Distemper produces blood in a dog. Distemper in cats (panleukopenia). There are acute, subacute, chronic and abortive forms of the disease

Distemper in dogs is caused by a virus. It is also called Carré's disease. The disease exhibits resistance to various physicochemical factors. So, at a temperature of twenty-four degrees, bacteria can survive for five years. Statistics confirm the likelihood of puppies becoming infected with this virus from 3 to 12 months.

This state of affairs is due to weakened immunity due to changing teeth and intensive growth. Any dog ​​can catch the virus. Basically, the disease progresses in the spring or autumn, which is explained by difficult weather conditions. The source of the disease is considered to be sick dogs. Birds and insects are carriers of the virus.

How is distemper transmitted in dogs?

Distemper disease is transmitted in dogs in different ways. No pet is immune from this. The virus is present in the environment for several days. Its presence is found in feces and urine left by an infected animal.

Infection also occurs through the adhesion of dirt to the dog owner's shoes. Another way is to keep the dog in a common kennel or kennel. You can catch an infection after your dog has been in a rented carrier. Infection can be triggered by lying on a litter or feeding in a place where a sick animal has been. The virus enters the courtyard of a house through the wheels of vehicles.

Who is at risk

The main statement of veterinarians is that the risk increases in dogs that walk without an owner. Stray dogs are the most likely to suffer from infection. All this is explained by an unbalanced diet and lack of vitamin intake.

It is necessary to wean your dog from sniffing everything on the street from an early age. A weak immune system can affect the development of the disease. A pet is at risk after becoming infected with a tick or suffering from an infectious disease.

Symptoms of infection

The incubation period of the disease can be two or three weeks. During this period, it is difficult to recognize plague. In the hyperacute, acute, typical form, the dog can die instantly without any symptoms of the disease.

Veterinarians believe that the symptoms of distemper in dogs can be severe or mild. A characteristic sign of the presence of the virus is an increase in temperature by 1-3 degrees. Puppies up to half a month may not have any symptoms. When distemper is hyperacute, the temperature suddenly rises. The dog doesn't eat. After this, he falls into a comatose state and dies.

You should be aware that the acute form can persist for a month. A sick dog is suffering from a fever. The temperature is at around 39.5-41 degrees. This state persists for ten or fifteen days. In rare cases, the temperature may drop after a few days.

A depressed dog will help recognize distemper. He loses activity. He does not want to eat, walk or play. You may also notice the disappearance of reflexes. Often the animal seeks to hide in a quiet place and does not respond to its name. There are frequent cases in which vomiting occurs. In the sinuses of the nose, the skin cracks and becomes crusty.

Subspecialty experts note that the virus often affects different organs. If the infection has affected the respiratory system, the disease signals itself by discharge of pus from the eyes and nose, blocking the nasal passages. This situation provokes breathing difficulties.

Stomach damage in a dog

In situations where the stomach is infected, the pet constantly wants to drink and does not touch food. He experiences constant fainting. There may be a white coating on the mucous membrane of the tongue.

When the virus infects the skin, blisters appear on it. With this manifestation, the disease is difficult to identify, since it occurs in a latent form. The nervous degree of damage manifests itself more pronounced. There is an increase in temperature, but appetite remains normal. The dog is in an irritated state. Veterinarians call the characteristic symptoms of seizures.

Lameness may develop, or paralysis of the limbs may occur. If the disease progresses, paralysis of the respiratory or cardiac muscles occurs, leading to epileptic seizures. This state of affairs causes the death of the dog. Negative symptoms can manifest themselves for several months or be present in a weakened form for many years. A similar condition can manifest itself in the last stages of distemper in a dog.

Another type of plague is identified when hardening of the fingertips is noted. It can combine all methods of infection. The temperature may be normal. Symptoms of pulmonary or nerve infection may appear. Pronounced signs are gastrointestinal disturbances and clicking sounds that accompany the dog while running.

If not treated in a timely manner, the acute form of plague can become chronic. Its duration is several months. Unpleasant symptoms include diarrhea and constipation. The dog is constantly exhausted because it refuses to eat. The dog has unhealthy hair. Dried crusts are observed in the corners of the eyes.

Diagnosis of infection in a dog

A veterinarian can identify the disease based on clinical manifestations. Laboratory diagnostic methods are used. When using them, it is possible to exclude infection with leptospirosis and enteritis. Veterinarians explain that in the initial stages of the disease they have the same symptoms as distemper.

Among them, the clinic uses enzyme immunoassay. It involves the use of materials (blood, nasopharyngeal swabs and other biological fluids). Using the method, antigen can be detected.

The polymerase chain reaction of neutralization and complement fixation allows recognition of the pathogen in cell culture. Using genetic engineering, DNA virus fragments are identified. Biological samples are made.

To whom is the virus transmitted?

Can the infection be transmitted to another dog? Veterinarians give a positive answer to this. This viral infection has the ability to be transmitted by airborne droplets. Therefore, it is enough for a dog to breathe on another pet to infect it.

At the first symptoms of the disease, the owner can begin a course of treatment for the dog. The infection is not transmitted to humans. The first priority in treatment is keeping the house clean. If there is an unvaccinated pet in the room, the floor covering should be regularly treated with disinfectants.

How to carry out treatment

The dog owner must react to the presence of negative symptoms in the animal. In this aspect, we must remember that timely treatment increases the chances of a favorable outcome several times. The correct treatment tactic is to contact a veterinarian who knows exactly what kind of disease it is: distemper in dogs. When diagnosing damage to the nervous system, the veterinarian will be able to develop therapy that will take into account all possible complications.

Etiotropic therapy can eliminate the causative agent of plague. Serum production is performed with antibodies from a dog that has already had the disease. There are many anti-plague medications on the market. Doctors included drugs produced by the manufacturers “Narvak” and “Biocenter” in the effective line.

The dosage is selected taking into account the dog’s body weight, since two milliliters of serum are administered up to five kilograms. For larger dogs, the dose is 5 ml. The medicine must be given once. In the case where the symptoms do not disappear, it is necessary to repeat the dose after 24 hours.

Veterinarians warn that the presence of negative symptoms during distemper greatly undermines the body's defenses. To prevent unwanted consequences, the dog needs to be given immunostimulants. They contain interferon, which suppresses the activity of the virus.

The dog needs to be pierced with a solution of calcium and vitamin B. If the temperature is elevated, the dog should be given antipyretic drugs. When the disease affects the respiratory tract, the pet experiences severe coughing attacks and difficulty getting oxygen. Then you need to help the dog remove phlegm from the lungs.

Bromhexine or mucaltin will help you cope with the tasks. A specialist can prescribe the required dose. For purulent discharge from the eyes, buy drops at the pharmacy.

Folk remedies for the plague virus

Plague can be cured by using traditional medicine recipes. But they need to be combined only with the recommendations of a veterinarian. For this purpose, you can use one egg and 20 grams of honey. This composition can be beaten with a fork.

