Vet’s Guide to Pseudorabies (“Mad Itch”) in Dogs 🩺🐶

Vet’s 2025 Guide to Pseudorabies (“Mad Itch”) in Dogs 🩺🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Pseudorabies (aka Aujeszky’s disease or “mad itch”) is a rare but nearly always fatal herpesvirus infection in dogs. Transmitted from pigs or feral swine, it causes intense itching and neurological signs. This 2025 guide covers causes, symptoms, diagnostics, and essential prevention strategies.

1️⃣ What Is Pseudorabies?

It's caused by Suid herpesvirus 1 (PRV), a swine herpesvirus. Pigs are the natural host; in other mammals like dogs, infection is almost always fatal.

2️⃣ How Dogs Catch It

• Direct nose-to-nose contact with infected pigs (domestic or feral).
• Eating uncooked pork, raw offal, or infected rodents.
• Aerosol exposure to nasal secretions or contaminated environments.

3️⃣ Who’s at Risk?

Farm dogs, hog-hunters, and dogs in wild-swine areas. No known age or breed preference.

4️⃣ Signs & Symptoms

Dogs typically show neurologic changes and intense itching (“mad itch”). Signs include :

• Sudden fever, vomiting, excessive drooling
• Profound facial or paw pruritus—leading to self-mutilation
• Ataxia, seizures, muscle tremors, paralysis
• Respiratory distress
• Rapid progression—often death within 24–72 hours.

5️⃣ Diagnosis

• Based on exposure history and neurologic/pruritic signs.
• PCR testing of brain tissue or nasal swabs confirms PRV; post-mortem brain histopathology may be performed.
• Rapid PCR screening is preferred in outbreaks.

6️⃣ Treatment & Prognosis

Unfortunately, no antiviral therapy exists. Treatment is strictly supportive—IV fluids, oxygen, pain relief, anti-seizure drugs—but survival is extremely rare. Prognosis: nearly 100% fatal within days.

7️⃣ Prevention Is Critical

• Prevent contact with pigs or feral swine—especially for working dogs.
• Avoid feeding raw pork, offal, or carcasses from swine.
• Use protective gear (gloves, washing) when handling hog carcasses.
• Maintain farm biosecurity—fencing and limiting swine exposure.
• No vaccine is approved for dogs; swine vaccination helps reduce the reservoir.

8️⃣ Risks to Humans & Other Species

No evidence exists of dog-to-human transmission. However, humans should still practice proper hygiene handling infected animals. Other mammals (cattle, cats) may also be affected.

9️⃣ Role of Telehealth & Supportive Care

• Ask A Vet: Telehealth for early exposure assessment and quarantine guidance.

🔟 When to Call the Vet Immediately

• Known swine exposure with sudden itching or neurologic changes
• Unexplained fever, tremors, seizures, drooling
• Rapid illness progression—emergency veterinary assessment required

🏁 Final Thoughts

Pseudorabies in dogs is extremely rare but almost always fatal. Rapid-action prevention—keeping dogs away from pigs, avoiding raw pork, and maintaining biosecurity—is the only effective defense. Vigilance in 2025 ensures your pup stays safe. 🐶🔒

Have concerns over swine exposure or neurologic signs? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app—get expert advice quickly, especially in farms or in hunting environments. 📱