FAIRMONT
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
995 Hamilton Road, London, ON
Phone: (519) 453-2940 Fax: (519) 453-5649
After Hours Emergency: (519) 432-7341
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995 Hamilton Road, London, ON Phone: (519) 453-2940 Fax: (519) 453-5649 After Hours Emergency: (519) 432-7341 |
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Rabies - Because You Never Know Who May Drop In!
Rabies is a virus which causes disease in the nervous systems of mammals. The virus typically is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. Although bite wounds are the most common method of transmission, contaminated saliva can breach broken skin, or be absorbed through the moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes. Once the virus enters the body through a bite or through penetration of a mucous membrane, the virus attaches to local muscle cells. From there, the virus enters the local nerves, and slowly makes its way to the brain. Once the virus is in the brain, symptoms begin, and the virus is shed in body secretions, and can then be transmitted to other mammals. The Disease Signs of Rabies virus infection can be variable, and usually reflect changes in the nervous system. In "dumb" rabies, animals can hide, lose their fear to humans (especially skunks), or show signs of partial paralysis (facial droop, paralyzed hind limbs, etc...). In "furious" rabies, animals can be extremely aggressive, and be more likely to attack people or other animals. There are no blood tests for Rabies virus, and confirmation requires a laboratory examination of an affected animal's brain tissue. Rabies is a Worldwide Problem Once an animal, or human, shows signs of rabies, it is almost invariably fatal. In North America, confirmed Rabies disease in humans is rare. Worldwide, however, the World Health Organization estimates about 50 000 to 60 000 people die annually from Rabies virus, mostly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. If a human exposure is identified prior to clinical signs, a series of Rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin may help mount an immune response, which prevents the virus from reaching the brain. Humans working closely with animals (i.e., veterinary health care workers, animal handlers, spelunkers (cave explorers), and wildlife workers) are often preventatively vaccinated against Rabies due to an increase in risk of potential contact. Dogs and cats are required, by law, to receive Rabies vaccine due to potential exposure to wildlife, and the potential of transmission to humans. Rabies in North America In North America, wildlife (including
skunks, raccoons, foxes and bats) are the most common vectors for the disease in
both humans and domestic animals. Bats represent a unique exposure
dilemma, due to their tendency to fly into homes, potentially exposing indoor
pets and sleeping humans without their knowledge. The bat's small teeth
may leave imperceptible marks, and may not be felt. Even if there is no
sign of a wound, medical advice should be sought if a bat is found in the room
with an unattended child or sleeping person. Call your veterinarian if a
bat is found in the vicinity of an indoor pet due to similar concerns.
Ideally, if the bat can be captured without risking exposure to a person, it can
be submitted for Rabies testing to determine if it carries the diseased, and
whether post-exposure treatment is warranted. Prevention of Rabies Vaccination of pets (even indoor cats can be exposed through bats and other wildlife gaining access to our homes), and avoidance of wildlife remain the best ways to avoid exposure to the disease.
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What
is Rabies?