The resulting solution is drawn into a syringe without a needle. The mixture should be poured exclusively onto the root of the tongue. This method will help the dog better assimilate it. Course therapy is carried out over three or four days. The mixture should be poured three times a day at equal intervals. The dog should always have warm water available.

An effective remedy is considered to be a recipe based on one egg, 20 grams of honey and 25 ml. vodka. The composition can be given to a pet who has a strong immune system, since otherwise there will be no result. Do not give to a dog with pronounced symptoms of the disease. It is given in the same way once for two days. The dog should be given plenty of warm water to drink.

You can reduce intoxication with decoctions of chamomile and St. John's wort. To prepare them, you need to pour 10 grams of each herb with 100 grams of boiling water and leave for three hours. Give the dog a decoction of 50 ml once a day. For nervous disorders, motherwort tincture will be effective, which should be given twice a day in the same volume. Veterinarians note that motherwort slows the development of the disease and prevents its transition to the nervous form.

Veterinarians warn that the canine distemper disease can cause complications. Only a doctor can respond to the possibility of complications. Therefore, you cannot rely only on folk remedies.

Diet for plague

Proper nutrition is of great importance for recovery. The diet should be followed for a short period even after recovery. Chopped meat or minced meat, cottage cheese, kefir, and milk are recommended. Be sure to give a raw egg twice every seven days.

It is also good to feed the animal a rice-based broth with soaked crackers, boiled liver, and meat broths. You can supplement your diet with oatmeal and vegetables. Portions should be small. Motherwort tincture will help prevent the infection from progressing to the nervous stage.

Preventive actions

Vaccination (specific method) is carried out with vaccines KF 668, EPM of domestic production. Polyvalent vaccines such as Hexadog, Vanguard and others are considered the most effective. Vaccination of puppies is recommended at 2-3, 6 months, one year and every year thereafter. The vaccination is done in two stages (0 day and on the 14th day - the second injection). Vaccination is carried out at an early age, since the mother’s immune system can protect it only up to three months. Animals tolerate the procedure easily.

The doctor must make a note in the veterinary passport about the vaccination. The quarantine is three weeks. Moreover, during this period it is not advisable for the animal to have contact with other individuals. It is recommended to thoroughly wash the floors and clean shoes twice a day. Disinfection in the room is carried out with a chloramine solution. It is believed that the virus persists at low temperatures, so the room in which the dog is kept must be warm.

Statistics show that vaccination protects an animal from infection by 99%. It has been established that puppies may not survive infection, but in adult animals the chances are 50 to 50. If a puppy with a latent stage of the disease is vaccinated, he will not be able to survive.

If the puppy is infected immediately after the vaccine is administered, then the probability of survival is low, since immunity has not yet developed. Before this, the dog must be dewormed and have its body temperature measured. You should be vaccinated a month before your intended visit to exhibitions and places where animals gather in large numbers.

Vaccination against distemper for animals

Vaccination does not guarantee against infection. It prepares the animal’s body so that it can cope with the disease. It has been established that a vaccinated animal tolerates the disease more easily. Within three months, a dog who has recovered from the disease can infect other dogs.

You should not allow your pet to come into contact with stray dogs, drink from a puddle, or lick feces. It is necessary to carefully select a place for walking your dog. After each walk, you need to wipe your paws and periodically change or wash the bedding. The dog owner must contribute to his recovery. It is important to massage and create a balanced menu during the recovery period.

Nutrition should be different. Meat is a source of natural protein and should form the basis of the diet. It can be replaced with offal. To diversify the diet, vegetables are added to porridge: parsnips, bell peppers, beets. Compliance with all the rules will allow the animal to remain healthy.

One of the most dangerous diseases of pets is distemper or Carré's disease. The second name of the disease is in honor of the name of the French scientist Carré, who discovered the causative agent of the plague back in 1905. The plague virus is very microscopic and is resistant: it can survive and infect despite the cold in a dried state for up to 9 months. But at a temperature of 40-45⁰ C the carrier of the disease dies after 2 weeks, at a temperature of 100⁰ C it dies within 1-2 minutes.

Late diagnosis of plague and incorrect treatment measures can lead to death. This disease does not harm humans.

Causes

Dogs of any age and breed are susceptible to distemper. There are several reasons why a pet can become infected with this disease:

• Contact with sick wild animals: mink, arctic fox, dogs, foxes;
• Sick pets, sexual contact with a sick animal or direct contact;
• Through care items, water and food, if animals have common bowls and bedding;
• Through mucous discharge from the nose, eye discharge, saliva from the mouth. At the same time, when barking or coughing, viruses hang in the air and can remain in it for several hours;
• Through the sole of the shoe of the owner, who found this sore on the street.

Symptoms

The incubation period begins from the moment the dog is infected and until the first possible manifestations of distemper can pass from two to four days to two to three weeks. The pet seems healthy, but an attentive owner will be able to note the unusual behavior of the animal, characterized by the following signs:

• Lethargic, depressed state of the dog, loss of interest in games;
• Inflammation of the mucous membranes;
• Loss of appetite, the dog eats even his favorite treats less willingly or does not touch them at all;
• Temperature rises sometimes up to 40⁰ C;
• Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, nose, eyes;
• The coat is matte and tousled;
• The appearance of purulent discharge from the nose, the dog begins to sneeze, tries to scratch its nose in any possible way;
• Difficulty breathing, rapidity up to 60-80 times per minute (normal - 14-24 per minute);
• When the gastrointestinal tract is affected by plague, the pet begins to drink too much, vomiting may occur, and constipation is replaced by diarrhea. The feces have a putrid smell, and the dog’s mouth also smells rotten;
• Tension of the abdominal muscles, pain when palpated;
• The appearance of bubbles with a yellowish-green liquid on the skin with little hair (near the eyes, mouth, stomach), which can lead to hair loss and dandruff. The dog's skin begins to smell specifically;
• Photophobia – the dog hides from bright light;
• Epilepsy seizures.

Treatment

If the owner notices at least one of the signs of plague, it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist to identify the form of the disease. The veterinarian can prescribe medications correctly based on the general condition of the pet. Immunoboosting drugs are also important to use. Solutions are administered intravenously: 40% methenamine, sodium gluconate, 40% glucose, isotonic solution, diphenhydramine, ascorbic acid.

The room in which the pet is located should be warm and dry. The light is dim so that the dog is not afraid of it. Cleaning should be done regularly using disinfectant solutions.

After the pet’s body temperature decreases, it is necessary to continue treatment with medications prescribed by the veterinarian for about 3-4 days. You cannot take a break, as this will slow down the animal’s recovery. It is also not recommended for the owner to reduce the dose of medications taken by the dog on their own.

Prescribed antibiotics should be taken for 10-15 days in a row. An overdose can cause dysbiosis, candidiasis and other complications in the dog.

