The pseudorabies in dogs it is a relatively rare viral pathology that determines a complex clinical picture. The dog is not the definitive host of the etiological agent of this pathology but represents only an occasional “victim”.
Let’s find out together everything there is to know about this disease and how it should be managed both in prevention and in therapy.
Aujeszky’s disease or pseudorabies: what changes?
Pseudorabies in dogs can also be defined Morbo Aujeszky and it is a widespread pathology in swine (wild boars and pigs). We often wonder if our dog can infect us with diseases that we believe are exclusive to his species or, again, if we ourselves can pass on some of our ailments to Fido.
The reality is that diseases are often caused by bacteria or viruses that can be carried by intermediate guests, or organisms of a different species from the one that will contract the disease, in many different ways. Historically similar to pseudorabies in dogs, we can remember:
- malaria, which is carried by mosquitoes,
- leptospirosis which is carried by mice
- more recently, Covid-19 which is thought to have developed in bats.
Sometimes the intermediate guests do not show any symptoms assuming the guise of healthy carriers, other times, however, their clinical picture worsens heavily and in a short time.
What characteristics does pseudorabies in dogs assume? Let’s find out together!
The causes of pseudorabies in dogs
Aujeszky’s pathology is one contagious infectious disease of swine which can affect other species of mammals, including the dog, in which it causes a hyperacute and often fatal course.
From this point of view it is very important to understand how the dog can contract this disease and, consequently, to undertake to prevent it. Since pseudorabies in dogs is often fatal, prophylaxis must be taken, preventing Fido from ingesting viscera or raw pork.
Suid herpesvirus 1: how does dog get infected?
Psudarabies in dogs is caused by South herpesvirus 1 representing a virus that infects pigs. Dogs can contract the virus by eating offal or raw meat from infected pigs.
Generally the virus penetrates the oropharynx where it begins to replicate on the nerve endings causing hyperacute neurological symptoms. This means that it is the central nervous system that is compromised with a series of serious symptoms of a neurological nature a rapid course.
Pseudorabies in dogs: symptoms
Psudarabies in dogs is often characterized by multiple and variable symptoms both in terms of presence and intensity: an irrepressible itching, on the muzzle or neck, with possible more or less serious self-mutilation.
Furthermore, there is a serious impairment of the general conditions, with profuse salivation, behavioral alterations with potential aggression and another series of symptoms that vary both in presence and intensity:
- He retched;
- Diarrhea;
- seizures;
- Paresis.
Usually a few days pass from the onset of symptoms to deathand it is for this reason that an appointment with the vet should be made immediately at the first signs of illness.
Diagnosis of pseudorabies in dogs
Often the clinical signs can be common to several pathologies, for this reason it is necessary to rely on laboratory diagnostics by carrying out analyzes on blood samples and understand, for example, how important a blood count is in pseudorabies in dogs.
Certainly the technique of choice to understand if it is the pathology caused by south herpesvirus 1 is it viral isolation or the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) which will lead the veterinary surgeon to a definite diagnosis.
Is there a cure for pseudorabies in dogs?
As mentioned before, there is no cure for this disease. The work to be done is totally in prophylaxis by avoiding giving our dog raw pork, raw boar or raw viscera. This does not mean that dogs in general cannot consume raw meat, it would be wrong to put it in these terms as we are talking about domestic carnivores. However, it is impossible to know when a food is contaminated, in this case, by a virus so dangerous for Fido.
From this point of view, our national health system comes to our aid, which operates on the territory every day with its own armed wing: the veterinary doctors of the ASL. The latter work in close contact with pig farms by cyclically carrying out blood analyzes on the pigs raised and excluding, among others, the presence of Aujeszky’s disease.
This determines the placing on the food market of safe meat both for us consumers and for our four-legged friends who, in this way, can sleep peacefully.