Do you mind asking Scott if he has ever had a puppy under four months that had distemper (along with seizures) survive?
I have a litter of pups that contacted distemper from the spay and neuter clinic we use. Three died, one survived after having the seizures, and one only had a very mild case.
None of my vets have ever had a pup survive after the seizures.
Thanks! Im literally sick, throwing up after watching these pups be so sick

By Karen~admin on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 09:37 am:

No advice Shelly, but...
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 09:45 am:

Shelly, I called Scott and he will respond under my username. He is home today.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 10:10 am:

[scott]

Hi! I've done a bit of research here and this is what I've got: the long-term survivability of distemper is statistically very low. An animal may survive the first onset of the disease (fever, hyperkeratosis, vomiting, seizures &c) and become "sub-clinical" for a short time. However, those cases usually end up with a relapse involving severe neuropathy. There is no treatment beyond supportive treatment; i.e. there's no cure for the disease per se, just management of the clinical manifestations. Overall, the prognosis for long-term survival is very, very poor.

I'm surprised that the pups contracted distemper at a clinic. Most clinics have protocols for biosecurity and the handling of dogs with unknown vax histories, given how endemic diseases like parvo and distemper can spread like bad news and ruin a clinic (as well as kill many animals). Someone dropped the ball.

[/scott]

By Shellyg on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 09:54 pm:

Scott,
Thanks so much for your reply. I have a few friends that are vets and they have basically said the same thing, but none of them have seen a case where a dog has survived the seizures. I do have a survivor but she is really off. So frustrating.
As for the clinic.... I am of course livid. I also found out this is not their first distemper outbreak.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 12:20 am:

Shelly, I am so sorry. I can't begin to imagine how frustrating and heart-breaking it is to think you have rescued the pups, only to have this happen to them because of carelessness at the clinic. Is there some agency you can report this to? Maybe the local Dept. of Agriculture unit? Or is there an animal welfare officer in your area? I'm sure you'd know much more about it than I, given your work. You said this is the clinic you use for neutering, and if that is the case, they should be accustomed to handling animals with unknown and spotty vaccination histories, like your rescue animals, and should take even more precautions than the usual vet practice.