If allergic reactions occur in the dog's body, small doses of corticosteroids (prednisolone, adrenocorticotropic hormone), antihistamines: calcium chloride, suprastin, diphenhydramine should be used.

Use tonics for the dog's respiratory and cardiac activity if there is a deterioration in the condition of the cardiovascular system.

It is important to follow a diet when your dog has distemper. Food should be high in calories, contain all kinds of vitamins, and feeding should take place at the same time throughout the entire treatment. You can give finely chopped raw meat if there are no contraindications from the veterinarian. The temperature of food and water should be equal to the body temperature of the sick dog.

It is better to walk your pet where there are no other animals and only on a leash.

The room of a sick pet must be ventilated: in winter and autumn - two or three times a day for 10-15 minutes; in summer, if there are no drafts, it is better not to close the windows.

If it was not possible to cure the dog, the disease is fatal - the apartment (house) must be completely disinfected and all the dog’s personal belongings must be burned.

Prevention

In order for your dog to be healthy and not contract the plague, it is necessary to get vaccinated annually at the same time. You should not listen to those owners who dissuade you from vaccinating your animal, since their pet still became infected with distemper after vaccination. This could happen for some reasons (weakened immunity and others), but vaccinated dogs are much more likely to recover from Carré disease than unvaccinated ones. And a vaccinated dog has a much lower chance of getting distemper.

When vaccinated with live but weakened viruses, the immunity created by them lasts up to a year. And vaccination with killed plague bacteria is easily tolerated and does not cause post-vaccination reactions. Immunity is developed gradually - 7-14 days after vaccination. Vaccination with dead viruses should be done 2-3 times a year, weakened viruses - once a year.

Proper food with the vitamins necessary for your pet, timely vaccination and keeping the pet’s apartment and paws clean after walks are the key to a dog’s health.

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In this article we will tell you about the occurrence, symptoms and treatment features of canine distemper (canine distemper, Carré's disease).

Some animal diseases can lead to serious consequences and even death. Canine distemper is notorious, the treatment of which is effective only with timely diagnosis. What is the causative agent of this dangerous disease, what varieties are found, how to recognize the symptoms and how is dogs treated for distemper? Our material will provide answers to many questions that trouble owners.

How does canine distemper occur?

The disease is classified as viral. The causative agent is a paramyxovirus from the genus Morbilliviridae. It is directly related to the human causative agent of measles and rinderpest virus. Observations of how plague manifests itself in dogs have been conducted since the 18th century. But it was only in 1905 that Carré confirmed the disease.

After the viral nature of the disease was established, it became possible to differentiate primary manifestations and secondary symptoms, and treatment of distemper in dogs became much more effective. It turned out that not only dogs, but also other predators (ferrets, foxes, wolves, minks) suffer from the plague. Therefore, in scientific literature it is called canine plague.

How do dogs become infected with canine distemper?

Sick animals (dogs or other predators) release the virus into the environment through discharge from the eyes, nose and mouth, as well as through feces, urine and dead skin epithelium.

The virus is very stable. It remains active in sunlight for 14 days and can survive for several days on clothing, on the floor or indoors. Therefore, disinfection of the premises where a sick or recovering animal is kept is of great importance. As with many other dog diseases, treatment of distemper should be accompanied by regular sanitary treatment of the premises. It is produced with a 2% solution of sodium hydroxide or other strong disinfectants.

Temperatures above 60 degrees can inactivate the virus within 1 minute, so to comply with quarantine, it is better to boil clothes and tools.

Healthy animals become infected from sick animals through food or air. You can also get infected from dogs that have already had the disease. They continue to be carriers of the virus for another 2-3 months even after treatment for canine distemper has ended.

How does canine distemper develop?

After the virus enters the body, the incubation period of the disease begins. It lasts 3-6 days. All this time, the virus multiplies in the tissues of the larynx and bronchial lymph nodes. The virus then spreads through the blood and lymph to the bone marrow and spleen, and the first symptoms of the disease appear. The temperature rises, the dog becomes lethargic and may refuse to eat. These symptoms of distemper in dogs are not yet specific and can be confused with manifestations of any other disease. Early consultation with a doctor and correct diagnosis can help quickly select an effective treatment regimen for canine distemper in a dog.

At this stage, the immune system actively counteracts the virus by producing antibodies. If for some reason (active colostral immunity or vaccination) the immune system takes over, recovery may occur. If the virus wins, it spreads further throughout the body. Treatment of canine distemper is complicated by specific symptoms. At this stage, the respiratory, digestive tissues, urethra and genitals, skin and nervous system are affected. During this period, all animal secretions become infectious and continue to remain so for up to 8 weeks. The effectiveness of treatment for canine distemper depends on the rate of formation of antibodies in the body of the infected animal and on effective medical support for the immune system. If a dog is sick with distemper, then an important medical task is to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

Clinical forms of canine distemper in dogs

The disease has a variety of forms, since the virus can infect any organs and tissues.

Gastrointestinal form of the disease (intestinal distemper)

It develops when the virus infects the mucous membrane of the stomach and small intestine. Vomiting, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), and rapid dehydration are among the most characteristic symptoms. If they occur immediately or together with respiratory manifestations, then this is a direct indication of intestinal distemper in dogs, treatment of which should be started as early as possible. The prognosis for treatment of intestinal distemper in dogs is cautiously favorable.

Respiratory form of the disease (pneumonic plague)

Pneumonic plague in dogs has symptoms similar to a bad cold. It is characterized by rhinitis (runny nose), difficulty breathing, and nasal discharge. The disease progresses rapidly, the discharge becomes purulent, and a crust forms on the nostrils. Next, bronchopneumonia develops, accompanied by a cough. A weakened immune system cannot resist numerous secondary pathogens, so infection with various bacteria is additionally possible: staphylococci, streptococci, bordetella. Pneumonic plague in dogs develops rapidly and quickly progresses to a severe stage. When pneumonia develops, the prognosis ranges from cautious to unfavorable.

Nervous form of the disease

This form of the disease most often occurs after the attenuation of the respiratory form or simultaneously with it. It occurs with meningitis and encephalitis caused by the canine distemper virus. There may even be temporary improvement lasting several days or even weeks. Nervous distemper in dogs is dangerous because it gives a whole range of different manifestations, depending on what part of the nervous system the virus has affected. Possible mental disorders, maneuvering movements, convulsions, tics, paresis, paralysis, blurred vision, blindness. The prognosis for treatment of the nervous form of distemper in dogs, which occurs without fever, may well be favorable, but tics can persist throughout the subsequent life of the animal. A severe course of the disease with a sharp increase in temperature and severe symptoms, as a rule, has a negative prognosis.

