What do I do if my dog has canine distemper?

There is no cure for canine distemper infection. Treatment typically consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections; control vomiting, diarrhea and neurologic symptoms; and combat dehydration through administration of fluids.

How long does it take for a dog to die from canine distemper?

The terminal stage for Canine Distemper is usually 2-4 weeks after infection; however, it can last several months in older patients. If the nervous system is affected, most pets decease within days.

What are neurological signs that appear when an animal has canine distemper?

Neurological symptoms of canine distemper include:

• Muscle twitching.
• Chewing-gum fits.
• Excessive saliva.
• Head tilt.
• Circling.
• Involuntary eye movements.
• Paralysis or partial paralysis.
• Seizures.

How is canine distemper diagnosed?

Positive antibody titers in CSF can confirm the diagnosis of cerebral distemper. The virus can also be detected in CSF using PCR. If cerebral distemper is suspected, always consider submitting a CSF sample along with serum (clotted blood) for distemper serology (serum neutralization test).

Will a dog survive distemper?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “distemper is often fatal, and dogs that survive usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.”

Can a dog get distemper even if vaccinated?

Question: Can my dog contract distemper if he’s had a vaccine? Answer: Unfortunately, the short answer to this question is “yes”. Vaccines are unable to 100\% completely protect against a disease, however providing your dog with the recommended vaccination protocol will greatly reduce his chances of becoming sick.

What is canine distemper and can it be prevented?

Distemper is one of the most serious diseases your dog can get. It is also one of the most preventable. Here are the facts, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods that every dog owner needs to know about distemper. What Is Canine Distemper?

How do I know if my dog has distemper?

Your vet will need to examine your dog to diagnose canine distemper. Sometimes signs of canine distemper don’t always appear right away, and it may look like other diseases or infections. Your vet may take throat, nose, or eye swabs, or urine or bone marrow samples.

Can a 4 month old puppy get distemper?

Distemper is a risk to all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies under four months old are particularly susceptible to canine distemper. If your puppy shows any symptoms of distemper, call your vet immediately. There is no cure for canine distemper.

What happens if a dog has distemper with hard pad disease?

If a dog infected with distemper survives the acute stage of the illness, he may also develop hyperkeratosis of the paw pads and nose, which gives distemper the nickname “hard pad disease.” This distemper symptom causes the pads of a dog’s feet to harden and enlarge and is uncomfortable.