DISTEMPER

Question
I HAVE TAKEN MY 3yr OLD BASSET TO A VET AND HE SAY'S HE HAS POSSIBLY DISTEMPER. THE DOG WAS LIVELY THIS MORNING, THEN I NOTICED HE WAS JUST LYING  SHIVERING AND WOULD NOT EAT HES EYES ARE WATERING AND HAS LABORED BREATHING.HE WAS VACCINATED AS A PUP

Answer
Hi Paul,

Because your dog was last vaccinated for Distemper three years ago, when your dog was a puppy, it's totally possible that he's come down with the disease now. The vaccine protocol for Distemper is every three years, but even if he was vaccinated last week, there still would be a possibility that he could come down with it, as no vaccination gives 100% guaranteed protection.

Dogs that recover from Distemper are often left with persistent nervous muscle twitches (chorea) and recurrent seizures. You should discuss the possibility of future Distemper related health problems with your veterinarian.

The virus which causes Distemper can live in the environment (your home and outside areas that your dog frequents) for up to a year. You need to clean, using bleach and water solution, and isolate where your dog goes to the bathroom from other dogs for at least one month. People who's dogs are not up to date on their vaccines should not allow their dog to play with your dog, or to come in your home. Distemper is a highly contagious to dogs!

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti