Canine distemper is a viral disease affecting dogs of all ages, but mainly unvaccinated or partially vaccinated puppies. The severity of the disease and the tissues infected vary with the particular strain of the virus infecting the pet and the pet’s immune system; pets with antibody titers over 1:100 typically do not develop the disease. Typical clinical signs resemble those of kennel cough in the early stages of the disease, namely runny eyes and a runny nose. As the disease progresses, the pet develops a thicker purulent (pus) discharge of the eyes and nose, and develops a cough due to pneumonia. Lack of appetite, fever, and general lethargy also occur. Occasionally secondary skin infections arise and resemble pimples on the abdominal skin. The pads of the feet may thicken and become hard (distemper is often referred to as “hard pad” disease.) Neurological complications, usually chomping of the jaw or seizures, develops later in the disease and is often the reason most pets with distemper are euthanized.

Treatment Options (Always Consult Your Veterinarian)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oil primarily, also flax oil) – Dosed at 10 mg/pound of body weight 1-3 times daily.

Antioxidants – Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, minerals such as selenium, and other substances such as coenzyme Q-10, bilberry, blueberry, resveratrol, OPC’s, etc., work by reducing cell-harming oxidizing chemicals released upon cell damage and death.

DMG – per label dosage

Medicinal Mushrooms – per label dosage

Herbs – alfalfa , astragalus, burdock, dandelion leaf/root, Echinacea, garlic, ginseng, goldenseal, milk thistle, red clover, turmeric, yellow dock.

Homeopathics – Distemper Nosode; varies with stage of disease.

Homotoxicology – Engystol, Echinacea compositum, Galium Heel, Gripp Heel
Contributed by Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM