FieldDxRabiesClinical signs, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention in cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, pigs, dogs, cats and horses.
Overview
An almost universally fatal viral disease of the nervous system, transmissible to any mammal including humans. Rabies virus, a Lyssavirus, almost always transmitted via the bite of an infected animal. Marked emergency in FieldDx. Zoonotic: this condition can pass to people.
Clinical signs
- Prodrome, 1-3 days: vague and nonspecific — sudden anorexia, apprehension, irritability, hyperexcitability.
- Furious form: aggression, viciously uses teeth with the slightest provocation, loss of fear of humans.
- Paralytic form: ataxia, paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles, profuse salivation, cannot swallow; dropped jaw is common in dogs.
- Paralysis then progresses rapidly to the whole body; coma and death follow within hours of that stage starting.
Predisposing factors
- Bite from a rabid animal — the near-universal route.
- Rarely, saliva entering a fresh wound or intact mucous membrane.
- Unvaccinated free-roaming dogs are the main reservoir where dog rabies has not been controlled.
Look-alikes to rule out
Treatment
- None. The disease is fatal once clinical signs appear.
- An unvaccinated animal exposed to a confirmed rabid animal: euthanasia is recommended. If the owner will not agree, strict isolation for 4-6 months plus immediate vaccination.
- A vaccinated animal exposed: revaccinate immediately, give wound care, and observe closely for 45 days.
- A healthy domestic animal that has bitten a person: confine and observe for 10 days. Euthanise and submit the brain for testing only if signs of rabies develop in that window.
Prevention
1. Dog vaccination is the single most effective control measure: an initial series of two doses one year apart, then a booster every 3 years. 2. Report a suspected case to the appropriate authority before acting, following local and national requirements.
Source
MSD Veterinary Manual — Rabies in Animals (accessed 2026-08-10)
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