Common Canine & Feline Viral Diseases: Symptoms & Treat

Certainly! Here's a revised version of the text with enhanced clarity, precision, and a more engaging, humanized tone:

Rabies Virus

The rabies virus is the causative agent of rabies, characterized by its bulletlike shape, and is commonly found in carnivores such as dogs, cats, and wolves. It spreads primarily through the exchange of bites between animals. If a human is bitten by an animal infected with the rabies virus, they can also contract the virus, leading to rabies. The mortality rate for human rabies infections is almost 100%. Once the virus enters the body, it triggers encephalomyelitis, with symptoms including hydrophobia, fear of water, spasms, and paralysis. For this reason, rabies is also known as hydrophobia, or colloquially, "mad dog disease." The incubation period of rabies can vary depending on the depth of the bite, the amount of virus, and its virulence, typically ranging from 14 to 56 days, with the shortest being 8 days and the longest extending to months or even years.

After entering the body through the bite wound, the virus first multiplies in the local tissue around the wound. It then invades the nearby peripheral nerves, a process that usually takes place within three days. Subsequently, the virus spreads along the surrounding nerve tissues, reproduces again at the dorsal root ganglion, invades the spinal cord and the entire central nervous system, and targets neurons in the brain and cerebellum. The virus continues to infiltrate various tissues and organs, causing acute encephalomyelitis, leading to the onset of noticeable symptoms. Rabies is primarily categorized into two types: the furious type and the paralytic type. Dogs and cats infected with the rabies virus typically exhibit the furious type, while only a few cats show the paralytic type.

Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs

The rabies virus in dogs presents with three stages: the prodromal stage, the excitation stage, and the paralysis stage. The prodromal stage lasts for one to two days and is characterized by behavioral abnormalities, depression, hiding, dilated pupils, difficulty swallowing, increased saliva, and weakness in the hind limbs. Dogs may also develop pica. During this period, dogs may wander aimlessly, disappear for a few days, and then return home, possibly covered in mud and even with blood, indicating a fight with a strange animal. Owners should be cautious when attempting to bathe the affected dog, as they may be bitten during the process.

Upon entering the excitation stage, dogs become extremely aggressive and restless, with a strong tendency to attack. They may randomly run around, bite humans or domestic animals, and then suddenly regain consciousness, recognizing their owners again, or exhibit behaviors like refusing to eat or biting themselves. After two to four days of the excitation stage, dogs enter the paralysis stage, showing symptoms such as emaciation, severe drooling, paralysis of the hind limbs, and ataxia. They ultimately die due to respiratory failure or paralysis.

Symptoms of Rabies in Cats

Cats infected with the rabies virus exhibit a prodromal stage with symptoms like low fever and behavioral abnormalities, which usually do not last more than a day. After entering the excitation stage, cats will hide in dark places, have dilated pupils, drool, arch their backs, extend their claws, and appear aggressive. Symptoms persist for one to four days before entering the paralysis stage, where they show ataxia, paralysis of the head and neck muscles, and吼叫. They then experience convulsions and coma before dying.

Prevention of Rabies in Dogs and Cats

Since rabies in dogs and cats is almost always fatal, it is crucial to administer the rabies vaccine promptly. Puppies and kittens can receive the rabies vaccine as early as three months old, and it is advisable to schedule it separately from other vaccinations to avoid overburdening the animal's body. Although there is no mandatory requirement for cats to be vaccinated against rabies in many countries, it is highly recommended for their safety. It is important to note that even vaccinated dogs and cats can carry the virus, so it is essential to prevent fights between them to avoid injuries from bites.

This revised version aims to provide a more readerfriendly experience by using clearer language, structuring the information more logically, and adding a more engaging tone.