Unit 1 - Rabies Flashcards
What is rabies
A viral disease that affects the central nervous system of all mammals including humans. Almost always fatal
What is the structure of rabies virus
Enveloped RNA virus
Who is at risk for rabies
Mammals of all ages. Endemic in wild animals with periodic outbreaks.
In Canada and usa who are the most common transmitters of the disease
Bats, foxes, skunks and raccoons.
In Asia and Africa what are the most common transmitters of rabies
Dogs are the main carriers
Describe the pathogenesis of rabies
Virus enters through wound or mucus membrane, virus replicates in local tissues, virus is protected once it enters the CNS or peripheral nervous system. Replicates in CNS, moves to salivary glands.
What is the incubation period for rabies
2 weeks to 6 months dependant on innervation at bite site, distance of bite from cns, virus variant, amount of virus at exposure
Once clinical signs are present with rabies, how long until death
7-10 days
Describe what 10% of dogs get when they get rabies
Vicious form of rabies with foaming mouth.
What are the majority of dogs with rabies like
Lethargic and poorly responsive
Describe the prodormal form of rabies
Change in behaviour, fever, pruritis…. Lasts 2-3 days. Followed by paralytic or furious form
Describe the paralytic form
Majority of canine cases, lethargy, difficulty swallowing, drooling, voice change, paralysis in wounded limb.
How long does the paralytic form of rabies last from onset of overt signs
1-7 days
Describe the furious form of rabies
Majority of feline cases, aggression, biting, hydrophobia, possible hyperesthesia, hyperreponsiveness, ataxia, paralysis
How long does the furious form of rabies last from overt signs of the disease until death
2-4 days
