How to understand that a dog has distemper. How to identify distemper in dogs by various symptoms. Nervous form of the disease

Wrong content bad conditions accommodation and unbalanced nutrition are the main causes of disease. One of most dangerous diseases considered distemper in dogs. Without treatment, the animal dies, so it is important to know what are the first symptoms of the disease and the main methods of treatment. The disease in each dog can proceed individually: lightning fast, acute, typical, or go into chronic stage. It all depends on the reactivity of the dog's body.

Kare's disease (better known as distemper in dogs) is caused by infection with a virus from the group of paramyxoviruses. The pathogen can enter the body through oral cavity or respiratory organs, while it penetrates into the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body with the bloodstream. The virus can infect any organs and tissues, so the chances of survival are very low.

If a puppy gets sick, then its chances of survival are almost zero, while in an adult, with timely treatment started, they are 50%. After past illness the dog receives strong immunity from this virus until the end of his days. Another 3 months after the illness, the dog is able to infect other individuals. Therefore, it must be isolated from other pets.

Methods of infection with the virus

The main source of infection is a sick animal. It can be not only a domesticated dog, but also wild carnivores, such as foxes, wolves, minks, ferrets. An infected animal sheds the virus into environment. This happens with secretions: feces, urine, salivary and lacrimal fluid. Even dead cells contain the virus. Therefore, a dog can become infected not only through direct contact with a sick animal. The danger is:

feeders from which a sick dog ate or drank;
on which the infected dog slept;
places of detention - enclosures, booths,;
even pet dog can catch the virus. The owner can bring him into the house with dirty shoes. The virus can get into the yard on the wheels of a car.

Most often, infection occurs in the autumn-spring period and in winter. The virus thrives on low temperatures, he is not afraid of even severe winter frosts. But the heat negatively affects the vital activity of the virus. At high ambient temperatures, the virus quickly dies. Therefore, in the summer, infection occurs extremely rarely.

A sick animal is a carrier of the virus for the first few days. By the first signs it is still impossible to understand that the dog is ill with distemper. The hidden period lasts about a week. Sometimes the disease progresses sharply and after a couple of days symptoms of infection appear. There are cases when the disease proceeds in a latent form for two or even 3 weeks.

During the incubation period, the animal looks quite healthy, but already poses a threat to surrounding dogs. The virus is shed from the body and hidden period and even after treatment.

Who is at risk

Not a single dog is immune from distemper. For infection with the virus, the breed does not matter. Both yard terriers and the most elite animals get sick. The severity and duration of the disease depends on physical health pet. Puppies are most often infected, whose immunity is still very weak in order to fight a viral infection.

Abandoned stray dogs get sick, the nutrition of which is so inadequate that one cannot even talk about health. Weakened dogs can also catch the virus. If the animal was infected, but he managed to recover, then there is immunity to this disease. If puppies feed on the milk of a mother who has previously suffered from the disease, then they also have their own immunity, which does not allow them to catch the virus.

The symptoms of canine distemper should be known to every dog breeder. Clinical manifestations of the disease can be different, but distemper can be diagnosed by the most common signs:

The very first thing the owner can pay attention to is increased. It can reach 40 degrees. But the absence of temperature does not mean that the animal is healthy. Very often, in small puppies, the temperature does not rise, which in vain reassures the owner.
The lethargy of a pet should definitely alert the owner. Infected animals look oppressed. They do not want to play, look lethargic, do not respond to the call of the owner.
If you examine areas of the body that do not have hair, you can notice a rash that indicates the presence of a viral infection in the body.
As the disease develops, and arise. The body of the dog is dehydrated, which brings additional torment.
Feeling the nose, you can see that it has become dry and very hot.
If the dog begins to refuse food, this can also serve as confirmation of the disease. may be complete or partial.
The skin starts to crack. Examining the paw pads and nose, you can find rough, cracked skin.
The dog begins to look for a dark secluded place for himself. She does not want to be under the bright rays of the sun.
Purulent contents begin to stand out from the eyes.
The dog begins, accompanied by purulent secretions from the nasal passages.
The pet quickly begins to lose weight, lose weight.
The disease progresses rapidly. Already on the 3rd week they appear in the animal. Most often, the dog begins to pull the failed hind legs behind him.
The reflexes of the animal are weakened.
Seizures develop, somewhat reminiscent of epileptic seizures.

The virus negatively affects all organs and systems, but most often the lungs become its target. In this case, the symptoms will be slightly different. Here's what to look out for:

Hard breath. The dog shows how difficult it is to breathe.
Looking into the mouth, you can see the inflamed tonsils.
Occurring periodically sharp.
Purulent mucus appears from the nasal passages.
Increase in body temperature.

