Early Canine Distemper Symptoms: A Detailed Overview

Dog Distemper Symptoms:

Upon infection with canine distemper, most dogs exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, elevated body temperature, and respiratory infections. A study found that within one to three days of infection, the primary symptom is a rise in body temperature, which then subsides, mimicking the recovery from a common cold. However, after a few days, the temperature may rise again, with an unpredictable duration. Affected dogs may experience tearing, red and swollen conjunctivae, and eye discharge transitioning from a liquid to a sticky, puslike consistency. During this period, the nose may become dry, with nasal discharge, starting as a serous rhinitis and later progressing to a purulent rhinitis.

In the early stages, dogs may also experience a dry cough, which then evolves into a wet cough and difficulty breathing. The gastrointestinal form of the disease includes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, intussusception, and ultimately, death due to severe malnutrition and weakness.

For dogs with neurological symptoms of canine distemper, the central nervous system is attacked by the distemper virus, leading to varied symptoms. The virus can cause damage to the brain tissue, resulting in symptoms such as twitching, spasms, abnormal posture, unsteady gait, and periodic convulsions in the chewing muscles, coordination muscles, and limbs. The prognosis for this type of canine distemper is generally poor.

Overall, the canine distemper virus can cause eye damage in dogs, leading to clinical conditions such as conjunctivitis and keratitis. Keratitis typically appears around 15 days after the onset of the disease, with numerous white spots on the eyes, and in severe cases, ulcers, perforations, and even blindness. As of the current level of veterinary medicine, there are no direct and effective treatment methods or medications available. Statistics show that the cure rate for canine distemper is extremely low, and veterinary hospitals generally believe that the low cure rate is directly related to the timing of treatment, the efficacy of biological drugs such as sera or antibodies, the dog's lineage and age, and other factors. This means that early cases have a chance of recovery, while cases in the middle and late stages are difficult to cure.

Tip from the Pet Doctor: For more information about canine distemper, click on "Canine Distemper Science" to learn more.