Rabies is a viral infection that has been known for thousands of years. Most mammals, including humans, are susceptible to it, and it can also be transmitted between animals and humans (zoonosis). The infection caused by the rabies virus almost always results in fatal brain inflammation. Rabies is a notifiable animal disease in Germany, which means that even suspected cases must be reported to the competent authorities. Germany has been recognized as free of rabies in non-flying animals since 2008. It continues to occur in bats.
The pathogen that causes rabies is the rabies virus. It is transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with the saliva of infected animals. The virus multiplies at the site of entry and penetrates the nerve fibers within 24 hours. The virus travels along the nerves toward the spinal cord and brain. The virus multiplies and spreads rapidly, particularly in the brain. From there, it spreads via the nerves to all organs, preferentially to the salivary glands and the eyes. The virus can be excreted in saliva, and less commonly in urine, feces, or breath, as early as three to 13 days before symptoms appear.
The incubation period for rabies is two to eight weeks and depends largely on how far the virus is from the brain. The shorter the distance, the faster the first noticeable symptoms appear. The brain inflammation caused by the virus is responsible for most of the symptoms observed. Behavioral changes are often the first signs of rabies. Affected animals become aggressive, overexcited, and may show signs of impaired consciousness. Animals that were previously fearful may become unusually trusting. As the disease progresses, paralysis, excessive salivation, and difficulty swallowing occur. The affected animals die within a few days to a maximum of one week.
Classic rabies is therefore divided into three stages: the prodromal stage (initial stage), the excitation stage (rabid rage), and the paralytic stage (silent rage). However, forms of the disease have also been observed in which the rabid stage and the associated aggression are completely absent and the disease begins with paralysis. Atypical forms are also possible, with gastrointestinal symptoms.
A definitive diagnosis can still only be made with the help of laboratory tests on the dead animal. The pathogen can be detected directly in the brain tissue. In living animals, only a suspected diagnosis can be made based on the symptoms. As rabies is a notifiable animal disease, your veterinary practice must notify the competent authority without delay as soon as rabies is suspected. The official veterinarian will then take the necessary steps to prevent the virus from spreading further.
To date, there is no known cure for rabies once it has broken out. Due to the high risk of infection for humans, the treatment of animals infected with rabies is prohibited in Germany. If rabies is suspected, the responsible official veterinarian may order the immediate isolation and euthanasia of the affected animal. All relevant legal provisions are set out in the Rabies Ordinance.
Once contracted, rabies is always fatal. An outbreak of the disease can only be prevented if your pet is vaccinated against rabies immediately after coming into contact with a rabid animal.
The main host for the rabies virus is the fox. In Germany, therefore, oral vaccinations were administered across the board in endangered areas until 2008. Thanks to additional intensive fox hunting, fox rabies has been controlled to such an extent that Germany has been considered free of terrestrial rabies (= rabies in non-flying animals) since 2008 according to the criteria of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). In rare cases, infection with bat rabies is still possible.
The vaccine developed by Louis Pasteur in 1887 and used worldwide ever since protects not only your pet, but also you.
In Germany, the Rabies Ordinance requires certain vaccination intervals for dogs, cats, and ferrets. If an animal that has not been vaccinated against rabies comes into contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, massive official measures are ordered to protect humans and other animals. In this case, however, properly vaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets may be kept at home under official observation.
In the EU, vaccination against rabies is mandatory for cross-border travel with dogs, cats, and ferrets. Furthermore, there may be country-specific entry requirements. Rabies vaccination is recommended for horses when they are transported to countries where rabies is still present.
The Rabies Ordinance requires the initial vaccination of dogs and cats from the age of twelve weeks. The basic immunization consists of three consecutive vaccinations at the ages of twelve and 16 weeks and 15 months. Booster vaccinations are then necessary at intervals of three years.
For ferrets, vaccination from the age of twelve weeks in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions is sufficient for compliance with the Rabies Ordinance.