If the disease is localized in the intestine, then the animal refuses food completely. Examining the pharynx and tongue, one can see white coating. Dog stools are liquid with a fetid pungent odor, the color of the discharge is most often yellowish. Diarrhea weakens the dog, it periodically begins to lose consciousness. Occasionally, small spots can be seen on the teeth.

A mild degree of the disease is diagnosed if the virus is localized in skin. Body temperature slightly increased the only symptom- the appearance of bubbles in areas free from wool.

Another type of disease is damage to the nervous system. The dog becomes overly aggressive, does not refuse food. By measuring the temperature, you can understand that the animal is sick with something. The temperature is quite high. Periodically, the animal experiences convulsive seizures, similar to an attack of epilepsy. The dog does not move much, when moving it is noticeable how it is lame. The hind legs may fail.

The disease can develop in an acute form, while the dog's body is severely depleted. Problems start with digestive tract. Diarrhea is changing. The eyes of the animal look unattractive. There are crusts in the corners. The coat of the dog becomes dull, traces of molting are visible. Usually acute form sickness ends lethal outcome even if treatment has been started.

There is no specific drug for canine distemper virus. Everything that the veterinarian prescribes is aimed at maintaining the dog's internal strength, strengthening immunity and the ability to overcome the virus on its own.

To eliminate paresis and reduce the excitation of the pet, special solutions are administered. medicines. Treatment must be entrusted to an experienced veterinarian. Appointments can be as follows: Mydocalm is able to reduce muscle tone, Prozerin is effective against paresis. The appointment of Phenobarbital helps to cope with overexcitation in the animal. If seizures similar to epileptic ones have begun, then Finlipsin is used.

Complex therapy consists in the use of life-supporting drugs: calcium gluconate, ascorbic acid in solution, glucose. The method of administration and dosage is prescribed by a specialist, taking into account the weight of the sick animal.

At home, distemper is also not treated!

A detailed story about the distemper on video

How to save a pet

Most importantly, according to veterinarians, it is necessary to vaccinate dogs against distemper. Puppies over 3 months of age are vaccinated, then annually.

Healthy and strong dogs are much easier to tolerate the disease, so the condition of the pet must be monitored constantly. , help strengthen the immune system and protect the dog from infection.

Don't let your dog roam the street on his own. She will definitely find unsuitable acquaintances in the form of feral and sick relatives, who are most often carriers serious illnesses(distemper,).

Distemper in dogs (canine distemper, Carré disease)- a dangerous contagious infectious disease that occurs in a hyperacute (fulminant), acute, subacute form. It is characterized by a violation in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous disorders, fever, profuse diarrhea, acute catarrh of the mucous membranes, conjunctivitis, skin exanthema. Plague is one of the most dangerous, insidious, ubiquitous viral disease. In addition to dogs, distemper affects predatory animals (foxes, wolves, raccoons), fur-bearing animals.

Distemper is especially dangerous for young unvaccinated dogs aged from two months to a year, small puppies with unformed immunity. In veterinary medicine, the following dog breeds are most susceptible to canine distemper: german shepherds, huskies, staff terriers, Chinese crested, bull terriers, Pekingese, lapdogs, pugs, collies. Terriers and mongrel dogs show resistance to distemper. But it must be borne in mind that the breed predisposition and susceptibility are still scientific facts not proven. The disease does not have seasonal manifestations, so dogs can get sick with distemper at any time of the year.

Etiology, pathogenesis, causative agent of distemper

Distemper in dogs is caused by an RNA virus from the paramyxovirus family. The virus is resistant to external factors, sunlight, UV radiation, and sub-zero temperatures. At minus 15-20 degrees, it remains active in animal corpses for up to six to seven months. The virus is resistant to some disinfectants.

The distemper virus enters the external environment with faeces, urine, nasal discharge, feces, which are excreted by recovered, infected individuals, in which the disease proceeds in a latent form without any manifestations. clinical signs. Recovered dogs shed the plague virus into the environment for 75-90 days. Virus carriers are all types of wild animals.

Infection occurs through direct direct and indirect contact of the infected with healthy individuals, through common household items, inventory, bowls, collars, dog ammunition, combs. bedding. Infection occurs by airborne, alimentary route when dogs consume food and water contaminated with viruses.

The introduction of viruses into the body occurs through the mucous, submandibular, bronchial lymph nodes, where it multiplies. From bodies lymphatic system the virus with blood and lymph flow spreads to the vital important bodies. The organs of the respiratory, circulatory, immune, endocrine, and nervous systems are affected.

