Most people conjure up images of mad dogs frothing at the mouth when they think of rabies. The reality is rabies is a disease that affects all mammals, including horses, who are very susceptible.
Rabies is an acute viral infection of the nervous system that mainly affects carnivores and bats. Skunks, foxes, bats and raccoons are the main wild animals that transmit rabies and live in close proximity to horse farms. A single bite from a carrier of the disease can transmit enough of the virus to kill the bitten animal.
Rabies affects horses in various ways. There are two major forms of the disease. The classic “mad-dog” case most people think of is classified as the furious form of rabies; it is not common in horses. The second form of rabies is the paralytic form, which usually involves paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles, often with increased salivation and inability to swallow. Drooping of the lower jaw is also common. Paralysis progresses throughout the body and death occurs within a few hours. Owners and veterinarians can be infected when examining the horse’s mouth or administering medication without protecting their hands.
Other signs of rabies may include fever, anorexia, blindness, hyperesthesia (presenting as self-mutilation), muscle twitching, lameness and incontinence. Early diagnosis of rabies in horses is difficult as the symptoms may often be confused with other diseases or with normal aggressive personalities.
Several rabies vaccines are available for horses, This is your best course for prevention of the disease. We can personalize a vaccination and booster schedule for your horse. Contact us today if you have any questions or to schedule an exam.
