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Canine distemper, or dog distemper, is a virus that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The virus is highly contagious and can be deadly. There is no cure for canine distemper, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival. Complications of canine distemper include pneumonia, encephalitis, and seizures. Keep reading to learn more about the complications of canine distemper.
Liver and Kidney Damage
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of all ages but is most commonly seen in puppies. In severe cases, the virus can damage the liver and kidneys. The liver is responsible for many important functions in the body, including filtering toxins from the blood and producing bile to help digest food. When the liver is damaged by canine distemper, it can’t perform these tasks adequately. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in the blood, which can cause serious health problems.
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them in urine. When the kidneys are damaged by canine distemper, they can’t function properly, and this can lead to a build-up of waste products in the body. This can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious health problems.
Ocular and Dermatological Complications
Canine distemper, in some cases, leads to ocular and dermatological complications. The most common ocular complication is conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by the virus itself or by secondary infections resulting from the disease. Symptoms include redness, discharge, and swollen eyelids. If left untreated, conjunctivitis can lead to blindness. Dermatological complications are also common in dogs with distemper. They may include skin lesions, hair loss, and itching. The dog’s skin may become infected and develop ulcers in severe cases.
Pneumonia
One of the most common and serious diseases in dogs is pneumonia. This serious lung infection often occurs when a dog’s immune system is weakened, such as when the dog is fighting an infection like canine distemper. While not all dogs who contract canine distemper will develop the condition, it is a common and potentially deadly complication of the disease.
Dogs with this condition may have difficulty breathing and produce mucus or pus from their nose and mouth. They may also have a high fever and may become lethargic and unresponsive. In severe cases, dogs may die from the condition. If your dog has been diagnosed with canine distemper, it is important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics and other medications to help fight the infection and may also recommend hospitalization for more intensive treatment.
Encephalitis
Many dog owners may not know about canine distemper and its potential dangers to their pets. This virus can lead to a number of serious health issues, including encephalitis. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It can be caused by a number of different things, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It can lead to a number of serious symptoms, including seizures, coma, and even death. Encephalitis is a very serious condition and can be fatal if not treated. If your dog is diagnosed with encephalitis, it will likely need to be hospitalized and may require intensive treatment, including antibiotics, antivirals, or steroids.
Overall, canine distemper is a serious and potentially deadly virus that can cause a wide range of complications in dogs. While there is no cure for canine distemper, early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the chances of a dog’s recovery.
