Ask The Vet: Rabid Rabies

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

July Issue 105

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www.thenewsyneighbour.com

If you haven’t seen the movie “Cujo” it is likely you have heard of it. It is the story of a dog that contracts the rabies virus from a bat bite and attacks and terrorizes a woman and her son after killing 2 other people. Chillingly terrifying!

This fictional Stephen King story comes home to Alberta as a rabies infected bat bit a person in Airdrie around June 14, 2016. A glaring reminder of the importance of vaccinating our dogs and cats against rabies.

Rabies is a very old disease dating back centuries. Only mammals are susceptible to infection and with that mostly wildlife, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, bats and foxes. However, it is a concern when humans and our companions come into contact with them. The virus is detected in saliva and transmitted during a bite. Once symptoms are present, it remains an untreatable disease – death is imminent.

During the incubation period, the virus attaches itself to the local muscle cells; after a few days, it moves into the nerves where it then starts its journey into the brain. This process can take upwards of one year; it is when it reaches the brain that an animal becomes symptomatic. The start of symptoms is when a personality change is noted, often animals become reclusive and there can be a voice change. The next phase of symptoms is usually referred to as “mad dog”. This is the excitative phase where the animal will have hallucinations and often has no fear, attacking people, animals and, if confined, the bars of its cage. Finally, in the dumb stage, weakness and paralysis start and this is where the foaming at the mouth is exhibited and, shortly thereafter, death.

The good news in all this is that rabies is a virus that we can vaccinate for and prevent!

In May of this year, there have been 38 rabies cases in Canada, making it clear that vaccination is still necessary to protect our beloved animals from this vicious disease.

Puppies and kittens can get their first vaccines at 16 weeks of age. They then need a booster at one year and at that point can be given a 3 year vaccine. Having a 3 year vaccine makes those annual exams easy and so much more pleasant as your pet doesn’t get a needle when they come for their health exam. Annual health exams allow your veterinary team the ability watch for declining health or changes over a period of time that may need further diagnostics.

If you aren’t sure your dog or cat’s rabies vaccine is up to date, we can make sure your animals are protected.

Animal Care Centre