Early Canine Distemper Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs

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Early Symptoms of Canine Distemper

Initial Signs:

The early stages of canine distemper present with a biphasic fever pattern, mimicking the common cold. Symptoms may include bronchitis, pneumonia, and gastroenteritis. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms such as seizures and spasms may appear, along with hyperkeratosis of the nose and dewclaws.

Within the first to three days of infection, the dog may exhibit a rise in body temperature, followed by a sudden drop, giving the appearance of a recovered cold. However, a few days later, the temperature spikes again, often with an unpredictable duration. You might notice excessive tearing, red and swollen conjunctivae, and a transition from clear to mucopurulent eye discharge. Nasal discharge, initially serous, may evolve into purulent as the condition worsens. Coughing typically starts as a dry cough and progresses to a wet cough, accompanied by difficulty breathing. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur, leading to severe dehydration if not treated promptly.

Neurological symptoms often manifest around 10 days after the initial signs. Hyperkeratosis of the paw pads and nose is often associated with neurological symptoms. The central nervous system's response to the distemper virus varies, leading to symptoms like seizures, ataxia, abnormal posture, unsteady gait, and spasms in the masticatory muscles and limbs. Such neurological cases of distemper generally have a poor prognosis.

Canine distemper can also cause ocular damage, primarily affecting the conjunctiva and cornea. Severe cases may lead to corneal ulcers, perforations, and blindness.

Prognosis:

Once characteristic symptoms of canine distemper appear, the prognosis is usually poor, especially for unvaccinated dogs. While symptomatic treatments are available, the progression of the disease is often difficult to control, with many cases ending in death due to neurological symptoms and exhaustion. Dogs that recover may still suffer from varying degrees of后遗症.

In severe cases, it is crucial to take your dog to a veterinary hospital immediately. For more information on canine distemper, click here to learn about the potential后遗症.

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