For horses, a single vaccination from the age of six months is sufficient as basic immunization, followed by booster vaccinations every three years.
There are pure rabies vaccines, but combination vaccines are often used for dogs and cats, which protect against other diseases in addition to rabies. Your vet can send you a personalized vaccination schedule for your pet via petsXL, and you will automatically receive notifications when it is time to make another appointment.
Another way to protect against rabies is to vaccinate immediately after being bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies. This preventive vaccination is particularly effective if the site of the bite is as far away from the central nervous system as possible and no blood vessels have been damaged. This type of vaccination consists of passive immunization (antibodies against rabies) and active immunization (preventive vaccination). Half of the passive vaccine is injected directly into the bite wound or injury. The rest is injected into the muscle, just like with preventive vaccination, but at a site far away from the bite site so that the two vaccines do not neutralize each other. If symptoms have already appeared, this vaccination can no longer cure the disease.
Pigs are sociable animals that can become very attached to humans. With sufficient space and a love for these intelligent creatures, living together can be a great joy. However, anyone considering keeping a mini pig like a cat or dog, i.e. in their home, should first read up extensively on the subject and study the needs of a small pig. These are no different from those of large pigs. Mini pigs are sometimes called "teacup pigs" because a piglet is so small right after birth that it fits in a teacup. But mini pigs grow naturally and quickly gain weight. To keep them happy, a mini pig needs enough space and an outdoor enclosure.
Also known as wet tail disease, this infectious diarrhea mainly affects very young hamsters between three and eight weeks old. It can lead to death within 48 hours and must therefore be taken very seriously.
This chronic inflammatory bowel disease occurs in dogs and cats, with a genetic predisposition suspected in certain dog breeds (boxers, German shepherds). IBD is triggered by an excessive reaction of the immune system, can affect both the small and large intestines, and is incurable.
A balanced and species-appropriate diet is an important part of animal health. There are veterinary practices specializing in animal nutrition and dietetics that can advise on feed selection and composition.
A horse is quite large, and the damage it can cause is considerable. In the event of an accident, the costs can easily run into several thousand dollars. A substantial sum may also be required if our horse falls ill or even needs surgery. Not to mention the financial worries if we lend our horse and it has an accident while being ridden. It is therefore very sensible and important to think about what would happen in the worst-case scenario. There are plenty of insurance policies available. Every horse owner and rider should find out exactly what is available and choose the right policy for their needs. Below is a list of some insurance policies and situations where they might be needed.
Before acquiring a dog, it is important to consider not only the important questions regarding a suitable living environment, daily routine and care options. You should also address safety issues, which often begin with "What if...?" Yes, you guessed correctly: we are referring to insurance.
Dogs are pack animals. They need clear structures and consistent rules to feel comfortable. Your dog should know its place in your family from the very beginning. A dog that obeys well is socially acceptable. Your fellow human beings will appreciate this. And you will enjoy being out in public with your dog more. Loving but consistent training is the basis for peaceful and stress-free coexistence between dogs and humans.
As the name suggests, this is not a separate disease, but rather a complex of various manifestations of inflammatory changes in the mouth and skin of cats.
They're back again in late summer and fall – fall mites. They cause allergic reactions in animals and humans, with severe itching and skin inflammation. Find out how to recognize them, treat them, and, ideally, prevent an infestation here.
Tympany refers to the accumulation of gas in internal organs; accumulations of gas in the intestines are colloquially referred to as flatulence. Due to their special digestive system, guinea pigs are relatively prone to tympany, which can sometimes be life-threatening.
Your cat will undoubtedly come home with minor injuries from time to time – or show signs that it is not feeling entirely well. In such cases, it is good to have a suitable first aid kit at home.
Computed tomography is an imaging technique that is an important diagnostic tool in many modern veterinary practices due to its speed and simplicity, as well as the high diagnostic value of the images it produces.
