NOCTI Small Animal Science Practice Exam

Rabies is a significant neurological disease in animals due to its severe impact on the central nervous system. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is primarily transmitted through bites from infected animals. Once symptoms manifest, the disease progresses rapidly, affecting brain function and leading to severe neurological impairment, including aggression, paralysis, and eventually death.

Rabies is also a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, which raises public health concerns. The disease is preventable through vaccination, and many regions have implemented dog vaccination programs to control its spread.

While distemper and parvovirus can also affect animals, and both can have serious health implications, they do not primarily present as neurological diseases in the same way rabies does. Canine influenza primarily affects the respiratory system and is not classified as a neurological disease. The focus on rabies underlines the importance of vaccination and awareness for animal health and public safety.