Canine Distemper Virus
The canine distemper virus starts off looking like a cold but can quickly lead to convulsions and death. It is one of the most serious viruses that can affect your pet dog as well as other animals.
Luckily, you can easily avoid subjecting your pet to this fatal disease by having him vaccinated as recommended by your vet. This along with other vaccinations and a routine physical will keep him healthy and happy.
This article below will answer many of the questions you may have about canine distemper:
Title: Canine Distemper
Author: Ron Swerdfiger
What is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus
(paramyxovirus) which attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal,
and nervus systems of dogs. Although dogs are the most commonly
affected, Canine Distemper is also seen in foxes, ferrets, mink
and many other carnivores. These infected animals are often the
cause of the spread of this disease to domesticated dogs.
At normal temperature the virus can remain active in infected
tissue for several weeks, provided the infected source does not
dry out, or become exposed to ultraviolet radiation (sun light).
At below zero, the virus can remain active for several months.
At temperatures of 32°C or greater, the Canine Distemper virus
will be destroyed very quickly.
How can the Virus spread?
Canine Distemper is spread through bodily secretions (nasal
fluid for example} The most common form of transmission is
airborne. Dogs become infected by breathing in particles
secreted by infected hosts. For several weeks after recovery, a
dog will still carry the virus which can lead to further
contamination if not properly quarantined.
What are the symptoms?
Upon contracting the virus, dogs often appear “normal” for
several days. The initial symptoms of the disease are runny
nose, water eyes and a sore throat. The dogs temperature will
increase to approximately 103.5°F (39.7°C). Over the next couple
of days the symptoms worsen with the tonsils becoming enlarged,
and the dog developing diarrhea. After approximately four weeks
of treatment the virus begins to affect the brain. The dog will
start twitching which will gradually turn in to larger
convulsions The convulsions normally become so frequent and
violent, that euthanasia is often carried out at this stage.
Are all dogs at risk?
Yes. Puppies younger than 4 months of age, and dogs who have not
received vaccination, are at the greatest risk of infection.
However, all dogs are susceptible to the virus. Canine Distemper
was at one time the leading cause of deaths in domesticated
dogs. Due to understanding of the virus and the ability to treat
secondary symptoms, Canine Distemper only become a concern in
isolated outbreaks.
What is the treatment for Canine Distemper?
At this time, there is no cure for the actual virus which causes
Canine Distemper.. Treatment mainly consists of controlling
spread and severity of secondary ailments such as , vomiting,
diarrhea and fluid discharge. In the later stages of canine
distemper, the use of anti-consultant drugs may help to control
twitches and spasms. Constant nursing care is needed to make the
dog as comfortable as possible.
Is there anyway to prevent canine distemper?
Have your dog vaccinated!!! Pups should be vaccinated at 6 weeks
of age, and re-vaccinated every 3-4 weeks until 16 months old.
Adult dogs should be vaccinated every year. Like most disease,
prevention is often the only viable solution. Be cautions of
where you are taking your dog. Since the most common
transmission of Canine Distemper is air born, dog parks,
kennels, even grooming facilities can be ideal places for dogs
to contract the virus. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, and other
carnivores are often the catalysts for outbreak. For this reason
ALWAYS be cautions of wild animals. Never let your dog have
contact with an unknown animal.
Ths website only provides BASIC information about canine
distemper, your veterinarian is always your best source of
health information. Consult your veterinarian for more
information about Canine Distemper and its prevention.
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