A dog suddenly becoming unusually quiet, behaving differently or producing strange sounds may appear to be a simple change in temperament.
But on World Rabies Day, veterinary doctor and animal enthusiast Aiko Adade is drawing attention to changes that could signal something far more serious.
Rabies remains one of the most feared viral diseases because, according to Aiko Adade, once its signs and symptoms appear, the outcome is fatal.
“Rabies is 100% fatal. Once signs and symptoms appear, you are going to die,” she stated.
Speaking on the disease on TV3’s The Afternoon Show on September 28, she explained that there is currently no cure for rabies, although the disease is preventable.
She also noted that identifying rabies in dogs begins with paying attention to their history and behavior, particularly whether they have come into contact with another potentially rabid animal and whether their behavior has changed from what is normal.
But not every unusual behavior should immediately be taken as a sign of rabies.
A dog becoming hyperactive, for instance, may simply need more exercise, while early stages of the disease can present with less obvious changes such as fever or unusual docility.
As the disease progresses, however, the signs become more pronounced. Affected animals may develop paralysis of the vocal cords, making it difficult for them to bark or howl normally, alongside excessive salivation and hydrophobia.
For Aiko Adade, recognizing these changes early is crucial, particularly because by the time the symptoms of rabies become apparent, the disease has already reached a fatal stage.
By Whitney De-graft
