Jacksboro rabies vaccination clinic set for April 15

With peak rabies season coming up soon, the City of Jacksboro has scheduled its rabies shot clinic coming up Saturday, April 15.

The Jacksboro Animal Control and the Jacksboro Fire Department host the event each year with the help of Live Oak Veterinary Clinic.

The April 15 clinic will offer rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats at the Jacksboro Fire Department for a suggested donation of $5 per pet.

According to an article submitted by Jacksboro City Manager Mike Smith, rabies is one of the most well known viruses among pets and it is very important to know the symptoms so it can be treated quickly and effectively. Preventing the virus and taking the necessary precautions against it could save lives and the lives of pets. 

Rabies is contracted by coming into contact with the saliva of an infected animal (such as being bitten).  Skunks, foxes, bats and raccoons are the main wild animals that transmit rabies.  Wild animals with rabies behave abnormally, and a single bite can transmit enough virus to kill.

It can be difficult to determine if a pet has contracted rabies.  Animals can go through one or all of several stages.  The virus is relatively slow moving and will develop in roughly 3-8 weeks in dogs, 2-6 weeks in cats, and 3-6 weeks in people. The virus spreads through the nerves of the infected animal and moves toward the brain.  After it reaches the brain, it will move to the salivary glands where it can then be spread through a bite. 

There are three different stages an infected animal may go through (it may go through one, two, or all three of the stages):

Prodromal Phase:  This stage usually last between 2-3 days in dogs and will include symptoms such as: apprehension, nervousness, anxiety, solitude, and a fever.  Animals that have been friendly would now act shy or irritable and may snap.  Aggressive dogs will be docile and become more affectionate.  Animals will usually constantly lick the site of the bite.    

Furious Phase:  Animals may enter this stage after the Prodromal phase, and in dogs it usually lasts between 1-7 days. Dogs will become restless and irritable. They will also become incredibly sensitive to noises and sights. The more restless they become, they will begin roaming and become increasingly vicious. Animals in this stage can progress to becoming disoriented and can eventually have seizures and die.

Paralytic (or dumb) Phase:  This stage can be developed either after the Prodromal or Furious phases and develops within 2-4 days after the first symptoms are noticed. The nerves affecting the head and throat will become involved and animals may salivate due to their inability to swallow. Deep labored breathing may develop and the jaw may drop as the muscles in the face become paralyzed. The dog may make choking sounds and owners may think something is lodged in their throat - do not make this assumption! Many people are exposed to the virus by sticking their hands inside their dog’s mouth and getting bitten. The animal will get weaker and will eventually go into respiratory failure and die.

Rabies is diagnosed by submitting the brain for microscopic testing.  Although there is no cure for rabies, treatment within the first 10 days of infection can prevent the illness.  

The Jacksboro rabies shot clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the fire department located at East College and Church streets.