Distemper In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms And How To Treat It
Distemper is one of the most lethal diseases for dogs: it affects both the respiratory and digestive systems and in the most advanced cases it can also have repercussions on the nervous level.
In this article we will talk about the causes, symptoms and treatment of this pathology. Let’s find out why distemper is so dangerous.
How does distemper develop?
Distemper is caused by a virus belonging to the paramixoviridae family – the same virus that causes measles in people – and affects not only domestic dogs, but also other species such as jackal, fox, wolf, coyote, raccoon and the coati.
Although it is not transmitted to humans, it is a very contagious disease among animals and can be life threatening.
It mainly affects puppies and older dogs, in case the former have not been vaccinated and the latter do not have a strong immune system.
Respecting the schedule of mandatory vaccinations is the best way to avoid contagion of distemper. There is a specific vaccine against the virus, but its effectiveness is not total.
How is distemper spread?
When an animal infected with distemper coughs, sneezes or is simply somewhere it “releases” infected particles into the air. If a healthy dog passes by or breathes these microorganisms, he is immediately infected.
In turn, if a dog eats or drinks water from a container that had been used by a sick dog, there is a chance that it will become infected.
This means that any dog is potentially at risk of being infected. However, if you have been vaccinated correctly, the rate of disease development in your body is very low.
Puppies are the most vulnerable, especially if the mother has not been vaccinated, as she cannot offer protection through milk.
Small dogs are not strong enough to cope with a virus of this magnitude. The same goes for old or sick dogs.
Symptoms of canine distemper
Once the virus has settled in the animal’s body (called the host), it remains in incubation for about two weeks. After this period of time, the first symptoms begin to appear.
The first symptom of the disease is the secretion of yellowish mucus with pus in the eyes and nostrils.
Later the animal will suffer from fever, cough, weakness, lack of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting and even swollen paw pads.
When the disease is advanced, the nervous system is compromised. Partial or complete spasms, convulsions, or paralysis may appear.
Unfortunately, most dogs that contract distemper die. Those who survive will suffer from severe health and behavioral problems due to the damage done to their nervous system.
Is there a treatment for the cure of distemper?
Unfortunately, a cure for the virus has not yet been found. The administration of the vaccine has no effect once the disease has settled in the dog’s body.
It is essential to take the dog to the vet before the first symptoms appear, to carry out tests and obtain a diagnosis.
Treatment works to relieve symptoms and prevent them from getting worse, but also to reduce dehydration and prevent new infections.
Antibiotics and vitamin supplements can help reduce some symptoms.
But it must be remembered that the disease will still run its course and, if necessary, the vet can recommend euthanasia to prevent the animal from continuing to suffer.
The only way to prevent your dog from contracting distemper is by vaccination. The age indicated for receiving the inoculation is between six and eight weeks.
Thereafter, he will be given annual reinforcement treatment throughout his life and, in females, when they are pregnant. As they say, prevention is the best cure.
