Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs: What to Watch Out For

Rabies, commonly known as "mad dog disease" or "hydrophobia," is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the rabies virus, primarily affecting the central nervous system. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, particularly dogs. The rabies virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and the Rabies genus, characterized by its bulletshaped appearance with an envelope and a singlestranded RNA genome.

This virus is susceptible to disinfectants such as detergents, acids, alkalis, phenol, and formaldehyde. Virucidal agents like 1% to 2% soap solutions, 43% to 70% alcohol, 0.01% iodine solution, ether, and acetone can inactivate the virus. The virus is heatsensitive, as it can be destroyed by temperatures of 50°C for 15 minutes or 100°C for 2 minutes. Additionally, ultraviolet light and Xray exposure can also inactivate the virus.

The primary symptoms include excitement, hydrophobia, laryngeal spasm, and progressive paralysis. Clinically, rabies is generally categorized into two types: the rabid type and the paralytic type.

The rabid type is further divided into three stages: the prodromal stage, the excitation stage, and the paralysis stage.

The prodromal stage is characterized by depression, aversion to light, dullness in response, reluctance to follow commands, and a desire to avoid human contact. There may be atypical eating habits, such as a preference for biting and consuming foreign objects, difficulty swallowing, increased saliva production, weakness, dilated pupils, and a lack of energy. This stage typically lasts for 1 to 2 days. Following this, the animal enters the excitation stage, where it becomes restless, suddenly stops and barks, and exhibits an increased reflexive excitement. It may react sensitively to external stimuli, such as sounds, bright lights, or touch, and may aggressively attack humans and animals. The excitation phase lasts about 2 to 4 days, after which the animal may develop fits and exhibit alternating symptoms of excitement and depression, often running away from home and showing disorientation, biting and chewing aimlessly. The condition is known as "hydrophobia" due to an allergic reaction to the sound of water. The animal then progresses to the paralysis stage, where it may drool, have its tongue hang out, the lower jaw droop, and become paralyzed, eventually lying down and dying from respiratory paralysis or failure. The entire course of the disease typically lasts 6 to 10 days.

The paralytic type, also known as the sedentary type, has a brief excitation stage, usually lasting 2 to 4 days or showing minimal symptoms, before progressing to the paralysis stage. Due to muscle paralysis in the head, the animal may drool, have difficulty swallowing, and exhibit paralysis of the mouth, jaw, trunk, and throat, leading to death within 2 to 4 days. It is important to note that some dogs may not exhibit a typical course of the disease, and a history of bites should be considered during diagnosis.