What Are the Symptoms of Rabies in Horses?

Rabies is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect humans and domestic and wild animals, including horses. The disease is typically transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal when the virus is shed through the bite wound. Although rabies don't commonly infect horses, it is common practice to have them vaccinated against this fatal disease. Recognizing symptoms of rabies may prove difficult due to the wide range of clinical signs; however, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinarian attention upon observing suspicious signs.

  1. History of a Bite Wound

    • Rabid animals such as skunks and raccoons shed the virus in saliva.

      If you notice a suspicious bite wound, consider that it will take some time before you see the first symptoms of rabies. The incubation time varies from three weeks to six months. However, the early signs of rabies in horses can be intense licking, biting and even tearing of the tissue around the bite wound, explains Dr. Philip Johnson in an article for PetPlace.com. If the bite wound is long gone, these symptoms are not present.

    Balance Problems

    • Affected horses may develop a wobbly, uncoordinated gait.

      As the disease progresses, balance problems arise. Affected horses may have coordination problems and, therefore, may develop a wobbly gait, which can lead to tripping, falling or having trouble getting up. Sudden weakness or paralysis of a limb may occur, causing lameness. However, no signs of tenderness develop.

    Trouble Swallowing

    • Rapid horses will be unable to swallow water.

      Hydrophobia (fear of water) has been known as a classical symptom of rabies, but horses do not really develop such fear. Rather, rabid horses will have trouble swallowing. Upon drinking water, the horse will slobber and the water will pour out from the sides of the horse's mouth due to its inability to swallow. These symptoms are what often cause people to believe their animal is actually afraid of water.

    Behavioral Changes

    • Major behavior changes can be observed in rabid horses.

      Abrupt behavioral changes will take place. Initially, the horse may appear depressed and withdrawn (dumb rabies). As the disease progresses, affected horses may become aggressive and may attack anything nearby: buckets, bars on the stall, people and other animals (furious rabies). Some horses may develop irritability when touched (hyperesthesia). There may be moments of calm behavior interrupted by periods of destructiveness and intense activity.

    Neurological Problems

    • Convulsions, tremors and collapse may take place as rabies progresses.

      Neurological signs tend to develop very quickly in rabies. Horses may develop convulsions, tremors and paralysis in any area of the body. The horse may start to seizure, collapse and then slip into a coma. Death generally takes place within five to ten days after the first clinical symptoms are noticed due to respiratory or cardiac arrest.