Rabies in Dogs

What is rabies?

Rabies is one of the most devastating viral diseases affecting mammals, including dogs and humans. It is almost always fatal.

How is rabies transmitted?

The disease is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. It is a disease of antiquity, the danger from the bite of a mad dog was known even in the 23^rd century BC.

How widespread is rabies?

Rabies occurs in every continent with the exception of Australia and Antarctica. Most countries are affected with the exception of a few that are islands or almost islands. These include New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Norway and Sweden and the Iberian peninsula.

"Rabies occurs in every continent with
the exception of Australia and Antarctica."

How is the virus transmitted?

Rabies virus does not survive long outside the body. The infection is maintained by infected animals biting others. In Europe foxes are the main reservoir while in North America the skunk, racoon and bat are important. In Asia, Africa and Latin America the main reservoir is not wild life but stray, free living dogs. In these areas infection of man is more common.

How long is the incubation period?

This can vary from two weeks to four months or even more. The speed at which clinical signs develop depends upon:-

• The site of infection, the nearer the bite is to the brain and spinal cord, the quicker the virus reaches the nervous tissue
• The severity of the bite
• The amount of virus injected by the bite

What are the clinical signs?

Following a bite from a rabid animal, the disease then progresses in several stages. In the first, or prodromal phase the dog undergoes a marked change in temperament. Quiet dogs become agitated and active extroverts will become nervous or shy. 

"Following a bite from a rabid animal, the disease then progresses in seeral stages. In the first, or prodromal phase the dog undergoes a marked change in temperament."

There are then two recognised forms of the clinical disease.

1.  Furious rabies in which the dog becomes highly excitable and sometimes will display evidence of a depraved appetite, eating and chewing stones, earth and rubbish (Pica). Paralysis can then set in and the animal may be unable to eat and drink. Hydrophobia, (fear of water), is not a recognised sign of the disease in dogs. This is a feature of infection in man. The dog finally dies in a violent seizure.

2.  Dumb rabies is a far more common form. There is progressive paralysis involving the limbs, distortion of the face and a similar difficulty in swallowing. Owners will frequently think the dog has something stuck in the mouth or throat. Care should be taken in examination since the saliva is infected. Ultimately the dog becomes comatose and will die.

Is it possible to survive a bite from a rabid animal?

There are isolated reports of both dogs and people surviving but without vaccination the chances are poor.

Is vaccination effective?

Vaccination promotes the production of antibodies but these are only effective before the virus enters the nervous system. It is therefore essential to ensure that if exposed to risk the level of circulating antibodies in the subject is adequate before exposure. It is for this reason that if your pet is to travel overseas to a country with rabies, dogs must have a rabies vaccination by an accredited veterinarian. They must also have regular boosters as recommended by the vaccine manufacturer.

What is the treatment?

There is no treatment for a dog with rabies. If rabies is suspected the dog has to be kept in isolation and prevented from escaping or injuring someone. If the dog has not died it will then be put to sleep and a post mortem carried out.

Can I catch rabies?

Yes, the disease is zoonotic, i.e. can be transmitted to man. However it is only transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The virus is present in the saliva of the infected animal only for a limited time.

If you are bitten by any animal that may be suspect, i.e. stray or feral dogs abroad, etc. you should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and then seek the advice of a doctor without delay. Thankfully as previously discussed rabies is not present in Australia, although a very similar virus can affect flying foxes and so handling precautions should be exercised when handling this species.

Post exposure rabies treatment with serum or vaccine may be recommended and is very successful if commenced without delay.

Is it possible to arrange vaccination of my dog?

Yes, but only with vets who are accredited by the government to prepare animals to go overseas and only if your pet is being exported to at-risk countries. Dogs who have been in contact with bats (who may have been carrying the rabies-like lyssavirus) may also be vaccinated with special permission from the appropriate government department.