Canine distemper is the second deadly contagious disease in dogs after rabies, and the virus is transmitted directly from one dog to another by direct contact.
Canine distemper is easily eliminated by conventional disinfectants in the environment.
The virus will be eliminated in the heat and within minutes, but can survive for weeks to near-freezing temperatures.
Unvaccinated 3-6 month canines are more susceptible to Distemper.
Canine distemper spreads through the runoff of the sick dog’s nose and then penetrate into the nose of the healthy dog, where it grows and spreads throughout the body.
One week after being infected, the dog develops a fever while the owner may not notice. And two weeks after the virus is infected, the virus can cause severe damage to the cells of the nose, eyes, lungs and intestines.
Canine distemper also attacks the pads of an animal’s feet, causing an abnormal enlargement or thickening them. It is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis of Distemper in dogs until they have the usual symptoms.
Symptoms of Canine distemper:
- Fever
- Nasal runoff
- Eye discharge
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
6- Cough
- Pneumonia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
10- Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
- Eye problems
- Hardening of the toe
13- Unusual tooth enamel
If a infected dog with Distemper is in the acute phase of the disease, it may develop “hard pad disease”.
These symptoms make the pad thicker and harder.
We at Dr. Hasanzadeh Veterinary Hospital, start the treatment after initial tests and upon diagnosis.
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