{"id":179799,"date":"2022-07-16T08:10:30","date_gmt":"2022-07-16T08:10:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/"},"modified":"2022-07-16T08:10:30","modified_gmt":"2022-07-16T08:10:30","slug":"how-is-distemper-diagnosed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/","title":{"rendered":"How is distemper diagnosed?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_is_distemper_diagnosed\" title=\"How is distemper diagnosed?\">How is distemper diagnosed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_would_I_know_if_my_dog_has_distemper\" title=\"How would I know if my dog has distemper?\">How would I know if my dog has distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#Can_a_dog_recover_from_canine_distemper\" title=\"Can a dog recover from canine distemper?\">Can a dog recover from canine distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#Can_a_dog_survive_distemper\" title=\"Can a dog survive distemper?\">Can a dog survive distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_does_a_vet_diagnose_distemper\" title=\"How does a vet diagnose distemper?\">How does a vet diagnose distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#Can_you_test_for_distemper\" title=\"Can you test for distemper?\">Can you test for distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_do_I_know_if_my_dog_has_distemper\" title=\"How do I know if my dog has distemper?\">How do I know if my dog has distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_early_can_distemper_be_detected\" title=\"How early can distemper be detected?\">How early can distemper be detected?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#Can_a_dog_recover_from_distemper\" title=\"Can a dog recover from distemper?\">Can a dog recover from distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#What_does_dog_distemper_look_like\" title=\"What does dog distemper look like?\">What does dog distemper look like?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_do_you_treat_distemper_in_dogs\" title=\"How do you treat distemper in dogs?\">How do you treat distemper in dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#Can_a_dog_survive_canine_distemper\" title=\"Can a dog survive canine distemper?\">Can a dog survive canine distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_long_does_canine_distemper_last\" title=\"How long does canine distemper last?\">How long does canine distemper last?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#What_happens_if_a_dog_survived_distemper\" title=\"What happens if a dog survived distemper?\">What happens if a dog survived distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#Are_dogs_with_distemper_in_pain\" title=\"Are dogs with distemper in pain?\">Are dogs with distemper in pain?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#What_are_the_chances_of_a_dog_surviving_distemper\" title=\"What are the chances of a dog surviving distemper?\">What are the chances of a dog surviving distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#Can_a_dog_survive_canine_distemper_without_treatment\" title=\"Can a dog survive canine distemper without treatment?\">Can a dog survive canine distemper without treatment?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_do_they_test_for_distemper_in_dogs\" title=\"How do they test for distemper in dogs?\">How do they test for distemper in dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#Can_a_vet_tell_if_a_dog_has_distemper\" title=\"Can a vet tell if a dog has distemper?\">Can a vet tell if a dog has distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_can_you_tell_if_an_animal_has_distemper\" title=\"How can you tell if an animal has distemper?\">How can you tell if an animal has distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_much_does_it_cost_to_test_a_dog_for_distemper\" title=\"How much does it cost to test a dog for distemper?\">How much does it cost to test a dog for distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#Can_a_dog_get_tested_for_distemper\" title=\"Can a dog get tested for distemper?\">Can a dog get tested for distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_does_a_vet_check_for_distemper\" title=\"How does a vet check for distemper?\">How does a vet check for distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#How_long_does_it_take_to_test_for_distemper\" title=\"How long does it take to test for distemper?\">How long does it take to test for distemper?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-is-distemper-diagnosed\/#Can_you_test_for_distemper_in_puppies\" title=\"Can you test for distemper in puppies?\">Can you test for distemper in puppies?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_distemper_diagnosed\"><\/span>How is distemper diagnosed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Positive antibody titers in CSF can confirm the diagnosis of cerebral distemper. The virus can also be detected in CSF using PCR. If cerebral distemper is suspected, always consider submitting a CSF sample along with serum (clotted blood) for distemper serology (serum neutralization test).<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_would_I_know_if_my_dog_has_distemper\"><\/span>How would I know if my dog has distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>What are the symptoms of canine distemper? Initially, <b>infected dogs will develop watery to pus-like discharge from their eyes. They then develop fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and vomiting.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_dog_recover_from_canine_distemper\"><\/span>Can a dog recover from canine distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>It is entirely possible to recover from Canine Distemper Disease. Recovery is usually dependent upon the strength of the dog&#8217;s immune system and the strain of distemper they have contracted. It can take up to 2 months to fully recover.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_dog_survive_distemper\"><\/span>Can a dog survive distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Plenty of dogs can survive distemper virus, but not without a fight that includes expensive veterinary care most dog owners may be unable to shoulder. Indeed, it can cost hundreds, if not many thousands of dollars to treat distemper successfully.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_a_vet_diagnose_distemper\"><\/span>How does a vet diagnose distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your vet may <b>take throat, nose, or eye swabs, or urine or bone marrow samples. Testing these samples will help look for viral infection. They may also test blood or spinal fluid for antibodies or take biopsies of the footpad to test for viral DNA.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_test_for_distemper\"><\/span>Can you test for distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Positive antibody titers in CSF can confirm the diagnosis of cerebral distemper. The virus can also be detected in CSF using PCR. If cerebral distemper is suspected, always consider submitting a CSF sample along with serum (clotted blood) for distemper serology (serum neutralization test).<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_know_if_my_dog_has_distemper\"><\/span>How do I know if my dog has distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>What are the symptoms of canine distemper? Initially, infected dogs will develop <b>watery to pus-like discharge from their eyes. They then develop fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and vomiting.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_early_can_distemper_be_detected\"><\/span>How early can distemper be detected?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The incubation period is usually <b>1-2 weeks from the time of exposure to development of initial clinical signs, but it can be as long as 4-5 weeks or even more.