Ask the Vet About Canine Distemper in Dogs

Hey! Please leave your question here and I will get back to you with a response for your pet! Thank you, Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! You can use Revolution topical on your cat and this will deworm him or her. I also dont know what type of worms. Distemper is not a worm? This is a serious virus in cats. I would need more Information to answer this properly. Thank you! Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! This medication is for humans and I have never had experience using it in dogs and cats. Please consult with your local veterinarian, but I do not suggest you use this. I hope this helps. Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! I am really sorry. This is a very deadly disease and why it is a core vaccine for all dogs. If your dog is suffering the right thing to do is put them to sleep. I am so sorry! Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Yes, that is fine (to use different manufacturers).

Here is a link to a really good article, written by another veterinarian, all about distemper: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952099 He cannot contract distemper from other dogs feces but he can get other viruses like that.

Here is a great article, written by another veterinarian, from a site that I trust. It depends on the ambient conditions, but they directly answer your question in the grey side box: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952099

Since we rarely see Distemper in the United States (I've seen one case in 25 years), I'm not a good veterinarian to ask. It is viral and we don't have great anti-virals in veterinary medicine, so treatment usually revolves around supportive care and how good the dog's immune system is. Vaccines are very protective so vaccinating all puppies is ideal for prevention. Here is a good article, written by another veterinarian about Distemper: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952099

"Is there a post distemper syndrome that could account for this?" Not that I know of but it could be related - hard to say really, but it wouldn't change any kind of treatment protocols this far away from the illness.

We, thankfully, don't see distemper much in the United States - last case I saw was over 20 years ago, so consult a veterinarian in your country for the best advice. Here is an article, written by another veterinarian, from a site that I trust about distemper: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952099

She may just have low calcium, which is very treatable so definitely see your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and treatment. They can determine if euthanasia is appropriate.

We so rarely see Distemper in the United States (I have seen one case in 25 years and that was 23 years ago) that it is ideal to consult a veterinarian in your country about the prognosis of the puppies. If you are in the United States, have your veterinarian recheck the mother dog as she probably does not have distemper. Hypocalcemia, which is very treatable and relatively common in nursing mothers, might look like distemper.

Definitely go ahead and see your veterinarian - seizures can be caused by many things (Distemper virus, Rabies, toxins, metabolic disorders, etc.) and they are all treated differently and many can be fatal.

Distemper has basically been all but eradicated in the United States so I am not a good veterinarian to ask - taking him to a veterinarian in your country is probably his best shot. You may also want to try JustAnswer.com - they may have a veterinarian that specializes in Distemper there.

Have your veterinarian check her out immediately - there are many potential causes, some of them quite serious (toxins, Distemper, etc.)