From a clinical point of view, in consideration of the lethal outcome of this disease, the mere suspicion of Rabies determines the activation of all the prevention rules implemented by each individual territory, which could lead to alarmist attitudes or even terror in people, but, considering the gravity of the Anger, it is worthwhile to abound in the formulation of the suspicion and to leave all forms of levity.
Incubation phase
Regardless of the sick animal species, Rabies always presents a first phase of incubation, with a period that varies greatly depending on the affected subject: from 3 to 6 weeks on average in humans, in dogs from 2 to 8 weeks, while in cats average varies from 2 to 6 weeks.
Prodromal phase
The incubation is followed by a prodromal phase in which generic symptoms may occur, not necessarily neurological, such as:
- in Man: headache, low-grade fever, dry throat, anxiety, apprehension and even vomiting;
- in dogs and cats: change in behavior / habits, photophobia (light discomfort), hallucinations (e.g. biting imaginary insects), fever.
This phase is very important as the animal can already transmit the virus.
Clinical Disease
Finally we have the actual symptoms which, depending on the animal, can be separated into different phases:
- in "Man we can divide it into three different forms, of which:
- a spastic form where movement alterations, particular excitement, hydrophobia (fear of water) due to pharyngeal spasms occur;
- a raging form that manifests as delirium, photophobia and / or hydrophobia, arrhythmias, destructive rage and fever;
- a paralytic form, which can manifest itself alone or be preceded by the other two, which leads the subject first to a coma and then to death;
- in dogs we have:
- a furious form, which usually lasts 3-4 days, where the animal has continuous aggression (tries to bite anything), has difficulty barking (alteration of phonesis), loses saliva from the mouth, is disoriented and can wander for miles;
- a paralytic form that causes progressive paralysis (inability to move) of the jaw, incoordination of movements, anorexia (lack of appetite), weight loss and death by asphyxia (suspension of respiratory function);
- the cat, although less affected but very dangerous as its potential for biting is extremely remarkable, manifests:
- a furious phase with increasing excitability and aggression, which can last up to 14 days;
- a paralytic phase that causes paralysis of the pharynx, jaw, third eyelid (which can thus be observed without performing manual work on the eye) and the diaphragm;
- a final phase with general paralysis, coma and death.
Preventive Vaccination
Pre-contagion treatment is carried out only when there is a real risk of contracting Rabies, and consists in the administration of an inactivated vaccine, a booster after three weeks and subsequent annual vaccinations.
