Distinguishing between Canine Parainfluenza and Canine Distemper

Canine parainfluenza and canine distemper are both viral infectious diseases that affect young canine animals, characterized by sudden onset and rapid transmission. Clinical symptoms of both diseases include fever and rhinorrhea. They can be transmitted through the air, dog excrement, and contact with infected dogs. Vaccines for canine distemper and canine parainfluenza are usually weakened vaccines, and they are often combined with other weakened vaccines for diseases such as canine parvovirus.

Differences between Canine Parainfluenza and Canine Distemper

From the perspective of definition, canine parainfluenza is a respiratory infectious disease caused by the canine parainfluenza virus, characterized by coughing, rhinorrhea, and fever. Canine distemper is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the canine distemper virus, characterized by biphasic fever, acute nasal catarrh, severe gastroenteritis, pneumonia, and neurological symptoms.
From the perspective of clinical symptoms, canine distemper mainly affects the respiratory tract, causing dry and cracked nostrils, unpleasant gas exhaled, and purulent nasal discharge. It can also affect the digestive tract, causing loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody stools. Neurological symptoms include facial twitches, drooling, circling, white foam at the mouth, and seizures. Most cases present with a mixed type of distemper. Clinical symptoms of canine parainfluenza generally include coughing, rhinorrhea, reduced appetite, and fever.
From the perspective of treatment difficulty, canine distemper is very difficult to cure, and most cases are not treatable. The best method is to vaccinate to prevent infection. Canine parainfluenza usually resolves on its own within 3-7 days if it is a simple infection. If there is a secondary infection, medical treatment is necessary. Generally, canine parainfluenza is easier to treat.

Suggestions for medication based on symptoms

For dogs infected with canine distemper virus, biological agents such as canine distemper antibody protein and interferon can be used to enhance immunity. Herbs such as Isatis root, thymus peptide, and Astragalus polysaccharide can be used to combat viruses. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin and Andrographis paniculata can be used to prevent and treat secondary infections. Intravenous administration of compound sodium chloride, vitamin C, creatinine, and calcium gluconate can be used to replenish fluids and maintain acid-base balance.

Precautions

After being infected with canine distemper, dogs should be isolated for treatment, and attention should be paid to fluid replacement and warmth preservation. Feeding and water consumption should be restricted. Whether it is canine distemper or canine parainfluenza, strict disinfection of the dog kennel and handling of dog excrement are necessary to avoid infecting other healthy dogs.