Cutaneous form of the disease

It manifests itself in the form of specific skin lesions: blisters filled with clear liquid appear on the skin. Bald patches may also be observed along the edges of the eyelids and near the corners of the lips. Canine distemper rarely occurs only in the cutaneous form; in this case the prognosis is favorable. But usually it accompanies the pulmonary or intestinal forms, which helps diagnose canine distemper in the case of nonspecific intestinal or pulmonary manifestations. If adequate medical care is not provided to a dog with cutaneous distemper in time, the disease may develop into a nervous form; in this case, lifelong disorders of the nervous system functions (tics, etc.) are likely to occur.

Distemper in dogs: symptoms and treatment

The symptoms of the disease, as we wrote above, depend on which organs and systems are affected by the disease, as well as on the individual characteristics of the immune system, the presence of other pathogens in the animal’s body and the type of virus itself. All of these factors influence how distemper manifests itself in dogs.

Therefore, the effectiveness of treatment for distemper in dogs depends on the stage at which the animal owner went to the clinic and the form of the disease. In general, treatment of dog distemper comes down to helping the immune system in its fight against the disease and correcting the changes that occur in the body under the influence of the virus.

Unfortunately, treatment of distemper in dogs often begins at a late stage, because at the time of the appearance of the primary signs - diarrhea, conjunctivitis, fever and refusal to eat, owners rarely consult a doctor. However, the combination of these signs should be a warning sign for the owner.

Symptoms of distemper in dogs, indicating the need for urgent medical attention for treatment: periodic fever, with an interval of two days to a week, purulent discharge from the nose and/or eyes, refusal to eat for more than a day, accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, cough that does not go away for more than a day. Owners of dogs that have not been vaccinated against distemper will have to monitor the symptoms and progress of treatment especially carefully.

Treating dogs for distemper often becomes an unexpected challenge for owners of very young dogs, whose immunity is not yet sufficiently developed and strengthened by vaccination.

Unfortunately, if a dog gets distemper, the symptoms of the disease may not be specific. Similar manifestations are observed in a number of diseases. Therefore, it is best to begin treatment of distemper in dogs by confirming the diagnosis. Modern veterinary laboratories use PCR analysis to diagnose canine distemper, which detects the presence of viral genetic material in a dog’s secretions.

The main regimen used to treat dogs for distemper is supportive and symptomatic treatment. In the first days, measures can be taken to support the immune system (introduction of ready-made antibodies in the form of serum or globulins). Antiemetics, medications to improve breathing, and IVs to correct dehydration are also prescribed. In case of severe disease with severe symptoms, treatment of distemper in dogs is best carried out in a specially equipped infectious diseases hospital.

What to do if your dog gets distemper

Treatment of dogs for distemper is best done under the supervision and support of an experienced specialist. This will make it easier to establish a diagnosis, control the severity of the disease, and monitor the dynamics of the disease.

We have already mentioned that treatment of distemper in dogs is often started too late precisely because of incorrect diagnosis. For example, owners note diarrhea and fever and give strengthening medications or simply put them on a diet. The dog may even feel better after the first stage of infection is over, but this does not mean recovery. As a result of delay, the disease progresses and enters a severe stage, when it is too late to provide help. Therefore, you should contact a specialist at the first alarming signs or at least have an idea about the symptoms of distemper in dogs so that treatment can be prescribed on time.

You think your dog has distemper - what should you do first? It is necessary to seek initial consultation and diagnosis as soon as possible. The animal should be isolated from other pets and the room where it is located should be disinfected twice a day.

After visiting a sick dog, you need to change clothes, wash and boil them thoroughly, and wash your hands.

Treating distemper in dogs at home requires following a special diet, also prescribed by a doctor.

Prevention of distemper in dogs

Competent and responsible dog owners will, of course, prefer prevention to the treatment of canine distemper. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for this disease.

The first vaccination is carried out for babies at the age of 8 weeks, the next one – after 3-4 weeks and then repeated annually throughout the life of the animal. If you picked up a dog on the street (or it came to you in some other way, and you do not know anything about its vaccinations), then it is better to quarantine the dog for 10 days without walking it on the street. This can be difficult, but it’s better than asking yourself the question later: how to treat a dog that has distemper.

If it is impossible to keep the animal in quarantine for any reason, emergency vaccination can be performed. But, nevertheless, it is better to carry it out in a calm manner, after 10 days of observing the animal.

It is necessary to understand that vaccination does not protect against the disease 100%. However, the immunity formed as a result of vaccination usually easily defeats the virus, so that symptoms of the disease do not appear at all, or appear in a mild form. Even in those rare cases when you need to see a doctor, the prognosis for treating distemper in a dog that has been vaccinated is favorable.

Distemper in dogs (or scientifically speaking, canine distemper) is a very dangerous disease, especially for puppies. What dog owner doesn't know about it? Not only dogs are susceptible to it, but also other carnivores (foxes, wolves, ferrets, sables and others). In cats, a similar disease is registered - panleukopenia. Essentially the same distemper, only the virus is specific - it affects cats. Today we will tell you about the first signs of distemper in dogs, the main symptoms and what to do and how to treat the animal at home.

Canine distemper in dogs is caused by a virus from the paramyxovirus family (contains RNA). This pathogen is extremely close in its structure and characteristics to the virus that causes measles in humans. And it is also similar to the causative agent of plague in large (and, of course, small) livestock. Therefore, it is very important to take precautions when interacting with sick or even recovered animals.

The pathogen is extremely stable. Unless it dies instantly in boiling water, so be sure to disinfect items caring for a sick pet (bowls, toys) in this way. Even after complete recovery (when there are clinical signs of distemper in dogs), a virus remains in the blood that can cause the disease. Therefore, the animal can infect other pets. Even nasal discharge contains a dangerous microorganism. But urine and feces pose a greater danger.

How does a dog become infected with distemper?

How is distemper transmitted in dogs and can it be transmitted from dog to dog? Main 2 ways:

• Through the respiratory tract;
• Through the digestive tract (with food or water that contains the virus).

A pet becomes infected both through direct contact with an animal (sick or recovered 2-3 months ago), and through “indirect” contact. That is, it is enough for the dog to sniff or lick the object on which the pathogen is located. It can remain in the external environment for a long time. Therefore, even if a few days ago a sick four-legged mustache “inherited” (defecated, marked bushes, dripped saliva or nasal discharge) in the area where you are walking your friend, there is a high risk of infection.

Shepherd dogs (German, Eastern European, Southern Russian) and their mixed breeds, Siberian huskies, Pekingese, Moscow watchdog, hunting and decorative breeds are more often (and more severely) affected than others. Mutts (due to the fact that their mothers often get sick and pass on antibodies with milk) and terriers are more resistant.

Types of distemper in dogs

How does distemper manifest in dogs? In fact, the symptoms and types of this disease are very diverse. This is due to the fact that there are several forms of the disease: intestinal, nervous, pulmonary, skin and mixed. The incubation period for distemper in dogs is quite long – about 40 days. Therefore, it is not always possible to determine the moment when the pet came into contact with the source of infection.

