Overview of Canine distemper
Canine distemper is caused by an aggressive virus that attacks the central nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems of an infected dog. Canine distemper causes a multitude of symptoms including fever, depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory problems, sensitivity to light, sound, and touch, muscle twitches, paralysis, confusion, and seizures. Distemper is most often diagnosed in puppies, but unvaccinated dogs of all ages are at risk of contracting the virus if they are exposed to it.
Treating Canine Distemper
One of the most disheartening facts surrounding canine distemper is that the prognosis is poor. The virus is particularly lethal in puppies; older dogs with stronger immune systems can sometimes survive, but even their chances of survival are low. Even though prognosis is poor, there are some supportive treatments that can help to increase a dog’s chances of surviving this dreaded disease; these treatments can also help to calm the devastating symptoms and help the dog to feel much more comfortable.
Supportive Therapies
Supportive therapies include antibiotics to address secondary bacterial infections that develop as a result of the virus; intravenous fluids are given to combat dehydration and shock. Medications for vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea are administered as needed. Anti-seizure medications are administered as well, and the dog is often sedated to help address pain issues. During this time hospitalization is essential; treatment at home is impossible due to the amount of expertise needed to care for the dog.
Dogs which recover from distemper can shed the virus for months after they are well; these dogs should be kept away from all other dogs for a period of time after they recover. All areas that the dog has come into contact with need to be thoroughly disinfected.