What is Canine's Distemper?

What Does Distemper Do?

Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus.

Canine distemper virus is most often transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions. Contact with the urine and fecal material of infected dogs can also result in infection.

The many signs of distemper are not always typical. For this reason, treatment may be delayed or neglected. The disease frequently brings about something like a severe cold. Most infected dogs have a fever and "stuffed up" head. Exposed animals may develop bronchitis, pneumonia and severe inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

The first signs of distemper an owner might notice are squinting, congestion of the eyes, and a discharge of pus from the eyes. Weight loss, coughing, vomiting, nasal discharge, and diarrhea are common. In later stages the virus frequently attacks the nervous system, bringing about partial or complete paralysis as well as "fits" or twitching. Dogs suffering from the disease are usually listless and have poor appetites.

Sometimes the signs may be very mild and perhaps go unrecognized, or the dog may have a slight fever for a couple of weeks. If pneumonia, intestinal inflammation or other problems develop, recovery takes much longer. Nervous problems often last many weeks after the animal has recovered from all other signs of infection. Occasionally the virus causes rapid growth of the tough keratin cells on the footpad, resulting in a hardened pad.

Distemper is so prevalent and the signs so varied that any sick young dog should be taken to a veterinarian for a definite diagnosis.

Source: www.avma.org

What you should know about Canine's Parvovirus?

What are some signs of Parvovirus infection?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease
caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies,
dogs, and wild canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen
worldwide. It also can damage the heart muscle in very young
and unborn puppies.

How is Parvovirus spread?
Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest
virus that is passed in the feces (stool) of an infected dog. Canine
parvovirus is resistant to changes in environmental conditions
and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces
containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and
the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair
or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.

What dogs are at risk?
All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than four months old and dogs that have
not been vaccinated against canine parvovirus are at increased risk of
acquiring the disease. Certain breeds (e.g. Rottweiler and Doberman
Pinscher) appear to have a high risk of experiencing severe disease.


What are some signs of Parvovirus infection?
Canine parvovirus causes lethargy; loss of appetite; fever;
vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea
can cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from parvovirus
occur within 48 to 72 hours following onset of clinical signs. If
your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact
your veterinarian promptly.

How is Parvovirus diagnosed and treated?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease
caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies,
dogs, and wild canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen
worldwide. It also can damage the heart muscle in very young
and unborn puppies.

Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest
virus that is passed in the feces (stool) of an infected dog. Canine
parvovirus is resistant to changes in environmental conditions
and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces
containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and
the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair
or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.


How is Parvovirus prevented?
Vaccination— Vaccination is important. Young puppies are very
susceptible to infection, particularly because the natural immunity
provided in their mothers’ milk may wear off before the puppies’
own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection. If
a puppy is exposed to canine parvovirus during this gap in protection,
it may become ill. An additional concern is that immunity provided
by a mother’s milk may interfere with an effective response to
vaccination. This means even vaccinated puppies may occasionally
succumb to parvovirus. To narrow gaps in protection and provide
optimal protection against parvovirus during the first few months
of life, a series of puppy vaccinations are administered.

To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their
dog’s parvovirus vaccination is up-to-date. Ask your veterinarian
about a recommended vaccination program for your canine
companion.

In spite of proper vaccination, a small percentage of dogs do not
develop protective immunity and remain susceptible to infection.
Hygiene— Until a puppy has received its complete series of
vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing their
pet to places where young puppies congregate (e.g. pet shops,
parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy daycare, and
grooming establishments). Reputable establishments and training
programs reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations, health
examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of ill puppies and dogs.
Contact with known infected dogs and their premises should
always be avoided.

Finally, do not allow your puppy or dog to come into contact
with the fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing
outdoors. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always
advisable as a way to limit spread of canine parvovirus infection.

Source: www.avma.org

PART 2 - Loveable Pooches - Look at These Faces!