What are the common symptoms of distemper?
Symptoms of distemper can mimic a cold at first. Fever and eye discharge are common symptoms and are often mistaken as symptoms of milder illnesses. Dogs may show very subtle symptoms for as long as a few weeks. The disease gradually worsens and symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and weight loss. These are not the only symptoms. Symptoms of distemper can be so various that it’s important to get any sick dog veterinary attention immediately. In later stages, the disease affects the central nervous system, causing convulsions and possibly paralysis. There is no cure for distemper. 50% of dogs that contract distemper will die. Prompt veterinary treatment greatly increases a dog’s chance of surviving distemper. Many dogs That survive will suffer permanent damage from the disease, such as seizures, paralysis, eye problems and permanent changes in paw pads.
