The last stage of plague. Distemper in dogs, symptoms, treatment. Do pets get better?

It is better not to encounter a disease such as distemper in cats or panleukopenia in reality. The animal has a fever, diarrhea and vomiting appear, the heart, brain and respiratory organs fail - only 10 out of 100 sick cats have a chance to survive.

Which cats are at risk?

An adult pet (up to 6 years old) with a strong immune system is least at risk of contracting this highly contagious disease. An aging body loses its ability to resist diseases, including viral ones, which is why mustachioed children automatically fall into the risk zone between the ages of 6 and 8 years.

The second risk group consists of growing kittens in the age range from 2 to 12 months. If panleukopenia is diagnosed in a child, do not expect offspring: kittens will be born lifeless or the fetus will die in the womb (resolve, mummify, or be miscarried).

Since infection does not require close contact with the carrier of the dangerous virus, both a yard and an indoor cat can catch it.

The pathogen settles on the soil along with urine, feces and other physiological secretions of sick/recovered cats. A healthy animal becomes infected with distemper by drinking water from a common cup, walking on the grass where a sick cat roamed, or smelling its feces.

The virus has other ways of entering the body:

• intrauterine (from mother to fetus);
• through mother's milk;
• using flea bites;
• from an owner who came into contact with a sick animal and did not wash his hands;
• through objects touched by an infected animal.

It cannot be ruled out that the virus will be brought into the house along with the owner’s shoes and trousers, on which it can “catch” on the street.

What are the symptoms of distemper in a cat?

The main signs of infectious gastroenteritis or feline distemper will be:

• high (up to 41 degrees) temperature;
• refusal of water and food;
• sunken eyes;
• weakness;
• diarrhea and vomiting;
• dull coat;
• dry skin.

Cats lose interest in the world and try to hide in secluded corners. An animal suffering from a fever sits hunched over or lies on its stomach, stretching out its limbs and throwing its head back.

Excruciating spasms prevent a thirsty cat from drinking. The mucous membranes turn blue, she begins to breathe with her mouth open. Due to heart problems, a dry cough often appears. In feces, as in vomit, traces of blood are visible.

Often death occurs after the first hours of the disease.

Forms of the disease

Parvovirus with the long Latin name Virus panleukopenia feline (FPV) is to blame for the occurrence of feline distemper. It is distinguished by its amazing vitality, remaining unchanged in the external environment for up to one year.. It is the stability and long life of the pathogen that allows it to easily find new victims.

Important! Virus panleukopenia feline does not respond to changes in acidity from pH 3.0 to pH 9.0, does not decompose when heated for an hour to 60 ° C, can withstand frost, and is not susceptible to the effects of trypsin, pepsin, as well as chloroform and diethyl ether.

Like most viral infections, feline distemper can take one of three typical forms:

• super-sharp (lightning fast);
• spicy;
• I'll tweak it.

First, the pathogen penetrates the small intestine, bone marrow and lymphatic system, and a little later it occupies almost the entire body.

Lightning stage

It most often occurs in kittens under 12 months of age and is characterized by the following signs:

• lethargy and apathy;
• trembling limbs;
• reluctance to move;
• barely audible squeaking;
• unkempt (clumped) coat appearance;
• refusal to eat/drink;
• lack of reaction to his mother.

When the nervous system is damaged, symptoms similar to those of rabies are added to those listed: the pet is frightened by any extraneous sounds, it crawls into far secret corners, and is afraid of sunlight and light in general.

After a while, the symptoms are supplemented by vomit with yellow foam and loose stools (diarrhea) with a specific foul odor. In some cases, excrement is mixed with blood.

Acute stage

As a rule, cats with strong immune systems pass through it. In such animals, the disease manifests itself as follows:

• the temperature jumps to 41 degrees;
• interest in what is happening disappears;
• the cat lies down almost all the time;
• she is breathing heavily and refuses to eat;
• the cat vomits green/yellow foam, where later (after 36-48 hours) particles of blood are observed;
• watery diarrhea appears.

After some time, the temperature drops to 37 degrees: lower readings usually portend imminent death. Heart failure may develop. If the respiratory system is affected, the following symptoms are added:

• copious nasal discharge;
• watery eyes and redness of the eyes;
• audible wheezing in the chest;
• hot nose;
• cough;
• foci of inflammation on the epidermis, gradually filled with pus (rare).

The cat is very thirsty, but cannot drink due to spasms of the larynx and pain in the abdominal area.

Important! If treatment for infectious gastroenteritis does not begin on time, no more than a week passes from the first signs to the death of the sick cat. An animal that manages to survive retains its acquired immunity to feline distemper for several years.

Subacute stage

Taking into account the prognosis of recovery, this is the most favorable form of the viral disease, in which all the key markers of plague are noticeable, but with their manifestations noticeably smoothed out.

The most resistant animals, those who have been vaccinated or who have iron health by nature, pass through this form of the disease. With proper treatment, panleukopenia has minor consequences, and the four-legged animals quickly recover.

Diagnosis and treatment

The incubation period of feline distemper (regardless of its form) lasts from 2 to 10 days. But already in the first days of infection of an animal, a pathogen is detected in its feces, reaching peak values ​​on the third day.

Establishing diagnosis

At the clinic, you will need to tell the doctor all the noticed signs of cat illness, after which he will take the nasal secretions, blood and feces of the sick cat for laboratory tests.

One of the defining indicators will be a sharp decrease in the number of leukocytes (white blood cells). A blood test plus a virological test, coupled with general symptoms, will give the correct picture for making a diagnosis. The more accurate it is, the more effective the battle against the disease will be.

