September is rabies month and in preparation for this, we share some information about this dreadful disease.
The most common sign of rabies in animals is a change in behaviour. Wild animals can appear tame, and domestic animals can become more aggressive, or wilder.
Rabies symptoms in dogs
- Pica (eating unusual, non-food items)
- Fever
- Paralysis
- Dropping jaw
- Can’t swallow
- Extreme salivation
- Seizures
- Hydrophobia (extreme fear of water)
- Paralysis
- Unusual aggression or shyness
- Bark sounds different to normal
- No coordination
- Excessive excitability
- Changes in attitude or strange behaviour
- Irritability
Symptoms in humans include
(Signs generally start showing two to 10 weeks from the time of exposure)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Anxiety
- Hydrophobia (extreme fear of water)
- Muscle pain or spasm
- Paralysis
- Hallucinations
- Sensitivity to bright lights and sounds
- Sensitivity to touch
[Q] What is rabies and why is it so dangerous?
[A] Rabies is what we call a zoonotic disease – this means it is something people can get from animals. Most commonly this happens through a bite from an infected animal, as the virus replicates in the animal’s saliva. Sadly, once this virus takes root in an animal or person’s body, it is almost always fatal. No effective treatment exists, and for that reason alone it is worth taking all the necessary precautions!
The virus can be carried by a number of different animal species: dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, mongooses, bat-eared foxes and jackals are a few. However, any animal can become infected and spread the disease.
Across the globe, unvaccinated dogs are the most common animals to contribute to the spread of the disease. Rabies is present in more than 150 countries around the world.
Infected animals don’t always read textbooks, so any animal showing unusual signs and whose background is unknown to you should be treated with caution. Many people are infected by handling stray dogs and cats and getting bitten in the process.
One of the most common signs in animals is a change in behaviour – wild animals can appear tame and domestic animals can become more aggressive and wild, but this is not always the case. The virus attacks the nervous system and eventually leads to paralysis and death. People can also become infected by coming into contact with the infected animal’s saliva through cuts or mucous membranes, or when working with an infected carcass, if exposed to the saliva or brain and spinal fluids of the animal.
Dr Le-Anne Kleynhans, veterinarian
[Q] Besides vaccination, is there anything else pet owners can do to prevent this deadly disease?
[A] For humans, basic dog bite prevention is key. Since most dog bite cases are in children, parents must teach their children the correct way to behave around dogs, and not allow little children to interact or play with animals unsupervised.
- Do not disturb or frighten dogs when they are sleeping, eating, or playing with their puppies or toys. Dogs instinctively protect their territory, humans, food, toys and puppies, and may perceive someone approaching their ‘belongings’ as a threat. Similarly, dogs who are enclosed in confined spaces or tied up, tend to be more aggressive.
- Stay away from aggressive or frightened dogs. Aggressive or angry dogs might pull their lips back to show their teeth, growl, keep their tails straight up in the air and their hair may stand on end. Frightened or scared dogs might lick their lips, flatten their ears, crouch down with their tails between their legs, and try to move away from whatever is scaring them.
- Don’t move if approached by an unrestrained dog. Dogs instinctively chase things that move or make a noise – running away and shouting will motivate a dog to chase after you and possibly bite you. Stand very still with your arms by your side, head down and eyes closed, and stay quiet. If you fall over, curl up into a foetal position and use your arms to cover your face and stomach. The dog will likely lose interest and go off in search of other, more interesting things.
- Always ask permission from the owner before approaching, touching or stroking any dog. Stand relaxed, and let the dog come to you. You can call him to you, but if he doesn’t come to you, then respect his decision. Keep your face away from the dog’s head at all times. If he draws away from you, don’t try to stop him, and don’t insist on stroking him.
- If you get bitten, immediately wash the wound with lots of soapy water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Try to remember as much information as possible about the dog to help identify him, as well as where you were when he bit you, so that he can be located.
- Leave any stray or wild animals alone, especially if they seem tame, sick or act strangely. Instead, contact your local SPCA/municipality/wildlife centre to come and collect them.
- Make your yard unattractive to wild animals – seal off any openings to roofs and under porches, feed your pets inside, and keep rubbish bins tightly closed. For pets, preventing contact with potentially rabid animals and limiting the population of free-roaming dogs is key.
- Do not let your pets roam around, and keep them away from stray or wild animals. Do not let your dogs leave your yard unsupervised. Keep your cats indoors as much as possible.
- Spay or neuter your pets. This may make them less likely to go roaming, and will also help limit the number of unwanted litters being born.
- If your pet came into contact or fought with a wild animal, wear gloves when handling your pet, and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards. If possible, confine the wild animal and contact your local SPCA/municipality/wildlife centre to come and collect him.
Dr Chantelle van der Lingen, veterinarian
