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Infecciosas

Rabies

A FATAL viral disease that affects the nervous system. A serious zoonosis: also fatal in humans. The UK is free of terrestrial rabies, but vaccination is compulsory for travel and in many circumstances.

Veterinary emergency🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats Contagious Zoonosis

This may be a veterinary emergency

URGENT: if your pet is bitten by an unknown or wild animal, see your vet and contact the health authorities. If a person is bitten, seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Behavioural change (unusual aggression or apathy)
  • • Excessive salivation
  • • Difficulty swallowing
  • • Progressive paralysis
  • • Seizures
  • • The disease is fatal once symptoms appear

Causes

The rabies virus, transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The UK has long been free of terrestrial rabies, but there is a risk through the illegal importation of animals.

Diagnosis

There is no reliable diagnosis in the living animal. Where rabies is suspected, public health protocols are followed.

Treatment

There is NO treatment once symptoms appear. It is fatal. This is why prevention through vaccination is absolutely critical.

Prevention

Rabies VACCINATION: required by law for travel between countries and in many circumstances. Boosters according to local regulations.

When should you see the vet?

URGENT: if your pet is bitten by an unknown or wild animal, see your vet and contact the health authorities. If a person is bitten, seek immediate medical attention.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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