More often than not, puppies three months and below are more at risk. Clinical signs of anorexia, depression, and vomiting and bloody diarrhea along with respiratory distress are among the initial symptoms of canine distemper. Dogs are known to suffer extreme difficulty in breathing; inflammation of eye and nose tissues and mucopurulent discharges may be present in certain cases.
Transmission – canine distemper is primarily transmitted through airborne viral particles that canines breathe in. However, there have been reported cases of human contracting the said virus or what is clinically known as CDV infection. The good news is people that are immunized with measles as also well protected against this disease.
Symptoms – gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms such as:
Conjunctivitis
Diarrhea
Fever
Pneumonia
Rhinitis
Vomiting
Paralysis
Seizures
Treatment – there is no known cure for canine distemper, although one can offer supportive treatment that includes providing a warm environment, keeping eyes and noses free from any discharges, provide medications for diarrhea and antibiotics for pneumonia.
Preventive Measures – vaccination is still the best prevention for canine distemper since it is known to work even if the animal is exposed to the virus provided it is efficiently administered within 4 days. To effectively ensure long- lasting immunity, dogs should be provided annual vaccinations.
Aug 26, 2009 | | Dogs
APPEARANCE–That of a very active, intelligent, and elegant-looking dog, well built, and carrying himself very proudly.
HEAD–Long, straight, and fine, the skull not broad, with a slight peak at the back.
EYES–Almond shaped, very dark, full of fire and intelligence.
NOSE–Black and sharp. EARS–The leather long and wide, low set on, hanging close to the face.
NECK–Well proportioned and strong, to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity.
SHOULDERS–Strong and muscular, sloping well to the back.
BACK–Short, strong, and slightly hollowed, the loins broad and muscular, the ribs well sprung and braced up.
FEET–Rather small, and of good shape, the toes well arched, pads thick and hard.
LEGS–Fore-legs set straight from shoulder, with plenty of bone and muscle. Hind-legs very muscular and well bent, with the hocks well let down.
TAIL–Set on rather high, well carried, never curled or carried over back.
COAT–Very profuse, and of good hard texture; if corded, hanging in tight, even cords; if non-corded, very thick and strong, of even length, the curls close and thick, without knots or cords.
COLOURS–All black, all white, all red, all blue. THE WHITE POODLE should have dark eyes, black or very dark liver nose, lips, and toe-nails.
THE RED POODLE should have dark amber eyes, dark liver nose, lips, and toe-nails.
THE BLUE POODLE should be of even colour, and have dark eyes, lips, and toe-nails. All the other points of White, Red, and Blue poodles should be the same as the perfect Black Poodle.
N.B.–It is strongly recommended that only one-third of the body be clipped or shaved, and that the hair on the forehead be left on.
Aug 26, 2009 | | Dogs
