Distemper in dogs is all too common and can spread to other animals like wildfire. And while it can be fatal, it need not result in death. especially since there are natural ways to both prevent it and help your dog survive it.
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious viral disease. It is brought on by a virus that affects puppies’ and dogs’ nervous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. It affects multiple body systems and organs. And before distemper is determined to be the cause, there are frequently false positives. This postpones treatment during the critical first few days and weeks of the illness. This virus targets and spreads inside the blood and lymphatic system’s white cells (lymphocytes and macrophages). That’s why it’s able to spread throughout the body. Additionally, it develops in the intestinal tract’s lining cells.
Domestic dogs are afflicted by distemper, as are ferrets, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons, among other creatures. Cat distemper virus exists, but the two illnesses are unrelated.
Canine distemper comes from the paramyxovirus virus. It’s spread through infected secretions and excretions. They include respiratory droplets from sneezing and coughing, as well as through eye discharge, feces, urine, blood, saliva, and mucus. Your dog might catch it from contaminated toys, food bowls, and other items.
Yes. It can be deadly and often is. Due to their immature immune systems, puppies and adult dogs have a mortality rate of 50% and 80%, respectively, for the disease.
Due to the prolonged time between symptoms and diagnosis—which can last a week or longer—death rates are high. And the symptoms suggest other ailments. However, dogs can survive if a diagnosis is made quickly before symptoms worsen.
About two to four weeks after infection, dogs with distemper can reach the terminal stage. Older canines with stronger immune systems can live for several months. When the illness attacks the nervous system near the end of life, dogs experience seizures, paralysis, and hysteria. With the nervous system affected, most dogs die within days.
No, they can’t. Distemper, canine parvovirus and heartworm can’t spread to humans. Humans have a different genetic makeup from animals. And that stops these viruses from evolving and forming bonds with the cells required for reproduction in humans. Therefore, you and your family are not at risk if your dog contracts distemper.
How Does a Dog Get Distemper?
Veterinarians strongly advise pet owners to vaccinate their puppy because it can infect dogs at a young age. The virus can be found in bodily fluids such as the infected host’s mucus, urine, and feces. Furthermore, it may be airborne, making it simple for your dog or puppy to breathe in infected particles and contract the illness from other infected dogs.
Distemper is dangerous because its early signs, which include a runny nose, coughing, and fever, resemble those of the common cold. Additionally, your dog may experience a slight discharge from the eyes and lose their appetite. Following, your dog may develop hard paws, experience nausea or diarrhea, and even become depressed. Be very observant of these symptoms.
The strain of CDV your dog has contracted, its age, general health, and immunity will all have an impact on how the disease develops. Some healthy pets can actually successfully battle the illness on their own. Sadly, those who don’t have a robust immune system will likely have a poor prognosis. Consequently, as a pet owner, you never want to take that risk.
How Long Can a Dog Live with Distemper?
You should visit your veterinarian right away if you believe your dog may have distemper. You should be aware that your veterinarian will likely focus on support when taking action. Your veterinarian will focus on treating the disease’s symptoms since there is no known cure for it.
It’s difficult to predict how long a dog will survive with distemper because it will depend on the dog’s age and, once again, the virus strain it has contracted. But don’t worry, your dog can and will survive as long as you provide him with the assistance he requires in a timely manner.
Most likely, the objective will be to control the symptoms and stop the spread of infection. Your dog could receive antibiotics, seizure medication, anti-vomiting and diarrhea drugs, as well as an IV line from your veterinarian. The good news is that as your pet’s health improves, he will become resistant to future attacks.
Stage One:
Watery to pus-like discharge from the dog’s eyes is typically the first sign of distemper, which is then accompanied by fever, appetite loss, and clear nasal discharge. The majority of infected dogs experience a fever within three to six days, but the severity of the infection and the patient’s response to it determine the severity of the initial symptoms. In general, the following signs of canine distemper during the early stages of infection:
Distemper is known as “hard pad disease” because if a dog infected with it survives the acute stage of the condition, he may also develop hyperkeratosis of the paw pads and nose. This uncomfortable canine distemper symptom causes the pads of their feet to thicken and harden.
A secondary bacterial infection that strikes when a dog’s immune system is weakened by the distemper virus is one of the additional dangers connected to canine distemper. Secondary bacterial infections can cause respiratory and GI symptoms, including:
FAQ
How long can a dog last with distemper?
About two to four weeks after infection, dogs with distemper can reach the terminal stage. Older canines with stronger immune systems can live for several months. When the illness attacks the nervous system near the end of life, dogs experience seizures, paralysis, and hysteria.
Can a dog live a normal life after distemper?
Distemper-surviving dogs can live long, fulfilling lives in comfortable surroundings. While some canines fully recover from the virus with little to no long-term effects or symptoms, others exhibit certain traits that will persist for the remainder of their lives.
What are the stages of distemper?
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What are the stages of distemper?
- Weepy eyes and nasal discharge.
- Coughing.
- Loss of appetite.
- Lethargy.
How fast does distemper progress?
The majority of cases take one to six weeks, with the majority displaying symptoms within one to four weeks.