In addition to such a large number of forms, it should not be excluded that there are 3 courses: acute, subacute, chronic. Hyperacute is rarely recorded.

There are several forms of distemper in dogs, let’s look at each of them in detail:

Pulmonary form

It all starts with pus in the nasal passages. These “plugs” interfere with breathing, so the frequency of respiratory movements increases. Since the form is pulmonary, then the main damage occurs in the lungs. They become inflamed (pneumonia) and swell. When auscultating (listening), wheezing is heard. Due to pneumonia, the body temperature rises sharply again. Sneezing and coughing (first dry, and then wet and protracted) are also recorded. The pet trembles, is very weak, and then convulsions develop.

Despite the fact that the form is pneumonic, distemper in dogs is characterized by damage to the eyes: conjunctivitis (purulent), keratitis, the cornea disintegrates (ulcers appear on it). Inflammation of the iris, which can then spread to the anterior chamber of the dog’s eye.

Intestinal form

Although the form is intestinal, pharyngitis/tonsillitis (tonsillitis) is registered. Increased secretion of mucus begins, so the sick dog begins to burp it. The vomit is initially mucous and light yellow. Then a mixture of blood appears. But do not forget about diarrhea, which at first still contains food particles, then mucus and blood appear. The smell is disgusting, often putrid

Cutaneous form

Cutaneous distemper in a dog manifests itself as follows: red spots appear on the skin (mainly on the thighs, ears, mouth and nose, and tummy), in the center of which a purulent or serous (but yellow) exudate forms. The bubbles burst, and the crusts on top are brown. In the area of ​​the joints, something like a keratinized skin compaction appears - hyperkeratosis.

Nervous form

Distemper of the nervous system in dogs is characterized as follows. A dog with distemper is highly agitated and may even be slightly aggressive. Convulsions are recorded. The muscles of the muzzle involuntarily contract, it feels like the pet has a tic. The same twitching is observed in the muscles of the abdominal wall and paws. Impaired coordination of movements can be added to the symptoms.

Excitement gives way to apathy. Paralysis is recorded. You've probably seen dogs dragging their hind legs or jumping on three feet. Yes, most often it is the hind legs that paralyze, as well as the sphincters of the bladder and rectum, so the animal ceases to control the processes of urination or defecation.

Mixed form

Already from the name of the form it is clear that signs of distemper in dogs can be very diverse. That is, the intestines, lungs, and nervous system are simultaneously affected.

Symptoms of distemper in dogs

How to identify distemper in dogs? Don't try to do this yourself, trust the experts. There are 5 main symptoms of canine distemper in dogs:

1. Photophobia (one of the very first signs of distemper in a dog);
2. Cough;
3. A two-fold increase in temperature (a rise, then after a couple of days normalization or slightly above normal, and again a fever of 39 degrees or higher) against the background of loss of appetite;
4. Or normal against the background of increased, even excessive appetite;
5. Damage to the nervous system

If you notice at least 2 of these signs in your dog, you may suspect canine distemper. If there are three symptoms, then the diagnosis is usually considered established. But it is still better to confirm with laboratory diagnostics (biotest and various reactions). Blood tests are performed extremely rarely.

Treatment of distemper in dogs

If the veterinarian determines that the dog has distemper, then it is necessary to begin treatment as quickly as possible. First of all, you need to introduce a specific serum that contains ready-made antibodies to the pathogen. This will help your pet recover faster. The immune system will begin to “copy” antibodies as soon as it “understands” that they help. Read on to learn how to treat distemper in dogs at home.

Immunomodulators

In addition to serum, the veterinarian will prescribe immunomodulators and stimulants so that the sick animal’s immune system not only recovers, but also resumes “its work” and begins producing antibodies again. Don't be scared of antibiotics. Yes, they are useless in the fight against viruses, but they do not allow a secondary infection to rage.

Each of us and our pets have microorganisms (bacteria) that are inactive, that is, they do not cause disease while the immune system is strong. But as soon as it weakens, a disease of bacterial etiology immediately develops. And we are still surprised, where did it come from if we didn’t contact anyone? This is the reason why antibiotics are needed so that the immune system is not “distracted” from viruses to bacteria.

Vitamins

Vitamins help support immunity. If there was vomiting and diarrhea, then solutions that restore the water-salt balance are required. They can be purchased at any pharmacy. The names are very diverse: Regidron, and others. There is no need to solder the entire volume at once. A little bit, literally a tablespoon, but every 5-10 minutes. If you forcefully pour in all the prepared liquid, the dog will vomit. But if in small portions, the animal will not react to this in any way, but you will not allow your mustache to die from dehydration.

You can now view the current price of distemper drugs for dogs and buy them right here:

No old-fashioned methods with vodka! No experimental folk fads! The disease develops instantly, any delay and lack of proper treatment will lead to the death of the sick dog (out of 10 patients, only one or two survive, and that is due to strong immunity).

Prevention of canine distemper

Can a vaccinated dog get distemper? Of course yes! A vaccine is not a guarantee of protection against a disease, but the preparation and “training” of an animal’s immunity so that it can more effectively resist the disease. As a rule, a vaccinated dog tolerates distemper much easier.

Avoid contact with stray animals. Limit contact with suspicious animals. If your friend or neighbor has a dog with distemper, then refrain from walking together for several more months. Remember that for another 3 months, a dog that has recovered from the disease can infect other animals. Be careful when choosing your walking location. Do not allow your dog to sniff/lick feces, eat grass, or drink from puddles (all of which can be sources of contamination).

Still have questions? You can ask them to our site's in-house veterinarian in the comment box below, who will respond to them as soon as possible.

Hello, the puppy has started to tremble and has uncoordinated movements, he can’t get up, but if you hold him, he eats well and doesn’t drink very well all the time, in some kind of convulsions. Is it possible to help at home in conditions veterinary help is not possible, where I live and there is no hospital

• Hello, my yard puppy is sick
  He's all trembling, he can barely stand up and then his nose is wet, he doesn't eat much if you show him where the food is, his paws are stretched out as if in convulsions, maybe it's distemper

• Hello! We have a dog about a year old, we recently took him from the street to a private house. German cross. This morning, refusal of food and water, lethargy, diarrhea (without blood). No photophobia/discharge. The nose is dry. What are the chances that it is distemper? There is no possibility of hospitalization, is treatment at home acceptable?

• Hello, I have the following problem: this morning I found my dog ​​in bad condition, she was very lethargic, slow, and does not react well to the environment. Wednesday, but saliva, even mucus, is coming out of the mouth. What could this be?

• Max 04:19 | 22 Mar. 2019

  Hello Daria. I have a 4-year-old dog. He recently had a dry cough, a little to the point of vomiting, I gave him antibiotics and the cough seems to have passed for an hour, no cough, now snot has appeared, his eyes are festering a little and he doesn’t eat anything, he moves a little. So when you’re sick, it’s not distemper is this? Is it possible to give antibiotics and immunostimulants? What should I do? thanks in advance.