Therapy

A universal medicine to combat panleukopenia (due to the extreme survivability of the virus) has not yet been invented. Comprehensive measures help to cope with plague: firstly, the use of etiotropic drugs to destroy FPV, and, secondly, the use of medications that relieve the main symptoms.

Veterinarians often prefer fosprenyl (an antiviral agent), administered intramuscularly over two weeks.

Important! In the first days, the animal is required to receive at least 4 injections per day, but gradually their number is increased to 1 injection per day. The dose is calculated based on the patient’s weight: 0.2 ml is administered to a cat weighing up to 1 kg, 0.5 ml - for a cat weighing from 1 to 5 kg.

At the same time, once a day (for a week) the cat receives enterostat: 20 mg per 1 kg of weight.

Symptomatic therapy is designed to calm down all the debilitating manifestations of the disease. To combat dehydration, they rely on calcium chloride. Riger or rehydron help stop vomiting and cope with intoxication: sometimes the powders are diluted with glucose, also adding a little baking soda. During the day, the tailed patient is required to drink liquid at the rate of 50 ml/kg.

To remove accumulated toxins, they turn to traditional medicine, using diuretic plants, for example, lingonberry leaves, bearberry and horsetail, from which decoctions are prepared. Do not forget about vitamin supplements and drugs that replenish iron deficiency (ursoferran or ferrodextran).

To start metabolic processes, use catozal (at least 7 days). No-spa and dibazol are in demand to reduce pain and relieve spasms. To prevent secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics must be given throughout the full course of treatment.

Disinfection

It is carried out using javel water (sodium hypochlorite solution) and a UV lamp. You can also use formaldehyde gas and soda ash mixed in water (1 part soda to 20 parts water) to disinfect rooms, cat beds and bowls.

You cannot do without wet cleaning of the room where the sick animal lies (up to several times a day). Do not forget about regular ventilation, during which the patient is transferred to another room.

Create a comfortable air temperature in the recovery room and promptly remove vomit and feces. Make sure your cat is not exposed to direct sunlight. Rinse her eyes in a timely manner, removing purulent discharge with a swab dipped in medicinal liquid.

Diet

As soon as the pet’s appetite returns, he is prescribed a diet consisting of a small amount of carbohydrate food with a gradual increase in the protein component. On the first day, the cat is given a teaspoon of food, gradually increasing the portion (2 times every day).

• fermented milk products (yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, kefir);
• low-fat meat broth + soaked white crackers;
• boiled chopped beef and fish fillet (not earlier than on the third day).

It is not prohibited to purchase ready-made dietary food designed for cats with digestive disorders. In the first days, cat food should be light (preferably pureed) and warm. The mustachioed dog needs to be fed more often than usual: 5-6 times a day.

Important! The list of prohibited foods includes any raw food, including vegetables, herbs and fruits. After final recovery, these products should not appear in the cat’s diet for at least a month (but preferably two).

Distemper is a dangerous disease of viral etiology; veterinary specialists call it panleukopenia or viral enteritis. The disease develops rapidly, and if there is a delay in receiving qualified help, it ends in death for the animal. Understanding the danger distemper poses in cats, every owner of a furry pet should know the symptoms of this terrible disease so as not to miss the moment to seek help.

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What is the danger of panleukopenia or viral enteritis?

Viral enteritis is a contagious disease that affects all members of the cat family. The disease is most often diagnosed in the spring and summer. The mortality rate among small kittens can reach 100%. The infectious agent does not pose a danger to humans.

The causative agent of plague is a DNA virus of the genus Pavoviridae. A feature of parvovirus is the high resistance of the viral particle to environmental factors.

The causative agent of panleukopenia can maintain its virulence for a year, which contributes to the widespread spread of the disease among animals.

The feline distemper virus is not afraid of most disinfectants, is resistant to sunlight for a long time, and is not susceptible to the action of many enzymes. The high resistance of the pathogen complicates preventive measures and the fight against infections.

The danger of the disease is due to several factors. First of all, panleukopenia is a highly contagious disease. Experts use this term to describe rapidly spreading acute infections. Viral enteritis is often widespread, causing big problems not only for breeders, but also for individual owners of domestic cats.

Feline distemper is dangerous due to its high mortality rate among sick animals. According to statistics from veterinary specialists, the fatal outcome in case of the disease is 90 - 92%. Young animals and pregnant females are especially susceptible to the panleukopenia virus.

Paths of infection with plague

Methods of infection with viral enteritis have been well studied by modern veterinary medicine. The source of this dangerous disease is sick cats, as well as virus carriers. The virus is released through saliva and excrement: urine, feces.

