Distemper in puppies

Overview

Attention new puppy owners: has your pet completed his series of vaccinations? Until he has, your dog will not be fully protected against a number of infectious diseases. One of the most deadly of these is canine distemper.

The canine distemper virus is passed on from dog to dog through direct contact with urine, blood, discharge, or saliva. Sneezing, coughing, or sharing food and water bowls, for example, are all possible methods of transmission. The incubation period lasts from 3 days to 2 weeks, and the first signs of the disease resemble a bad cold.

Symptoms

• Thick mucous discharged from the eyes and nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Listlessness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Seizures
• Shaking and trembling
• Weakness
• Personality change
• Tremors of the muscles of the face and head

Dog distemper can be serious, even fatal to pups

Pups with distemper are weak and barely able to stand. In about half of the cases, the virus travels to the victim's brain, resulting in seizures or problems with the nervous system, such as shaking and trembling. The dog's weakened immune system is often unable to fight off other infections, such as pneumonia. If not treated aggressively, a severe secondary infection can be fatal to dogs suffering from distemper.

If you suspect that your pet may be infected with canine distemper, time is of the essence. In most cases, the disease spreads quickly. There is no medication currently available that can destroy the virus. Veterinarians offer supportive care such as intravenous fluids and antibiotics to prevent secondary infection. Unfortunately, treatment is often unsuccessful. Those dogs who do recover may be left with permanent brain and nerve damage, which may not show up until years later.

Prevention

The best weapon against canine distemper is prevention. Make sure your pup gets his first vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks of age, and minimize his exposure to potentially infectious dogs and environmental conditions until he finishes his vaccination series, at the age of 4 or 5 months.

The virus can survive in the environment for several weeks, so wait at least a month if you're bringing an unvaccinated dog into a household where an infected animal has lived. A solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water will disinfect bowls, bedding and other equipment.