• I don’t know if it was distemper or not, I called our veterinarian, she said that it might be and advised us to give her serum on the second day, the dog is feeling great and today is day 3, too. She’s not alone with me, I’ve put her in a separate room for the second day now whines and asks to get out of there, I don’t know what to do, whether to let him out or not, since the signs were similar, vomiting, nothing to eat and lay in bed, didn’t get up, it was only for one day, but after the serum he feels great
  \

• Hello. Please tell me what this could be - I noticed that for about 5 days now a street dog has been lying on the heating pipes and is not getting up. I come to feed her, fish, dog food and horse meat, but she doesn’t eat anything. At the same time, today she jumped up and ran to the trash cans, as if in search of food, you know how street dogs do it... Although there was a fish in front of her. She seems to have purulent discharge from her eyes, and her nose is dry. A few days ago she seemed to be limping, but now she doesn’t. I read the symptoms of distemper - it seemed very similar... I called the veterinarian tomorrow, I don’t know what they will say. Please tell me what it looks like. Sorry for the sand :(

  • Hello! The dog didn’t necessarily like the fish. Maybe someone else is feeding him, so he doesn’t eat everything. Maybe there is no appetite. Dogs do not often survive carnivore plague, especially in winter, when the immune system is weakened. Most likely she was limping because she hit/slipped (especially if there was ice). After the plague, there is paralysis/paresis of the paw, that is, it no longer participates in walking, it hangs lifelessly like a whip. And then lameness... There is pus in the eyes - it could be an infectious disease, but conjunctivitis is a symptom. But it could also just be purulent conjunctivitis. Does the dog even fit into your hands? How will the doctor examine you? Have you tried bringing porridge or broth? I know from my own yard dogs that they often turn their noses up at food (I used to eat oatmeal and buckwheat in beef broth, and the food was dry), they wait for their grandmothers-nurse, cats are just as picky. Most likely, they will prescribe antibiotics for a course of 5-7 days, wipe the eyes and drop them. How can a homeless person do this? The temperature must also be measured.

    Thank you very much for your answer!!! I called the veterinarian today, she couldn’t make a diagnosis - she said that it could be anything: (They gave her injections: an antibiotic, something for the stomach to start working, painkillers and vitamins. I wanted to negotiate with a paid hotel for dogs, but they refused us, They said that if they suspect distemper, they won’t take her: (Today I fed her, she ate all the dry food, and buried the fish in the snow:) Then she went running around the yard, now she’s lying on the pipes again. Her back legs don’t hang like a whip, they just seem to hurt Lee, the vet noticed this too. I hope she will feel better tomorrow, we will continue to give injections while they promise warm weather this week. Thank you!!!

    You're welcome. Yes, no one will take risks and take animals suspected of having an infectious disease. The rest of the animals will get sick and die, and then they will have to quarantine in the institution. Therefore the risk is huge. It's good that he's eating. He “buried” the fish for the worst possible time (this is the psychology of a stray animal). What is the approximate age of the animal?

    It’s just that if the dog is old, then maybe there is a problem with the joints? Banal arthritis. Large dogs and those that are older are predisposed. This can also lead to lameness. It may become easier when it's warm, that's why it stays there. How is the dog now? What are your symptoms today?

    I forgot to write - yes, he goes into the hands, he loves affection. When they gave the injections, she didn’t even make a sound, she’s so smart. I'll try to bring her something else to eat tomorrow. But the veterinarian didn’t take her temperature, because the dog is large, we were afraid :(

Hello. The situation is this: we decided to take part in the fate of the village dog, took it to the zoo center for sterilization with post-operative foster care, and were supposed to pick it up this Saturday. But today they called and said that one of the dogs kept in the same box was found to have canine distemper. The dog is about two years old, not vaccinated (they didn’t have time, they wanted to sterilize it first because she was pregnant), the center gave her a special serum. We have three of our own dogs and a cat, all of them are vaccinated, but vaccination only makes the course of the disease easier, and they can still get infected. The questions in this regard are: what actions could we take to protect our animals and what is the best thing to do with the village: leave them in the zoo center for quarantine longer or there is no point in this, since the incubation period is so long, should we do the analysis now or not? will reliably show the presence of the virus, once the serum has been administered, when is it better to do this test or repeat it in order to know for sure whether the dog is sick, when can it now be vaccinated and is there any point in doing this now, when it is already possibly infected?

• Dasha, our problem is this: a mini Chihuahua dog. The illness is not acute, but the symptoms are similar to the nervous form of plague. Today is the fourth day of illness. Appetite is normal. He drinks water. The veterinarian will only return to work on the 7th. I struggle on my own based on previous experience in life. I give the antibiotic tetracycline - 1/4 tablet twice a day, drops of valerian + drops of vitamin B12 - 3 drops per water. Attacks of fever occur after excitement. The hind legs are weak. Sometimes short-term cramps of the limbs occur. After a rest, the dog is active again. The temperature is normal. If this is a nervous form of plague, how long will the dog live?

  • Hello! Have you injected Giskan-5 serum? Are immunostimulants/modulators also not included in the treatment regimen? Life expectancy may vary. On average 7-10 days. Sometimes the animal copes (extremely rarely), consequences remain (maybe you saw dogs on the street that move on 3 legs, and the third is paralyzed, and so most often these are the consequences of distemper, and convulsions can also last a lifetime). But small dogs extremely rarely heal themselves, they are very weak. They definitely need to be monitored by a doctor, including IVs. Add whey if you haven’t injected it before.

    Thank you, Daria. Holidays. Neither veterinary clinics nor veterinary pharmacies are open. However, to the joy of the dog, he suddenly stood up on his paws, active and cheerful again.
    I doubted the diagnosis - plague. Could this be due to a lack of vitamins in the diet? The dog eats cat food and poultry. She does not accept other food and has not been in contact with sick animals.

    Hello! Cat food should not be given to dogs. Firstly, food for cats is much higher in calories. Secondly, it contains taurine and amino acids, which cats need, but are not produced in their bodies (but dogs are fine with this). By giving such food, you yourself upset the dog’s balance; its organs and glands become “lazy” and do not produce in the same quantity what comes from the outside. Poultry is often an allergen for dogs. And how will you determine that you have not had contact with patients? Virus carriage persists for many months in animals that have recovered (without clinical signs); they release the pathogen into the external environment with urine, feces, and saliva. And you can easily bring it home on your shoes, or your dog will sniff/lick the excrement of sick/recovered animals during a walk. This is how you can get infected. But don’t stop your treatment until you get to the clinic (I feel like after the weekend)

    The dog recovered with the treatment I administered on my own. There were no consequences.
    Thank you for your responsiveness.
    Everything is true except that my dog ​​is already 4 years old and all her life she prefers chicken meat, but refuses beef.
    As for cat food, it is difficult to isolate the dog from the cat. Both love dry and wet food specifically for cats. Dogs do not eat even when they have not been fed since the night.