Routes of infection with parvovirus infection	a brief description of
Oral contact	The virus enters the animal's mouth through saliva. This most often occurs when eating infected food or drinking water contaminated with viral particles from a sick animal or virus carrier.
Airborne path	A healthy animal becomes infected when it is in the same room with a sick animal.
Contact method	Animal care items (bowls, cups, litter trays, toys, harnesses, etc.) retain the virus of a sick animal for a long time. Infection often occurs through shoes, clothing, and personal belongings of the owner who comes into contact with the virus-carrying animal. Another important question for owners is whether a cat can become infected with distemper from a dog. Especially in cases where a case of illness has already been identified in one of the pets living in the same area. Despite the consonance of the diagnoses, we are talking about two different diseases. The viruses that cause dangerous diseases in cats and dogs are completely different. That is why a dog sick with distemper is not a source of infection for a furry pet. Cats at risk The panleukopenia virus is common among almost all representatives of the cat family: leopards, tigers, cheetahs. Among domestic cats, distemper is one of the widespread viral diseases that pose a threat to the life of the animal. Veterinarians note that domestic cats at a young age of up to one year, as well as furry pets older than 6-8 years, are most susceptible to viral enteritis. The risk group primarily includes unvaccinated animals under 1 year of age. Young animals are predisposed to the disease due to their underdeveloped immunity, and older animals lose the ability to resist infections with age, and the immune properties of their body weaken. Panleukopenia is a dangerous disease for an adult pregnant cat, as well as small kittens. The chances of getting feline distemper increase in kittens after 2 weeks of age. This is due to the fact that the mother’s immunity has weakened, and the body’s own immune system is not enough to resist the dangerous virus. As for breed predisposition, British cats, Maine Coons, Persian and Siamese cats are most susceptible to feline distemper. Symptoms of plague infection The incubation period of distemper in cats is from 3 to 8 - 10 days. Having entered the body through one of the possible routes, the viral particle actively multiplies, infecting internal organs and the brain. Viral enteritis develops, as a rule, at lightning speed (superacute), acute and subacute. Lightning current The fulminant course of the disease is typical for young individuals. The disease develops within a few hours after the pathogen enters the pet’s body. This form of the disease in its clinical manifestation may resemble the symptoms of fatal rabies. Distemper in domestic cats in its hyperacute form often ends with damage to the nervous system. The animal experiences clonic-tonic convulsions, body tremors, and paralysis. A sick cat may become frightened and become nervous. Hyperacute lesion process With a hyperacute course of the disease, signs of weakness and apathy develop literally before our eyes. The sick animal refuses food and water, and develops a fear of light. The pet practically does not get up. Often clinical signs do not have time to develop, and the animal dies within a short time. Acute course of plague In the acute form of the disease, the incubation period is 1 - 2 days. This course of feline distemper is typical for adult animals. Sick individuals at the beginning of the disease refuse food and water, lie all the time, exhausted and apathetic. Following these signs, the owner observes green or yellow vomit, and as the pathological process develops, blood is also found in the vomit. In addition to vomiting, a sick animal develops diarrhea. The stool becomes light-colored, mixed with blood and mucus. The pet's stomach becomes painful and there is rumbling. The cat takes a tense position due to pain in the abdominal cavity. The animal quickly develops dehydration and intoxication. A lack of water in the body is indicated by dry and dull hair and a recessed third eyelid. In the acute form of the disease, the owner may notice a febrile state in the cat. A low temperature of 37 C suddenly changes to a high temperature of up to 41 C. When the temperature rises, pets look for cool places. Experiencing severe thirst, the animal, however, cannot drink water due to spasms of the muscles of the larynx. A sick cat also experiences lacrimation. Purple spots are observed along the animal’s body, prone to suppuration. In the acute course of the disease, sick individuals often experience wheezing, heavy breathing, and frequent coughing. The pet develops conjunctivitis, rhinitis, inflammation and swelling of the larynx. The cardiac system also reacts to the panleukopenia virus: tachycardia and signs of heart failure develop. By affecting the animal's blood leukocytes, a generalized infection affects the lymphatic system. A sick cat has inflammation of almost all lymph nodes. Subacute form of the disease In adult animals with strong immunity, panleukopenia often occurs in a subacute form. The incubation period in this case will last up to several weeks. Clinical signs of distemper in cats in this form are not as pronounced as in the acute stage of the disease. With a high level of the immune system, a complete recovery of the pet is possible. Diagnosis of the condition when detecting plague At the first signs indicating the infectious nature of the disease, the fluffy beauty should be immediately shown to a veterinary specialist. Along with your cat, you should bring your animal's passport with its vaccinations marked with you to the clinic. The diagnosis is established on the basis of anamnesis, examination, clinical and laboratory tests. First, your veterinarian will check the stool for viral particles. The study uses the polymerase chain reaction (PCR method). However, it should be borne in mind that a positive result can be obtained if the animal was vaccinated shortly before the disease. A characteristic sign of the development of panleukopenia is a sharp decrease in leukocytes in the pet’s blood. Therefore, a blood test is prescribed for a sick animal. A smear of discharge from a cat’s eyes for PCR diagnosis of panleukopenia A veterinarian will conduct a differential diagnosis, since the symptoms of viral enteritis are similar to pathologies such as feline leukemia, poisoning, and intestinal perforation. If the owner has the slightest suspicion that the cat is sick with distemper, the animal should be immediately shown to a veterinarian. Only if you urgently seek qualified help does your cat have a chance of recovery. Animal treatment Unfortunately, at the moment there is no specific drug aimed at destroying a specific parvovirus. In this regard, treatment of distemper in cats is symptomatic and aimed at alleviating the pet’s condition. First of all, the sick animal is prescribed infusion therapy to eliminate the phenomenon of dehydration. For this purpose, saline solutions, glucose solutions and Ringer-Locke solutions are used. These drugs, administered intravenously or subcutaneously, replenish fluid reserves in the body and normalize electrolyte balance. The number and frequency of administration of solutions is determined by the attending physician based on the severity of the disease. Veterinary specialists assign a special role in the treatment of panleukopenia to strengthening the immune system. The sick animal is prescribed a course of immunomodulators and vitamin preparations. Effective for viral infections are drugs such as fosprenil, gamavit, roncoleukin, glycopin, ribotan. Human immunoglobulin is often used, as well as interferon, thymogen, and anandin. Immunomodulators Vitamin A, which has a regenerative effect on the intestinal epithelium, is useful as a vitamin supplement for viral enteritis. Ascorbic acid will be useful for activating the immune system, as well as B vitamins for the nervous system of the body. Cardiac activity is supported by cordiamine and caffeine. If a secondary complication of the disease by a bacterial infection is suspected, the animal is given a course of antibacterial therapy. The choice of antimicrobial agent depends on the clinical picture in a particular case. Typically, these drugs are administered parenterally. If the disease is defeated, cats after distemper do not require any additional treatment or rehabilitation measures. About panleukopenia in cats, watch this video: Rules for caring for a cat during treatment The key to successful treatment of a cat with distemper is proper care of the animal. From the first hours of diagnosis, the furry pet should be placed in a separate warm and dry room without drafts. During treatment, the habitat should be shaded so that sunlight does not irritate the sick animal. The cat should be given warm boiled water. On the recommendation of the attending physician, you can give decoctions of medicinal herbs with anti-inflammatory effects as a drink or add ascorbic acid to the water. In the first days of illness, the animal is given warm meat broths. Then rice and buckwheat porridge are introduced into the menu. Gradually they begin to give low-fat cottage cheese, chicken, and lean beef. Feed should be in small portions 5 - 6 times a day. As the animal recovers, it is transferred to its usual diet. During treatment, as well as for 4 months after recovery, the pet should be kept isolated from other animals. For several months, even a clinically healthy animal is a potential source of infection for other members of the cat family. As a rule, the consequences of distemper in cats are not observed after the animal has fully recovered. This is due to the fact that the virus, localized in leukocytes and intestinal epithelium, is eliminated from the body, and damaged cells are quickly restored. As a rule, recovered individuals do not require further vaccination, as they acquire stable immunity to the panleukopenia virus. Prevention of distemper in cats To prevent serious and dangerous diseases, veterinary Experts recommend following the following rules and advice: Keep new animals in quarantine for two weeks. Feeding your pet a balanced, complete diet. Maintaining immunity at a high level. The most effective method of preventing panleukopenia is to vaccinate your cat against distemper. For these purposes, biological preparations such as Nobivak, Multifel, Quadrikat are used. The effectiveness of vaccination depends on proper deworming before vaccination and adherence to the antiviral prophylaxis schedule. Viral enteritis in domestic cats is a dangerous and severe infection. Every owner should know the symptoms of a rapidly developing disease. The timeliness of diagnosis and the correctness of the prescribed treatment allows you to give the animal a chance to live. If a cat has suffered from distemper, there are no serious health consequences for the animal. Individuals who overcome the disease acquire lifelong immunity to the virus.

