Distemper

Distemper: This is a virus that is transmitted by contact with infected animals, clothing, bedding and air. This disease is more dangerous for young animal, especially puppies. The disease stays within species (a dog cannot infect a cat and visa versa).

Symptoms: Fever, lethargic, loss of appetite, yellow-green discharge from eyes and nose, sneezing, vomiting, tremors.

Prevention: Annual vaccination that comes in a combination shot. First vaccination should be given at six to eight weeks, repeated every 3 weeks until the puppy reaches 16 weeks old and a booster should be given once a year. Puppies and kittens should not come in contact with sick animals until initial series of vaccines have been given.

Treatment: Animal needs close monitoring and nursing care. The disease must be caught in the early stages in order for treatment to be effect or successful. Sometimes recovery is impossible.