Canine Distemper Symptoms: Treatable or Not?
Distemper, caused by the canine distemper virus, is an acute, highly contagious infectious disease. It poses a high mortality rate and strong infectivity, primarily affecting canids and felids. The disease primarily targets the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Transmission of Distemper
Distemper can affect dogs of all ages and breeds, with puppies being the most susceptible. The disease spreads among animals through direct and indirect contact with infected animals, primarily via the digestive and respiratory tracts. It can also be transmitted through mating, with respiratory droplets and dust particles acting as key vectors. The urine of infected dogs is particularly hazardous as a source of transmission.
Symptoms of Distemper
Initial symptoms of distemper in dogs include a high fever ranging from 39.5 to 41 degrees Celsius, loss of appetite, listlessness, watery discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, and diarrhea.
During the middle stage of the disease, which occurs within 2 to 14 days, dogs may experience a recurrence of fever, coughing, and the presence of purulent nasal discharge and eye mucus. They may also vomit, have diarrhea, lose their appetite, and become more listless and drowsy.
In the late stages of distemper, dogs may exhibit typical neurological symptoms, such as frothing at the mouth and seizures, making the condition more challenging to treat. Some dogs may develop eczema on their skin, and the pads on their feet may become rough and thickened.
Prevention of Distemper
The best way to prevent distemper is through vaccination. Puppies should be vaccinated according to the recommended vaccination schedule, while adult dogs should receive a booster shot annually. Vaccination is crucial for protecting dogs against common infectious diseases, and pet owners should ensure their pets are vaccinated in a timely manner according to the correct immunization protocol.
Important Note: Dogs with distemper cannot be vaccinated, as the vaccine itself contains a weakened form of the virus, which could exacerbate their condition.
