What happens if a dog contracts rabies? - briefly
If a dog contracts rabies, it typically exhibits behavioral changes such as aggression and restlessness. Over time, the virus affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis and ultimately death if left untreated.
What happens if a dog contracts rabies? - in detail
When a dog contracts rabies, the virus enters the animal's body and begins to replicate, initially targeting muscle tissue near the site of entry, such as a bite wound. The rabies virus is a neurotropic virus, meaning it specifically attacks the nervous system. It travels along nerve cells toward the brain, where it continues to multiply. This journey can take anywhere from days to several months, depending on various factors including the distance the virus has to travel within the dog's body and the specific strain of the virus.
As the rabies virus reaches the brain, it causes inflammation and disrupts normal neurological functions. The early stages of rabies infection in dogs are often marked by subtle behavioral changes. These can include increased irritability, aggression, or even excessive friendliness, which may seem counterintuitive but is a manifestation of the virus affecting the dog's brain. Some dogs might also exhibit signs of fever, loss of appetite, and unusual lethargy.
As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced and severe. The dog may start to exhibit abnormal behavior such as aimless wandering, disorientation, and even hydrophobia—an aversion to water. This is due to the virus affecting the part of the brain that controls fear responses. Some dogs might also experience muscle tremors, seizures, paralysis, and eventually, coma and death.
The incubation period for rabies can vary significantly, making early detection challenging. Once clinical signs appear, the disease progresses rapidly and is almost always fatal. There is no known treatment or cure for rabies once symptoms develop in dogs. However, if a dog is suspected of being exposed to rabies (for example, through a bite from an infected animal), prompt veterinary care can be crucial. In such cases, veterinarians might recommend immediate quarantine and observation, or even euthanasia followed by laboratory testing of the brain tissue to confirm the presence of the virus.
Preventing rabies in dogs is primarily done through vaccination. Regular vaccinations are essential for protecting dogs from contracting rabies. Owners should also be vigilant about preventing potential exposure, such as keeping their pets away from wildlife and ensuring they are up-to-date with their vaccines. If a dog is suspected of having been exposed to rabies, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately for guidance on the next steps.
In summary, if a dog contracts rabies, the virus targets the nervous system, causing a range of behavioral and neurological symptoms that worsen over time. Without prompt intervention and prevention measures, the disease is almost always fatal.