DOG OWNERS MUST KNOW ABOUT RABIES

THE DOG IS HYPER EXCITABLE AND AGGRESSIVE, BITING EVEN IMAGINARY OBJECTS. IN THE “DUMB” FORM, DOGS SHOW IN COORDINATION LEADING TO PARALYSIS, AND WANT TO HIDE IN DARK PLACES. IN BOTH FORMS, THERE ARE CHANGES IN THE VOICE AND INABILITY TO SWALLOW.

- Rana Atheya*

Human beings have always been afraid of the unknown. Whether it was lightning or thunder thousands of years ago, or smallpox in the last century, ignorance of factual information has always led to myths, rumours, and irrational fears. At the same time, ignorance of precautions has led to many tragic deaths.

This small piece of communication from The Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD) attempts to demystify the dreaded and misunderstood disease called rabies, in an easy question-answer format. We would be grateful if you could share this information with your friends.

WHAT EXACTLY IS RABIES AND WHAT PART OF THE BODY DOES IT AFFECT? (RABIES SYMPTOMS)

Rabies is a fatal viral disease which affects the central nervous system. It causes inflammation of the brain leading to death.

HOW IS RABIES SPREAD? (RABIES VACCINATION SCHEDULE)

It is transmitted when infected saliva enters broken skin. This means through the bite of a rabbies affected animal, or through its lick on an existing cut or wound. The disease is not airborne and has very rarely been spread by aerosols. It can be spread by all warmblooded animals (especially mammals), but for humans, dogs are the most important source of this infection.

IS IT CURABLE?

Once the symptoms are developed it is not curable. However, it can be successfully prevented by prompt post-exposure treatment.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE DISEASE?

The “incubation period” is roughly 10 days to 1 year. It depends on several factors including the site of entry of the virus into the body. Generally the closer the bite is to the brain, the quicker the progress of the disease. Once clinical signs appear the disease progresses rapidly to death, generally within 5 to 7 days.