The disease of rabies in mammals is known to affect the functioning of the central nervous system. Amongst these; dogs, cats and the human race is believed to be most prone to the disease. Animals mostly contract rabies on being bitten by a wild animal carrying the infection. |
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The causal virus is communicated through contact with the saliva of the infected animal. On gaining entry into the body of the bitten animal, the virus gradually grows in the muscle tissues and spreads throughout the body. The initial signs of rabies are actually evident much after the admission of the virus. Only when the virus attacks the nervous system are the signs of the disease visible in the form of hallucinations, convulsions and paralysis. Unfortunately by then the disease has reached such an advanced stage that it becomes difficult to save the victim.
The progression of rabies in the body of the infected animal can be classified into three phases. The first phase called the prodromal phase incorporates only a few days wherein very mild symptoms of the disease are visible which go frequently unnoticed. These signs include decreased hunger, changes in temperament, inactiveness and fever. The second phase is referred to as the mad dog phase. This period is marked by the onset of the aggressive signs of the disease illustrating uncoordinated body movements, violent behavior pattern, anxiety, bewilderment, and incapability to recognize familiar locations and places. However, it must be noted that the occurrence of this phase is not mandatory. There have been cases of many dogs and even humans who are known to have passed over the mad dog phase and have experienced the final stage straightaway.
The paralytic phase is the last stage of the disease that ultimately leads to the death of the animal. Some of the typical signs of this stage include formation of froth in the mouth due to inability of the paralyzed muscles of the throat and jaw to gulp down the saliva, slack jawed look followed by a completely paralyzed body. Even after the demise of a rabid animal, precautions need to be taken as the virus is reported to be in an active state for the subsequent 48 hours.
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