Distemper puppy...

Question
Hello. First let me say thank you for reading this.

My 3 month old toy poodle was diagnosed with Distemper (he was a rescue puppy) after he had around 20 seizures simultaneously. We were prepared to have him put down but the vet said he had no fever and was still responsive. So we hospitalized him on Sunday. He seems to be improving and even ate real food today but he is extremely disoriented. They have him on phenobarbital and Valium. But they didn't give him any meds until this evening trying to wene him off of the meds and he was still very disoriented. I know the seizures will do that to them but my question is how often do dogs recover from this disorientation? It's breaking my heart to see him like this but the vet says he is not in pain. I fear that his brain is damaged and just want to know the odds. He does eat with assistance, he yawns, he tries to get up and move but he just can't right now. Are the odds against him?

Thank you!

Answer
Wow Kinsey, this is so hard for you and for him!! Distemper is so rarely seen these days thanks to vaccinations, but it is still very real as you know.

The problem with this disease is that is affects the central nervous system. That means the brain, the spinal cord and nerves. The seizures are bad enough, but then you add the whole CNS being affected and you have a dog that is going to be really out of it.

Many dogs DO survive distemper, but not without permanent damage. Some of them have a twitch for life, some have seizures for life, some might not be able to walk at all.

I can tell that your vet is really trying to give this little guy a chance. He must be an extremely sweet little dog. Gosh I am in tears just typing this!!
All I can tell you Kinsey is to wait and see a bit- that is the only way you will know if he will be able to live a somewhat normal life. Once he is off the Valium the vet will know much better what his chances are. The Valium is going to make him goofy much more than the phenobarbital will.

Trust the vet on this and see how he does once he is off the Valium. If he doesn't appear that he can walk right or respond correctly, then you will know that putting him down will only be a kindness to him. Quality of life is what you have to think about here- not just that he is alive. I know you are already braced for that- but hopefully this will help you decide a bit more.

Please let me know what happens. I will be thinking of the little guy and praying for his recovery.