An acute viral disease with a high mortality rate, known as canine distemper, Carré's disease or canine distemper, has been the scourge of dog breeders and their pets since the domestication of the latter.

Which dogs are at risk?

In Russia, infectious bluetongue (febris catarrhalis infectiosa) first appeared in Crimea (1762), which is why it was called the Crimean disease. In 1905, the viral nature of the disease, accompanied by fever, damage to the central nervous system, pneumonia, catarrh of the mucous membranes and skin rash, was proven by the French researcher Carré.

Both adult and young dogs can become infected with distemper, but the most dangerous age is considered to be from 2 to 5 months. Puppies born from bitches who have been vaccinated or have naturally recovered from distemper almost never get sick. Puppies of suckling age also rarely get sick, unless they are poorly maintained/fed. Colostral immunity protects the brood for about a couple of weeks after weaning, after which vaccination is required.

This is interesting! Susceptibility to the virus is also determined by breed. Less resilient breeds include domesticated breeds, including toy dogs, South Russian/German Shepherd and Siberian Laika. Terriers and boxers are the most resilient.

In addition, vitamin deficiency, helminthic infestation, unhealthy food, lack of exercise, damp cold weather and related breeding contribute to infection.

Virus resistance

The canine distemper virus, like a typical paramyxovirus, contains ribonucleic acid and is resistant to many physicochemical factors. At sub-zero temperatures it can retain its virulent properties for 5 years.

The virus lives in the organs of dead animals for up to six months, in the blood for up to 3 months, and in nasal secretions for about 2 months. Some physical factors and simple disinfectants destroy the virus:

• sun rays and formalin/phenol solutions (0.1–0.5%) – after a few hours;
• 2% sodium hydroxide solution – in 60 minutes;
• ultraviolet irradiation or 1% Lysol solution - for 30 minutes;
• heating to 60 °C – in 30 minutes.

When boiled, the pathogen dies instantly.

Routes of infection

The reservoir of the canine distemper virus is wild carnivores and stray animals, and the source of the pathogen is sick and recovered dogs, as well as those in the incubation period. The virus is released from the body through sneezing and coughing (with saliva and nasal/eye discharge), feces, urine and dead skin particles. The dog acts as a virus carrier for up to 2–3 months.

Important! The virus enters the body through the respiratory tract (for example, by sniffing) or through the digestive tract. Not long ago, a vertical method of infection was also proven, when the distemper virus is transmitted to offspring through the placenta of an infected bitch.

The pathogen settles on dog bedding, muzzles, grooming items, as well as on the owner’s clothes and shoes. With the onset of sexual heat, the chance of catching canine distemper increases sharply. The morbidity rate for canine plague is at least 70–100%, and the mortality rate (depending on the form of the disease) ranges from 25–75%.

Symptoms of distemper in dogs

The virus, entering the body, first reaches the regional lymph nodes, then enters the blood and causes fever. Next, the pathogen penetrates the internal organs and in parallel affects the central nervous system, leading to serious problems with digestion and breathing.

The latent period of the disease (from infection to initial symptoms) takes from 3 to 21 days. At this time, the dog looks quite healthy, but is already capable of infecting other dogs. Smoothed symptoms make it extremely difficult to diagnose and determine the date of plague infection.

The first signs of the disease:

• mild depression, lethargy and fatigue;
• redness of the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and nose;
• decreased appetite;
• clear discharge from the nose and eyes;
• partial refusal of games/exercises;
• slight diarrhea and vomiting (sometimes).
• tousled fur.

