What is Canine Distemper in New Jersey?
There are a several diseases that dogs and other animals are known to be susceptible to.
Whether you have a pet or might encounter an animal in the wild, it is important to be aware
of the potential diseases an animal might carry as well as the symptoms that may be indicators.
Canine distemper is a disease, also known as hardpad disease, common in dogs and other animals
such as raccoons and skunks. Both domestic and wild Jersey City animals are affected by this incurable and
contagious disease. In canines, this disease not only affects the gastrointestinal and respiratory
tracts but also the spinal cord and the brain.
What are the symptoms of canine distemper? If you have a pet dog and you have been observing any of the symptoms that I have listed below, consider having your pet checked by a veterinarian. Your New Jersey dog could have canine distemper if it experiences the following: • Your dog’s temperature reaches 39.7°C accompanied by the reddening of its eyes • Thick mucus is observed coming from the dog’s eyes and nose. • Coughing and sneezing are observed usually attended by vomiting • When the canine distemper has reached the nervous system, it will start to affect the brain and the spinal cord causing the dog to experience seizures and hysteria. What are the causes of canine distemper? The primary cause of canine distemper is the acquisition of the paramyxovirus. Paramyxovirus is very similar to measles and rinderpest. Here are some causes of canine distemper and how they are transmitted: • Most dogs affected by canine distemper are those which received accentuated vaccines improperly. • Since it is passed from dog to dog, your Jersey City dog’s exposure to another dog’s urine, blood and saliva can cause your dog to acquire canine distemper. • Dogs that are not immunized are at risk when exposed to another infected dog. • Sharing food and water can also be a way the disease is transmitted. • Exposure to the sneezing, coughing or vomiting of an infected dog can transmit the disease. How can canine distemper be treated? Once you suspect your dog has canine distemper because of the symptoms, go see a veterinarian. There is no cure for canine distemper, but alleviating the symptoms is how they treat infected dogs. • Dogs that experience diarrhea caused by dehydration are treated with intravenous supportive fluids. • If the dog’s immune system is already infected due to second bacterial infection, your dog might be given antibiotics to treat and control convulsions. How can canine distemper be prevented? The best prevention available is to provide your dog with a regular vaccine like the canine distemper modified live virus (MLV) vaccine. If there are canine distemper infected New Jersey dogs around your area, it would be best to take the following preventive measures: • Isolate your dog from the infected animals. • Take special care of new-born puppies because they are more likely to get it when exposed to the disease. Go back to the Wildlife Removal Jersey City home page. |