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 "hardpad" disease). Neurological complications, usually
chomping of the jaw or seizure, develop later in the disease and
are often the reason most pets with distemper are euthanized.
Principal Natural Treatments For Pets
Homeopathic Nosodes
Nosodes, a special type of homeopathic remedy, are prepared
from infectious organisms, such as distemper virus and
staphylococcus bacteria. Remember that no matter what the
source of the remedy; the actual ingredients are diluted in
preparing the remedy. No measurable amount of the original
source for the remedy remains, only the vital energy or life
force, which imparts healing properties to the remedy. No harm
will come to your pet regardless of the toxicity of the original
compound used in the preparation of the remedy.
But do nosodes work? Some doctors seem to prefer
nosodes manufactured by specific homeopathic pharmacies,
as they feel there is a definite difference in the ability of nosodes
to stimulate the immune system. In their opinions, the
manufacturer of the nosode is important and some vaccination
nosodes work better than others.
To prevent disease, nosodes are supposed to work in the
same manner as conventional vaccines, namely by stimulating
antibodies to fight off infections. Nosodes have been reported
to control outbreaks of infectious disease in animals in a
kennel situation. While good controlled studies are lacking,
homeopathic veterinarians have reported success in some
patients when treating infectious disease with the homeopathic
nosode.
Other Natural Treatments For Pets
There is no cure for distemper, although many holistic doctors
report anecdotal cases of cure using nutritional support such as
a natural diet and antioxidants, in addition to the homeopathic
nosode. The natural treatments are widely used with variable
success but have not all been thoroughly investigated and
proven at this time. As with any condition, the most healthful
natural diet will improve the pet's overall health.
Conventional Therapy For Distemper
There is no conventional treatment for distemper, and most
pets are euthanized once seizures develop. Supportive care
includes antibiotics, force-feeding, and fluid therapy.
(Note: If you are considering buying a puppy, especially one
you have found on the Internet or a source you are not familiar
with, be sure to have the dog checked by a veterinarian first.
There are numerous reported cases of puppies being sold with
distemper, and then the seller quickly disappears with your
money.)