The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines rabies as a "preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal." Rabies is most commonly seen in wild animals, with only 10 percent of reported cases involving domestic animals.
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Stages
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The first stage of rabies is the prodromal phase, the second stage is the furious phase and the third stage is the paralytic phase.
Identification
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The prodromal phase is characterized by fever, loss of appetite, subtle changes in behavior, change in the tone of the animal's voice, and chewing at the location where they were bit. Characteristics of the furious stage include dilated pupils, constant growling or barking, eating anything (including inedible objects), aggression, irritability, restlessness, roaming, seizures, and trembling. In the paralytic phase the animal experiences dropping of the lower jaw, an inability to swallow and paralysis of the jaw and throat.
Duration
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The prodromal phase lasts 2 to 3 days. The furious stage lasts 2 to 4 days. The paralytic phase lasts 2 to 4 days, ending in the death of the animal.
Treatment
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Animals or humans bitten by a rabid animal must be treated immediately. Rabies shots include a shot given as soon as possible after the bite that prevents infection of the virus or a series of shots given to help your body identify and fight the virus.
Warning
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Rabies is a life-threatening disease for both animals and humans. Always contact a public official if you suspect a wild or domesticated animal has rabies.
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