El distemper is another of those canine diseases that are still very feared, especially in environments such as animal shelters and kennels, where dogs are more exposed because it is not known if they have received their vaccines and are in an environment in which their defenses are lowered.
El distemper is produced by the virus of the paramyxoviridae family, which is similar to human measles. It is a virus that when it affects dogs can be even fatal, depending on the health of the dog and that the treatment is applied early and effectively. That is why we must learn to recognize the disease and its symptoms.
What is distemper
Canine distemper is a virus that can also be known as Canine distemper or Carré's disease and it is a highly contagious disease. Like parvovirus, it is a disease that rarely affects vaccinated dogs, but in places like kennels it can create real epidemics. If not treated quickly, they can be fatal, hence it is still a very feared virus.
Causes of distemper
The distemper virus is a close relative of measles and it affects dogs. It can even affect other animals, such as ferrets. This virus is transmitted by direct contact. The good thing is that it does not survive for long outside the carrier, which makes it easier to eliminate, for example, than parvovirus. However, it can be worn on clothing for short distances. In general, dogs are spread by close contact with infected dogs. The virus is in the secretions of the nose and eyes. When dogs sneeze, they spread it as an aerosol, with a rapid spread to other nearby dogs. Hence, it is such a problematic disease in kennels, due to the proximity of the dogs and the rapid contagion.
Symptoms of distemper
Distemper is not a disease that affects in a matter of hours, as it could be the parvovirus. Incubate for about two weeks in the dog and then we start to see the symptoms. Its symptoms are prolonged more in time, so at first they can even go unnoticed. The first thing that happens to the dog is that it has a fever. He will be down and tired, not very active. We will notice the fever in that its truffle will be dry and hot, with warm ears too. In this case we already have an alarm signal that something is not right. In the following hours and days the dog may manifest various symptoms. Not for nothing is it called the 'disease of a thousand symptoms'.
The best known symptom associated with this disease is cough and runny nose. Dogs even sneeze and have mucus in their eyes and nose, of a thick consistency, something that is unusual and that will put us on notice. Usually the cough is deep and recurrent, sometimes leading to a secondary bacterial infection.
This disease can also affect the gastrointestinal system, so you can see vomiting or diarrhea. Other symptoms would be conjunctivitis in the eyes, dermatitis on the pads and on the nose, with thickening of the skin and scabs. It can even affect the nervous system in the form of spasms that can lead to partial paralysis.
These symptoms can occur in a variety of ways, with the dog having several or just one. As we say, what is usually more common is the Initial fever and cough with mucus which follows the following days.
Treatment of the disease
In principle, if we know that the dog has been in contact with another dog with this disease, it is important take him to the vet and tell him if we appreciate the fever or that the dog is sick, so that he can carry out the pertinent tests in search of the virus. They can do this with samples of the secretions or blood tests.
Although we can determine the disease that the dog has, the truth is that today there is no cure for this type of virus that will kill it. As with parvovirus, once the dog contracts it we must focus on ending the secondary problems such as infections and that the dog regains strength to face the disease. The vet will assess the symptoms he shows and give him medication. Antibiotics for bacterial infections that may have arisen, supplements or medications that end diarrhea and help the dog to get nutrients, basic care to avoid skin problems due to secretions and guidelines for feeding and watering the dog, something it will help you to be stronger.
In this case we must take care of the dog and do everything possible to make it recover. It is also very important to previously warn the veterinarian to not to gather our dog in the waiting room with others that may be immunosuppressed, with unvaccinated puppies or older dogs, because we could be putting them in danger.
Prevention for distemper
Bring vaccines up to date It is essential to prevent the dog from contracting this type of disease. However, although there is even a specific vaccine that has been created for distemper, there is not one that is 100% reliable today. In general, a healthy dog that has the vaccines in place will not contract the virus, but it cannot be assured with total certainty. There are vaccinated dogs that have low defenses and can contract it. In the case of puppies that have not yet been vaccinated, it is always recommended not to take them out until the first and necessary vaccinations have been provided, since they are in a delicate moment and contracting any virus could lead to the death of the dog. Elderly dogs must also protect themselves, because their immune system is not as strong as usual, so it is better to avoid them from interacting with all kinds of dogs, especially if their health is delicate.