Over 50% of dogs and 80% of puppies who become infected with distemper will die. Of those who survive, many will have permanent damage to their nervous systems and will suffer from seizures or paralysis for the rest of their lives.

The frequency with which Distemper occurs in the world´ s canine population coupled with the severity of the disease make regular vaccination the only responsible choice for any pet. Most veterinarians recommend euthanasia for dogs who develop the disease.

The symptoms most commonly associated with Distemper are red, runny eyes and a nasal discharge. Dogs seem to just have a cold at first but the disease worsens rapidly. Vomiting, diarrhea and fever soon develop, followed by various disorders of the nervous system. Puppies three to six months old seem particularly susceptible to the disease. Fortunately, Canine Distemper is easily preventable. Puppies require a series of vaccinations beginning when they are six to eight weeks of age. These vaccinations are repeated at three to four week intervals until a high level of immunity is achieved. Yearly boosters thereafter keep dogs safe from infection. Currently, there are no drugs available that will cure Distemper. As with most viruses, supportive treatment to strengthen and nourish the body and prevent secondary infection is all that can be done.

When recovery occurs, it is a lengthy process and as stated earlier, most dogs who survive are left with life-long debilitating conditions. Until your puppy or dog receives his Distemper vaccination, keep him away from areas such as parks or kennels or any area where he is likely to come in contact with other dogs. This will help minimize the risk of exposure to this serious disease.

FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA (CAT DISTEMPER)What is Feline Panleukopenia?
Feline Panleukopenia is a serious infectious disease. It is relatively common in unvaccinated cats and is often fatal, especially for young kittens. The feline Panleukopenia virus, also known as FPV, is easily spread by contact with a diseased animal or its secretions. Panleukopenia is often referred to as feline distemper because it produces symptoms similar to those displayed in dogs with distemper. These two diseases are different, however, and are not caused by the same virus. Who´s at Risk? Any cat or kitten that has not been vaccinated against feline Panleukopenia is at risk. This is a hardy virus that can lurk in carpets and upholstery for years.

Cats can be infected by litter boxes, food bowls and even toys and clothes. Therefore, introducing an unvaccinated cat to a surroundings previously inhabited by a sick cat, puts her at great risk. Kittens are especially susceptible to feline distemper because their immune systems are often underdeveloped and cannot fight off the infection. In fact, kittens can be infected in utero or during birth. Mortality rates for this form of neonatal Panleukopenia are extremely high. Survivors of the infection may suffer cerebellar damage.

Symptoms
Symptoms of feline distemper usually show up within a week and a half of exposure to the virus. Sick cats often run a high fever, accompanied by apathy and loss of appetite. Vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain may also be present.

Treatment
If you suspect that your cat may have feline Panleukopenia, get her to the vet immediately. Early detection and treatment is crucial for the cat survival and recovery. Your vet will probably perform a blood test and begin immediat