In some animals the signs are less pronounced, in others they are more distinct. At the beginning, all sick dogs have an elevated temperature (39.5–40), which lasts for about 3 days.

This is interesting! After 3 days, the temperature of the strongest animals drops to normal, the disease ends and recovery occurs. In weak dogs, the temperature continues to rise against the background of a general deterioration in health.

Damages to the nervous system can be observed both at the height of the disease and during positive dynamics. Carnivore plague often has an atypical or abortive course, and is also characterized by an acute, hyperacute, subacute or chronic course.

Forms of the disease

The degree of brightness of clinical signs determines the form of the disease, which can be nervous, intestinal, pulmonary or cutaneous (exanthematous). The development of a certain form of plague depends on the virulence of the pathogen and the reactivity of the dog’s body. One form of the disease easily passes into another. In addition, the manifestation of canine plague in a mixed form is not excluded.

Pulmonary form

In its acute form, this form of plague is associated with an increase in temperature (up to 39.5 degrees), which does not decrease for 10–15 days. The skin of the nasolabial planum becomes dry and cracks appear on it (not always).

Important! 1-2 days after the temperature jump, the dog’s eyes begin to water profusely with the formation of serous-mucous and then purulent discharge: the animal’s eyelids stick together and the eyes close.

Rhinitis begins, in which serous-purulent exudate flows from the nasal cavities, the nostrils stick together, and crusts appear on the nasolabial mirror. Breathing is accompanied by wheezing and a cough appears, initially dry, but later wet. In the 2nd–3rd week, catarrhal disorders are often joined by nervous ones, which then become predominant.

Intestinal form

If the main blow of the virus falls on the digestive system, the dog suddenly loses its appetite, gets sick with pharyngitis/tonsillitis and shows signs of catarrh (usually acute) of the gastrointestinal tract. Catarrhal inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa is manifested by diarrhea with the release of liquid (gray-yellow and then brown) feces mixed with mucus and blood.

With the intestinal form of plague, periodic attacks of vomiting with yellow mucous contents are observed. If the rectum is affected, where hemorrhagic inflammation began, bloody spots are found in the feces. Sick dogs also emit a disgusting odor.

Nervous form

When the nervous system is damaged, short-term excitement and even slight aggressiveness are observed.

The nervous form of canine plague is characterized by the following symptoms:

• of the whole body;
• spasms of individual muscles, including limbs and abdominal wall;
• twitching of facial muscles;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• epileptic seizures, turning into paresis/paralysis of the limbs, rectum, bladder sphincter and facial nerve.

In some cases, improvement in general condition is followed by relapses, usually after 7–9 days. Such sudden exacerbations usually end in the death of the animal.

Cutaneous form

With this form of the disease, plague exanthema develops, or simply a skin rash, when small red spots dot the ears, nostrils, area around the mouth and thighs of the dog (inside and outside). The spots gradually transform into shiny blisters (with yellow purulent/serous filling) ranging in size from a grain to a penny. Then the bubbles burst and dry out, forming brown crusts.

Important! The duration of distemper in dogs varies greatly. Mild cases result in recovery within a week, severe cases drag on for months and even years.

Some sick dogs develop hyperkeratosis, in which there is severe keratinization of the epidermis at the joint bends. Sometimes weeping eczema occurs in the area of ​​the external auditory canal.

Diagnosis and treatment

First, you need to exclude diseases with similar symptoms - Aujeszky's disease, salmonellosis, rabies, infectious hepatitis and pasteurellosis.

• damage to the respiratory tract;
• two-wave temperature rise;
• catarrh of the mucous membranes of the eyes/nose;
• damage to the central nervous system;
• diarrhea;
• hyperkeratosis of the paw pads;
• the duration of the illness is at least 21 days.

Four of these symptoms are enough to suggest that a dog has canine distemper. The early stage is often characterized by the following five signs: photophobia, normal temperature with increased appetite or a temperature of 39 °C or more with loss of appetite, cough, symptoms of damage to the nervous system. Based on two of the five named signs, one can suspect plague, and based on three, a diagnosis can be made.

Drug treatment

For distemper in dogs, complex therapy with a combination of specific and symptomatic drugs is indicated.

The most effective specific means are recognized:

• avirocan (canine immunoglobulin against hepatitis, distemper, parvovirus and coronavirus enteritis);
• immunoglobulin against canine distemper and parvovirus enteritis;
• globulin against enteritis, plague and hepatitis of carnivores.

Important! To suppress bacterial (secondary) microflora, antibacterial drugs with prolonged action are prescribed. A course of antibiotic treatment must be completed with the use of probiotics, such as bifidumbacterin, lactobacterin, enterobifidin, bactisubtil and others.

Traditional methods of treatment

Experienced dog lovers, based on their many years of experience, do not particularly trust veterinarians and often refuse drug treatment, relying on simple remedies. The basis of all drugs, thanks to which dogs were pulled out practically from the other world, are strong alcoholic drinks. One of the most popular recipes looks like this: twice a day, a sick animal is given half a glass of vodka mixed with one raw egg and a teaspoon of honey. The last ingredient is not strictly required. The mixture is injected into the mouth from a syringe or a large syringe (without a needle).

Someone saved their dog from distemper in a more expensive way, using good cognac (a teaspoon 2 times a day), other owners made do with homemade moonshine (a glass in the morning and evening), and someone fed the dog with banal fortified wine.

Another miraculous drink based on vodka, which returned the dog to an active life: 2 cloves of crushed garlic + 1 homemade egg + vodka (100–120 g). Everything is thoroughly shaken and poured from a spoon or syringe. This is a single dose, repeated morning and evening.