Symptoms of distemper in dogs

Distemper of dogs can occur against the background of other infectious viral diseases - adenovirus, coronovirus infection, parvovirus enteritis. The intensity of the manifestation of plague depends on the resistance of the organism, the degree of virulence (pathogenicity), the strain of the virus, the presence / absence of secondary infections, the presence in the body pathogenic factors, microorganisms, physiological characteristics organism, disease stage. Incubation period, from the moment pathogenic bacteria enter the body until the first symptoms appear, it lasts from three to five days to two to three months.

Distemper in dogs proceeds at lightning speed, in acute, subacute, typical, atypical forms. Rarely, a chronic course is noted. Depending on the diagnosed clinical picture, intestinal, respiratory, skin, nervous, abortive forms are distinguished. In dogs, in 80-96% of cases, a generalized form is diagnosed that combines clinical manifestations all forms.

In adult dogs with a strong, formed immunity, distemper is manifested by fever, depression general condition, lethargy, apathy, change in behavior. The disease lasts from three to six days, ends with recovery.

Clinical picture of canine distemper:

temperature rise to 41-42 degrees;

intoxication of the body;

purulent discharge grey-green from the eyes, nose, ears, mucopurulent exudate accumulates in the corners of the eyes;

refusal to eat, anorexia, a sharp decline body weight;

strong thirst;

warm, dry nose, the appearance of crusts on the nose, bad smell from the ears;

bouts of vomiting, nausea, diarrhea;

dryness, thickening, callosity of the skin;

changes in the behavior of the dog - lethargy, apathy, fear of light;

cough, rhinitis, shortness of breath, shortness of breath;

thickening of the pads on the paws of the dog.

If exotoxins affect the brain, a nervous form of plague develops, which can lead to irreversible consequences, serious damage to the central nervous system. In addition to the above described signs, there is a violation of coordination of movement, muscle spasms, convulsions, paralysis, wobbly gait, decrease / increase in skin sensitivity, tonic convulsions, myelitis, paralysis of internal sphincters. Possible epileptic seizures. With the development of meningoencephalitis, purulent lesions meninges the animal dies. The nervous form of distemper in most cases has an unfavorable prognosis.

In the intestinal form of distemper in dogs, a violation in the functioning of the digestive tract, debilitating vomiting, profuse diarrhea, hypersalivation, disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys, liver (hepatitis), and intoxication are noted. Infected animals refuse to feed, the temperature is consistently high, and gastroenteritis develops. With distemper, in contrast to enteritis, the dog is happy to drink water in large quantities.

When diagnosing a respiratory, pulmonary form in sick dogs, cough, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, rhinitis, severe nasal discharge, crusts on the nose, uveitis, photophobia, otitis externa. Dogs constantly rub their muzzle with their paws, sneeze. The temperature has risen. On the initial stages the inflammation is catarrhal. With a protracted course of the disease, the upper respiratory tract is involved in inflammation, bronchopneumonia develops.

The mildest form of distemper in dogs is cutaneous (exanthematous), in which on the peritoneum, inner surface hips, near the tail, on auricles appears papular-pustular small rash. Bubbles filled with a clear liquid, purulent exudate eventually burst, dry out, and brown, brown hard crusts form in their place. An unpleasant sound is clearly audible from the ears. sour smell. Note the swelling of the paws, individual parts of the epidermis.

In dogs that have had distemper (convalescent animals), lifelong immunity is established. But it is possible that during the life of such animals hyperkeratosis, structural disturbance, darkening of tooth enamel, dyspeptic symptoms, hypersensitivity to chemical reagents, biological factors are noted.

The most difficult to diagnose is the atypical stage of canine distemper. There are no outward clinical signs. Perhaps a slight increase in temperature by one, half a degree. They note increased gluttony, which is replaced by a complete rejection of food, favorite treats. Two weeks later, symptoms characteristic of the nervous form (convulsions, convulsions, abrupt changes in behavior) are noted. The death of dogs occurs on the 28-30th day.

Diagnosis of distemper in dogs

The veterinary specialist establishes the diagnosis on the basis of the obtained epizootological data for the region, visible characteristic clinical signs. Spend differential diagnosis, a number of biochemical, laboratory, hematological analyzes and studies. For diagnostics use:

neutralization reaction;

immunofluorescence;

reaction of indirect hemagglutenation;

bioassays for animal susceptibility.

