Differential Diagnosis Kennel cough can mimic the respiratory symptoms of canine distemper. Vomiting and diarrhea should be differentiated from canine parvovirus, corona virus infections, bacterial and internal parasite infections, etc.

What can be mistaken for distemper?

Distemper in dogs can be confused with other systemic infections, such as: parvovirus infection. infectious canine tracheobronchitis.

Can distemper be misdiagnosed?

Canine distemper can be difficult to diagnosis at first, as it is often mistaken for kennel cough, a respiratory condition caused by other viruses. You'll want to note all the various symptoms your dog has been experiencing, as well as their eating and eliminating habits if they have changed.

What is distemper similar to?

Canine distemper is a worldwide occurring infectious disease of dogs, caused by a morbillivirus, closely related to measles and rinderpest virus.

How do you rule out distemper?

Diagnosis. Initially recognizing CDV may be a challenge because CDV clinical signs appear similar to other common diseases. A PCR test is a diagnostic tool to determine the presence of the virus's genetic material, and a quantitative PCR is considered to be the current test of choice.

Dog with Distemper

What is the first stage of distemper?

Initial symptoms of canine distemper include an elevated body temperature (above 103.5°F or 39.7°C), reddened eyes and a watery discharge from the nose and eyes. More developed symptoms include lethargy, tiredness and eventually anorexia. At this stage, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.

Can distemper go away on its own?

Dogs rarely recover from distemper on their own, so go to your veterinarian immediately.

What does a dog with distemper act like?

Head tilt. Lack of coordination. Muscle twitches. Convulsions with jaw-chewing movements (“chewing gum fits”) and drooling.

What is the last stage of distemper?

Dogs can reach the terminal stage for distemper about 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Older dogs with a more mature immune system can last several months. At the end of life when the illness attacks the nervous system, dogs suffer from seizures, paralysis and hysteria.

Can distemper be false positive?

A negative result does not rule out distemper, especially when samples are obtained late in the course of disease when virus may no longer be shed. False positives are possible within 1-3 weeks of vaccination.

What kills distemper viruses?

Currently, there is no treatment that kills the virus inside the animal. Veterinarians administer medications to fight the extra infections (such as pneumonia) and to prevent seizures, while the dog's body fights off the virus. How can I prevent distemper in my dog?

Can dogs with distemper poop?

In their studies on distemper Dunkin and Laidlaw reported that the majority of 70 dogs showed diarrhea throughout the course of illness and that in the sec- ond period of the diphasic febrile reaction the diarrhea frequently was profuse, with slimy feces containing small streaks of blood and having an offensive odor.

Can kennel cough be mistaken for distemper?

Distemper symptoms are runny nose, goopy eyes, vomiting, coughing, lethargy, and a fever. Many people mistake distemper for the more commonly known virus called kennel cough. If your dog indeed has canine distemper, they will, unfortunately, experience seizures or, in the worst-case scenario, paralysis.

Does my dog have a cold or distemper?

The symptoms most commonly associated with Distemper are red, runny eyes, and a nasal discharge. Dogs seem to just have a cold at first but the disease worsens rapidly. Vomiting, diarrhea, and fever soon develop, followed by various disorders of the nervous system.

When to put a dog down with distemper?

Even with intensive care, some dogs do not make a satisfactory recovery. Unfortunately, treatment for the neurologic problems of distemper is usually not successful. If the neurologic signs are severe or continue to worsen, it may be appropriate to have the dog euthanized.

How quickly does distemper progress?

The incubation period (the period of time from when a dog is exposed to the virus to when he begins showing clinical signs) is most commonly 10-14 days, though it can be as long as a month.

Do dogs with distemper drink water?

Since dogs with distemper typically don't want to eat and drink, become dehydrated from diarrhea and are susceptible to secondary bacterial infections, treatment is focused on supportive care. This may include fluid therapy, antibiotics and cleaning away nasal and eye discharge.

What medicine can I give my dog for distemper?

Unfortunately there is no specific treatment for Canine Distemper. Supportive care is provided which can include fluid therapy, antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, lung treatments for bronchopneumonia, anti-nausea and vomiting medications, steroids, anti-seizure medication and more.

What mimics distemper?

Kennel cough can mimic the respiratory symptoms of canine distemper. Vomiting and diarrhea should be differentiated from canine parvovirus, corona virus infections, bacterial and internal parasite infections, etc.

How to rule out distemper?

A conjunctival or nasal swab placed in viral transport medium is an ideal sample at this time to submit for PCR testing for distemper virus. If viral transport medium swabs are unavailable, a swab moistened with sterile saline and placed in a sealed sterile tube is a good substitute.

Can a dog survive distemper without treatment?

Distemper in dogs can become serious very quickly, which is why it's important to bring your dog to a veterinarian promptly if you suspect this disease. The earlier treatment is started, the better the chance for recovery. If left untreated, distemper in dogs is often fatal, especially in puppies.

How to cure a dog with distemper naturally?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the canine distemper virus (CDV) yet. This disease is often lethal, with a mortality rate of 80% in puppies and 50% in adult canines. With an increasing mortality rate, owners with an infected pup should not take this lightly.

What food to give a dog with distemper?

When your dog has a minimal appetite, you can try feeding it chicken broth directly into its mouth using a needleless syringe. You can also feed them boneless chicken that is boiled enough to make it soft and easy to eat. Try pairing it with boiled potatoes, and it will be something that your dog will enjoy.

Can you save a dog with distemper?

Furthermore, distemper can be fatal, so it is a disease that we take very seriously. Dogs can recover, but it is important to note that there may be lasting effects, such chronic neurological issues or persistent seizures.

---