Effective Treatment for Dog Distemper: What to Do

Canine Distemper: Sources of Infection

The primary source of canine distemper is infected dogs. The virus is abundant in various bodily fluids such as nasal secretions, saliva, feces, tears, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and pericardial fluid. The main mode of transmission is direct contact between infected and healthy dogs, often through airborne droplets that are inhaled, leading to respiratory infection.

Therefore, it is advisable for puppies who have not been vaccinated to avoid contact with other dogs to prevent infection.

Canine Distemper Symptoms

The incubation period for canine distemper is typically around 3 to 6 days, with a wide range of clinical presentations. Approximately 50% to 70% of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) infected dogs exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, and upper respiratory infections.

In the early stages of infection, fever may go unnoticed, with intermittent fever, dry cough, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration being common.

These symptoms may then progress to upper respiratory infections, characterized by wet coughs, nasal discharge, eye mucus, and sneezing, resembling symptoms of canine cold or pneumonia.

More severe cases can present with neurological symptoms, usually appearing between 7 to 21 days after the onset of fever. In some cases, neurological symptoms may appear at the same time as the fever. At this stage, the CDV has affected the central nervous system, leading to seizures (indicating brain damage), unsteady gait resembling intoxication (indicating damage to the cerebellum), and other neurological issues. By this point, it is often difficult to save the dog.

One common symptom of CDV is the repetitive twitching of the chewing muscles.

Another distinct symptom is the thickening and hardening of the nose and paw pads, which is a result of epidermal keratinization.

PostRecovery Sequelae of Canine Distemper

Even after recovery, many dogs may suffer from longterm consequences, distinguishing them from healthy dogs. These may persist for life. These include:

1. Damage to the digestive system, leading to decreased appetite, poor nutrient absorption, and a smaller stature compared to healthy dogs.

2. Puppies infected with CDV before the permanent teeth (around the fourth month) emerge can suffer severe damage to the enamel, resulting in irregular tooth growth.

3. Eye damage, caused by the CDV affecting the optic nerve and retina.

4. Neurological damage, which can manifest as frothing at the mouth, intermittent twitching, and head shaking.

However, recovered dogs can develop a longlasting immunity.

Canine Distemper Treatment

Early detection and treatment are crucial. If any symptoms are noticed, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. The cure rate for early to midstage CDV is relatively higher. Avoid delaying treatment until it is too late, as it becomes increasingly difficult to treat.

In cases where neurological damage and symptoms like seizures are present, and treatment seems futile, it may be best to consider humane euthanasia, as the pain for the dog can be extreme.

Choosing a reputable veterinary hospital is of utmost importance.

Additionally, it is recommended to supplement the dog's diet with nutritional supplements and to reduce the intake of meat and offal to avoid additional strain. If the dog maintains normal appetite and bowel movements, there is still hope for recovery.

Prevention is Better than Cure

During peak seasons, dog owners should use lye (sodium hydroxide), bleaching powder, or cresol soap solution (lysol) for thorough disinfection.

Limit outdoor activities and minimize contact with other dogs.

It is important to differentiate between the early symptoms of canine distemper and canine cold, as they can be similar. For more information, you can watch the video "Are Canine Cold and Canine Distemper the Same Disease?"