Viral diseases affecting dogs- Rabies
A very well-known viral disease affecting dogs is rabies. Due to the extensive efforts of health care organizations the world over, the disease has been all but eliminated in countries such as the US and UK. It is still widespread in many countries in Asia though. Rabies has generally been linked to dogs for centuries. Rabies is a dangerous and often fatal disease that is spread to dogs from bites from other mammals such as racoons, bats, cats or other dogs. Rabies leads to the deterioration of the brain cells of the dogs. This leads to a bizarre nature in the canines, which makes them aggressive. This increases the chances of them biting other animals and spreading the disease to other animals. There are generally three stages of the disease in dogs. The first period lasts up to three days. In this period, the dog undergoes rapid changes in behaviour. This is often called the prodromal state.
The second stage, called the excited state, can last up to four days. In this stage, the dogs become hyperactive and will try to bite anyone or anything that crosses their path. Once it has reached such a stage, it is difficult to control the disease. The last final stage includes paralysis of the dog. This occurs because the neuron motors have been damaged by the virus. In this stage, the dog drools uncontrollably and cannot swallow anything because the throat and facial muscles get paralysed. The dog generally dies due to respiratory arrest.
It is imperative that you get your dog vaccinated against rabies, since the disease is fatal and can have dangerous consequences for all humans around as well.
