How long does it take to treat distemper in dogs?

Canine distemper is an acute, highly contagious infectious disease caused by the canine distemper virus, with a high mortality rate. It is the number one infectious disease in dogs. The virus can be transmitted through oral, nasal, and ocular secretions, feces, and blood. Unvaccinated puppies are more susceptible to infection. The treatment period is long, usually lasting 15 to 30 days. After recovery, dogs may have lifelong seizures as a sequelae.

Main symptoms of distemper

The early stages of canine distemper usually present with respiratory and digestive system infections, including increased eye secretions, vomiting, diarrhea (soft stools), coughing, runny nose, and sneezing. The temperature may fluctuate repeatedly. In the later stages, the disease mainly presents with neurological symptoms, such as seizures, incoordination, muscle spasms, and easy biting of the tongue during seizures, which may cause bleeding.

Symptomatic drug use recommendations

The main treatment for distemper is symptomatic treatment, along with controlling secondary infections and specific therapy. In the early stages, antibiotics and antiviral drugs with good efficacy for respiratory infections, canine monoclonal antibodies, and interferon can be chosen. If there is a lack of appetite, fluid replacement may be necessary to supplement nutrients and proteins. In addition, antipyretic and fever-reducing drugs can be used if the dog has a fever. If neurological symptoms occur in the later stages, the main treatment is to control seizures, but the efficacy of treatment is poor, and euthanasia is generally recommended. Data shows that Tangren Tang's Angong Niuhuang Pill has a good effect on controlling seizures in dogs with distemper.

Precautions

If a young dog presents with increased eye secretions, coughing, sneezing, and runny nose in the early stages, it is necessary to go to a pet hospital promptly because these symptoms are similar to those of distemper. If treated in a timely manner and without neurological symptoms, the cure rate is relatively high. If a dog is unfortunately diagnosed with distemper, it is recommended not to raise dogs for at least 6 months and to disinfect the dog's utensils and items.