Treatment of distemper in dogs

Therapeutic measures, the treatment regimen should be prescribed only veterinarian based on the obtained diagnostic results. Self-medication can lead to disastrous consequences and cost your pet's life. The sooner the treatment is prescribed, the greater the likelihood of a complete recovery of the dog.

The choice of treatment methods veterinarians prescribe individually, in each case. Treatment is aimed at stopping the main symptoms, maintaining immunity, restoring the functioning of organs and body systems. Complex treatment completely depends on the stage, the intensity of the course of symptoms, the form of the disease.

With a lightning-fast, hyperacute form of the plague, the prognosis is unfavorable, often ending in death. With combined forms, a clear manifestation of symptoms - unfavorable, cautious. In all other cases, with timely access to a veterinary clinic, correctly prescribed treatment, it is favorable.

For the treatment of dogs from distemper, depending on the pathogenesis, intensity, degree of manifestation of symptoms, dogs are prescribed antibiotic therapy, etiotropic, substitution, pathogenetic therapy, physiotherapeutic methods, symptomatic medical techniques. On an individual basis, animals are prescribed specific medical preparations, the action of which is aimed at the destruction of pathogenic agents in the body. Monovalent, polyvalent hyperimmune sera are used for treatment and prevention.

Symptomatic treatment of distemper is aimed at stopping the symptoms of the underlying disease, secondary diseases. In the first days after infection, antihistamine medications are effective for desensitizing the body. Sick dogs are also prescribed antipyretic, antiviral, sedative, astringent, analgesics, sulfonamides, vitamin-mineral complexes, general and local impact, nitrofuran derivatives, expectorants, hepatoprotectors. For the treatment of the respiratory form, injections are used, inhalations, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Immunosuppressants, glucocorticoids are not used to treat canine distemper.

To normalize the metabolic process, eliminate signs of intoxication, water-salt, nutrient solutions (Ringer's solution), homeopathy, and physiotherapy are used. Animals are prescribed a specially designed therapeutic diet, dietary nutrition, proteolytic enzymes that support professional ready-made feed "premium", "elite" class.

Distemper prevention

Keep your pet safe from dangerous infectious diseases timely vaccination will help. For these purposes, complex or monovaccines are used. The first vaccination is given to puppies at the age of 1.5 months. Subsequently, as a preventive measure, animals are vaccinated annually.

Dog breeders should carefully monitor the condition of their pets, pay attention to hygiene procedures, adhere to the vaccination schedule established by the veterinarian, create optimal conditions for the dog, choose the right balanced, nutritious diet. To strengthen the immune system, mineral and vitamin supplements are introduced into the diet of pets. On walks, it is worth limiting the contact of the dog with street animals.

Distemper is one of the most serious diseases that an animal can get. The scientific name is Carre's disease. it viral infection, which is transmitted in several ways. Manifested in different forms and may have adverse outcomes.

Infected puppies rarely survive. Only adult dogs with good immunity can count on a full recovery. After an illness, animals become resistant to the pathogen for almost a lifetime.

Veterinarians distinguish four types of distemper from dogs. By the name, it becomes clear which organs are primarily affected by complications:

intestinal;
skin;
pulmonary;
nervous.

The last form is the most severe and unpredictable. If it is she who is identified in the dog, then experts put a disappointing prognosis. The nervous form is more chronic.

The complications it causes:

meningitis;
epilepsy;
encephalitis;
paresis;
paralysis of the limbs;
meningoencephalitis.

The causative agent of distemper is introduced into the nervous system, into the cells of the spinal cord and brain. If the dog is weak, has reduced immunity, then clinical picture distemper becomes visible 1-2 weeks after infection.

At healthy dogs signs begin to show only after two weeks and up to six. The virus has enough time to start the disease and leave the dog less likely to survive.

Symptoms

In the early stages

Symptoms that define exactly the nervous distemper appear only 2-6 weeks after the onset of the disease. For many, time has already passed. Therefore, in order to immediately recognize the disease, you need to be attentive to the well-being of the animal. Initially, as with all forms of the disease, the following symptoms are noticeable:

body temperature is above normal;
discharge from the eyes and nose, may be purulent;
fear of light;
aggression;
cough;
slight loss of voice
chills.

late signs

After a couple of weeks, direct signs may begin to appear that indicate this form of the disease:

the body temperature continues to be high;
poor appetite;
aggression does not subside;
muscle cramps begin;
increase in pressure;
epileptic seizures;
headache;
possible lameness;
paralysis of the limbs;
obsessive movements, as if the dog is trying to grab something in the air.

Symptoms may be present in an animal for a long time, up to several months.

Diagnostics

Diagnosing this type of distemper is very difficult. Since in pure form it is quite rare. Basically, this is a mixed form, which makes it difficult to treat the animal.

