Will a dog die after a bite if it has rabies? - briefly
If a dog is bitten by an animal with rabies, it may not immediately show symptoms but will inevitably develop the disease unless promptly vaccinated or treated. The incubation period can vary significantly, ranging from a few days to several months.
Will a dog die after a bite if it has rabies? - in detail
The prognosis for a dog that has been bitten by another dog infected with rabies is unfortunately grim. Rabies, also known as hydrophobia, is an acute viral infection of the central nervous system that affects all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Once clinical signs of rabies appear in an animal, the disease is almost always fatal.
Rabies virus primarily targets the brain and spinal cord, causing severe neurological symptoms such as aggression, paralysis, and ultimately death. The incubation period for rabies can vary greatly depending on factors like the distance between the bite site and the central nervous system, but once clinical signs appear, the disease progresses rapidly.
In dogs, the initial symptoms of rabies may include changes in behavior such as aggression, restlessness, or lethargy. These early signs are often followed by more severe neurological symptoms like seizures, paralysis, and difficulty swallowing (hydrophobia), which is one of the most distinctive features of rabies.
Once a dog begins to show these clinical signs, there is no known treatment or cure for rabies. The virus attacks the brain so quickly that by the time symptoms appear, it is too late to save the affected animal. Euthanasia is typically recommended to prevent further suffering and to contain the spread of the disease.
It's crucial to note that rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. If a dog has been bitten by another dog with confirmed or suspected rabies, immediate veterinary care is essential. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be administered as soon as possible to prevent the onset of clinical disease in both animals and humans who have come into contact with the infected animal.
In conclusion, if a dog has been bitten by another dog infected with rabies and begins to show symptoms, the outcome is nearly always fatal. Prompt intervention and strict adherence to public health guidelines are necessary to manage the risk of transmission and prevent further spread of this deadly disease.