occur in the throat muscles when attempting to drink, causing dogs to avoid water altogether.
The final stage of rabies is the paralytic stage, during which the virus continues to spread throughout the nervous system. During this phase, dogs exhibit progressive weakness and paralysis, ultimately leading to respiratory failure and death. The paralysis can affect various parts of the body, including the limbs, jaw, and throat muscles, making it increasingly difficult for the dog to move or even breathe.
The progression from the prodromal stage to the paralytic stage typically takes between 2 to 10 days once clinical signs become apparent. However, the exact timeline can vary depending on several factors, including the strain of the virus and the overall health of the dog. It is important to note that once a dog shows symptoms of rabies, there is no known cure or treatment that can save the animal. The focus is therefore on preventing the spread of the disease through vaccination and quarantine measures.
In summary, the process by which a dog dies from rabies involves a series of stages marked by behavioral changes, neurological symptoms, and ultimately, respiratory failure due to progressive paralysis. Understanding the progression of this fatal disease is crucial for both preventing its spread and recognizing the signs in infected animals.