Rabies, a virus that infects the central nervous system of warm-blooded creatures, is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. It causes degenerative brain injury, or encephalopathy, and eventually death. Rabies is most commonly found in raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Domestic animals account for less than 10 percent of reported rabies cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
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Symptoms
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The rabies virus spreads through the nerves of the infected dog, moving slowly towards the brain. It takes anywhere from two to eight weeks for the virus to affect the brain. However, the incubation period can take up to six months. Once the virus has reached the brain, it moves to the salivary glands and can continue to be spread.
At first, your dog may exhibit symptoms of nervousness, anxiety and the desire to be alone. Personality changes in your dog will also become evident. For example, a typically aggressive dog will become meek. This is known as the prodromal phase.
Following the prodromal phase, your dog may enter the furious phase, which can last up to a week, and is marked by restlessness and irritability. Your dog will react dramatically to sight and sound, causing him to wander and even bite.
Labored breathing and a dropped jaw distinguish the paralytic phase. You may notice a choking sound, since the nerves affecting your dog̵7;s throat are compromised. Your dog will then go into respiratory failure and die.
Prevention
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Vaccinations prevent rabies. Dogs should be vaccinated by three months of age, and again at ages one and three. Vaccination laws vary by state.
Treatment
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There is no cure for rabies.
If your vaccinated dog has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal that cannot be tested, he should be observed for 45 days. Public health officials recommend that non-vaccinated dogs that have been bitten by a potentially rabid animal should be put to sleep.
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