Treatment of Canine Distemper

The general treatment for canine distemper involves suppressing virus reproduction, controlling secondary infections, and symptomatic treatment. Suppressing virus reproduction primarily involves the use of canine distemper monoclonal antibodies, canine interferon, and other drugs; controlling secondary infections primarily involves the use of drugs containing ingredients such as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefotaxime, and other components. At the same time, it is necessary to provide symptomatic treatment, such as using eye drops containing lysozyme and neomycin for severe secondary eye infections. It is recommended that owners take their dogs to a pet hospital for treatment as soon as they are infected with the canine distemper virus, as the earlier the treatment, the greater the chance of recovery.

The treatment for canine distemper varies at different stages of the disease. The specific treatment methods can be referred to below.

Early Stage of Canine Distemper

In the early stage of canine distemper, antiviral drugs such as interferon and monoclonal antibodies should be administered to the dog. At the same time, oral administration of antibiotics such as amoxicillin and doxycycline is recommended to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Symmetrical treatment is also required, such as injecting antipyretic needles when the dog has a high fever, and giving the dog oral anti-emetic and anti-diarrheal drugs when symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea occur. Additionally, it is necessary to replenish the dog's body with water and nutrients to prevent severe dehydration.

Middle Stage of Canine Distemper

In the middle stage of canine distemper, clinical symptoms of the respiratory and digestive systems often occur, and even pneumonia may occur. At this time, oral administration of cough suppressants, bronchodilators, anti-emetics, and anti-diarrheal drugs is required to improve the dog's respiratory and digestive symptoms. Additionally, immunoglobulins are used to enhance the dog's immunity.

Late Stage of Canine Distemper

If the owner does not seek treatment in a timely manner, as the disease progresses, the dog may exhibit neurological symptoms such as convulsions and frothing at the mouth in the late stage of canine distemper. At this point, the chance of cure is very low, and symptomatic treatment is generally adopted. Antiviral drugs, neuroactive drugs, and vitamins are used to control the dog's neurological symptoms, combat the virus, and enhance the dog's immunity, in order to prolong the dog's life. However, most dogs with this condition have a poor prognosis, and even if they are cured, they may still have sequelae such as seizures.

Note: Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease with a high mortality rate, especially among young dogs, whose mortality rate approaches 80%. Therefore, it is recommended that owners take their dogs to a pet hospital as soon as they suspect infection with the canine distemper virus, so that the dog can recover faster. If veterinary care is sought only in the late stage of canine distemper, the dog's prognosis may be poor or even lead to death.