Experts put this difficult diagnosis only on the basis laboratory research and clinical signs. The criteria for determining the disease:

damage to the respiratory system;
the presence of inflammation in the intestines and stomach;
the presence of dandruff on the skin;
thickening of the pads on the paws of the animal, the skin on the nose;
damage to the mucous organs of vision and smell;
CNS damage.

After nervous distemper, the surviving animal acquires lifelong immunity.

How is it going?

The first signs of distemper usually appear within a week. In the worst case, they may appear only after a month. The dog behaves sluggishly, she is tormented by fever and chills. Constant discharge from the nose and eyes cause discomfort. Photophobia begins. The animal hides from direct light.

The animal can quickly move from a depressed state to a phase of excitation. Night vigils are possible. The animal does not sleep and begins to behave extremely loudly: howls, whines, barks. But do not take these symptoms for recovery. This phase is followed by another depressed state, which is repeated with renewed vigor.

With nervous distemper, convulsions, muscle tone, and paresis appear. With increasing symptoms and fast current disease, the dog very quickly falls into a coma and dies.

Course of the disease:

Lightning. Without signs of illness, the dog dies within a day.
Super sharp. Fever, coma and death of the animal within 72 hours.
Acute. The dog has all the obvious symptoms of the disease.
Chronic.

Forecast

The prognosis for the recovery of the animal may be favorable if the disease proceeded without high temperature. If the dog has bright severe symptoms and fever, then, as a rule, the prognosis will be negative.

Infection and predisposition

You can't talk about bias. With a disease, no one knows which organs the distemper will complication. Ways of infection:

from a sick animal (dog);
through common items;
in case of mating;
through waste products;
through the womb;
from a dog that has recently had an illness.

The virus is very persistent external environment can live for about six months, is not afraid of either cold or heat. Even a person can bring it into the house on his clothes or shoes.

Are pets recovering?

Plague should be treated only under close attention specialist. You can not self-medicate and use any folk remedies. Many people like to pour alcohol into the dog for any infection. If the stage is running, then it will not help, but only aggravate the situation.

Treatment takes a very long time, recovery is too hard. A recovered animal may have serious consequences after an illness, for example, a tick, partial loss of hearing and vision, paralysis and much more.

Treatment

The veterinarian prescribes a comprehensive treatment. The animal receives not only drugs for distemper, but also vitamins to support immunity, antibiotics local action to treat the eyes, nose and skin.

The dog is placed in a dark place, clean and well ventilated. Be sure to follow the diet. For a complete recovery, various physiological procedures are prescribed.

Attention! There will be no full recovery. nervous distemper sure to leave serious complications behind.

Preparations

Help for a dog with distemper should be provided in a timely and professional manner. Treatment is complex and goes in several directions:

serum against distemper;
immunoglobulin (interferon);
immunostimulants and immunomodulators (fosprenil, ribotan, immunofan and others);
antibiotics (used according to symptoms: chloramphenicol, norsulfazol, kefzol, clofaran);
drugs to maintain cardiac activity (sulfocamphocaine, co-carboxylase);
vitamins ( groups B, C, pantathen, nicotinamide);
preparations for the removal of intoxication and dehydration;
antihistamines;
drugs and substances to relieve seizures (forvet);
drugs to prevent paresis (prozerin, strychnine);
preparations for lowering muscle tone (mydocalm);
pressure lowering injection (magnesium sulfate, furasemide tablets);
substances to reduce excitability (phenofarbital, benzonal, folic and glutamic acid);
from epilepsy, if any (finlipsin, pagluferal -2).

Provide peace.
Place in a dark, dry place.
Diet (porridge, soup, meat, egg, cottage cheese, kefir).

So far, there is no cure for this terrible disease. Comprehensive treatment is aimed at maintaining the general condition of the animal and for the prevention of various kinds of infections that may appear against the background of the disease.

Reference! A decoction of motherwort will help slow down the course of the disease and prevent its transition to a nervous form.

Can you drink vodka?

It is customary for people to solder a sick animal with vodka. And in many cases this is true. good way put the dog on its feet if not around veterinary clinics. This procedure must be done several times. After a while, the pet develops a feeling of hunger, he begins to eat and becomes more active.

But the experts themselves are against such treatment. No one knows how an organism with an affected nervous system will react to alcohol. It can only aggravate the intoxication of the body.

