Canine distemper case treated in Lydenburg
Even if a dog manages to survive the acute phase, it will often be left with brain damage, resulting in seizures.
LYDENBURG – The first case of the fatal canine disease, distemper, was diagnosed this past weekend.
Dr Jannie Steyn, one of the veterinarians at Lydenburg Animal Clinic, told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that the first case of this deadly disease reared its head on Saturday after a dog from Steelpoort was brought into the clinic.
“I diagnosed the first animal in our area for this highly contagious disease. The dog, however, was in an advanced stage of the disease and had to be put down.”
What is more worrying is the fact that the owner of the dog told Steyn that there was another dog running in the streets that had similar symptoms. Steyn said that canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure.
“The only way to prevent and avoid canine distemper is to take your dog to the vet and have it vaccinated,” said Steyn. “If your dog has not been vaccinated, and they come into contact with an animal infected by distemper, they’re at a very high risk of contracting the disease themselves.”
Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs. Steyn said that like parvo, humans need not worry about being infected with the virus.
“However, the survival rate for dogs is extremely low. Even if a dog manages to survive the acute phase, it will often be left with brain damage, resulting in seizures. There is no medication to kill this virus and it can only be symptomatically treated. The only way to prevent this virus is through vaccination.”
Watch out for the following symptoms
• Diarrhoea
• Pneumonia (characterised by mucopurulent nasal discharge and possible laboured breathing and coughing) • Vomiting
• Hardening/thickening of the pads of the feet and nose.
• Ataxia, an inability to coordinate the muscles
• Hyperesthesia, a heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, like touch and pain
• Myoclonus, muscle spasms, often seen in the facial muscles as a tic
• Paralysis, partial or complete
• Seizures affecting any part of the body
