Mission
Animal Clinic
& Animal
Emergency Hospital
canine Distemper
Affordable Animal CLinic Granada HIlls INC
Located in the San Fernando Valley, 16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills Ca, 818-363-8143
Our Veterinarians are waiting to help you
CANINE DISTEMPER
1.
Canine Distemper is a very prevalent, highly contagious disease of dogs
caused by a virus. The
virus may be spread by contact with mucous and watery secretions discharged
from the eyes and noses of infected dogs. Infection may also occur from exposure to urine, fecal material, and
through the air.
2.
Better than 50% of adult dogs that contact the disease will die.
Among puppies, the death rate often reaches 80%.
3.
Many dogs that do survive the initial disease will suffer permanent
damage to the nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Partial
or total paralysis may often result. Seizures
often occur which become more frequent and severe as the disease progresses.
Most dogs that develop these signs must be euthanized.
4.
Cats are not susceptible to Canine Distemper.
The so-called “Cat
Distemper” is a different disease caused
by a different virus.
5.
Signs of Distemper include squinting, congestion of the eyes, and eye
discharges. Weight
loss, vomiting, nasal discharges, poor appetite, and diarrhea sometimes occur.
Most infected dogs have a fever and “stuffed up” head. Bronchitis and
Pneumonia often occur. In some
cases, no signs are observed until seizures begin. Occasionally
the virus affects the foot pads resulting in “hard pads.”
8.
Recovery often takes 6-8 weeks before it can be assumed the dog will not
be left with any of the permanent damage affecting the brain.
Many dogs appear to respond
very well to the initial medications, but then later develop seizures or twitches.
16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills, Ca. 91344 818-363-8143
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