Systematic Veterinary Virology

FURIOUS FORM

• This is referred as “mad-dog syndrome,” although it is seen in all species. There is rarely any evidence of paralysis during this stage. The animal becomes irrational and, with the slightest provocation, may viciously and aggressively use its teeth, claws, horns, or hooves. The posture and expression is of alertness and anxiety, with pupils dilated.
• Noise invites attack. Such animals lose all caution and fear of natural enemies. Carnivores with this form of rabies frequently roam extensively, attacking other animals, including people, and any moving object. They commonly swallow foreign objects, eg, feces, straw, sticks, and stones.
• Rabid dogs chew the wire and frame of their cages, breaking their teeth, and will follow a hand moved in front of the cage, attempting to bite.
• Young pups apparently seek human companionship and are overly playful, but bite even when petted, usually becoming vicious in a few hours. Rabid skunks appear to seek out and attack litters of puppies or kittens.
• Rabid domestic cats and bobcats attack suddenly, biting and scratching viciously. As the disease progresses, muscular incoordination and seizures are common. Death is the result of progressive paralysis.