    It's good that the animal recovered. But keep watching. Remission often occurs, but if therapy is not completed to the end, then remission is sure to be followed by a relapse. And everything arises anew. It is very important to carry out the full course of treatment and not to make the disease chronic.

• Hello, we have a Doberman puppy, 2 months old, right on New Year’s Day, our mother decided to please the dog and fed her hearty scraps (mashed meat with mushrooms), the dog was vomiting all morning, by the evening she started having diarrhea, doesn’t eat, doesn’t drink, tried to feed her with chamomile, fed it with a syringe, didn’t vomit chicken breast rice and on the third day he began to vomit even from water.

• Good afternoon I have a 6-month-old mixed-breed Toya puppy. Just two days ago, my parents’ old dog died of the plague in the same apartment. The dogs were simply in different rooms. They were not vaccinated. The puppy has a good appetite. The temperature stays at 39. The old dog was treated at the clinic, injected with everything possible, vitamins and antibiotics, I don’t know for sure. The puppy has a runny nose, he seems to be grunting sometimes, and today he started coughing and coughing up white foam. Otherwise he behaves as usual. He eats as always. On the third day, Hexane-5 was injected. And today they also injected Cycloferon. I’m very worried, now the clinics are closed for holidays, and private clinics are unaffordable, we spent a lot of money, it’s not that I feel sorry for the money, there’s just nowhere to get more. What are the chances of a puppy overcoming the disease? what else can be done? During the holidays we will inject ourselves with Cycloferon every other day. Help.

Plague or distemper (Pestis)- a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, intoxication, damage to the skin and mucous membranes, respiratory and digestive organs in dogs. In some cases, it causes severe manifestations of meningitis and encephalitis.

Distemper has been known since the domestication of dogs. In the writings of Aristotle it is described as a sore throat. In Russia, it appeared in 1762 in Crimea and was called the “Crimean disease.” The viral nature of the plague was first proven in 1905 by the French scientist Carré (Carré disease).

Causes of occurrence. Properties of the virus.

The causative agent of plague is an RNA virus from the paramyxovirus family. The plague virus is not stable in the external environment. In nasal discharge and feces of sick animals, it loses activity after 7-11 days.

Dried or frozen virus lasts for several months, and in a lyophilized state - for at least a year. Heating to 60°C destroys it in 30 minutes, to 100°C - instantly.

Disinfectants and physical factors inactivate the virus quickly enough: 1% and Lysol solution and ultraviolet rays - in 30 minutes, 2% and caustic soda solution - 60 minutes, sunlight and 0.1-0.5% solutions of formalin and phenol - after several hours.

Epizootology. The disease in the form of an epizootic (epidemic in animals) occurs throughout the world. Silver-black foxes, arctic foxes, Ussuri raccoons, ferrets, sables, bears, weasels, stoats, and wolves are susceptible.

Maternal antibodies, detected in colostrum and milk, create passive immunity in puppies up to the age of 1.5-2 weeks, but not always. Those who have recovered from plague have long-lasting immunity, but it is not sterile and not necessarily lifelong.

Even immunized animals lose resistance to distemper as a result of prolonged stress, immunosuppression, or contact with an openly sick animal.

More often, the generalized form of distemper occurs in unvaccinated dogs., especially in puppies 8-16 weeks of age with impaired colostral (obtained from mother's colostrum) immunity.

Short-faced animals get sick less often than long-faced ones. Almost all dogs suffer from plague in one form or another, but more often it occurs in puppyhood.

Source of infection and methods of transmission

A dog infected with plague

The source of the infectious agent is an infected animal that releases the virus into the external environment; the virus is contained in discharge from the eyes and nose, in exhaled air, saliva, feces and urine for 10-51 days.

Factors of transmission of the virus include contaminated animal care items, clothing, food, insects, birds and rodents. The latter are not only mechanical carriers, but also secrete the virus without showing signs of disease.

The reservoir of the causative agent of distemper in nature is wild animals and stray dogs. The disease occurs at any time of the year and manifests itself epizootically or sporadically.

Symptoms and signs of plague

The incubation period (the moment the virus enters the body before the first clinical symptoms of the disease appear) in a dog lasts 3-21 days or more, sometimes 60-90 days. With the development of animal immunity, the clinical picture of distemper has changed significantly in recent years.

Previously, distemper in dogs occurred in clinically pronounced forms with fever and intoxication, but recently atypical forms have been more often recorded or the disease occurs in conjunction with other infectious diseases.

In the early stages (3-5 days), the disease is characterized by bilateral (on both sides) serous, serous-purulent conjunctivitis. In the morning or during the day, the eyelashes are glued together with pus (white, gray or greenish), it is difficult to open the eyes, and severe photophobia appears. Dogs go into the shade, hide under a closet, bed or table, and strive for a cool place. In parallel or later (after 3-5 days), rhinophea (profuse nasal discharge) develops, a dry cough that becomes wet after 5-7 days, especially with timely treatment. Nasal discharge is clear, cloudy or greenish in color.

Forms and course of the disease

Depending on the severity of clinical symptoms, conventionally distinguished: cutaneous, intestinal, pulmonary, nervous and, more often, mixed (generalized) forms of plague.

The development of one form or another of the disease is largely determined by the reactivity of the dog’s body. The same strain of the plague causative agent causes different clinical signs, ranging from a temperature reaction to nervous symptoms.

There are: fulminant, acute, subacute, chronic and abortive forms of the disease.

With lightning current, there are no obvious signs of disease, the death of the animal occurs within one day.

In acute cases, a sharp increase in body temperature to 39.5-41°C is noted, especially in the evenings or at night. Appetite is distorted, but most often decreases, and at high temperatures completely disappears. Thirst increases. A comatose state develops, in which the dog or puppy dies on the 27th day of the disease.

The subacute course is characterized by high fever that lasts from one day to two weeks. Then the fever becomes moderate. In puppies 1-1.5 months of age, the temperature rises slightly or remains within normal limits. Along with fever, sick dogs exhibit depression, lethargy, muscle tremors, fearfulness, loss of appetite, dryness and roughness of the nasal mucosa. In rare cases, hardening of the paw pads occurs.

Pulmonary (respiratory)- characterized by severe damage to the respiratory system: first the upper and then the lower respiratory tract. In this case, rhinitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia or their mixed forms (acute catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, tracheobronchitis, bronchopneumonia) consistently develop.

Intestinal (gastrointestinal)- manifests itself as serious damage to the digestive system, including acute gastroenteritis, and is accompanied by refusal to feed, vomiting, as well as constipation and diarrhea, which leads to dehydration and rapid exhaustion of the dog. Feces contain a lot of mucus, often mixed with blood.

