Post by DogGoneGood on Jan 26, 2008 2:24:17 GMT -5
RABIES
Rabies is a fatal disease of the nervous system. It is caused by a virus that is shed in the saliva, and is spread by the bite of an infected animal. It can infect all warm blooded animals including man.
The incubation stage (from the time an animal is bitten until it becomes ill with the disease) is highly variable and can be anywhere from thre weeks to over one year. The main symptom in animals is a change in behavior. Domestic animals may become aggressive attacking and biting anything that moves. Wil animals often appear tame, not running away when approached, but still able to bite and transmit the disease. Children should be reminded never to handle wild animals that appear friendly. Once an animal shows symptoms of rabies, the disease rapidly progresses to paralysis and death, usually within five days. There is no effective treatment.
We are very fortunate that rabies is very rare in B.C. Bats are the only animal in which rabies has been found on a regular basis. In the summer of 1984 a horse in the Salmon Arm area contracted rabies and had to be destroyed. In the 15 yeras prior to that, the only animal other than bats to be diagnosed was a cat in Port Alberni in 1969. In other areas of Canada, rabies is much more prevalent. The skunk and fox are common rabies carriers in the prairies.
A vaccine is available to protect dogs and cats from rabies. It must be given prior to being exposed to the disease. Pets that are likely to be in contact with others, especially bats, should be vaccinated. A certificate of proof of vaccination is necessary for dogs and cats traveling into the U.S. Dogs and cats can be vaccinated anytime after 3 months of age.
Shuswap Veterinary Clinic Ltd.
Dr. Gary Cruikshank - Dr. John Sudbury
Dr. Dave Sedgman
Dr. Len Lazzarotto
Dr. James Clark
Salmon Arm, B.C., Canada