386 The Care of Animals 



DOG DISTEMPER 



Distemper is a contagious catarrhal fever that is a 

 common and serious disease among dogs. 



The disease is caused by a germ, and animals contract 

 it from coming in contact with or proximity to another 

 animal suffering from the disorder. It is thought that 

 the germs float through the air and are inhaled by the 

 dog. Among the conditions that favor the disease are 

 those that tend to weaken the system. Pure - bred 

 puppies appear to suffer greatly from it. The time that 

 elapses between exposure and the first symptoms is 

 seldom more than three days. When dogs are gathered 

 at shows the disease is likely to occur, owing to ex- 

 posure to infection and the unusual nervous strain. 

 One attack of the disease usually gives immunity to 

 future attacks. 



The disease is brought in with a chill, that may last 

 an hour or more. It is followed by a high fever, the 

 dog's temperature going to 107° Fahr. There is a slight 

 discharge of watery mucus from the nose and eyes, 

 that soon becomes profuse and purulent, sticking the 

 lids together. Usually a rash breaks put on the inside 

 of the thighs. In some cases there are nervous symp- 

 toms, shown by the jerking of the head and twitching 

 of the muscles; or the dog may become delirious. 

 Often there is difficult breathing, with a painful cough 

 or moan. The bowels may be constipated, or there 

 may be a severe diarrhea, with a fetid odor. The dog 

 suffers greatly from prostration, and dislikes to be dis- 

 turbed. The disease runs its course in ten to thirty 