Attention! This method only works on early stages manifestations of the disease. Consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Conclusion

Distemper for dogs is very dangerous and insidious disease, which can take a life in a day, or can torment an animal for several months. The consequences after the transfer of nervous plague can be different. The dog will retain all the symptoms of the disease, but in a more weakened form, and may remain paralyzed for the rest of his life.

So don't forget about preventive measures. Vaccinate your pet annually from the age of three months, as puppies are primarily at risk.

In contact with

Distemper in dogs, or Carre's disease, is a deadly disease in domestic animals that is characterized by terrible symptoms and equally terrible consequences, including death. To save your pet, you need to know characteristics this disease, methods of treatment and prevention. In this article, the reader will receive important information that will help him see the infection in time and start therapy.

Characteristic features of the disease

Distemper is a very ancient viral infection known since Ancient Greece. It is caused by a filterable virus high degree contagiousness: transmission of the pathogen occurs through the air and contact with a sick animal:

through the nose, eyes and mouth (saliva);
through the use of common water;
through sexual contact;
through animal secretions: urine and feces;
through the use of common household items in animals.

Some scientists believe that the distemper virus can be transmitted to an animal from various insects.

Distemper in dogs with untimely treatment can end tragically

The virus is very stable and viable in the external environment. The risk of infection of all is higher during the transitional seasons - in spring and autumn, although you can get sick with an infection at any time. Upon contact with a sick dog, a healthy animal will be infected in almost 100% of cases.

Attention!

When infected, the probability of death of a pet is very high - the risk of a fatal outcome is 50%. If puppies under 12 months of age get distemper, the possibility of saving their life is practically zero.

All breeds of dogs at any age are at risk and can get sick with distemper; practice shows that the infection often affects young individuals. Speaking of puppies, the most best defense those who were born from a vaccinated mother.

The infection can take three forms:

acute;
super-sharp;
lightning fast.

In the first case, the entire cycle of the disease takes about 3 weeks and can go into the chronic stage, which takes about 3-4 months. All this time the animal will be in an exhausted state.

The hyperacute form is characterized by an instant deterioration in the condition of the dog, which soon falls into a coma and dies. It proceeds in about 3-4 days, there is no possibility to save the animal: this moment in medical practice there is no cure for this form of the disease.

In the third case, the dog dies within 24 hours.

In order to reduce the risk of dog death, you need to start timely treatment and be responsible towards your pet. Despite the danger of distemper, in most situations a person can save the animal.

By the way, a dog cannot get infected from a cat, because the distemper different types animals are caused by various pathogens.

Symptoms of distemper

After infection, the virus begins to multiply in latent stage: latent form can last up to three weeks.

Attention! Although there may be no symptoms, an infected animal is a carrier of the pathogen and can pass it on to other dogs.

The owner needs to carefully monitor the behavior of his pet, because the disease can still show itself with subtle first signs:

Appetite worsens.
The mucous membranes of the animal look unhealthy, reddened.
The dog becomes surprisingly lethargic.
Unexplained diarrhea and vomiting may occur.
The animal reacts sharply to light, spends time in the shade and dark places.
Immediately after infection, the dog's temperature rises slightly, returning to normal after 2-3 days.

This sign of distemper - an increase in temperature - is a threshold: if after the animal restores activity without showing its infection in any way, it means that the immune system has coped with the pathogenic virus. If a protective system adult dog not strong enough, a gradual progression of symptoms will begin.

As health deteriorates, other symptoms also appear:

state of depression;
habitual reflexes disappear;
the dog stops responding to its name;
the pet stops eating;
chills and fever;
the virus infects the central nervous system: there are cramps of the limbs.

Varieties of infection and possible consequences

The infection does not affect humans, but the hosts can be carriers of the pathogen - this must be taken into account

The disease may differ in its signs and some features of the course - it depends on the focus of the concentration of the pathogenic microorganism.

In case of damage to the respiratory organs and respiratory tract pus is abundantly secreted from the mouth and nose of the dog, which can make it difficult to breathe - a large number of secretion leads to blockage of the airways.

It also appears:

cough;
severe diarrhea;
dehydration;
temperature rise.

If the dog has a pathogen concentrated in the intestines, a whitish coating may appear on the tongue. Lost appetite (but intense thirst persists), the pet may faint.
With the development of the disease on the skin, where it is not covered with hair, blisters appear. This is the mildest type of infection because there may be no other symptoms.
CNS involvement is the most severe form of distemper in dogs. It is characterized by the presence of convulsions and paralysis of the legs. There is a risk of paralysis of the heart muscles, which means the death of the animal. Behavior changes - the dog becomes aggressive.

The pathogen tries to infect as many parts of the body as possible, so the distemper is characterized by the manifestation of various symptoms. And the more of them, the higher the risk to the life of the dog.

