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
disinfecting cleaning services Winnetka ..Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More
In horse training or natural horsemanship, Approach is nothing more... Read More
When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they... Read More
Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More
Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More
Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More
Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home,... Read More
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More
All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More
Before you decide to give your dog canine arthritis medicine... Read More
Doggie day care is becoming more and more prevalent in... Read More
Once other animals such as cattle, sheep and goats became... Read More
Dog DoorsWhen we think of dog doors, we think of... Read More
Cockatiels are one of the most lovable pets in the... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
Puppies can be so exasperating! They know what we want,... Read More
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More
The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More
It's been weeks since you went riding. Now you have... Read More
Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More
last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More
Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats,... Read More
Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the... Read More
Many dogs today suffer from itchy skin caused by a... Read More
Selling a HorseThe best new tool for people selling horses... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
In compiling some information on achieving a proper fit to... Read More
Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More
You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More
If your kids have been begging you to get a... Read More
Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More
"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
Occasionally watching Animal Planet does have its advantage. You can... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
The West Highland White Terrier or Westie, has it's origin,... Read More
Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby,... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More
Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More
Pet |