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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
06:56
Rabies Necropsy Techniques in Large and Small Animals
Published on: July 30, 2019
Rabies in a 10-week-old puppy
Jennifer White1, Susan M Taylor, Kathrin L Wolfram
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4.
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne
|October 31, 2007
Summary
A young Border Collie puppy rapidly developed vestibular signs and neurological decline, leading to euthanasia. Rabies virus was confirmed as the cause through histopathology and immunohistochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease affecting the nervous system.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing neurological conditions in puppies.
- Vestibular signs in young dogs can indicate various underlying pathologies.
Observation:
- A 10-week-old Border Collie-cross puppy presented with acute unilateral vestibular signs.
- Rapid neurological deterioration occurred within 12 hours of presentation.
- The puppy's condition necessitated euthanasia due to the severity of symptoms.
Findings:
- Histopathologic examination revealed characteristic lesions of rabies.
- Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of rabies virus antigen.
- This case highlights rabies as a cause of acute neurological disease in very young dogs.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rabies in puppies with acute neurological deficits, even in regions with rabies control measures.
- Prompt diagnosis through histopathology and immunohistochemistry is crucial for confirmation.
- Understanding rabies presentation in young animals aids in public health risk assessment and prevention strategies.
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