Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system. When symptoms begin to show, the disease progresses rapidly and painfully. Rabies victims have little chance for survival once symptoms become present.
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How it Spreads
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Rabies is spread from a contaminated animal to another animal through saliva entering an open wound, which is why animal bites are the most common way animals and people are infected.
Prodromal Phase
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In the first phase of rabies, a dog will appear to act anxious and skittish, develop a fever and lick or chew at the site of the wound. This phase lasts two to three days.
Furious Phase
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The second stage of rabies lasts one to seven days and causes the dog to act aggressive and extremely sensitive to sounds and moving objects. The dog will continue to become more aggressive each day of the phase.
Paralytic Phase
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The paralytic phase follows either of the first two phases and causes the dog's throat and wound area to become paralyzed, followed by the lungs and rest of the body.
Prevention/Solution
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Dogs that develop rabies are unlikely to recover, but there is a vaccination for the virus that should be administered yearly and protects dogs if they are exposed to the disease.
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