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Bhe-Jei Maltese Raised
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RabiesRabies is a viral disease that can attack the central nervous system of all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Once infected, the disease is fatal. In most parts of the United States both dog and cat owners are legally required to have their pets vaccinated against rabies. Rabies primarily attacks the nervous system and causes encephalitis. The virus is transmitted in saliva from the bite of an infected animal. The incubation period prior to clinical signs is extremely variable, but is usually two-to-eight weeks. The virus will begin shedding in saliva a short time before clinical signs develop, usually less than 10 days. The primary source of rabies is the bite of a rabid wild animal. The most common of these are skunk, raccoon, bat, and fox. Once clinical signs develop, there is no treatment. There are two types of rabies -- dumb and furious -- in animals. Both cause a departure from normal behavior. Immediately prior to death, animals with furious rabies will have a period where they appear to be "mad" frothing at the mouth and biting anything that gets in their way. Dumb rabies differs in that there is no "mad" period. With dumb rabies, paralysis, usually of the lower jaw, is the first sign of the disease. The paralysis quickly spreads to limbs and vital organs and death quickly follows. Rabies is dangerous, deadly, but almost totally preventable by vaccination. Maltese should have an initial rabies vaccination when they are 3 to 4 months of age. The duration of protection varies from 1 to 3 years. Regular booster vaccinations are required. It is essential for your health, the health of your pet, and the health of your family and neighbors that your pet's rabies vaccination be kept up-to-date.
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Shown With Pride
