The symptoms of canine distemper are easily confused with other dog diseases and unfortunately can even lead to death. Most common in unvaccinated puppies, distemper is highly contagious and in some cases can leave sequelae that will accompany the pet for life. It is important to be aware of any signs of distemper in dogs that have not yet completed the vaccination schedule.vaccination, as it is a disease that rapidly develops into a serious condition. In other words, it is an emergency situation! Paws of the House talked to veterinarian Raquel Rezende to help you better understand the dreaded dog disease. Check out here what is distemper, what are the symptoms of distemper, how to identify them and ways to prevent it.

What is distemper? The disease is caused by a virus and has a high contamination rate

Much is said about this disease, but what is distemper anyway? "Distemper is an infectious disease transmitted by a virus, transmitted by air or direct contact with secretions from already contaminated dogs," explains veterinarian Raquel Rezende. In addition to secretions, distemper can be contracted when a healthy dog comes into contact with feces, urine, food and objects (such as drinking fountains).canine distemper is more common in puppies and the elderly, as the weakened immune system is more conducive to the installation of the virus. However, any puppy that has not been properly vaccinated can contract the disease. The virus that causes distemper is very aggressive and can affect several regions of the body, especially the systems of the body.digestive, respiratory and nervous.

Distemper: symptoms vary according to the stage of the disease

The symptoms of distemper are as varied as possible. Specialist Raquel Rezende explains that the disease is divided into phases. "[It has an] initial phase with respiratory symptoms, and there may or may not be gastrointestinal symptoms," she explains. After a while, distemper can worsen, reaching a more delicate condition, reaching the nervous system. "In the second phase is where it reaches the nervous system,causing spasms, paralysis of limbs, vocalizations and even convulsions, "says Raquel. This means that when we talk about symptoms, distemper has a giant range, ranging from problems such as diarrhea to neurological consequences. Among the many symptoms of distemper, we can highlight:

• Cough
• Nasal and eye secretions
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Fever
• Bumps on the skin with pus
• Apathy
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Involuntary muscle spasms,
• Lack of coordination
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Paralysis

Canine distemper: symptoms, history and vaccines should be assessed at the time of diagnosis

As the symptoms of distemper are very varied, it can be difficult to tell right away that it is the disease. To be sure, the doctor will perform laboratory tests on the animal. As distemper in dogs can reach very serious levels, it is important to always take the dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice any signs. In addition to laboratory analysis and symptoms, distemper can have its own symptoms.diagnosis is made easier if you tell the vet a little about the animal's history. Since the disease is contracted mainly by contact with secretions and contaminated objects, try to remember if the pet has been around other animals recently. The same goes for newly rescued dogs. Tell the vet what places he has frequented in the last few weeks: public squares, offices and even the vet's office.DOG PARKING.

In addition, tell the specialist if your dog has the distemper vaccine up to date. If the animal is not vaccinated, or the booster is late, and has had contact with other dogs, the chance of distemper is much greater. Therefore, to identify canine distemper, symptoms, history and vaccination schedule are important issues for a faster diagnosis.

Is distemper curable? Supportive treatments can save the animal

Distemper is a very serious disease that can cause the death of dogs. But after all, is distemper curable? Although there are no specific drugs against distemper, there are supportive treatments to treat the symptoms of the disease. Even though it is a disease with high mortality rates, it is possible to find survivors of distemper out there. "Not necessarily all dogs die. It is a diseasevery serious, but some dogs manage to survive," she explains.

Supportive treatments for canine distemper typically involve antibiotics, anticonvulsants, supplements, fluid therapy and alternative therapies such as veterinary acupuncture. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of the disease being controlled. You may be asking yourself, "but without care, how long does it take for the dog to die of distemper?" This is very relative and willdepend on other factors, such as age, where you live, the food you receive, etc. Each animal deals with the virus in a different way, which is why early diagnosis is important.

Canine distemper can leave sequelae in the animal

Knowing how long it will take for your dog to recover from distemper can be tricky. "There is no set period of time for the animal to recover. It can take weeks or months," says Raquel. How long distemper lasts in the dog depends on many factors. The main ones are the severity of the distemper, symptoms presented and the response the animal had to treatment, which can vary. BesidesIn addition, it is important to keep in mind that when the disease affects the nervous system, it can leave sequelae. "Some animals when recovered may have sequelae according to the neurological injury suffered", says Raquel. The most common sequelae of canine distemper are seizures, tremors and disordered walking.

Vaccination against distemper in dogs is the main form of prevention

Canine distemper is a very serious disease, but it can be prevented with vaccines for dogs. The immunization that acts against distemper is the V10 vaccine, which also protects the animal from other diseases. It is a mandatory vaccine that must be taken from 42 days of life. In puppies or newly rescued animals, three doses are required at intervals of 21 days. After that, the vaccine"Even after a contamination it is of paramount importance that the animal is vaccinated annually to avoid a new infection," explains Raquel Rezende.

Dogs that have not yet completed the vaccination schedule, which also includes protection against canine rabies, cannot be walked before all mandatory vaccinations. It is a public health issue that must be respected by guardians. After completing the canine distemper vaccine cycle, it is recommended to wait about a week for the dog to go out on the street. This effort is worth it in the endof accounts!