Prevent your dog from Canine Distemper
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.