Diseases that can look like Rabies

Topic: Rabies

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There are several different diseases that can initially appear to have the same symptoms as rabies so it is important to rule out other conditions before immediately moving to euthanize the dog. Dog owners that keep their dog on a leash or confined to a yard are going to be able to more accurately report if their dog may have been in contact with a rabid animal, which will certainly make diagnosis easier. In addition it is important to remember that a vaccinated dog has a very good chance of not developing rabies, even if he or she is bitten. This is because the antibodies in the dog's system can and will kill the virus before it reaches the brain. It is only after the virus is in the brain that it becomes deadly.

Ideally if you think your dog has been in contact with a rabid animal the best option is to capture, trap or confine that animal. This may not be an option and you should not put yourself at risk. Call law enforcement, your vet and the local animal control department to report the bite immediately as well as be prepared to describe the animal and the location you were when the bite occurred. If the animal is found it will be either killed or quarantined and observed for 10 days. When the animal is killed the vet will examine the brain tissue to identify positively if rabies is or is not present. If the animal is not showing signs of rabies or the signs may be non-specific, quarantine for 10 days will provide conclusive diagnosis. Any animal displaying even the very early signs of rabies will not live past 10 days and the symptoms will rapidly advance to the furious and paralytic stages with 3-5 days of the first symptoms occurring.

It the animal is not available and rabies is suspected and neither brain tissue tests nor observation can be completed the only option is to quarantine your dog and provide observation for up to 6 months in some cases. This is typically only an option if there is some question as to the condition of the dog or animal that bit your dog. If your dog has been vaccinated and the vaccinations are up to date then the vet will typically administer a booster and an antibiotic shot, then allow the dog to return home with the owner for monitoring. The dog will be seen by the vet for regular check ups and the owner will need to report any abnormal behavior. Dogs that are unvaccinated prior to the suspected rabid bite typically will be euthanized or monitored at the vet's, which can be a very costly procedure for the owner. Any time during this observation if the dog starts to show signs of rabies he or she will be euthanized as required under the state or local laws.

However, there are conditions that can look like rabies but are not. Waiting the 10 days after the first symptoms occur, especially if the owner is certain the dog has not been in contact with a rabid dog or wild animal is the most traditional way to verify the conditions are not caused by rabies. During this time the dog will be at the vets and he or she will continue to be tested for other conditions. The most commonly known conditions that mimic the first symptoms of rabies are discussed below.

Encephalitis is one condition that can look somewhat like the early stages of rabies. In this condition, with is immune based in most dog breeds of dogs, the dog's own immune system begins to attack the brain. The result is a dog that may be confused, appear to stagger and bump into things, or even a dog that seems very disoriented and lost even in familiar settings. The dog may also have temperament changes and may snap at owners or become very agitated when they have previously been calm and friendly.

Diagnosis for encephalitis is a combination of testing of the spinal fluid as well as a MRI of the brain to check for abnormal fluid areas in the brain that clearly signal the condition. Encephalitis, if diagnosed early, can be treated in most dogs with very positive outcomes.

Canine distemper is another disease that may be mistaken for rabies since the symptoms are so close to being the same. Even wild animals such as raccoons, foxes and coyotes can have distemper that can even further confuse the issue. Since it is still a highly contagious disease it is essential to get your dog to the vet if he or she has had any contact with wild animals or other dogs that seem to be disoriented, have a discharge from the eyes or nose, paralysis and stumbling types of movements. Typically the wild animal will be non-threatened by human presence, which in itself is a sign of abnormal behavior. It is important to realize that distemper, unlike rabies, cannot be passed from an animal to a human. However it is important to stay away from any animal that appears to have any symptoms similar to rabies or distemper.

Other neurological conditions, some which are fatal and contagious and some that are strictly a result of a genetic or inherited condition can mimic the early signs of rabies. In rare cases animals that are poisoned and those with neurological conditions can exhibit the same signs as advanced stages of rabies including paralysis, drooling, sensitively to light and sound, dramatic changes in behavior and even refusal to eat or drink.

When the dog owner is able to confirm that the dog has not been exposed to other animals and has been in a low risk area typically the vet will explore other options before immediately turning to a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of rabies. Keeping your dog vaccinated for rabies as well as other viral conditions is absolutely essential and will certainly help the vet in diagnosis in the event of symptoms. Accurate record keeping of any changes in behavior as well as any contact your dog has had with other dogs and non canine animals is also important.

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