Real Dictionary

rabies
uncountable noun: Rabies is a serious disease which causes people and animals to go mad and die. Rabies is particularly common in dogs.

rabies in American English
an acute, infectious viral disease of mammals, that attacks the central nervous system: it can be transmitted to people through the bite of an infected animal and is characterized by choking, convulsions, inability to swallow, etc.
noun: an infectious disease of dogs, cats, and other animals, transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected animal and usually fatal if prophylactic treatment is not administered: caused by an RNA virus of the rhabdovirus group; hydrophobia

rabies in British English
noun: an acute infectious viral disease of the nervous system transmitted by the saliva of infected animals, esp dogs. It is characterized by excessive salivation, aversion to water, convulsions, and paralysis