Canine distemper: knowing the causes, symptoms and treatments

Canine distemper: knowing the causes, symptoms and treatments


Infectious diseases affect dogs and can be very dangerous

Canine distemper is a dangerous disease that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. Highly contagious, it is caused by the CDV virus (Canine Distemper Virus), also known as “canine distemper virus” and belongs to the family paramixovirus🇧🇷 It can mainly cause the death of dogs that have weakened immune systems or of puppies that do not usually receive the annual booster of the multiple vaccine. It can reach the respiratory, gastrointestinal or neurological system of the animal.




Canine distemper: knowing the causes, symptoms and treatments

Symptoms of canine distemper

The signs that the cub è with distemper can be different depending on the affected region and the stage of the disease. But, in general, the incubation period of the virus varies from 3 to 15 days, and the first symptoms appear after a week.

“Symptoms depend on where the virus has come from and can be gastrointestinal (diarrhea and vomiting), respiratory (cough), nervous (muscle spasms) and skin (dermatitis),” explains veterinarian Carolina Gonzalez.

transmission of diseases

According to Carolina Gonzalez, transmission occurs mainly via aerosols and contaminated droplets. Contact with urine, feces, houses, blankets and food for animals infected can also transmit the disease🇧🇷 The virus can survive in the environment for up to three months.



Diagnosis of the disease must be made by a veterinarian.

Diagnosis of the disease

The diagnosis of distemper is made by the veterinarian based on clinical and blood tests, such as specific serology and blood count. “The prognosis is reserved for the bad guys. Unfortunately it is often diagnosed late and, with this, the virus ends up invading the nervous system, causing damage irreversible and which, many times, hinder the effectiveness of the treatment “, explains Carolina Gonzalez.

treatment of distemper

Although there are no effective antiviral drugs to combat distemper, the dog can recover well. According to the vet, the treatment is different for each animal and it depends on where the virus hit. But, in general, it involves treating the symptoms and strengthening the dog’s body to survive the disease. “That is why the importance of a veterinarian always with the case, so that he can diagnose and insert the necessary medications,” points out Carolina Gonzalez.

How to prevent?

According to Carolina Gonzalez, the prevention method is simple: the vaccine. “Every year you animal he must be vaccinated to keep him immunized at all times. And the most important thing is that the vaccine is applied by a vet you trust, “he says.

Multiple vaccines (V8, V10 and V11) are responsible for protecting the animal from distemper. Usually, it applies after 45 days of puppy life🇧🇷 Furthermore, it is important that the pet does not have contact with other unvaccinated dogs.

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Source: Terra

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