|
Attention
new puppy owners: has your pet completed his series
of vaccinations? Until he has, your dog will not
be fully protected against a number of infectious
diseases. One of the most deadly of these is canine
distemper.
Attention
new puppy owners: has your pet completed his series
of vaccinations? Until he has, your dog will not
be fully protected against a number of infectious
diseases. One of the most deadly of these is canine
distemper.
The
canine distemper virus is passed on from dog to
dog through direct contact with urine, blood or
saliva. Sneezing, coughing or sharing food and water
bowls, for example, are all possible methods of
transmission. The incubation period lasts from 3
days to 2 weeks, and the first signs of the disease
resemble a bad cold, including thick mucous discharged
from the eyes and nose, coughing and sneezing, There
may also be fever, listlessness, vomiting and diarrhea,
depression or loss of appetite.
Dog Distemper Can Be Serious, Even Fatal to Pups
Pups
with distemper are weak and barely able to stand.
In about half of the cases, the virus travels to
the victim's brain, resulting in seizures or problems
with the nervous system, such as shaking and trembling.
The dog's weakened immune system is often unable
to fight off other infections, such as pneumonia.
If not treated aggressively, a severe secondary
infection can be fatal to dogs suffering from distemper.
If
you suspect that your pet may be infected with canine
distemper, time is of the essence. In most cases,
the disease spreads quickly. There is no medication
currently available that can destroy the virus.
Veterinarians offer supportive care such as intravenous
fluids and antibiotics to prevent secondary infection.
Unfortunately, treatment is often unsuccessful.
Those dogs who do recover may be left with permanent
brain and nerve damage, which may not show up until
years later.
Prevention of Canine Distemper Through Vaccination
The
best weapon against canine distemper is prevention.
Make sure your pup gets his first vaccination at
6 to 8 weeks of age, and minimize his exposure to
potentially infectious dogs and environmental conditions
until he finishes his vaccination series, at the
age of 4 or 5 months.
The
virus can survive in the environment for several
weeks, so ANIMED recommends that you wait at
least a month if you're bringing an unvaccinated
dog into a household where an infected animal has
lived. A solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10
parts water will disinfect bowls, bedding and other
equipment.
|
