Dogs and rabies?

Question

My dog was bit by a squirrel 3 days ago. Her rabies vaccine expired in July of 06. I just got so busy last summer, I totally forgot about her vaccines. I know for sure its a squirrel bite, cuz the squirrel was in my basement (fell in through an old chimney vent). Her vet said theres nothing to do until the 10 days is up, I guess by then, they can tell if the dog has rabies. Does anyone know what the soonest is you could tell? My vet told me to watch for shaking and trembling and severe behavior changes. Her behavior is fine, but honest to God, I swear I saw her whole back end tremble earlier, and she vomitted today.

Answer 1

Your vet probably told you to just keep an eye on her at home because it's very unlikely for squirrels to get Rabies, the same goes for other small rodents like mice and rats. An animal with Rabies will have seizures which can be very violent and look very disoriented. Symptoms can show up quickly or may take up to a few weeks. Below is some information from the Center for Disease Control about Rabies. Good Luck!

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/ques&ans/q&a.htm#What%20is%20the%20risk%20of%20rabies%20from%20squirrels,%20mice,%20rats,%20and%20other%20rodents

Answer 2

If your dog was vaccinated chances are that the protection is still OK - even if it was nearly a year ago.

Also, chances that the squirrel had rabies are ridiculously low.

As far as showing clinical signs ... it's far too early. If your dog is sick, it's from something else, or from local infection of the bite wound - NOT rabies.

It does not take days but MONTHS before showing signs of infection. It depends on how far the bite wound is from the brain (the virus migrates towards the brain through the nervous system). The clinical signs of rabies are one of a brain inflammation (encephalitis) and it takes some time for this to happen.

There are three phases to the course of the disease: prodromal, furious, and paralytic. Death occurs three to-seven days from the onset of signs.

The prodomal stage lasts two-to-three days. The signs can include behavioral changes, fever, slow eye reflexes, and chewing at the bite site.

The furious stage lasts two-to-four days. During this stage, signs of erratic behavior may include irritability, restlessness, barking, aggression, vicious attacks on inanimate objects, and unexplained roaming. Disorientation and seizures may also develop.

The paralytic stage lasts two-to-four days, during which signs of paralysis develop, usually beginning in the limb that was bitten. Paralysis of the throat and face cause a change in the bark, drooling with typical foaming at the mouth, and a dropped jaw. These signs are followed by depression, coma, and death from respiratory paralysis.

Once clinical signs develop, there is no treatment. This is why people that may have been bit by a rabid animal are immunized immediately. This is possible in dogs also but depends on the law in your state - if your dog has not bitten anyone, getting him immunized may be allowed. Again, chances that he needs this are close to 0.

People talking about a few days to show clinical signs are probably thinking about the delay of time between when a dog is shedding the virus in its saliva and then showing clinical signs. That can take 2-10 days, the safety observation time is 15 days. But this is not the issue here since your dog has not bitten anyone.

If you want more information, you can check http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/the_virus/virus.htm

So again - don't freak out. Your dog will be fine. And what you are seeing can not possibly caused by rabies at this point - it's too early. If you're worried about the vomiting, talk to your vet.

Answer 3

What happened to the squirrel? It would have been great if you could have had it tested for rabies.

As for your dog, when was her last shot? That would be helpful in answering your question. I know you said it expired July 06, but knowing the date the actual vaccine was given is more helpful.

Rabies vaccine comes in two forms. 1 year and 3 year.

What I would do, is to have a titer test done on your dog. This is a blood test that checks immunity levels to diseases. This can be done for rabies, distemper, parvo etc. If you can find out the immunity level your dog has, you have a better chance of knowing how likely it is that your dog could contract rabies. Also if the immunity is high enough it is possible they could give the second vaccine. This is generally what is done when a dog who is current on rabies shots gets bitten.

Vaccines have a much longer "life" in the immune system than most people are led to believe. My own dogs once they recieve their initial puppy vaccines, don't get shots. Instead of a yearly vaccines they get blood drawn for a titer test. If the test comes back low, they get the vaccine, if its at a good level, no shots. Rabies is only given as law dictates.

Answer 4

Rabies symptoms can show up anywhere from 2-3 days to a couple of weeks after the bite. I'm actually surprised they didn't quarantine the dog until then - they usually do. Anyway, keep an eye on her and watch for any unusual behavior. The trembling back end may or may not mean anything - my dog does that every time she gets excited. Still, just to be safe, I would keep the dog isolated for a while - away from small kids and other animals.

Answer 5

Squirrels are not considered a huge rabies threat, its been many years since a case was reported in a squirrel in the US, so hopefully you dont have too much to worry about. I believe the first symptoms usually begin to show in 5-7 days after exposure.

Answer 6

All vaccines are good for more than a year. See the Wisconsin University website
http://svmweb.vetmed.wisc.edu/articles/68/5/39

Rabies is given as your state law dictates. Studies have shown that the vaccine is good for 5/7 yrs.

Answer 7

You will have to wait the 10 days ( usually it is even more than that) . I hope you won't let her vaccine expire again. Rabies is a very scary and 100% fatal disease.

Answer 8

Chances are the squirrel did not have rabies. It's more common that nocturnal animals carry it like raccoons and bats.

Answer 9

Dogs vomit often and the trembling could've been imagined or just her shaking herself. I wouldn't worry too much about it, your worry is causing you to see symptoms that aren't there. Just relax unless you start seeing severe trembling and/or behaviour changes. Your dog is probably just fine.