Comprehensive Guide to Pet Rabies: Symptoms, Prevention

Key Diagnostic Points

(1) A history of being bitten by a rabid dog, cat, or wolf is crucial. The saliva of rabid dogs contains the virus, which can enter the central nervous system via the peripheral nerves, leading to encephalomyelitis. Nonbite infections can occur through the respiratory tract or ingestion of food contaminated with the virus, with an incubation period typically ranging from 20 to 60 days.

(2) Clinically, rabies is often divided into three stages: the prodromal stage, where the dog exhibits abnormal behavior, ignores calls, and reacts with excitement or aggression at mild stimuli, leading to aimless biting and dilated pupils with increased saliva. Itching at the bite site is common, and this stage usually lasts for 2 to 3 days. The excitation stage is characterized by the dog's restlessness, aggression towards humans and animals, aimless wandering, and biting without purpose, along with a hoarse bark, difficulty swallowing, and strange eating habits. Seizures may occur, often accompanied by an intense fear of water, even at the sound of it. This stage can last from 1 to 7 days. The paralysis stage involves the dog's mouth hanging open, drooling, unsteady gait, weight loss, and paralysis of the hindquarters that rapidly spreads throughout the body. This leads to general collapse, coma, or respiratory paralysis, and death typically occurs within 2 to 4 days. The entire course of the disease usually lasts 6 to 9 days, with some cases extending up to 10 days.

(3) Pathological histological examination involves taking a touch preparation from the hippocampal horn of the dog's brain. Staining and microscopic examination to observe the presence of Negri bodies are essential for confirming the disease. If possible, fluorescent antibody testing can be used.

(4) It is important to differentiate rabies from other diseases such as pseudorabies, canine distemper, acute meningitis, and encephalitis.

Treatment Methods

There is no effective treatment for rabies. Immediate destruction of the infected animal is necessary, followed by deep burial or cremation.

Preventive Measures

(1) Regular vaccination is essential; dogs should receive the rabies vaccine annually.

(2) Strengthen quarantine measures; for dog farms, unvaccinated dogs should be isolated and observed for several months upon arrival, and vaccinated before being introduced into the group.

(3) Eradicate wild dogs. It is crucial to thoroughly disinfect wounds from suspected rabid dogs, ideally allowing the wound to bleed before washing it with soap and water, followed by 3% carbolic acid, 70% alcohol, or 3% iodine tincture. Immediate vaccination or administration of rabies immune serum should also be considered.