Distemper cases more prevelant
The Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) Johannesburg has reported a high incidence of distemper cases currently being presented at their veterinary hospital in Regents Park.
Dr Debbie Clayton, AACL veterinarian, had this to say: “Distemper is a very serious disease and contagious to other dogs. There is no specific treatment for distemper, as it is a viral infection. Most dogs do not survive the disease and either die, or end up by being euthanised. If the animal does survive, it can shed the virus into the environment for a period of time, making other dogs susceptible to the disease. It is spread through the air and through contact with infected bodily fluids.”
She went on to say that the signs of the disease to look for are, runny nose, a discharge from the eyes, not eating, and fever.
Additionally, the dog may develop vomiting and diarrhoea, have difficulty breathing, and also experience muscle twitches and seizures.
The only way to prevent this disease is to vaccinate your animal before it is ill. Puppies should first be vaccinated at six to eight weeks and boosted monthly after that twice. Thereafter, they should be vaccinated annually.
If you are not sure whether your puppy has been vaccinated, it is most likely that it has not been and you should take him to your veterinarian to start his vaccination course as soon as possible.