This is interesting! Some healers combined the incongruous (alcohol and antibiotics), but the dogs were rescued from the clutches of death. Patients received injections of penicillin and twice a day 0.5 glasses of vodka, shaken with a couple of raw eggs.

An adult (with an intestinal form of distemper) began to recover from homemade red wine, since the store-bought wine made her sick. They gave her wine for exactly two days, pouring 2 tablespoons in the morning and evening, and after 1–2 hours they gave her 1 tablet of noshpa. In addition, the shepherd was constantly given water (1 tablespoon) throughout the day.

The dog, according to the owner, woke up cheerful already on the 3rd day, and began to eat liquid soup little by little (though not by itself, but from a spoon). For 7 days, the shepherd was also given a Noshpa tablet, and she did not require antibiotics. A week later the dog was healthy. Decoctions of St. John's wort and chamomile will help remove accumulated toxins from the body. A decoction of motherwort is also good, preventing the development of severe consequences and calming the nervous system.

Canine distemper is a viral disease that is quite resistant to many external influences. Retains resistance at low temperatures - up to twenty-four degrees with a minus mark. At high temperatures it loses its pathogenic functionality. But you can also neutralize the virus using a two percent solution of sodium hydroxide, a one percent solution of formaldehyde, and Demp’s solution.

Young individuals - puppies aged from three months to one year - are especially sensitive to distemper.

During this period, a change in the dentition occurs, the growth of the skeleton and muscles is intense, as a result of which immunity is at a rather low level. Often the cause is poor sanitation and improper care of the animal. As a rule, breastfed babies are protected from infection due to the fact that antibodies against distemper enter the puppy’s body along with mother’s milk, but there are exceptions.

Often the cause of plague is poor sanitation.

Dog breeds and distemper

All breeds of dogs are susceptible to the disease.

All breeds are susceptible to the disease. The peak of pathology occurs in spring and autumn. Sources of infection are sick individuals. Carriers – humans, birds, insects.

What are the signs and symptoms of a dog with distemper?

The latent course lasts about three weeks.

With distemper, a dog's body temperature rises.

The disease does not manifest itself in any way, and the animal does not change its usual behavior. There are several forms:

• hyperacute course;
• acute form;
• chronic type;
• typical manifestation;
• atypical manifestation;
• lightning form.

Common signs are a rise in body temperature, but in babies the temperature may not rise. Ultra-acute form implies significant and sharp hyperthermia of the body, the animal stops eating, a coma occurs and after two or three days the animal dies.

Acute form

Acute form characterized by a duration of about a month, depending on the general immunity of the pet.

The acute form of the disease is characterized by weakness and apathy in the dog.

• A feverish state is observed, body temperature up to forty-one degrees, which lasts for ten days or more.
• Weakness, oppression, apathy are visible.
• Basic reflexes are partially or completely lost.
• , fear of loud sounds and photophobia, the animal hides, refuses food.
• Possible attacks of nausea and vomiting.
• Cracks and crusting are visible on the mucous membranes of the nose and on the outer surface.

Damage to the body

It is characteristic that plague can affect different systems of the body. As a result, the symptoms will be slightly different.

Distemper in dogs can affect different systems of the body.

Respiratory system

Damage to the respiratory system is characterized by purulent and nasal cavities.

Damage to the respiratory system is characterized by blockage of the nasal passages.

The nasal passages are blocked by a purulent mass, as a result of which breathing becomes difficult and the dog sniffles. The tonsils become inflamed and pain occurs. Diarrhea may then occur. Body temperature rises rapidly.

Intestinal system

Intestinal damage manifests itself in the form of frequent fainting states and a complete lack of appetite.

When the intestinal system is damaged, the dog often begins to drink.

Cutaneous plague is expressed in the appearance of blisters.

The temperature with this form of flow does not rise or rises to a rather insignificant level. In general, the patient feels fine and, apart from blisters on the skin, nothing bothers him. This state of affairs indicates the presence of a mild form of pathology.

Nervous system

The nervous origin of plague is expressed in a significant increase in body temperature, while appetite is preserved.

The dog may become lame.

• The animal's behavior changes, signs of a nervous disorder are observed - aggression, nervousness, irritability.
• Muscle tremors are visible. Lameness, paralysis, or all four, one or more may occur. If, as a result of paralysis of the limbs, paralysis of the heart or respiratory muscles occurs - sudden death.
• The presence of seizures similar to one inevitably leads to the death of the animal.
• As a rule, signs of nervous damage are present for several months, less often they persist even after the animal’s recovery, until the end of its life, appearing periodically. Usually this state of affairs occurs at the end of any form of the disease.

The first symptoms do not begin in the fourth week or after apparent remission.

Damage to the fingertips

It happens that when all of the above symptoms occur, regardless of the type of plague, the fingertips may harden. Moreover, such a feature common to all types and can occur at any stage of the disease.

The fingertips may become hard.

A feature of the acute course is the ability to transition into a chronic type of disease process.

In this case, alternation and constipation are possible. Severe exhaustion, loss of appetite or decreased activity, ruffled and dull coat. Eye discharge that dries out and crusts form in the corners of the eyes. In this case, recovery does not occur and ends in death.

Treatment at home

An integrated treatment approach is a surefire way to improve effectiveness.

There is no universal remedy for the treatment of plague, however, you can select a set of drugs that, through coordinated interaction, will contribute to recovery.

General treatment in any form includes the introduction of the following solutions:

• methenamine – 40%;
• calcium gluconate - 10%;
• glucose – 40%;
• sodium chloride isotonic;
• diphenhydramine – 1%;
• ascorbic acid – 5%.

Treatment includes the administration of a solution of methenamine.

