GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Garden Route SPCA has received numerous cases of sick dogs which, when seen by their in-house veterinarian, are diagnosed with Distemper.
Some are in the beginning stage and some already in the final stag of this highly contagious viral disease.
The virus, is spread through the air, and by direct or indirect (i.e. utensils, bedding) contact with an infected animal.
It attacks the respiratory, urogenital, and nervous systems. Dogs that are not vaccinated that come into any kind of contact with an infected animal carry a particularly high risk of contracting the disease.
Please make sure that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.
• Fever
• Listlessness / tired
• Vomiting and diaree
• Discharge from the eyes and nose
• Coughing
• Muscle tremors in the body and on the head. – neurological stage.
Recently it was found that there is a new strain of the Distemper virus that causes aggressive symptoms, mainly neurological closely resembling Rabies symptoms.
• Sudden aggressive behaviour / over –friendly – change in personality
• Fear of water
• Fever
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Seizures
• Paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles may follow, resulting in the well-known symptom of foaming at the mouth.
• Disorientation, incoordination and staggering may occur, caused by paralysis of the hind legs.
Should your dog have any of these symptoms, please take your dog to your veterinarian immediately. Should you not be able to afford a veterinarian, and be able to prove it, you can contact the Garden Route SPCA George or Mossel Bay branches for assistance. Costs for treatment will be according to income.
George branch – 082 378 7384 – all hours
Mossel Bay branch – 072 287 1761 – all hours
Please report cases to your local SPCA or Animal Welfare should your dog be diagnosed with this disease.
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