Even if the pet survived, the infection does not go unnoticed. The most severe variety, the nervous one, can lead to epilepsy in a dog.

The following complications after the disease are also characteristic:

paralysis of the limbs;
meningitis;
deafness;
blindness;
destruction of tooth enamel.

Often, veterinarians offer to lead the euthanasia of the animal if it is not possible to get rid of these consequences.

How to treat distemper in dogs

If you suspect distemper, your pet should be taken to the veterinarian immediately for treatment.

Despite the high risk of death of his pet when infected with this virus, the owner must not give up: you must use all possible ways in order to heal the animal.

It is noticed that with early detection of symptoms of infection and prompt treatment, the dog survives and restores health in 90% of cases. Conversely, if you ignore or do not see the threatening signs during the latent period, the disease moves to the next stage, and the chances of survival plummet.

If you suspect a pet, you should immediately take it to the veterinarian for treatment.

Advice! At the beginning, it is recommended to visit a doctor, in the future, with the ability to give injections medical measures can be done at home.

How to cure a dog from distemper? As a therapy are prescribed:

Immunostimulants - solutions for intravenous injections:

urotropin (39 percent) 2 ml;
glucose (39 percent) 4 ml;
calcium gluconate (15 percent) 2 ml;
ascorbic acid (7 percent) 4 ml;
diphenhydramine (2 percent) 1 ml;
sodium chloride 7 ml.

Serum with protective antibodies.

These substances enable the animal's immunity to resist. The composition contains antibodies of animals that have been ill with distemper and were able to recover. If the weight of the dog is lighter than 5 kg, then 2 ml of serum is injected, if more - 5 ml. But you need to remember that you need to treat your pet with these drugs at the beginning of the disease - only in this case the drugs will be beneficial.

Vitamin therapy.

Treatment with injections of vitamins B1, B6, B12. AT difficult situations the animal is given an intravenous drip. Also, for a more effective recovery and minimizing the likelihood of complications, the pet needs to take calcium at this time.

Diet food.

A weakened body cannot be overloaded with “complex” food, therefore, for the duration of therapy and recovery, your animal should be given liquid cereals, chopped meat, raw eggs and skim cheese(no more than twice a week).

Antibiotics.

To normalize the dog's temperature, it is advisable to use antibiotics. Their use depends on the symptoms and characteristics of the infection.

Medicines are also used for:

reducing pressure inside the skull;
decrease in muscle tone;
maintaining cardiac activity;
excretion of sputum;
treatment of suppuration in the eyes.

Distemper vaccination for dogs

Each owner has the opportunity to avoid such consequences, difficult treatment the infection itself and possible complications; It is recommended to get vaccinated against distemper in time.

Vaccination is done several times:

the first at the age of 1-2 months;
the second at 6 months;
further - once a year.

Vaccination is done in early age, because the immune system mother protects the puppy only in the first three months, it is during this period that you need to have time to give protection to the four-legged. After that, it is recommended to isolate the puppy from contact with possible carriers of the pathogen for about 2 weeks.

Attention! Vaccines are given exclusively to healthy animals, the presence of fleas or worms is not allowed.

Dogs easily tolerate the effects of Russian or foreign manufacturer. One of the most popular vaccines is polyvalent, which develops immunity to several diseases at once.

The vaccine allows the pet's body to cope with the pathogenic virus without any problems. That is, a dog can get sick, but the disease is asymptomatic and without consequences: having immunity, the body can quickly cope with the microorganism.

A few important notes:

If an already infected puppy is vaccinated during latent stage, the animal will not be able to survive.
If the baby became infected shortly after vaccination, when immunity had not yet developed, the probability of the death of the puppy is very high.

Folk recipes for the treatment of diseases

This infection has been known since ancient times, and people in the old days also looked for ways to treat and save their pets. Before the description of the recipes traditional medicine it must be recalled that it is strictly not recommended to self-medicate distemper, before treating, you need to undergo tests and get expert advice.

Decoctions of the following herbs will help the animal's body cope with the disease and recover better after it:

St. John's wort and chamomile will help remove toxins from the dog's body;
motherwort will help calm the central nervous system and prevent the development of the most dangerous nervous pathologies.

Another known popular reception- treatment of distemper in dogs with vodka is carried out according to the following recipe: mix 125 ml of vodka with one raw egg, add 15 ml of fresh honey.

Divide the resulting mixture into three portions, pour into the mouth of the animal 3 times a day with a syringe, making sure that the pet has swallowed the medicine.

