Rabies is a deadly virus that is transmitted through saliva of infected animals. While some species are more resistant than others, rabies is deadly to all warm-blooded mammals.
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Bites and Scratches
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Dogs with bites or scratches from rabid animals must be kept for observation for 45 days. Dogs without having a rabies vaccine on record will either be euthanized or quarantined for 6 months.
Testing
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There are currently no available tests for rabies except for a microscopic examination of the brain, which would kill the animal. There is research being done on finding ways to test skin or blood samples for the rabies virus in infected animals.
Stages of Rabies
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There are many stages for the incubation process of the virus, taking an average of 3-8 weeks in dogs, but in some cases taking as long as 6 months. It is only after the virus reaches the brain that the infected animal will have the ability to transmit it through saliva.
Predromal Phase
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Lasting 2-3 days in dogs, this phase can be characterized by apparent nervousness or anxiety, solitude, or a fever. Behavior changes in such a way that friendly animals can become shy or irritable and aggressive animals can become affectionate.
Furious Phase
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This stage lasts anywhere from 1-7 days in dogs and is characterized by restlessness and irritability, even to the point of showing aggression towards enclosures or biting their cages. Seizures are also a risk at this stage.
Paralytic Stage
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This stage develops within 2-4 days of the first signs and symptoms. It may develop after the prodromal or furious phase. This is the stage where the foam is seen coming from the mouth due to an inability to swallow. Facial muscles are increasingly paralyzed and deep breathing occurs as a result of the failure of the diaphragm. Eventually respiratory failure and death result from this stage.
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