What are the symptoms of distemper in dogs? The disease itself is highly infectious and potentially fatal. It is very closely associated with the parainfluenza and herpes viruses and is caused by a paramyxoviridae virus. It causes severe, life-threatening illness in the infected host by infecting multiple body organs, resulting in a wide-spread infection.
There are several signs that your dog might be sick with distemper. If your dog shows any of the symptoms listed below, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. If he were untreated, the illness could have potentially caused death. However, most of the time, your pet will be healthy enough to be treated at home. If he were untreated, the symptoms listed below would probably recur over time.
Fever – Your pooch may suddenly become extremely fever and lethargic. Distemper in dogs often results in severe, prolonged fevers lasting up to 14 days. If your dog is exhibiting fever for more than a day, contact your veterinarian immediately. Some other common central nervous system symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, and dizziness.
Lassa fever Some pet owners mistake Lassa fever for chickenpox. However, they are two different viruses. They both affect the lymph nodes. The symptoms are similar to those of chickenpox, but their effects tend to be much more serious.
Lymph nodes can be affected by the disease, as well as the nose and eyes. Your pet will probably start to shake his head in pain, with a yellow discharge from the eye socket. You may also see some dark circles around the eyes. The eyes won’t release any fluid, so you’ll never know if your dog has eyes infection until he releases the mucous from the nasal discharge. Lassa fever often affects young puppies, so it’s important to isolate them from everyone else if you suspect this could be the case.
Varicose and Stomach Problems – The respiratory system is very important for your dog, but sometimes it can be damaged by the virus. The virus affects the upper respiratory system as well, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Distemper in dogs can also affect the stomach and intestines, causing distemper-like symptoms. Some signs of the virus that are seen in humans include: excessive salivation, lethargy, a loss of appetite, loss of weight, and abdominal bloating. The virus also affects the nervous system and brain. Symptoms of gastrointestinal problems usually include: vomiting, ulcers, loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Secondary Infections – If your dog has what is known as a secondary infection, it’s a serious threat to your dog’s health. A secondary infection can occur if your dog is already experiencing a major illness, or if he comes into contact with an infected animal. This can happen through touching an animal that has the virus, or by coming in contact with an object that has been contaminated with the virus. Even animals that are dead can create secondary infections if they break down and begin to decompose, as does human sewage. It’s important to isolate your dog from all other animals and humans while they are being treated for this virus.
Distemper in dogs can make your dog very sick. Some of the serious, even life threatening, symptoms can be fatal. Because distemper has an effect on the nervous system, it makes sense that controlling these symptoms is necessary for your pup’s safety. It’s important to get your pup the proper supportive care so they can be kept happy and healthy, both during and after treatment.
One of the biggest concerns for dogs that have been exposed to distemper is diarrhea. If your dog has diarrhea, it’s vital that you take him to the veterinarian right away. Not only is diarrhea a symptom of distemper, but it can also be a symptom of another illness. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics to treat the diarrhea, but it’s a good idea to also treat your dog for any other illness. A neurological disorder may be causing the diarrhea, and your vet will be able to provide you with the proper diagnosis.
The next most common infection is an infection of the respiratory system. Some of the symptoms of distemper in dogs include breathing problems, coughing, sneezing, and even pneumonia. Some of the infections can be prevented with vaccines, although distemper vaccination is not one of them. To protect your dogs against other illnesses such as parainfluenza, your veterinarian will likely recommend that you vaccinate all of your puppies. Puppies should receive two doses of the vaccine series, at eight weeks and six weeks.
The last symptom is the most unusual – it’s the appearance of lesions in the nasal area and around the eyes of your puppy. These lesions can be anything from a light rash to dark blisters. Because distemper affects the respiratory system, these symptoms are easily mistaken for an upper respiratory infection or a sinus infection.
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