In the veterinary world there is one disease that weighs heavier on our minds more than
any others: Rabies. This may be due in part to the highly visual aspect of the disease, or the
severity of the symptoms, or the fact that it can be transmitted to humans. While this fatal
disease is still prevalent in many countries, the good news is that it is preventable! Let’s talk
about what Rabies is and how it can affect your pet, how to protect you and your family (furry
family members included!) and steps our hospital makes to make this legal requirement as safe
as possible for your pet.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread from animals to humans.
Typically, it enters the body through scratches or bites and then travels to the brain causing
severe neurological symptoms. While there are post-exposure measures that can be taken to
help prevent the infection from taking hold, there is no TREATMENT for the Rabies virus. Once
the infection is established, the virus will attack the central nervous system and is 100% fatal.
Unfortunately, dogs are the source of up to 99% of human Rabies cases worldwide, with 40% of
Rabies cases affecting children under the age of 15, which is why prevention is key!
Symptoms of Rabies may include:
Aggression or fearfulness
Foaming at the mouth and difficulty swallowing
Seizures
Excessive drooling
Paralysis and mobility issues
Currently, the best defense against Rabies is vaccination. The vaccine works by
stimulating the immune system causing it to produce antibodies that neutralize the virus before
it reaches the brain. In the US and many other countries Rabies vaccination is a legal
requirement. The State of Tennessee’s law states: It is unlawful for any person to own, keep
or harbor any dog or cat six (6) months of age or older that has not been vaccinated
against Rabies. It, however, does not specify whether the Rabies vaccine must be given
annually or every 3 years as it varies between local jurisdictions. Since Rabies legislation has
been in place in the United States, confirmed cases of Rabies infections have decreased
significantly in humans from over 100 reported cases a year to less than 10 cases annually.
Vaccination in conjunction with bite prevention measures can help prevent future infections.
Historically, Rabies vaccines contained mercury and other harmful additives. CHAI only
carries Thimerosal (mercury) free Rabies vaccines. Our doctors are passionate about protecting
your pets without adding harmful preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients into their
bodies. In addition, CHAI recommends when your pet is due for vaccines, your pets only get a
single injectable vaccine per visit and spacing out additional vaccines by 3-4 weeks. This
ensures your pet’s immune system has time to fully utilize the antibodies created while also
giving it time to recover. In the same vein of immune systems, if the pet’s immune system is
compromised in any way our vets will not vaccinate until your pet is healthy again.
Bringing awareness to this devastating but 100% preventable disease will help protect
your family and keep your community safe. If your pet is due for a Rabies vaccine contact our
veterinarians to discuss the best vaccination plan to keep them happy, healthy, and safe.
