Pets with illiterate maintenance andfailure to vaccinate may suffer from a wide variety of infectious diseases. The most terrible pathology of all veterinarians recognize dog distemper. In a scientific disease called disease Kare. It is based on a multidrug-resistant virus that is transmitted in different ways. Puppies are especially susceptible to infection, but adults are also not protected from infection if they are not vaccinated. Therefore, it is important for all breeders to know the main signs of distemper in dogs and the necessary actions.
Стоит отметить, что щенки, которые подхватили this disease rarely survive. Therefore, it is important to make all the necessary vaccinations in time to protect the pet from death. Adult dogs are more likely to recover. If you managed to defeat the virus, then the pet acquires almost lifelong immunity. However, his health will be weakened, and any sore with poor care immediately attacks the body.
Causative agent dog distemper
Experts have found that the causative agent is formidabledisease is a virus from the group of paramyxoviruses. Infection occurs through airborne droplets and through the digestive tract. It is clear that this mode of transmission is very common, therefore, it is difficult to save a dog without vaccination.
As soon as the virus enters the body, it beginsits swift action. Embedded in blood cells, pathogens penetrate into all tissues and settle in almost all organs of the animal. Therefore, signs of the distemper manifest themselves very quickly.
Sources of infection
The plague virus is transmitted from a diseased individual.As soon as the dog becomes infected, it becomes the source of the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. They are secreted along with feces, urine, saliva, and even fluid secretion from the eyes. When analyzing dead cells and its epithelium, viral cells are also detected.
Veterinarians identify the following sources of possible infection:
- Contact with a sick individual. And it can be not only a dog, but also wolves, foxes, ferrets, hyenas and minks. Therefore, it is so important for hunting animals to make all the necessary vaccinations in time.
- An open-air cage, booth, bedding and a bowl of an animal, if other individuals have access to them.
- The virus can enter the house through contaminated shoes or human clothing.
Within 5-7 days after infection does notThere are signs of distemper in dogs. Symptoms appear after a week, but rather sharply. There are cases when the incubation period was reduced to 2 days or increased to 2 weeks.
Risk group
Experts identify animals that are at risk and most at risk of catching the virus:
- puppies that have not been vaccinated;
- weakened animals, for which there is no proper care, not receiving adequate nutrition;
- stray dogs.
However, if puppies feed on mother’s milk,which suffered the disease, then with the food get ready-made antibodies to the virus. Therefore, infection of such offspring occurs extremely rarely, even if there is contact with a sick animal.
Despite the fact that signs of distemper in a dog canit does not appear immediately, it is already a source of infection, as soon as the pathogen enters its body. It must be remembered that there are cases when the virus was excreted in the urine a few more days after cure.
The disease does not have a special seasonality. Microorganisms feel great in the summer and live in the winter down to -24 degrees. However, veterinarians have a peak in incidence in the fall and spring.
The first signs of distemper in a dog
Treatment of the disease often begins late, because the main symptoms are similar to the usual malaise:
- lethargy and depression;
- appetite disappears, vomiting may open;
- reddening mucous membrane of the eyes;
- the coat becomes disheveled;
- discharge from nose and eyes;
- there is dyspeptic disorder;
- photophobia causes the animal to hide in the corners;
- unwillingness to make contact.
At first, signs of distemper in dogs are dimly pronounced.However, the attentive host will always suspect that something is amiss. The dog may suddenly rise to 40 degrees and stay for about three days. If the animal has a strong immunity, then its body begins to struggle vigorously with the virus and the symptoms of the distemper in a dog gradually fade away. However, this is quite rare. Basically, the development of the disease then takes a rapid turn.
Forms of the disease
Как только появляется первый признак чумки у dogs, you must immediately show your pet to the vet. After all, there are several clinical forms of this disease. Experts note that often the virus affects them in a complex, and separately they rarely appear.
- Intestinal form.The first sign of plague in a dog in this case is manifested by vomiting and diarrhea. Feces with a yellowish tinge, has a specific odor. If you look at the mouth of the animal, you can see spots on the teeth and whitish plaque on the tongue. Pet completely refuses to eat, very weak and may even lose consciousness.