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_dog_recover_from_distemper\"><\/span>Can a dog recover from distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>It is entirely possible to recover from Canine Distemper Disease. Recovery is usually dependent upon the strength of the dog&#8217;s immune system and the strain of distemper they have contracted. It can take up to 2 months to fully recover.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_dog_distemper_look_like\"><\/span>What does dog distemper look like?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The main clinical signs are diarrhea, vomiting, <b>thick yellow discharge from the eyes and nose, cough and, in severe cases, seizures and neurological signs. Dogs that recover from the disease are often left with persistent nervous muscular twitches and recurrent (repeated) seizures.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_treat_distemper_in_dogs\"><\/span>How do you treat distemper in dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To care for a dog with distemper, <b>separate your dog from your other pets and contact your vet as soon as you recognize the symptoms, such as eye discharge, vomiting, and lethargy. Then, keep your dog warm with extra blankets or a hot water bottle in its bedding.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_dog_survive_canine_distemper\"><\/span>Can a dog survive canine distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), distemper is often fatal, and <b>dogs that survive usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_canine_distemper_last\"><\/span>How long does canine distemper last?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The terminal stage for Canine Distemper is usually 2-4 weeks after infection; however, it can last <b>several months in older patients. If the nervous system is affected, most pets decease within days.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_a_dog_survived_distemper\"><\/span>What happens if a dog survived distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is absolutely possible for dogs who survived distemper to <b>lead a long, happy, comfortable life. Some dogs fully recover from the virus with few to no long-term effects or signs, while others display certain characteristics that will last throughout the rest of their lives.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_dogs_with_distemper_in_pain\"><\/span>Are dogs with distemper in pain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Distemper can cause long-lasting seizures and chronic severe pneumonia that is <b>very painful and difficult to manage, even with medical supportive care. The disease can shed in dogs for up to six months, which makes isolation difficult and increases the likelihood for infectious spread.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_chances_of_a_dog_surviving_distemper\"><\/span>What are the chances of a dog surviving distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>It is entirely possible to recover from Canine Distemper Disease. Recovery is usually dependent upon the strength of the dog&#8217;s immune system and the strain of distemper they have contracted. It can take up to 2 months to fully recover.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_dog_survive_canine_distemper_without_treatment\"><\/span>Can a dog survive canine distemper without treatment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The disease is often fatal with a mortality rate of <b>50% in adult dogs and 80% in puppies. Increased susceptibility to distemper in juveniles results in more wildlife cases in the spring and summer when babies are being born. However, there are cases year round. The mortality rate is close to 100% in mustelids.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_they_test_for_distemper_in_dogs\"><\/span>How do they test for distemper in dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A conjunctival or nasal swab placed in viral transport medium is an ideal sample at this time to submit for PCR testing for distemper virus. If viral transport medium swabs are unavailable, a swab moistened with sterile saline and placed in a sealed sterile tube is a good substitute.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_vet_tell_if_a_dog_has_distemper\"><\/span>Can a vet tell if a dog has distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Veterinarians diagnose canine distemper through clinical appearance and laboratory testing. There is no cure for canine distemper infection.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_you_tell_if_an_animal_has_distemper\"><\/span>How can you tell if an animal has distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>What are the symptoms in animals? <b>Coughing is the most common symptom.<\/b><b>They usually develop fever and discharge from the eyes and \/ or nose.<\/b><b>The disease can also cause disorientation, tremors, twitches and seizures<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_it_cost_to_test_a_dog_for_distemper\"><\/span>How much does it cost to test a dog for distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Test NameSectionPrice<b>Canine Distemper IgG IFA<\/b><b>Serology<\/b><b>$24.00<\/b>Canine Distemper IgM IFASerology$24.00Canine Distempter\/Parvo Titer ELISASerology$22.00Canine Distemper Virus PCRMolecular Diagnostics$36.00160 more rows<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_dog_get_tested_for_distemper\"><\/span>Can a dog get tested for distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Veterinarians diagnose canine distemper through clinical appearance and laboratory testing. There is no cure for canine distemper infection.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_a_vet_check_for_distemper\"><\/span>How does a vet check for distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your vet may take <b>throat, nose, or eye swabs, or urine or bone marrow samples. Testing these samples will help look for viral infection. They may also test blood or spinal fluid for antibodies or take biopsies of the footpad to test for viral DNA.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_it_take_to_test_for_distemper\"><\/span>How long does it take to test for distemper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A stand-alone test is also available for quantitative distemper virus information from swabs collected from respiratory mucosa, preferably deep pharyngeal. Results are available in <b>1-3 days<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_test_for_distemper_in_puppies\"><\/span>Can you test for distemper in puppies?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, <b>there is no simple and reliable method of diagnosing distemper in all infected dogs. The tests available include: 1) Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) which looks for inclusion bodies on conjunctival scrapes, in urine sediment, in transtracheal washes and cerebrospinal fluid (with neurological signs).<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents How is distemper diagnosed?How would I know if my dog has distemper?Can a dog recover from canine distemper?Can a dog survive distemper?How does a vet diagnose distemper?Can you test for distemper?How do I know if my dog has distemper?How early can distemper be detected?Can a dog recover from distemper?What does dog distemper&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[622],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-179799","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-care"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179799"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=179799"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/179799\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=179799"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=179799"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=179799"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}