Chomka (or Kare's disease) is a very persistent viral disease. Even at -24 ° C, the canine distemper virus retains the ability to spread. According to the complexity of the course and the percentage of deaths, this disease is second only to rabies. But, unlike him, a plague man can not become infected. Also, a dog that once suffered a plague, as a rule, no longer suffers from it.
The first signs of a plague in a dog
The vomiting virus is localized in one part of the body. Depending on which area of the body is most susceptible to infection, several forms of this disease are distinguished. Symptoms of these forms differ, but in a pure form none of them occur.
- The nervous form of the distemper in dogs is accompanied by cramps, muscle spasms. The dog drinks a lot, the temperature rises. An infected animal becomes aggressive and irritable. If you do not start treatment, paralysis of the hind paws develops. Subsequently, the dog can not get up, numbness of the respiratory tract and heart arises, the dog dies.
- With pulmonary plague, the dogs are affected by the respiratory system. The pet raises his body temperature, he refuses to eat, but drinks a lot. The exhausted animal often coughs. From the nose and eyes of the dog often go purulent discharge. This form of the disease is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.
- With the defeat of the digestive organs, with intestinal plague, the dogs develop vomiting and yellow diarrhea with a specific odor. In the language of the animal, a clear plaque is clearly visible, dark spots appear on the teeth. The temperature is raised, and the dog periodically loses consciousness.
- Dermal drape is the lightest form. Sores appear on the animal's skin. These sores are covered with a crust, which then cracks. In the cracks get bacteria and cause inflammation of the skin. These inflammations cause pain to the dog, especially when moving.
How is the plague transmitted in dogs?
Usually, the virus of canine distemper is carried by insects and worms, but the pet can also pick up this disease from other animals. The sick dog is able to infect the healthy even through breathing, and the discharge from the nose and eyes remain contagious for another 3 months after the animal recovers.
Chumka is not a seasonal disease, outbreaks of this disease can occur at any time of the year.
Cats also have an ailment called a plague. But these are two different diseases that are not transmitted from the cat to the dog and vice versa.
Treatment of ducks in dogs
If you suspect that your dog is sick with a plague, you should immediately contact the veterinarian. He will determine the form of the disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment. There are no special medications for this disease, just a set of measures that increase the immunity of the animal and eliminate the symptoms of the disease.
Herbal infusions and vegetable juices help to remove toxins from the body of the dog, increase immunity. A veterinarian can prescribe valerian infusions, limes, chamomiles and carrot juice.
This is what it is desirable to do when the dog was found with a plague:
- the pet should be kept in a warm room, without drafts;
- a dog suffering from any form of distemper may develop photophobia, so it is worth to darken the room;
- separation from the eyes and nose should be periodically cleaned;
- Inflamed skin must be treated with antiseptic ointment;
- feed the dog needs warm food and small portions,
it's better if it's liquid food.
Prevention of distemper in dogs
Every year it is necessary to make a mandatory vaccination of a dog from a distemper. The first inoculation is done to puppies at the age of 3 months. The next inoculation is done in half a year, and then every year. A slice in adult dogs flows more easily, since puppies have not yet developed their sufficient immunity. So do not miss the first vaccination of your pets.
Consequences of the plague in dogs are loss of sight, hearing and smell, nervous tic and even mental disturbance.