Dory da Lata is almost a "digital influencer" and always appears on social networks taking a delicious nap in her favorite armchair or getting into trouble at home. Those who do not know the story and see this puppy leading a normal life, can not imagine the bar she and her guardians faced. Dory is a survivor of distemper! The disease was discovered four days after she was adoptedby Pedro Drable and Laís Bittencourt, when she was still a puppy, in a routine blood test. Even with immediate treatment, Dory went through all stages of the disease - gastric, pulmonary and neurological symptoms - and was left with some sequelae. From her litter, two other puppies did not survive.

If your dog has been a victim of distemper and survived treatment, now is the time to learn how to deal with the sequelae of the disease and provide more quality of life to your friend. The animal can live normally after being affected by canine distemper. Learn more about the story of Dory, this special dog who had the disease and turned it around with all love and care.care of their owners.

What is distemper? Veterinarian explains the disease!

Distemper is highly contagious and can cause many health problems to the dog. We talked to veterinarian Nathalia Breder, from Rio de Janeiro, who explained how the disease occurs: "Distemper occurs through a virus, which is transmissible, and which can lead the dog to death. Those who are affected by the disease, can have sequelae for the rest of their lives. This virus affects the systemnerve, attacking the myelin sheath of neurons."

The most common sequela of distemper is myoclonus, which is involuntary muscle spasms or tremors. The contractions remain until the end of the pet's life, but can be alleviated with therapies such as acupuncture, ozone therapy, reiki, among others. Another common sequela is seizures, which can be punctual or continuous.

Canine distemper: Dory has a 'lucky paw' as a reminder of the disease

Even with all the treatment, which lasted about seven months, Dory still had sequelae: her teeth are more fragile than normal, she became epileptic and has myoclonus in her right front paw. Some skin allergies also appeared, which may be related to the fragility of her immune system. Dory's parents' routine is dedicated to specific care, but none of that matters. They do not care.nicknamed myoclonus the "lucky paw", as a reminder of their victory against the disease.

In Dory's case, most people don't even notice that she has any kind of sequelae if they don't pay attention, especially if she's loose and running around. The only thing she really can't do is jump from higher places, because she might fall badly. Other than that, Dory has a normal, comfortable life.

Distemper: sequelae need to be observed to ensure the dog's well-being

Not all dogs that get rid of this disease manage to have the same life as Dory. Nathalia explains that myoclonus has several levels and, in some cases, muscle contractions occur with more force and frequency - which can prevent the animal from walking again. Some dogs may also have their needs compromised, such as feeding and evacuating.

Many people still think that the only option for distemper is euthanasia. But the truth is that there are many treatments that can help the dog get better. "Euthanasia can only be an option when we have no other way to improve the pet's life and he totally loses his quality of life and well-being. If he can't eat, drink, urinate or defecate, he has his whole life to live.impaired", explains Nathalia Breder.

Life after distemper: Dory needs constant monitoring

The treatment after the disease is specific according to the needs caused by the sequelae, explains the veterinarian. In Dory's case, she takes three daily medications - two for epilepsy and one for skin problems -, has a bathing routine to avoid allergies. In addition, she is monitored by specific veterinarians, such as a neurologist, zootechnician, nutritionist and dermatologist. Doryhas a specific natural diet to deal with seizures and good supplementation can help strengthen the immune system.

Distemper: treatment is essential for the animal

There are already several types of treatment for distemper. We can find alternative therapies and even stem cell treatments. Nathalia, for example, works with ozone therapy, which is a technique that makes use of ozone gas as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, also relieving pain such as arthritis and arthrosis. She also recommends acupuncture, an ancient technique that can help the animal to overcome its pain.walk again.

Whatever treatment you choose to help your puppy, the priority is always to keep him vaccinated and up to date with his diet and health. A strengthened immune system is essential to hold the animal in case of a flu or any other disease that can weaken him. Always remember to consult a veterinarian you trust!

Distemper: vaccine and other care after the disease

Once the animal has been cured, it can now receive the distemper vaccine. Before introducing another animal into the same environment, it is necessary to wait at least 6 months to eradicate the virus from the place. The place where the dog with distemper lived needs to be cleaned with a quaternary ammonium-based disinfectant. In addition, the new pet must already have the entire vaccine cycle completed, including the vaccine.It is important to always invest in the vaccine: distemper in dogs is treatable and immunization is the main form of prevention, especially in puppies.