- Легочная форма.Develops if the main accumulation of viruses occurs in the lung tissues. Signs of the disease in a dog with distemper are manifested in this case by fever and cough. The dog is constantly thirsty, so he drinks a lot, but at the same time refuses to feed. If you do not start treatment, diarrhea and vomiting join. Eyes begin to fester, a viscous secret is also released from the nose.
- Skin form.It is considered the easiest and having a favorable outcome. An animal is diagnosed with rashes all over its body, which are reborn into ulcers. The danger is that bacteria can enter the skin through cracks and a secondary infection can join. Inflammation of the skin causes great discomfort to the animal. If you do not conduct proper treatment, the pet will die from wound infection or exhaustion.
- Нервная форма.Experts note that with untreated distemper, all of the above forms flow into the nervous one. An animal is diagnosed with nervous tics, its limbs are constantly twitching. The dog becomes aggressive, embittered, can attack humans and other animals. There is great thirst and foam in the corners of the mouth. All the above signs of distemper in a dog are noted. Symptoms become more acute. In the last stage, epileptic seizures and paralysis of the limbs occur. Fatal outcome due to complete paralysis of the respiratory system and muscles.
Rare manifestations
Signs may be quite non-specific.dog distemper. The photo shows well the hardening of the pads on the feet, which may indicate a defeat by the virus. There is no temperature, but there may be nausea and vomiting. Often this symptom is compared to the clatter of the hoofs due to the characteristic sound heard when the dog is walking.
Course of the disease
Depending on the course of the disease, the symptoms of distemper in a dog may differ. How to treat an animal will depend on its shape. There are fulminant course of the disease, acute and chronic.
- Lightning fast. All clinical signs do not have time to appear, the animal dies within 24 hours.
- SharpAll typical signs of distemper in a dog manifest. Symptoms (photo of the sick animal clearly shows) are visible to any caring owner. The animal constantly vomits, it has diarrhea. The pet can greedily drink, but refuses from favorite sweets. The dog gets into a corner, coughs.
- Chronic. The disease proceeds sluggishly for several months. The virus is periodically exacerbated, and its action subsides under the action of immune forces or drugs.
The defeat of the nervous system is the last stage, and the prognosis is the most unfavorable. If there are seizures, paralysis of the extremities is observed, then the dog, most likely, cannot be saved.
Although the disease is treatable,animals after it often remain defective. The nervous system, hearing, sight and smell are affected. Of course, the pet acquires lifelong immunity, and the lactating bitch passes it to its offspring along with the milk.
Methods of treatment
Very dangerous for health and life chumka.In dogs, signs (treatment is required in any case) do not always appear immediately. But as soon as the owner has a suspicion of virus entering the body, it is necessary to show the animal to the veterinarian. Unfortunately, specific drugs against pathogenic microorganisms have not yet been invented. Therefore, a specialist prescribes only a comprehensive treatment. This takes into account the general condition of the pet, the clinical picture and the main signs of the disease. An important component of therapy is the appointment of immunomodulators.
The standard treatment regimen includes the introduction of the following solutions:
- 40% glucose to maintain strength;
- 40% of hexamine;
- isotonic;
- calcium gluconate;
- Dimedrol;
- ascorbic acid.
To prevent skin infection is shownProzerin. To reduce the likelihood of paralysis is obligatory "Mydocalm". Anxiety is often observed in a dog during distemper, so Phenobarbital and glutamic acid can be prescribed to reduce these symptoms. Finlepsin is also indicated if epileptic seizures are diagnosed.
If the plague appears as a skin form, then antibacterial therapy is important to prevent infection of the affected epithelium.
The treatment is complemented by immunizing drugs andvitamin therapy. In no case can not interrupt the prescribed course until full recovery, even if the main signs have disappeared and the dog looks much better.