It is noteworthy that solutions should be prepared immediately before administration, under sterile conditions. It is administered by infusion, in a course of ten days.

Scheme

The drug Proserin is used subcutaneously.

1. Apply subcutaneously prozerin, strychnine solution for the prevention and treatment of paresis.
2. Eliminates cramps and muscle spasms mydocalm .
3. Reduces intracranial pressure – magnesium sulfate solution, furosemide .
4. Damage to the central nervous system is eliminated through the use of parooccipital blockade, aminazine solution, sodium barbital .
5. The pet's agitated state is reduced by prescribing phenobarbital, benzonal, glutamic acid, folic acid .
6. Treatment continues for three weeks without interruption.
7. Used in parallel subcutaneous injections of novocaine course for ten days.
8. If epileptic seizures are present, treatment is recommended finlipsin, pagluferal .
9. Bacterial infection eliminated by antibiotic therapy, which includes the following drugs: chloramphenicol, norsulfazole, streptomycin, clofaran, kefzol, gentamicin.
10. As for specific treatment, serum is injected , containing antibodies from animals that have recovered from the disease and have entered complete remission.
11. To maintain general condition body and strengthening the immune system, it is advisable to use immunomodulators and immunostimulants.
12. For preventive purposes Heart medications are recommended - sulfocamphocaine, cocarboxylase.
13. Vitamin therapy of group B – B1, B6, B12, with parallel use of pantathen, nicotinamide.
14. Severe intoxication amenable to intravenous treatment with Ringer's solution.

The dog should be fed small portions of minced meat.

• They are fed finely chopped meat or minced meat in small portions.
• You can give a raw egg, but no more than twice a week.
• It is recommended to use low-fat cottage cheese and kefir.
• It is recommended to adhere to the diet even after recovery occurs.
• To avoid the transition to the nervous stage of the disease, you can give a decoction of motherwort.

Vaccination

Today there is an effective vaccine against plague.

Vanguard is an imported vaccine against plague. Has proven itself well.

Domestic manufacturer - KF-668, EPM. Imported vaccines - hexodog, pentodog, vanguard, kanvak.

Video about distemper in dogs

For most people, a dog is a loyal friend, and a puppy living in the house eventually becomes a full member of the family. Caring for a dog is not only affectionate treatment, daily walks and games, but also proper care of the pet’s health, because keeping a four-legged friend in poor conditions often causes a decrease in immunity, which often leads to the development of dangerous diseases. One of the most serious diseases, often fatal, is considered distemper in dogs, or in professional language – canine distemper.

What is distemper or canine plague?

The disease is viral and is characterized by high mortality in animals. In the wild, foxes, raccoons, ferrets, martens and sables, wolves and other animals suffer from carnivore plague. Among small pets, dogs are susceptible to distemper, especially puppies older than 3 months. This disease is also observed in cats, but cats tolerate the disease much more easily.

The causative agent of distemper in dogs is an RNA virus that belongs to the paramyxovirus family. The pathogen is highly resistant to low ambient temperatures, but quickly dies when boiled (after just a few minutes the virus is completely destroyed). In addition, the virus is sensitive to the effects of certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde and sodium hydroxide (2% solution).

The virus enters the dog’s body through the respiratory or digestive system, and then quickly spreads to all the dog’s organs through the bloodstream.

An adult dog infected with distemper almost always dies in the absence of qualified veterinary care. Young individuals and puppies tolerate the disease very hard; death from distemper in puppies occurs in 90% of cases. A recovered dog acquires lifelong immunity to the disease, but for about 3 months after recovery, the four-legged friend is a carrier of a dangerous virus, which means it is capable of infecting other healthy animals with distemper.

How can a dog become infected with distemper?

The main source of infection is a sick animal - domestic or wild. The canine distemper virus enters the environment through the secretions of an infected animal (excrement, saliva, fluid from the nose and eyes). Infection occurs both through direct contact between dogs and through the use of common pet care items:

• feeders and drinkers;
• beds and bedding for dogs;
• general toys and clothing;
• general housing areas (enclosure, dog carrying bags, kennels).

In some cases, distemper infection of pets is recorded even in apartment dogs that rarely go outside. It is known that the causative agent of the disease can enter the apartment on the street shoes of the animal owner.

The peak of plague occurs in the spring and autumn periods, when humidity in the external environment increases. Very rarely, plague outbreaks occur in the summer. Dogs with a weakened immune system (for example, after suffering from a cold), as well as puppies during a period of active growth of the body, are more susceptible to the disease than other individuals.

Forms and course of the disease

Penetrating through the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, the causative agent of carnivore plague rushes to the pulmonary lymphatic system.

The places where the virus multiplies are:

• Immune cells of the body (monocytes, macrophages).
• The lymph nodes.

In about 7 days After the introduction of the distemper pathogen into the body, the dog’s entire immune system is affected, and often other infections (bacterial and fungal) occur against this background. Through the circulatory and lymphatic system, the canine distemper virus penetrates all organs and tissues of the animal.

In one a week After infection with distemper, the pet’s nervous system is damaged, and after some time the first symptoms of the disease can be observed.

Veterinarians know 4 forms of the disease:

1. Lightning fast– Diagnosed mainly in small puppies. It is manifested only by the animal’s high body temperature; other symptoms may be absent. With this form of progression, the mortality rate is about 100%. Usually the animal dies in the first day after infection, so veterinary care is ineffective;
2. Acute– characterized by a high rise in body temperature, convulsions and paralysis, loss of appetite. In the absence of medical assistance, after 2-3 days the sick animal falls into a coma and dies;
3. Subacute– is accompanied by a febrile state of the dog, and the high temperature may stabilize for a while, but then return to its previous level. A sick animal becomes fearful, lethargic, and the animal may experience loss of appetite and dry nose. After a couple of days, the pet shows clear signs of illness;
4. Chronic– lasts from several weeks to several months. The symptoms of this course of the disease are identical to other forms of canine plague. The animal undergoes a slow destruction of all vital organs and systems, after which the dog dies.

