Canines and Rabies Virus

Rabies is a painful and deadly virus that attacks the nervous system. Canines, or dogs are spared the tragic death associated with rabies when they are vaccinated on an annual basis. Unfortunately, according to DogOwner'sGuide, once the clinical signs of rabies develop, there is no treatment.

  1. Risk Factors

    • Rabies in canines is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal such as a raccoon or another dog. PetEducation, presented by veterinarian doctors Fosters and Smith, warns that dogs that come into contact with wildlife and are not vaccinated against rabies, are at a higher risk of infection. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that unvaccinated dogs be euthanized immediately after exposure to rabies, or be placed under a strict six month isolation. Dogs with current vaccinations will require forty-five days of close observation.

    Symptoms

    • The DogOwner'sGuide notes that rabies has three stages with death occurring at about three to seven days from the first onset of signs. The first stage includes changes in behavior, slow eye reflexes and itching or pain at the original bite. The second stage includes erratic and aggressive behaviors, disorientation and seizures. The third stage includes paralysis in the bitten limb, loss of control and paralysis of the throat and face that causes the foaming at the mouth.

    Human Dangers

    • Rabies can be transmitted to humans through a dog bite. Thanks to aggressive vaccination programs, there were only three reported cases of human rabies in the United States in 2006, according to PetEducation. A promising statistic when compared to the 45,000 people that were exposed and required post-exposure vaccination and antibody injections.