Why does a rabid dog die after biting? - briefly
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs. After a rabid dog bites another animal or human, the virus is transmitted through saliva. The infected dog's body becomes overwhelmed by the rapid replication of the virus, leading to severe neurological symptoms and ultimately death, typically within 10 days post-bite.
Why does a rabid dog die after biting? - in detail
A rabid dog dies after biting due to the progression of the disease and its effects on the nervous system. Rabies is caused by a virus that belongs to the genus Lyssavirus, which affects the brain and spinal cord. Once the virus enters the body through a bite from an infected animal, it replicates in muscle tissue before traveling along nerves to the central nervous system (CNS). This journey takes about 3-12 weeks, depending on the distance from the site of infection to the CNS.
During this incubation period, the dog may not show any signs of illness. However, as the virus reaches and infects the brain and spinal cord, it begins to cause neurological symptoms such as aggression, restlessness, paralysis, and hypersalivation (foaming at the mouth). These symptoms are a result of the virus disrupting normal nerve function and causing inflammation in the brain.
The virus also targets the salivary glands, leading to increased production of saliva and making it easier for the virus to be transmitted through bites. This is why rabid dogs often exhibit excessive drooling or foam around their mouths. The combination of nervous system damage and increased viral load in the saliva eventually leads to death, typically within 7-10 days after the onset of clinical signs.
The exact mechanism by which the virus causes death is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a complex interplay between neuronal dysfunction, immune response, and organ failure. The virus impairs the body's ability to regulate essential functions such as breathing and heart rate, leading to respiratory or cardiac arrest. In addition, the inflammatory response triggered by the virus can cause widespread tissue damage and contribute to multi-organ failure.
In summary, a rabid dog dies after biting due to the progressive neurological damage caused by the rabies virus, which ultimately results in respiratory or cardiac arrest and organ failure. The increased viral load in the saliva facilitates transmission to other animals through bites, perpetuating the cycle of infection and death.