Distemper and Seizures
Distemper, a canine virus, affects dogs' respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Veterinarians are limited to treating the symptoms of distemper because no medication can destroy the virus. Distemper is fatal for some dogs, but other dogs survive the virus. Seizures are one of the more serious symptoms of distemper and may appear three weeks after the first signs of the virus or many years later.
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Causes
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The virus spreads from dog to dog by direct contact with fresh urine, blood or saliva. Dogs may pass on the virus through sneezing, coughing, sharing food and water bowls and other close contact with each other. Puppies and young dogs are susceptible to contracting the distemper virus, especially puppies born to mothers who haven't been vaccinated against the virus. Once infected, the virus may travel to the brain affecting the nervous system and severely weakening the immune system. Weakened puppies are susceptible to seizures and other infections like pneumonia.
Symptoms
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The first signs of canine distemper includes sneezing, coughing and a gooey discharge from the eyes and nose. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite and lethargy are also symptoms of the virus. Approximately three weeks after the initial symptoms, the virus may attack a dogs' central nervous system causing seizures. Seizures are characterized by a tremor of the jaw but can spread throughout the entire body. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), it's possible that dogs who recover from distemper may have permanent brain and nerve damage and may have seizures or other central nervous system disorders that may appear many years later.
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Considerations
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Although canine distemper tests are available, the results are not always reliable. While positive results confirm infections, a dog can still be infected even if test results are negative. A veterinarian evaluates all the dog's symptoms and health history for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment for distemper is comprised of administering intravenous fluids, preventing dehydration and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. Treating distemper symptoms can help a dog recover even if the disease has advanced to the nervous system.
Prevention
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Distemper shots are the key to keeping your dog safe. A dog should be vaccinated at 6 to 8 weeks of age and then two more times before it's 4 or 5 months old. Another distemper shot is given when a dog is 1 year and an annual booster shot may be given for three years, depending on the type and strength of the distemper shot administered by the veterinarian. Keep your dog away from any possible infectious dogs or suspected contaminated environments until completing its initial distemper vaccinations. Cleaning and disinfecting your home and your dog's kennel, toys and food and water dishes will help prevent infections.
Warnings
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See your vet immediately if you suspect your dog is infected with the distemper virus. Canine distemper infects your dog's immune system very quickly and must be treated aggressively as soon as it's discovered.
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References
- Photo Credit dog image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
