What is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly contagios 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.
For more great articles and tons of other great info visit our dog forum, visit Ron's blog or visit our dog forum
Chicago limo Skokie ..Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
You need a strategy for using or disposing of your... Read More
Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful... Read More
Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More
In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits... Read More
One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More
How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say,... Read More
Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave... Read More
Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More
Pet friendly vacations and travel planning make sense -- after... Read More
So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into... Read More
There is a dangerous problem that horse owners should be... Read More
Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More
limo O'Hare Bonfield ..Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More
Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Understanding where horses come from has been a long road... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More
Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More
Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water... Read More
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should... Read More
As with every training tool used to modify a behavior... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More
Pet |