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In the dog, distemper is a virus that can cause symptoms
depending upon the area of the body the virus decides
to localize. The three common areas of the body
in the dog affected by the distemper virus are the intestinal
tract, the lungs and upper respiratory tract, and the
brain and spinal cord (known as the central nervous
system).
When distemper affects the intestinal tract, diarrhea
and vomiting are the most common symptom. Affected
animals tend not to want to eat, and can become weak
and lethargic.
When distemper affects the lungs and upper respiratory
tract, cough, sneezing, and greenish discharge from
the nostrils is commonly seen. This is probably
the most commonly seen symptom nowadays in affected
dogs.
When distemper affects the brain and spinal cord, seizures
are commonly seen. In the spinal cord, an uncontrollable
twitch can occur which is a classic sign of distemper
virus. Left untreated, distemper can also affect
the pads of the dog's feet, resulting in hard pad
disease.
When an animal presents with suspicious signs of distemper
infection, blood tests can be done to document actual
presence of the distemper virus.
Treatment is based on the symptoms which the affected
dog has. Supportive care including fluid replacement
and antibiotics is often begun. Seizures are treated
with anti-convulsant medications. If the virus
is localized to the intestinal tract or lungs and upper
respiratory tract, the dog may be cured of the disease.
If the virus becomes localized in the brain or spinal
cord, resultant seizuring or spinal twitching may remain
with the dog for life. If treatment is begun too
late in the course of the disease, the dog may not survive.
Prevention of distemper is the best course of treatment,
and is done through vaccination
series. Because of these vaccines available
against this disease, it is not commonly seen, except
in un-vaccinated dogs, or poorly vaccinated dogs.
Often times local animal shelters will have outbreaks
of distemper when infected dogs are allowed to stay.
Spread of the virus is through the discharge from the
nose, in stool and vomit. Strict measures to keep
the affected environment clean with bleach or other
disinfectants are necessary to minimize exposure and
spread of the virus.
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