Rabies Flashcards
Where do horses usually get bitten with rabies?
on the distal limb–innoculates the tissues and gets into peripheral nerve and ascends
Why will you likely not find a bite on a horse with signs of rabies?
because it was bitten on the distal limb and had to travel to the CNS, so by the time that happens you cannot find the bite
What are risky vet behaviours when dealing with a horse with potential rabies?
- checking colour of mucuus membranes
2. sticking a nasogastric tube and blowing/sucking
What can be a sign of rabies ascending a horse limb?
pruritis
Why may it be difficult to recognize rabies in a horse?
they may get the paralytic form and see ascending paralysis and think of nerve lesions rather than rabies
What are two safety steps that should be done when dealing with a horse that may have rabies
- wear gloves
- makes sure people handling the horse know
- keep a record of who is in contact
Are there typical signs of rabies in cattle?
- not really
- may have pharyngeal paralysis which causes their bellow to be weird
- may drool
- likely will NOT see the bite
What are the signs of rabies in dogs?
- acute onset
- neurological signs
- cannot swallow
- may be aggressive
- may be able to pick up more subtle in pet animals
how is rabies usually transmitted?
by bite or scratch
does human to human transmission of rabies occur?
very rare. may occur in the health care setting but even that is rare. documented in a
does human to human transmission of rabies occur?
very rare. may occur in the health care setting but even that is rare. documented in transplant case
What is the incubation period of rabies?
very variable, depends on where bitten, dose 3-8 weeks
what are 10 possible reservoirs of rabies?
- bats
- racoons
- foxes
- dogs
- coyotes
- wolves
- skunks
- muskrats
- groundhogs
- cats
What are 4 methods of preventing human infection with rabies?
- vaccination of dogs, wildlife where feasible
- reporting, confinement and observation of animals that have bitten humans or other animals
- reduce exposure to potential transmission (education, wildlife management in human habitation/activity areas)
- human vaccination for people at risk (vet, tech, wildlife control, travelers)
What is post exposure prophylaxis for rabies?
- immediately flush wound with soap and water
- may apply virucidal agent
- avoid immediate suturing if possible to allow bleeding/draining–decreases dose
- rabies immunoglobulin (passive immunization) to infiltrate wound as soon as possible to neutralize virus
- rabies vaccination (active immunization at another site)-0, 3, 7, 14, 28 (only 0, 3 if already vaccinated)
