Distemper & Eye Discoloration in Dogs

Canine distemper is known as a paramyxovirus. It closely resembles the same virus that causes measles in people. This disease damages a wide range of the dog's organs, including the eyes and respiratory tract. Those who suspect their dog has distemper should isolate the dog from other canines in the household. The virus cannot be transmitted from a dog to a cat.

  1. How It Spreads

    • This disease spreads to other dogs through inhalation. After inhaling the virus, it heads to the lymph nodes and enters the blood stream. Distemper then begins to affect the respiratory system. Some dogs may also acquire pneumonia. The virus continues to move toward the gastrointestinal, central nervous, and urogenital systems. Dogs experience symptoms after four days.

    Symptoms

    • Distemper can disrupt many systems in a dog's body. Common signs of this virus are diarrhea, coughing and fever. Owners may notice discharge from the nose and eyes, which contributes to discoloration. It is possible for dogs that are mildly affected to be misdiagnosed with kennel cough.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosing a dog for the distemper virus is complicated. The tests used to detect distemper often returns false-positive results. Several diseases exist with similar symptoms as distemper. A test exists to check the cerebral spinal fluid for a definite diagnosis of the virus. However, the spinal fluid test is expensive and dangerous for dogs. A clinical diagnosis may be made by examining the symptoms and viewing previous history and vaccinations.

    Treatment

    • A drug cure does not exist for distemper. Most veterinarians treat the symptoms the dog is experiencing from the virus. Antibiotics are given to prevent new infections from occurring since white blood cells are suppressed. It is possible for dogs with distemper to die from central nervous system complications. Steroids may be prescribed to help dogs with severe seizures.

    Prevention

    • The best way to protect dogs from this disease is to begin a series of distemper shots beginning at 8 weeks of age. One year later, another shot will be administered to the dog. Depending on the veterinarian, dogs may be placed on a regular schedule to receive the vaccination. Blood tests that reveal antibody levels are taken to decided whether it is necessary for another shot. Testing is necessary since research shows too many vaccinations can harm dogs instead of help them.