What are the symptoms of distemper in dogs? Distemper in dogs is a highly contagious canine disease caused by a bacterial virus, which can be spread through direct physical contact or airborne contamination. The symptoms of distemper in dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, lameness, severe eye inflammation, seizures and death. Dogs that have not received adequate care and are continuously exposed to contaminated dog surfaces are more likely to contract distemper. Symptoms can show up two to four days after exposure.
When you bring your pet home from the pet store or the dog breeder, do not let him stay in the kennels alone. Give him plenty of exercise and time to socialize with other dogs. If you notice that your dog has not eaten for several days, then the vet will probably give him a vaccination. However, the V vaccination is only given if the dog has not been exposed to distemper in the previous five days.
Another symptom of distemper in dogs is the presence of pus-like discharge from the nasal and gastrointestinal tract. This condition is known as leptospirosis. The fever will range from forty-two to ninety-two degrees Fahrenheit. Other possible complications include weight loss, a loss of appetite, lameness, and weakness.
Distemper in dogs can be prevented by vaccines, which protect the body’s vital organs and the central nervous system. The distemper/parainfluenza combination vaccine was released in mid-1990. It is the first vaccine available that is protected against both types of the virus.
Seizures, or convulsions, are another sign of distemper in dogs. It usually begins in one area of the brain and then spreads to other areas. Seizures can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. A visual examination by your veterinarian can help determine if seizures are due to the disease or other disorders. Your veterinarian may need to make a diagnosis of this disease because the symptoms do not always match those of other diseases.
Fatigue is another symptom. The respiratory system, including the lungs, esophagus, stomach, spleen, and intestines, will work overtime to eliminate the bacteria. Because of this, fatigue is a common effect of distemper in dogs. As a result, your dog will often look ill. He will likely have a loss of appetite, become lethargic, and may develop diarrhea or constipation.
Distemper virus infection caused by neurological signs will typically cause a dog to develop severe signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms of distemper in dogs include drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and decreased thirst, dehydration and shock. These neurological signs can occur up to three days after the bite. If you see these signs, contact your vet immediately to set an appointment to have your dog tested.
In most cases, dogs can survive distemper virus infection. However, they do lose body mass, so it is important that they receive adequate nutrition and veterinary care until the veterinarian recommends they undergo treatment. Because the virus is a seroconversion disease, it is important that pet owners practice cautious, sanitary behavior when handling or cleaning the pet’s body. Pet owners should also be aware of potential signs of illness, such as infections, bruising, swelling and redness around the site of the bite. In addition, if there are any open lesions, broken hairs or discolored tissue, the owner should contact their veterinarian immediately to start treatment.
The symptoms of Distemper in dogs may appear months before the primary symptom sets in. For example, the appearance of the virus may first show up in early spring or fall. It is possible to have the virus circulate throughout the entire year, but only in rare instances does it ever show up without a prior occurrence. Most distemper outbreaks are typically triggered by an environmental or dietary factor. For example, if you or your family had a large amount of untreated fleas this season, you are more likely to encounter a distemper outbreak.
The vaccines recommended for both ferrets and dogs are the rabies vaccination and the distemper vaccine. Both are made to prevent transmission of the virus to humans. Both types of vaccines are made to be extremely effective against this deadly disease. However, even though these vaccinations protect pets from this disease, there is no guarantee that the virus will not become airborne. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your pets for Distemper.
If you do discover that your ferret or dog has become infected, the best option is to isolate him until he receives treatment. Distemper in dogs can be fatal and puppies can easily contract this disease when in contact with an infected dog. You should also ensure that you quarantine any puppies that contract distemper to help prevent them from contracting the disease again. Remember, if you have purchased a puppy, you have the responsibility of ensuring he or she is healthy and free from infection.