By Distemper is a contagious and potentially deadly disease that affects carnivores like canines and felines. It has viral origin and airway collapses and contact with secretions from an infected animal. Because their immune systems are not yet developed, the puppies under six months are particularly vulnerable to being affected by canine distemper and the elder dogs of any age if they are not vaccinated.
Symptoms of Canine Distemper
After being exposed to the virus, the dog exhibits symptoms about four days, although not all are palpable. It can display symptoms with eyes, respiratory, digestive, skin and neurological problems. It is important that you check as soon you perceive any change to the vet.
You can see pus in the eyes and eye discharge.
In case of respiratory, there is runny nose, cough and pneumonia.
In digestive system, you observe lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting.
In case of neurological symptoms, the terminal phase of the disease occurs when it enters the nervous system, causing more severe symptoms i.e. fever, muscle aches, twitching, weakness, convulsions, seizures and paralysis.
Prevention of Canine Distemper
Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing the disease. There is a combination vaccine, DHLPP, which is not only against distemper, but also hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza virus and coronavirus. Your dog should receive this vaccine between six and eight weeks and every two to four weeks until the age of four months.
In the first year, your pet should receive a booster and usually every year or every two or three years later. However, for the animal to free from distemper, it must first receive the immunization of the mother through breastfeeding. If the mother was vaccinated, the vaccine may not work, but usually the mother gives a certain level of immunization to the puppy.
It is essential to vaccinate your dog and follow step-by-step instructions for reinforcement of veterinary vaccination.
There are places where due to the large number of dogs or unsanitary spaces, there is a greater incidence of the disease like farms, kennels, shelters, pet shops and nurseries. It is advisable to purchase a dog from a pet store, but if you buy your dog from a kennel or a shelter, ask for the immunization records. If you must take your dog to one of these places at some point in your life, ensure you have their vaccinations and that the site has a regulation to vaccinate their dogs. Always keep your dog away from animals that might be infected. The virus does not live long time out of the dog’s body, but it is worth disinfecting the belongings and space for dogs who have been ill.
Canine Distemper Treatment
Although
the veterinarian can obtain dog’s samples of blood, nasal and eye discharge,
clinical tests are not entirely reliable. Usually the vet revealed based on the
history and current symptoms of dog’s prognosis. There are chances of recovery
and much depends on the dog’s immune system. There are various treatments
including anti-inflammatory medication to soothe the symptoms, medications to
prevent secondary bacterial infections, cleaning eyes and nose, serums to
hydrate the dog and physical therapy, all with the aim of strengthening the
dog’s immune system. It is important to get help immediately because the
disease can lead to fatal neurological complications. Any infected animal will
be quarantined, isolated from other dogs until recovery. For the wellbeing of
you beloved pet, you must what can you give a dog for
pain to relieve.