What can a host do
It is useful to understand what are the signs of a dogshould be alerted. With timely treatment in a veterinary clinic, the chances for a favorable outcome are much greater. But if the treatment should be done only by a specialist, then every breeder can create favorable conditions for recovery. For this you need:
- keep the dog in a dry and warm room, eliminate drafts;
- to darken bright light sources, because when plague occurs, photophobia develops;
- nasal and eye discharge wipe regularly;
- wound the skin with a disinfectant solution;
- to establish proper feeding (liquid porridges, meat broths, finely chopped meat, cottage cheese, kefir).
Treatment by folk methods
It is urgent to call the vet as soon asdetected signs of distemper in dogs. Home treatment is possible only with full observance of all the instructions of a specialist. There are many traditional methods of treatment, but their use is justified in case of emergency or in combination with the main therapy.
In any case, decoction of herbs of St. John's wort or chamomile will not harm. They are well removed from the body of the animal toxins. Motherwort infusion is recommended to calm the nervous system.
Vodka use
A rather common method of treating chumka inanimals with vodka. To do this, it is necessary to prepare a solution consisting of half a glass of high-quality alcoholic drink, a teaspoon of honey and a raw egg. Liquid must be poured into the mouth of the dog. Simplify the process will help the syringe.
However, this method will help yard dogs,which have a strong natural immunity, or individuals with mild symptoms. The chances are greatly increased if, after emergency measures with vodka, to consult a doctor for complex therapy.
Vaccination as the only prevention
Experts point out that the only trueA timely vaccination is a way to prevent canine distemper. All breeders should remember that the first vaccination must be made as soon as the puppy is three months old. Next on the schedule is revaccination. Veterinarians note that dogs usually tolerate injections well, sometimes signs of intestinal upset can occur.
Non-specific measures for the prevention of distemper, as well as other infectious diseases, include:
- keeping the bowls of the animal clean, regularly boiling them;
- proper dog care and rational nutrition;
- periodic disinfection of litter;
- washing paws after a walk;
- storing outdoor shoes in closed cabinets, without access to her pet.
Vaccination, revaccination, proper care and high-quality food not only protect you from distemper, but also give your dog a long and healthy life.
Disease after vaccination
Unfortunately, vaccination is not always capableto protect the pet and the chance to catch the virus still remains. Veterinarians warn that non-compliance with the rules of preparation for vaccination may cause negative consequences and provoke the development of the disease. So, de-worming is mandatory, otherwise the presence of worms will only aggravate the process. Also, puppies are exposed to the risk of catching an infection after vaccination due to a defective immune system. Therefore, after vaccination, it is necessary to comply with all recommendations of the veterinarian, to protect the pet from stray and untested animals.
Grave endangered adultsindividuals. They already have a strong immunity, but their state of health has a decisive influence. Therefore, one should never forget about preventive measures; one should not hope only for vaccination. It is necessary to stop fighting dogs with yard dogs, and mere curiosity can lead to infection. It must be remembered that revaccination is required annually. Veterinarians note that vaccinated animals carry the disease in a milder form, with timely treatment, a positive outcome is guaranteed.
Human consequences
Sometimes an inexperienced breeder gets scared first.symptoms of distemper and seeks to protect any contact of family members with a sick pet. However, a pet without a person’s help will surely fail. You can safely proceed to treatment, because the dog plague virus is not transmitted to humans.
But the virus is quite tenacious, and only boilingable to kill him instantly. Therefore, it is important to disinfect all the places where the animal lives in the house, but this is not done to protect the person, and then to prevent reinfection of the dog.
A particular danger is a dog thatalso located in a house with a sick animal. If possible, they should be divided and get recommendations on preventive measures. Most likely, the veterinarian will offer the same treatment regimen, but without unnecessary drugs, aimed at eliminating severe symptoms.
Finally
It is important for all breeders to know how to manifest.distemper in dogs. Signs, however, may be completely absent or occur in a latent form. In this case, the death of the pet is swift, and nothing can be done. But if the symptoms began to appear, the animal should immediately receive proper treatment. Only in this case, we can hope for a favorable outcome. In this case, veterinarians are always cautious to give forecasts. The disease is very insidious, and in many respects everything depends on the immune forces of the animal itself and the spread of the virus throughout the body. If a puppy is sick, then the chances are much less. Adult dogs more often survive.
