What is distemper in a dog?
Nasal virus is an infectious disease caused by CDV-canine distemper virus, belonging to the genus Morbillivirus, family Paramyxoviridae. It is characterized by diversified pathogenicity, variable incubation period and disease duration, as well as a varying degree of symptom intensity. Both dogs and wild animals are susceptible to this pathogen, including: foxes, weasels, raccoons, badgers, wolves and martens. The infection occurs most often through direct contact, by droplets, and much less often through the alimentary tract. A healthy dog can become infected with the virus also through food and indirectly, when the handler brings it home on clothes, shoe soles or some other object. The virus carrier excretes large amounts primarily through secretions from the nose and eyes. Also along with urine and feces. Puppies at the age of 3-6 months, in which the antibodies acquired from the mother disappear, are most at risk of infection.
Nose in a dog - symptoms
The symptoms of the disease vary and depend primarily on the type of distemper. Some infections may be mild or asymptomatic, especially in individuals with a strong and rapid immune response. On the other hand, dogs with significantly lowered immune system immunity usually develop the acute or acute form, while animals with a weakened immune system usually develop the subacute form. The acute and acute form is manifested by a sudden increase in temperature (39-41 ° C), vomiting and severe diarrhea appear, and breathing problems. The consequences can lead to death or to serious complications from the nervous system. The mild form most often does not pose a direct threat to life, but the functioning of the dog is difficult. Then the recovery of strength occurs very slowly. The dog is depressed, has no appetite, there is purulent discharge from the eyes, difficulty breathing, troublesome cough.
The disease in pregnant bitches is usually asymptomatic or mild. However, you should be aware that fetuses are also susceptible to distemper virus and that pregnancy itself may be at risk. In apparently healthy puppies, neurological changes may appear after a few weeks. Puppies may also be deficient in the immune system. As a consequence, an increased susceptibility to viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections may be apparent.
Types of distemper in dogs
- pulmonary, called respiratory, manifests itself with abundant purulent discharge from the nose, difficulty breathing, cough, bronchitis, which may then progress into pneumonia.
- cutaneous, manifested by skin lesions (pimples, vesicles, redness) on the abdomen, thighs and on the inside of the ears.
- ocular which results in photophobia, corneal ulceration and perforation, iris inflammation or changes in the retina, hypersensitivity of the lacrimal glands and, consequently, severe tearing.
- nervous manifested by various neurological disorders: difficulties in movement, motor ataxia and paralysis of limbs, nervous tics. muscle tremors, strabismus, urinary and fecal incontinence, epilepsy, involuntary movements of limbs.
- intestinal with typical symptoms of vomiting and severe diarrhea, which lead to dehydration and destruction of the body.
Diagnosis and treatment of distemper in a dog
Immediately after noticing disturbing symptoms, we should contact the veterinary clinic. Do not give your pet any medications on your own. The diagnosis is made by a veterinarian, after interviewing the guardian, examining the dog and analyzing the results of blood tests, smear from the conjunctival sac, tonsils or the bitch's genital tract.
Treatment of distemper is difficult, it consists mainly in relieving the symptoms and stimulating the immune system of the pet. The treatment regimen depends on the form of distemper, its form, age and condition of the animal. The most commonly used are antibiotics, antiviral serum, fortifying preparations as well as eye drops and ointments. In the event of vomiting and diarrhea, the dog should be rehydrated. Your doctor may order glucose and amino acid drips and antiemetics. In the case of symptoms of the nervous system, drugs are selected adequately to the symptoms. If there was paresis or paralysis of the limbs, B vitamins and galantamine are administered. In convulsions, anticonvulsants and antiepileptic drugs are used.
Remember that the dog should not have contact with other animals for several weeks after the end of the therapy. Distemper virus is highly contagious and, even after recovery, is still excreted from your pet's body (up to 12 weeks). All rooms and objects with which the dog has come into contact should be disinfected.
Prevention
The key to preventing this dangerous viral disease is getting your dog regularly vaccinated. A veterinarian most often proposes a multi-component (polyvalent) vaccine, which also reduces the risk of developing other diseases, including Rubarth's disease and parainfluenza (kennel cough) and parvovirosis. The first dose should be vaccinated at 6-7 weeks of age and should be repeated after approximately 3 weeks. The last dose is recommended for administration at the age of 12-13 weeks. Subsequent immunizations should be made annually or every two years, depending on the type of vaccine last given. The vaccination schedule is determined by the veterinarian.
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