The lack of timely veterinary care leads to 100% mortality of the pet, therefore, at the first suspicion of carnivore plague, the pet must be immediately shown to a specialist; self-medication is not allowed under any circumstances!

Symptoms of distemper in dogs

The incubation period for canine distemper ranges from several days to 1 month; it is for this reason that not every dog ​​owner is able to suspect that their pet is infected with a dangerous disease.

Based on the symptoms of the disease, there are several forms of distemper in dogs:

1. Nervous. With this form, signs of the disease may appear suddenly. The animal has a lack of coordination of movement, fearfulness, paralysis, epileptic attacks, and an increase in body temperature. A sick dog becomes easily excitable, often barks and howls for no reason, and begins to catch imaginary insects with its teeth. Often this form of plague is accompanied by inflammatory processes such as meningitis, encephalitis, and myelitis.
2. Intestinal. Accompanied by indigestion (constipation or). An admixture of blood is often observed in the animal's feces. A dog sick with distemper constantly vomits; the vomit has a mucous, foamy consistency, mixed with bile and particles of undigested food. A sour smell emanates from the animal’s body, the stomach is tense and painful. When palpating the abdominal cavity, an enlarged liver can be determined.
3. Pulmonary. During the first days after the introduction of the pathogen into the body, the first signs of the disease appear in dogs: mucous discharge from the nasal cavity and eyes. After a short time, the mucus from the nose becomes white or yellowish, and sometimes pus forms. Dried secretions block the nasal passages, making it difficult for the animal to breathe. The dog begins to sneeze, rub its nose with its paws, and snort. Often with this form of plague, purulent pneumonia occurs.
4. Skin. Red spots appear on certain parts of the dog’s body, which then turn into blisters with serous exudate inside. After a few days, the bubbles burst, and brown crusts remain in their place. A dog infected with a virus often experiences swelling in the eyelids, ears, and paws.

In veterinary practice, dogs with distemper often have a generalized form that combines several syndromes of the disease. In most cases, animals with this form of distemper suffer heavily from the disease and die in the first days after infection with the virus.

You can suspect that your pet has become infected based on the following signs:

• In the first days, the sick dog experiences weakness and lack of appetite;
• On days 2-3, the animal experiences mucous discharge from the nose and eyes, sneezing, snorting, and increased body temperature;
• After a week, a dog with distemper begins to suffer from intestinal disorders, increased thirst, and photophobia;
• At the final stage of the disease, the dog experiences difficulty breathing and suffers from a constant cough. When the nervous system is damaged, the animal experiences convulsions and paralysis.

Diagnosis of the disease

A veterinarian diagnoses canine distemper based on a clinical examination and laboratory tests. It is very important to differentiate the disease from other diseases with similar symptoms (,).

If carnivore plague is suspected, the following tests are carried out:

• ELISA or immunofluorescent analysis (nasal swab, eye swab);
• Analysis of urine and feces for the presence of pathogens;
• RDP (diffuse precipitation reaction);
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction);
• Rapid antigen test;
• Cytological analysis of mucous membranes;
• Bioassay of dogs for susceptibility to the disease.

Treatment of distemper in dogs

At the first suspicion of canine distemper, it is necessary to urgently take the animal to the veterinarian.

Currently, there is no effective drug against canine distemper!

As a rule, treatment is aimed at increasing the body's defenses to fight the disease, removing intoxication, and eliminating degenerative processes in internal organs.

For the specific treatment of canine distemper, blood serum from recovered animals containing antibodies to the virus is used. However, such treatment gives a positive result only at the initial stage of the disease or during the incubation period.

For nonspecific therapy the following are used:

• Antimicrobial agents (sulfonamides, nitrofurans);
• Painkillers and antipyretics;
• Hepatoprotectors to maintain liver function;
• Antibiotic drops for treating the nose and eyes;
• Disinfectant solutions for inhalation of the respiratory tract;
• Complexes of vitamin preparations;
• Complex solutions (urotropine);
• Products that restore the body’s water-salt balance (sodium chloride, glucose, Ringer-Locke solution);
• Immunostimulants and immunomodulators.

In addition, during treatment for plague, it is extremely important for the animal to follow a strict diet. It is strictly forbidden to feed your dog solid food; all food should only be in soft and liquid form (a small amount of minced meat, meat or vegetable broth, rice water, water porridge). In the first two days of therapy, you need to go on a fasting diet (only water is allowed).

Disease prevention

The most effective fight against distemper in dogs is timely vaccination of animals. from the disease after they reach 3 months of age, revaccination is carried out after 3 weeks to form lasting immunity. From the moment of birth, puppies have their own immunity to the disease, transmitted from the mother through milk. Next, the distemper vaccine is administered to dogs annually.

To prevent infection with the virus, the care and feeding of dogs should be carefully monitored. An unvaccinated pet should not be allowed to come into contact with homeless and sick relatives or share common care items and toys. The bedding on which your pet sleeps must be regularly treated with disinfectant solutions, and food bowls must be thoroughly washed after each feeding. The diet should be balanced and contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients.

Canine distemper is a dangerous viral disease that has a high mortality rate among four-legged pets. Even such a preventive measure as vaccinating a dog does not reduce the risk of contracting the virus, but vaccinated animals tolerate the disease much more easily and are less likely to die from distemper than dogs that have not been vaccinated.