Distemper is a devastating viral illness caused by CDV or canine distemper virus. It is extremely contagious, often fatal, and affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. The disease knows no borders, being found throughout the world.

Vaccines

Prevention is the best cure so it is essential your dog receive each scheduled vaccine. There are two formats available, recombinant and modified live virus. Most vets choose the recombinant format because there is no possibility of contracting the disease from the vaccine.

Treatment

Treatment of distemper is supportive only as there is yet no cure. This doesn't mean every pup who contracts it will die, however. There are mild cases of distemper where the animal will be ill but recover - sometimes with no lasting effects. The symptoms of distemper vary widely between afflicted dogs but some of the most common ones are:

• Fever
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Pneumonia
• Runny nose and discharge from the eyes
• Appetite loss

Supportive care options

Medication will be essential but there are several things that you can also do to give your dog the best chance of recovery. Make sure to keep your pet in a warm and draft-free area. Take a warm cloth to nose and eye areas throughout the day to get rid of discharge. This will also make it easier for them to see and breathe. Clean, disinfect, and sanitize surfaces, toys, bowls, blankets, etc. on a regular basis to assist with killing the virus.

Medications

• Bronchodilators: These are generally prescribed to combat pneumonia and breathing issues, similar to the effect of inhalers on humans.
• Antibiotics: Secondary infections are common with distemper and various antibiotics such as Metronidazole are used to fight them.
• Antiemetics: Keeping food down can be a large problem when there is vomiting. The vet may choose antiemetics such as Metoclopramide or Cerenia.
• Anticonvulsants: Watching your pet go through a seizure is heartbreaking. Often, a vet will prescribe anticonvulsants such as Primidone, Phenobarbitone, and Potassium bromide to decrease seizure activity in the brain.
• Glucocorticoids: Drugs in this class often end in -one, such as Prednisone. They are effective at treating a wide range of symptoms and disorders, but their list of side effects is long and frightening. Talk frankly with your vet before giving these drugs to your pet.
• Antidiarrheals: Dogs with persistent diarrhoea run the risk of becoming dehydrated. To avoid this happening and potentially requiring IV fluids, your vet may choose to give an antidiarrheal. One of the most popular choices, Pepto-Bismol, contains bismuth sub-salicylate and is available without a prescription. However, you will need proper dosage information from the vet.

Combating distemper starts with you. It cannot be overstated how important vaccination is to your pet. You want them to have the best life possible and vaccines are not where you should be cutting corners.