Rabies in Maine: Keep your pets protected

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Citizen Times

By PenBay Veterinary Associates
Dr. Jodie James, Dr. Bjorn Lee, Dr. Kate Pierce

ROCKPORT (Oct 16):
Maine state veterinarian Don Hoenig warns the public to be watchful for rabies, after some local animals, including domesticated animals and livestock, recently tested positive for the disease.

As a pet owner, it is important to know that dogs and cats are susceptible to Rabies. We have provided the following information to help protect your family and pets from the potentially fatal diseases.

What is Rabies?
Rabies is transmitted by a virus and is one of the most devastating diseases affecting mammals, including dogs and humans.

How is rabies transmitted?
The disease is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Rabies virus does not survive long outside a mammal’s body. In North America the skunk, fox, raccoon and bat are important sources of infection.

What are the clinical signs?
Following a bite from a rabid animal, the disease progresses in stages. In the first or Prodromal phase the dog undergoes a marked change in temperament. Quiet dogs become agitated and active pets become nervous or shy. The disease then progress to either a Furious phase or Dumb phase. The furious phase is when the rabid dog becomes highly excitable and displays evidence of a depraved appetite, eating and chewing stones, earth and rubbish (pica). Paralysis eventually sets in and the rabid animal may be unable to eat and drink. The dog finally dies in a violent seizure. Dumb rabies is the more common form in dogs. There is progressive paralysis involving the limbs, distortion of the face and a similar difficulty in swallowing. Ultimately the dog becomes comatose and dies.

Is vaccination effective?
Vaccination promotes the production of antibodies but is only effective if given before the virus enters the nervous system. Modern rabies vaccines for dogs, cats, horses and ferrets are extremely safe and effective.

What is the treatment for rabies?
There is no treatment for a dog with rabies. If rabies is suspected, the dog has to be kept in isolation and prevented from escaping or injuring someone. Your veterinarian is required by law to notify the local and state or provincial animal disease regulatory authorities. These authorities will determine the steps necessary to properly protect the public.

Can I catch rabies?
Yes, the disease is zoonotic or can be transmitted from an animal to man. It is only transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The virus is present in the saliva of the infected animal only for a limited time. If any animal that may be suspicious for rabies bites you, immediately wash and flush the wound thoroughly with soap and water, -and seek immediate medical assistance. Post exposure rabies treatment with serum or vaccine may be recommended and is very successful if begun quickly.