Treatment with vodka is effective if the disease occurs in mild form, and the animal has a strong immune system.

Attention! The methods of traditional medicine described above act only as an addition to the main treatment. You can not replace traditional therapy only with these recipes.

The owner is solely responsible for the health pet. The dog does not understand all the possible threats to its health, therefore the person must monitor who it is in contact with, see changes in behavior in time and take action. Urgent measures when in doubt. The disease is too dangerous, you can not rely on "like", you need to take the animal to the veterinarian in time. And, again, the most the best remedy from distemper is to warn her and vaccinate the pet in advance.

In this article, the reader has received the most important information about deadly disease for dogs and learned what to do when signs of distemper appear. Information will help dog breeders to see suspicious symptoms in time and conduct effective treatment.

Kare's disease, Crimean disease or carnivorous distemper is a viral illness that often leads to the death of an infected pet. Without treatment, the mortality rate is extremely high. And, unfortunately, distemper in a dog shows symptoms very different and to varying degrees, which greatly complicates the diagnosis. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion, it is necessary to contact the veterinarian, even if you are sure that the described signs exactly repeat the condition of the pet. Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor.

There is an opinion among owners that in our time only puppies, unvaccinated dogs and pets that are poorly cared for are sick with plague. To some extent, this is true - bright manifestations of distemper in dogs from the above groups are observed more often than in vaccinated healthy animals. But any dog, at any age and regardless of the state of immunity, can become infected with this virus on a walk, at an exhibition, and even at home, through a person’s shoes and hands.

Is your pet vaccinated, eating right, active and healthy? Great, but the owner must still remember how distemper manifests itself in dogs. Even if the pet has already reached old age and is vaccinated annually, the danger exists. Don't dismiss symptoms simply because "my dog is vaccinated and healthy, what else is distemper?".

pay attention

Such dangerous diseases dogs like distemper show symptoms long before a clear deterioration in the condition. Of course, if we are not talking about the lightning-fast course of the disease. When the disease develops typically, the pet gets sick gradually - eats less, does not want to play, walks without interest. Somewhere he coughed, sneezed at night, something transparent flows from his nose, his eyes seem to have turned a little red - all these are the very first signs of distemper in dogs, which often go unnoticed. But if you catch the disease at this stage, the probability of cure is almost 100%, and the probability severe complications approaches zero. Do not be too lazy to measure the temperature and carefully examine the pet, once again get to the clinic and take tests.

Read also: Fibrosarcoma - all about tumors in dogs

Don't expect patterns

The plague virus is very insidious - affecting the entire body, it makes itself felt different symptoms even in two dogs of the same age and the same breed that get sick at the same time. Therefore, do not expect that the signs of distemper in a dog will develop according to a typical pattern: discharge from the nose and eyes, fever, cough, diarrhea. Depending on the rate of reproduction of the virus and the place of its localization, several forms of this disease are distinguished.

If the first symptoms of distemper in dogs appeared suddenly (yesterday he ran and ate, today he lies and does not respond to the call), they speak of an acute or subacute form of the plague. In a chronic course, on the contrary, the signs are hardly noticeable - the pet seems to have weakened, but nothing concrete can be said. Puppies often die without any symptoms of illness, whole litters - a lightning-fast form.

Typical picture (enteropulmonary form)

In most cases, the plague virus infects the intestines and respiratory system, resulting in fever, indigestion, and respiratory problems.

The first signs of distemper in dogs with lesions respiratory system the following:

painful hacking cough, dry. It may seem that the pet is choking. The tonsils are enlarged, the throat is reddened;

the eyes are filled with "tears", yellowish paths are visible in the corners of the eyes. Expiration liquid, transparent;

running out of the nose clear liquid, because of which the pet is constantly licking. Droplets of dried exudate are noticeable in the corners of the nostrils, especially after sleep.

The temperature may remain normal, be elevated, or fluctuate throughout the day from normal to 42°C. After the onset of distemper in dogs, it can take from one day to several weeks before it worsens. More often it is about 3-5 days.

From the respiratory system:

wet cough, paroxysmal. Rattling in the chest, gurgling. The pet coughs hysterically, leaning on its front paws, attacks cause vomiting of mucus and even fainting;

Tears no longer flow from the eyes, but thick pus. The eyelids become inflamed and stick together, especially after sleep. Sometimes the cornea becomes cloudy, and the eyes are swollen with pus so much that the pet cannot open them;

nose filled with thick greenish or greyish liquid, along the edges of the crust. The nose mirror cracks, touches are painful.

As with others viral diseases dogs, the symptoms of distemper are not limited to respiratory problems.