Signs & Symptoms of Equine Rabies

Rabies is an infectious disease that is spread through the bite of an infected animal, such as a skunk or bat. It is rare in horses but can still occur. The virus has a relatively long incubation period, and a horse that is infected will likely not show symptoms for two to four weeks; in some cases, it may take as long as three months. If you suspect your horse may have contracted the virus, contact your veterinarian immediately; he can help rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms, and tell you how to handle your horse. Unfortunately, veterinarians can only firmly diagnose whether or not a horse has rabies after it has already died, as an autopsy is necessary for a positive determination.

  1. Lameness

    • The horse may have a sudden onset of lameness, which can be caused by limb paralysis or due to weakness. The horse might drag its feet or appear to be lame, yet the leg itself won't be tender or stiff. Its hindquarters may sag.

    Focusing on the Bite Wound

    • The horse may try to access the location where it was bit, and try to lick, chew or scratch at the wound, if it is still present.

    Poor Coordination

    • The horse may become unsteady on its feet, stumble, sway or even fall. If the horse is lying down, it may have difficulty standing back up. The horse may hang its head, have drooping lips and a dazed expression.

    Difficulty Swallowing

    • The horse may have difficulty swallowing and might drool. The horse may attempt to drink water, but since it's difficult to swallow, the water may come back out its mouth. The horse may choke or make choking noises; respiratory paralysis is usually the cause of death in horses with rabies.

    Aggression and Dangerous Behavior

    • The horse may become irritated and agitated, and begin pacing or running around. It may become very aggressive and even try to attack you. It may bite at objects, such as water buckets, hay racks or stall bars. The horse can become very dangerous, and you will want to stay out of its way. The horse's body may become increasingly paralyzed, and the horse may become unresponsive, enter a coma, have seizures or die suddenly.