The most severe form in dogs is nervous distemper.. When it occurs, the prognosis is often unfavorable. Serious complications with it are meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, myelitis, paresis and paralysis of the limbs and sphincters of internal organs, as well as epilepsy.

These complications develop as a result of the introduction of the plague virus into the cells of the spinal cord, brain and its membranes. Symptoms of meningitis, encephalitis and meningoencephalitis with their neuromuscular symptoms appear 2-6 weeks after infection. In weakened and immunized dogs, these symptoms can occur suddenly, without prior development of symptoms of general intoxication, high fever, etc.

A good example is that a dog has a nervous form of distemper.

The generalized form occurs in 90-95% of cases of dog distemper..

It includes clinical symptoms of cutaneous, pulmonary, intestinal and nervous forms. The division into these forms of plague is conditional.

Chronic course of the disease most often characteristic of cutaneous and nervous forms. At the same time, in recovered animals, convulsive twitching of individual muscle groups, cuts and paralysis, as well as blindness, deafness, loss of smell, scars on the cornea, overgrowth of the pupil or atrophy of the eyeball, epilepsy remain for a long time, often for life.

Diagnosis of canine distemper, criteria for assessing the disease

The diagnosis of distemper in an animal is made on the basis of epidemiological data, clinical signs, pathological changes and laboratory test results.

To make a diagnosis based on clinical signs, the veterinarian takes into account the following criteria::

• Damage to the respiratory organs;
• Catarrhal gastroenteritis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines)
• Catarrh of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose with serous or purulent discharge;
• Hyperkeratosis of the paw pads, fingers, nose and entire skin with the formation of a large amount of dandruff;
• Damage to the central nervous system with convulsions, epilepsy, paresis, paralysis, meningitis and meningoencephalitis.

If any four or five of these signs are noticed in a dog, then they indicate the occurrence of distemper. Based on two of the listed signs, one can suspect plague, and based on three, a clinical diagnosis can be made.

Proper treatment of distemper in dogs

Timely veterinary care is of great importance in the treatment of this disease. It must be comprehensive. If you suspect distemper in an animal, the right decision is to call a veterinarian at home.

Plague treatment is carried out in several areas:

• Specific (serum, immunoglobulins),
• The use of immunostimulants and immunomodulators (immunofan, ribotan, fosprenil, etc.),
• Symptomatic: antibacterial drugs (to suppress secondary microflora),
• Cardiac, astringent drugs, vitamins, electrolytes (to relieve intoxication and dehydration), antihistamines,
• Anticonvulsants and substances that stimulate the activity of the central nervous system (etc.)

The sick dog is placed in a separate, clean, warm, draft-free, well-insulated dark room (isolated room) with moderately humid air. Prescribe peace and quiet.

Feeding during illness

Dietary feeding is prescribed. In this case, take into account the age and breed characteristics of the animal.

Dog treatment

First, a fasting regime is established for up to 12-24 hours with free access to water or rehydration solutions. In a bowl of boiled water, it is advisable to add a small amount of decoctions or infusions from medicinal plants (coil rhizome, marshmallow root, string, sage leaves, oak bark, oregano, cinquefoil erect, yarrow, chamomile, calamus rhizome, licorice, chaga, St. John's wort, blueberry fruits, bird cherry, horse sorrel, flaxseed, roots and rhizomes of burnet (officinalis).

These plants have medicinal effects on the body of a sick animal - enveloping, astringent, mucous and anti-inflammatory.

For 2-3 days, a small amount of liquid (water or broth) rice or oatmeal porridge, jelly or decoction is introduced into the diet, pre-mixed with a small amount of boiled chicken or ground beef (1-2 tablespoons per dose). If the dog does not develop indigestion in the form of vomiting and diarrhea after such a dacha, then the dose of food is gradually increased.

On days 4-5, fresh low-fat lactic acid products at room temperature are added to the specified diet: yogurt, kefir, acidophilus and acidophilus milk. It is advisable to use flaxseed decoction in the diet from the first days of treatment.

On days 7-9, boiled finely chopped vegetables are introduced into the diet - carrots, cabbage, potatoes.

From the 10th day, dogs are transferred to a normal diet.

If the patient is severely malnourished, artificial feeding through the rectum with nutritious and medicinal fluids is useful. As nutrient mixtures, 2-20% glucose solutions, 0.5-1% sodium chloride solutions, Ringer's and Ringer-Locke solutions, rice, oatmeal, flaxseed decoctions, meat, chicken or beef broth, peptone with saline solution are used ( 1:10), milk and combinations of these substances.

Before administering the medicinal nutritional mixture, the rectum is emptied of contents. To do this, they do a warm cleansing enema, which relieves pain and reduces muscle tone, which is important for retaining the nutritional or medicinal component introduced into the rectum.

An effective means of maintaining fluid balance is the intravenous administration of infusion fluids. If it is not possible to install a drip system, the veterinarian prescribes subcutaneous injections. Subcutaneous injections of large volumes are conveniently made in the area of ​​the shoulder blade or at the withers, preferably at several points 4-6 times a day, if necessary for several days in a row.

Antimicrobial drugs are widely used in complex treatment: antibiotics, sulfonamides, nitrofuran and quinoxaline derivatives. Antibiotics are used taking into account the sensitivity of the microflora to them. Carefully study contraindications for use.

In parallel with antimicrobial substances, vitamins and multivitamins are needed with food or separately. Vitamins required during recovery are ascorbic acid 2-3 times a day orally or parenterally, B vitamins, which are administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the veterinarian.

To increase resistance, at the onset of the disease, it is recommended to administer polyvalent hyperimmune serum against Chumkiu subcutaneously 3 to 4 times with an interval of 12-24 hours. It must be administered with caution, given the high allergenicity.

Safer, but no less effective, is the injection of gamma and immunoglobulin. In addition to globulins, sometimes in combination with them, interferon is prescribed parenterally or externally. The course and dose are determined by the attending veterinarian. Interferon is instilled into the nose and eyes, 1-2 drops 3-4 times a day, for a week or more.

Some veterinarians successfully use thymogen, thymalin, timoptin, gactivin, anandin, comedon and others strictly according to the instructions.

Symptomatic therapy for canine distemper is carried out depending on the symptoms of disruption of the activity of a particular internal organ or an entire system.

Prevention and control measures against canine distemper

In Russia, for specific prevention of plague, domestic vaccines are used - Vakchum, EPM, KF-668, Multikan, Trimevac and others. Recently, effective and low-toxic monovalent and complex vaccines have been coming from abroad: Hexadog (France), Vanguard (Belgium), Kanvak (Czech Republic), Kanlan (Canada), Nobivac (Holland) and others.

Remember – any initiative on the part of the animal owner can cause irreparable harm to the dog’s health!

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