How exactly does a rabies vaccine work? Let's say my cat got a rabies vaccine when he was young. Does that rabies vaccine protect him for the rest of his life, when updated with booster shots? If he has his rabies shot, but isn't quite up to date on his booster could he still be rabies carrier? If you know anything about this, please respond. Thanks! =)
2007-12-17 04:56:42 · 3 answers · asked by Tiger 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Rabies is carried in the saliva of an infected host. Your pet will not get rabies unless he is bitten by another infected animal.
Rabies is transmitted from the saliva into the bit wound, where it incubates for between 5 days and a year before making it's way to the brain. Once in the brain, it is transmitted into the salivary glands and becomes infectious. Once the symptoms of rabies starts, it is fatal. It should be noted that the blood of animals with rabies is NOT infectious.
If you suspect your cat has been bitten by a rabid animal, you should take him to the vet and get the rabies vaccine and and a shot of rabies antibodies. It is also a good idea for you to go to the doctor and get yourself vaccinated for rabies if you suspect contact with a rabid animal.
2007-12-21 02:49:36 · answer #1 · answered by SurrepTRIXus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabies have a very long duration of immunity (DOI) and even if you are late with a booster vaccine the animal will stay protected. Immunity is often up to 7 years but the boosters are required annually because it is too difficult to prove a long DOI in rabid animals in a clinical study.
2007-12-20 10:50:24 · answer #2 · answered by Big K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this question belongs in the pet category, suggest you ask it there.
2007-12-17 04:59:26 · answer #3 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