If bitten by a rabid dog, why does it die? - briefly
If a dog is bitten by another dog infected with rabies, it will likely contract the virus and eventually succumb to the disease due to its highly lethal nature. The rabies virus attacks the nervous system, leading to paralysis, convulsions, and ultimately death.
If bitten by a rabid dog, why does it die? - in detail
If bitten by a rabid dog, why does it die?
When a dog is bitten by another dog infected with rabies, the transmission of the virus occurs through the saliva of the infected animal. The rabies virus, a neurotropic virus from the Rhabdoviridae family, enters the body of the bitten dog and begins to replicate in the muscle tissue at the site of the bite. From there, it travels along the peripheral nerves towards the central nervous system (CNS), specifically targeting neurons.
Once the rabies virus reaches the CNS, it causes inflammation and damage to the brain and spinal cord. The virus replicates rapidly within the neurons, leading to their destruction. This process triggers a cascade of events that ultimately result in the death of the infected dog.
One of the key factors contributing to the fatality of rabies is the delayed onset of symptoms. After the initial bite, it may take several weeks or even months for clinical signs to appear. During this incubation period, the virus continues to spread undetected throughout the nervous system. By the time symptoms become evident, the infection has already progressed significantly, making treatment challenging.
The clinical manifestations of rabies in dogs typically include behavioral changes such as aggression or increased irritability, followed by signs of neurological dysfunction like paralysis, seizures, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms indicate that the virus has caused extensive damage to the CNS, leading to a fatal outcome.
Despite advancements in veterinary medicine, there is no known cure for rabies once clinical signs appear. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against this deadly disease. If an unvaccinated dog is bitten by a rabid animal, immediate intervention is crucial to prevent the onset of symptoms and save the dog's life. This involves administering a combination of rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) to provide passive immunity until the vaccination takes effect.
In summary, a dog bitten by a rabid animal dies due to the neurotropic nature of the rabies virus, which causes extensive damage to the central nervous system. The delayed onset of symptoms and lack of effective treatment once clinical signs appear contribute to the high fatality rate associated with this disease. Prompt vaccination and administration of RIG are essential for preventing the fatal outcome in bitten dogs.