Canine distemper is a highly contagious and serious disease that has an incubation period of up to eight weeks. It is spread through contact of an infected dog with those of another, as well as by direct exposure to infected animals or surfaces. It is usually identified in dogs during the early part of the course of a course of treatment, but can be apparent months later. Affected dogs will experience coughs and respiratory problems. If a dog shows any of these veterinarian symptoms after contracting distemper in dogs, the owner should isolate the animal and call for help from a veterinary hospital.
Not only is canine distemper in dogs highly contagious, but it is also highly contagious among humans. The incubation period of the disease is two to four days, which means that it can be transmitted to people as well during the course of treatment. However, there is one difference between the disease and mumps, which does not involve a very slow incubation period. Mumps only last two to three days, while the disease can last from five to ten days in humans.
Canine distemper in dogs can be difficult to diagnosis due to its similarity to other viral diseases. However, recent studies have shown that the disease can sometimes be diagnosed through laboratory testing, including blood tests and various other types of tests. Because the disease is often transmitted through coughs and other kinds of secretions, it is necessary to observe the overall health of the animal and compare it with the results of lab tests. An accurate assessment of the animal’s immune response can be useful in properly diagnosing the condition.
There are several symptoms that can be considered as neurological signs of the disease. Since distemper in dogs can affect both eyes at the same time, it can cause double vision and vomiting, weakness, decreased vision, and double the number of seizures compared to normal dogs. The seizures can occur in one or both eyes. It can also cause depression, anxiety, and inability to control bowel movements. Diagnosis is made more difficult if the diagnosis is done through neurological symptoms alone. If the diagnosis is confirmed through clinical testing, then your vet may conduct blood tests and other diagnostic methods to confirm the diagnosis.
The central nervous system symptoms of the disease are often similar to those of neurological conditions in humans. Canine distemper in dogs can lead to seizures, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and loss of control. A dog experiencing these symptoms should be viewed by a veterinarian right away. If left untreated, the disease can progress and damage the brain and other organs. It can even cause death.
To protect your dog against distemper in dogs, make sure he or she receives a series of recommended vaccinations on a regular schedule. These vaccinations help prevent the virus from progressing. Some of the most commonly recommended vaccinations for canines are the rabies vaccination, distemper combo, hepatitis b, hepatitis c, and the paba vaccine. Some dogs do not receive these vaccines on their first visit to the veterinarian. If this is the case with your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately to find out if a booster would be necessary.
If canines do not receive these important vaccinations on time, they run the risk of contracting a secondary infection, which can be just as deadly. This is especially true in dogs that had already received a previous vaccination to prevent distemper. When a secondary infection occurs, the body’s immune system battles the illness, but it cannot keep the disease away. The result is a weakened immune system, which allows the disease to move forward.
Because the booster shot is usually administered between four and seven weeks after the initial distemper vaccination, it is not likely that canines would have developed the illness before receiving the final vaccine. However, the booster dose may not have been administered on time and could cause an early break in the immunity. It is possible for dogs to contract distemper within a twenty-four hour period after the last dose. Since there is no known cure for this deadly disease, it is imperative that pets who have been vaccinated be diligent about getting the final dose. Failure to do so puts both the pet and the family at risk.
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