How do doctors diagnose rabies?

Answer 1

Typically the patient comes with pain in throat. You do not see any problem in the throat. You may miss the diagnosis at this stage. Then the patient gets difficulty in the swallowing the food and water. When the history of dog bite is there, the diagnosis is almost clear. Subsequently the patient develop the hydrophobia. By the sight, sound or even mention of the water evokes the severe spasm in the throat muscles and the diagnosis shouts at you. No history of dog bite is needed at this stage.

Answer 2

In humans by the clinical history, the signs and symptoms and the behavior of the dog.

In the animals by microscopic examination of the substancia nigra in the animal brain.