Chow Chow Distemper Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of distemper in Chow Chow:

1. Overall performance, the Chow Chow loses his appetite or does not eat at all, and his spirit is listless. The body temperature changes in a biphasic heat type, that is, the body temperature first rises to 39 to 41 degrees, lasts for 1 to 3 days, and then gradually subsides, approaching normal temperature. After a few days, the body temperature rises again, and severe cases can lead to death.

2. When canine distemper infects the respiratory system, it will manifest as rhinitis and conjunctivitis. At this time, the eyes and nose of the Chow Chow have serous or mucopurulent secretions, which can lead to blindness if ophthalmic neuritis is caused. The virus invades the lungs and causes interstitial pneumonia, and secondary bacterial infection can cause bronchial pneumonia. The clinical manifestations are cough, dyspnea, and crepitus on auscultation (so it is easy to be misdiagnosed as a cold).

3. Canine distemper virus manifests as vomiting and diarrhea in the gastrointestinal tract. Chows suffer from severe diarrhea and occasionally pass bloody stools.

4. In the late stage of canine distemper, the Chow Chow will have neurological symptoms, and canine distemper virus can invade any part of the central nervous system. Clinically, neurological symptoms may appear simultaneously with other systemic symptoms, and may also appear later, mainly manifested as general convulsions, spasms of masticatory muscles, circling, and abnormal behavior. When the midbrain, cerebellum, and vestibule are affected, ataxia and abnormal posture are manifested. Spinal infection manifests as abnormal posture, abnormal spinal reflexes, and paralysis. Neurological symptoms are likely to leave sequelae after canine distemper is cured.

Chow Chow distemper treatment:

1. In the early stage of the disease, large doses of canine distemper hyperimmune serum, canine distemper monoclonal antibody and canine gamma globulin were used.

2. Supportive treatment. One of the keys to defeating canine distemper is for dogs to establish their own active immunity. In this process, we must ensure that dogs have enough energy to complete this battle, so supportive treatment is also essential.

3. Symptomatic treatment is aimed at the cause of the disease. Although it can treat the symptoms rather than the root cause, it is equally important. For example, when convulsions occur, some anti-convulsion drugs can be applied appropriately, so that the dog will not feel too uncomfortable and have more strength to fight against the disease.

4. Prevention of secondary infection, where secondary infection generally refers to bacterial infection. Canine distemper itself is a viral infection, but in some cases, viral infection can easily lead to secondary bacterial infections, which can aggravate the condition.