As heard on WICC Tuesday morning by Dr. Claudia Giuliani: CANINE DISTEMPER Overview: Canine Distemper is a very contagious and deadly disease caused by a virus. Dogs, ferrets as well as well as certain species of wildlife, such as raccoons, wolves, foxes, and skunks, are at risk. Although there is no cure for distemper, the most important fact to remember is that it is preventable through vaccination. For dogs that have developed clinical signs of distemper, the prognosis is very guarded depending on the immune response and severity of the symptoms. Dogs that develop neurological signs are the least likely to recover. While dogs of all ages can become infected with canine distemper virus, puppies-especially those with poor immune systems or those that are unvaccinated or not completely vaccinated-are at the greatest risk for this nasty virus, which spread through the air or by direct contact. It invades the tonsils and lymphnodes first, and then spreads to the respiratory, urinary, digestive and nervous systems. Symptoms: The symptoms of canine distemper depend on the stage of the virus. Initial symptoms include: -fever -watery/red eyes -clear discharge from the nose and eyes -anorexia -vomiting -diarrhea As the virus progresses and it begins to attack other areas of the body, symptoms can include: -seizures -paralysis -odd behavior -aggressiveness -tics or tremors -retinal discoloration -hardening of the pads of the feet FELINE DISTEMPER Overview: Panelukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is an extremely contagious and deadly disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread through contact with an infected cats saliva, urine, blood, nasal discharge, or fleas. There is no cure for panleukopenia and, without treatment, it has a high mortality rate. The most important fact to know about panleukopenia is, while it is not curable, it is preventable through vaccination. While cats of all ages can become infected with the distemper virus, kittens - especially those with a poor immune system or those who are unvaccinated - are the greatest risk for this nasty virus, which causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms -depression -anorexia -vomiting -diarrhea -blood in stool -lethargy and weakness Diagnosis Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and take a detailed history of your pet, including his vaccination status. Additionally, your vet may recommend a feline leukemia and a feline immunodeficiency virus test. Treatment Unfortunately, many causes of panlekopenia are rapidly fatal. With aggressive therapy, some cats can make a full recovery, although the prognosis is extremely guarded. Your veterinarian will recommend supportive therapy tailored to your cats needs and may include hospitalization, fluid therapy, antibiotics, medication for vomiting and diarrhea and intravenous nutritional support The good news is that this disease can be prevented by vaccination!!!
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 18:40:18 +0000
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