A dog with distemper will generally exhibit signs of the illness within a week of becoming infected, with symptoms continuing to surface past the first week as the virus spreads. To minimize the risks to your pup's health from distemper, partner with your dog's veterinarian to maintain an up to date vaccination schedule. Seek immediate medical attention if your pet displays symptoms of this potentially deadly virus.
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Identification
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Canine distemper is a viral illness that occurs worldwide and is highly contagious. The disease, which can also be found among carnivores in the wild, has been known to infect a variety of wild animals including foxes, wolves, raccoons, ferrets, skunks and minks. Once a dog is infected with canine distemper, the virus spreads throughout his body to attack multiple biological systems, including the respiratory, neurological and gastrointestinal systems.
Symptoms
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Mild fever, often the first sign of distemper infection in dogs, is usually followed by a secondary fever a few days later, often accompanied by loss of appetite and discharge from the eyes and nose. Symptoms of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems follow, and may include coughing, vomiting and diarrhea.
Next, the virus may spread to the brain and cause confusion, paralysis of the hind legs, difficulty walking, muscle tremors, excess salivation, chewing movements (known as "chewing-gum fits") and seizures. In some dogs, the pads of the feet and nose could become thickened and calloused.
Time Frame
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According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the first sign of fever associated with distemper occurs three to six days after the dog has become infected with the virus, followed by a second bout of fever lasting less than a week. Gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms exhibit for a minimum of 10 days, with neurological symptoms taking weeks or months after the initial infection to appear. The time frame of the infection varies, with some dogs recovering in a matter of weeks; others struggling with the remains of neurological effects for years after their body has cleared the virus.
Risks
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Distemper can be fatal in dogs, especially young puppies or dogs with impaired immune systems. The highly contagious nature of this disease and the severity of its symptoms are of special concern to dog breeders, rescue groups, humane shelters and multi-dog households. Fortunately, immunization with of an effective canine distemper vaccine can virtually eliminate a dog̵7;s chances of becoming infected with the virus.
Warning
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Distemper is defined as an extremely contagious and aggressive virus. If you notice symptoms of the disease in your dog or suspect he has been exposed to the distemper virus, it is recommended that you isolate him from other animals and immediately contact your veterinarian. Early supportive treatments have been reported to reduce the severity of symptoms, minimize neurological effects, avoid potential death, and reduce the spread of infection to other dogs or puppies in the home.
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