Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What symptom might suggest a rabid animal according to behavior changes?

1. Increased appetite

2. Excessive barking

3. Profuse salivation

4. Extreme lethargy

The correct answer is: Profuse salivation

Profuse salivation, also known as "foaming at the mouth," is a classic symptom associated with rabies in animals. This occurs because rabies affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis of the muscles involved in swallowing and altering the production of saliva. As the disease progresses, the animal may develop severe neurological symptoms, which can result in an inability to control saliva production. Changes in an animal's behavior are critical indicators of rabies. Profuse salivation is not only a physiological symptom but also reflects a significant behavioral change, as rabid animals may appear more agitated, aggressive, or fearful due to the effects of the virus on the brain. Recognizing this symptom is vital for both animal health and public safety, considering the zoonotic nature of rabies. The other symptoms, while they may be concerning, do not directly suggest rabies in the same manner. Increased appetite might indicate various conditions unrelated to rabies, excessive barking may result from anxiety or other stressors, and extreme lethargy could be due to numerous health issues, making them less definitive indicators in the context of rabies diagnosis.