Content
- what is distemper
- How can distemper spread?
- What are the symptoms of distemper
- Treatment of distemper in dogs
- Distemper prevention
- Taking care of a dog with distemper
THE distemper it is one of the most common and deadly contagious diseases for dogs. Distemper affects the digestive and respiratory systems of dogs. In advanced cases, it can also affect the nervous system.
This disease is caused by a family virus. paramyxoviridae, identical to human measles. This virus also affects other canids such as the Australian wild dog (the dingo), the coyote, the jackal, the fox or the wolf. It can even affect mustelids such as the weasel, the opossum or the otter and the raccoons such as the raccoon, the red panda or the raccoon.
This very serious disease is not transmitted to humans but it can affect your puppy a lot, putting his life at stake. Discover in this PeritoAnimal article the symptoms and treatment of canine distemper in dogs.
what is distemper
Distemper is a virus also called distemper. It's a very contagious disease that doesn't just affect dogs, can be transmitted to other species of animals. It is a very serious disease for dogs and treatment to cure the animal should be a priority if you suspect it is infected.
To get an idea, it is a kind of chickenpox identical to the one that humans suffer in childhood, it mainly affects puppies although it can also occur in older dogs, which tend to suffer more.
In principle, if we follow the puppy's vaccination schedule correctly, it is unlikely that our dog will suffer from distemper. There is currently a specific vaccine to treat the virus, however, its effectiveness is not always 100%. Immunodepressed puppies, for example, are more vulnerable to disease transmission while still being vaccinated. Good nutrition, quality care and a stress-free life will help keep you healthy and strong.
How can distemper spread?
Contagion occurs when a healthy animal comes into contact with viral particles that are in the air in aerosol form. Therefore, a sick animal must be present, or have been, in the contagion zone.
Any dog is at risk of getting distemper. However, the puppies most at risk are puppies that have not been vaccinated against the disease and puppies under four months old. Puppies that are still nursing may be protected by the immunity offered by breast milk (if the mother is vaccinated), but this does not mean that precautions should be ignored.
It can also be transmitted in different ways such as through fluids of infected animals or the water and food who consumed. The virus incubates for 14-18 days inside the dog, then symptoms start to appear gradually.
Basically all puppies are susceptible to suffer from the distemper virus, although those who are vaccinated are always less predisposed.
What are the symptoms of distemper
The first symptom of distemper is a watery or pus-filled secretion in the eyes. In later stages, fever, runny nose, cough, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea may be observed. In some cases, there is a thickening of the footpad soles. In advanced stages of the disease the dog's nervous system can be compromised. In these cases, seizures, spasms or paralysis (partial or complete) may occur.
Most dogs that get distemper die. Those who survive the disease often have behavioral disorders caused by damage to the nervous system.
It can be difficult to detect distemper in its early stages as the symptoms are not always very evident. It may be that the dog looks a little tired, and you think he is that way because he has been doing some physical activity or because he is too hot. In case of doubt, take your dog to the vet immediately.
In summary, the symptoms of distemper are as follows:
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Cough
- Conjunctivitis
- vomiting
- skin rash
- Convulsions
- loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- ataxia
- Stroke
- red eyes
- Hardening of the paw pads
- skin rash
- corneal ulcer
- general weakness
- Nasal discharge
- Involuntary muscle movements
Treatment of distemper in dogs
Upon the appearance of one or more symptoms, we must take the dog to the veterinarian, so that he can do the appropriate tests and diagnose the distemper virus in our dog. From then on, treatment begins, always under the veterinarian's indication. The sooner distemper is detected, the more chances your puppy will survive.
If your puppy is already infected, giving him the vaccine will no longer have any effect on him. must know that there is no treatment to eliminate the virus when the disease has already occurred.
The only treatment that can currently be given to dogs infected with distemper consists of minimize symptoms, prevent dehydration and prevent secondary infections. If you get there, the veterinarian may recommend euthanasia to avoid further suffering for the dog.
Usually the veterinarian uses a treatment with the use of antibiotics to fight the infection, also usually administers vitamin supplements to alleviate some symptoms and provide well-being to the animal. Helping your puppy drink water is a good way to keep him hydrated.
Distemper prevention
The only proven way to prevent distemper is to vaccinate the dog against the disease. However, this vaccine is not 100% effective. Vaccinated puppies can get sick occasionally. This can occur when the moisture offered by breast milk prevents the vaccine from taking effect and leaves the puppies unprotected.
The vaccine is given the first time between 6 and 8 weeks of age, and a yearly reinforcement. During the bitch's pregnancy, it is also a time when we must pay attention to vaccination as this way the antibodies will be transmitted to the puppies during lactation. Remember that you should not take your puppy outside without the corresponding vaccinations, it could put his life at risk.
Taking care of a dog with distemper
Distemper symptoms affect the dog in different ways, we should try to make our dog feel comfortable, stable and loved, and in addition we can apply these extra care, always consulting the veterinarian:
- Hydration: Ask your veterinarian which option is best, although we recommend a lot of water or homemade chicken broth (without salt or condiments). It is possible that your pet does not want to drink, you can try to force it with a syringe without a tip.
- Nutrition: It happens like water, it is likely that your puppy does not want to eat because of the discomfort he feels. Give him premium canned food, much more palatable than your regular ration, in addition you will feel pampered and help your recovery.
- Complex B vitamins: Have a positive effect on the animal's muscles.
- Follow all your veterinarian's advice.: Distemper is a difficult virus to cure, so remember that it will be your priority for both your puppy and other animals that may live nearby.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.