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
cleaning service near Bannockburn ..Having a pet is an experiance that I think everyone... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More
The first thing to realize when you are training a... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More
It is important to choose a sugar glider breeder carefully.... Read More
Do you have a puppy that jumps on you, company... Read More
I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More
Adopting a dog is a lot of fun, but it... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash... Read More
In the last decade or so, the popularity of sugar... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Mundelein ..Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
Bringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of... Read More
Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More
The pet food industry, a billion-dollar, unregulated operation, feeds on... Read More
Chihuahua Training is Easy! You may be wondering if Chihuahua... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More
All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More
There are three important litter box considerations to account for... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles... Read More
BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More
Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More
Pet |