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The rabies virus, present in the saliva of an infected animal, is usually spread by a bite or scratch that punctures the victim's skin and occasionally through ingestion of carrier animals. There are three phases of rabies yet some humans and animals skip these rabies symptoms completely and move straight to phase three, the paralytic stage. Incubation PeriodThe incubation period varies from 2-12 weeks and may be occasionally prolonged up to 4 years. 1. The Dumb (Prodromal) Phase During this initial phase, which lasts just a few days, the disease produces very subtle changes that may be easy to miss, including: - Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Intermittent fever
- Drooling
- Slight changes in behavior such as irritability or the desire to be left alone
The Later Violent Symptoms of Rabies 2. The Furious "Mad" Phase This phase, which typically lasts less than a week, is the most frightening one because it is then that the classic horrible symptoms of the disease are most likely to occur, although it should be noted that not every animal stricken with rabies appears to pass through the mad dog phase.
Rabies symptoms for the mad phase may include: - Lack of coordination, irregular muscle movements, and/or seizures
- Aggressive behavior toward objects and other creatures
- Restlessness and roaming aimlessly from one location to the next without a discernible purpose
- Disorientation and lack of recognition for familiar people and places
- Lack of fear toward natural predators
- Uncoordinated movements due to leg weakness
- Unable to move even after prodding and swaying the hind quarters
Cat specific- Roaring loudly and biting objects
- Violent movements including dashing anything on the way resulting in self inflicting injuries
- Conjunctivitis and partial protrusion of tongue
3. The Paralytic Phase In this final and fatal stage of the disease, affected humans and animals display the following symptoms. - Foaming at the mouth. This symptom is caused by the growing paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles, which makes it very difficult to swallow saliva. Consequently, most animals will also refuse food and water completely at this stage.
- Slack jawed appearance, which can also be attributed to progressing paralysis.
- Full bodily paralysis that results in death.
It should be noted that the virus can remain active inside a dead animal for forty-eight hours, and the creature's blood and other bodily fluids can transmit the virus if it comes into contact with fresh open wounds or muscous membranes. Great care should be used when handling an animal that dies of rabies. What to Look Out For: - Vague changes in temperament
- May hide and shun company
- May be unusually attentive and affectionate
** Animal must be well known to observe these symptoms - Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Developing viciousness. First towards strangers and then towards anyone (they do not recognize community members/owners)
- May wander far, snapping at anything in its path
- If restrained, will chew viciously to free itself
- May bite itself
- May break its teeth
- Froths at the mouth or drools excessively
- Saliva may be tinged with blood
- Oblivious to pain
- Paralysis of vocal chords causes strange utterances and hoarse howls.
**At this time one may mistakenly think the dog or cat has something caught in its throat and infect themselves while attempting to look in the animal's mouth.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal who seems ill, seek immediate medical attention. |
